[scooter]

Hi everyone.
I'm planning to move to the Melbourne area from the UK and have a few questions about cars.

Does anyone know about car insurance and how the no claims bonus works?
I'm also not sure about the road tax and MOT?
Hope you can help.

[fran]

From memory the 'road tax' - called registration - in Melbourne is about $600 a year. That includes third party insurance but it does not include damage to property (just person).

If you want comprehensive insurance then you will need to take this out separately. For a fairly average large car, I would budget about $700 -$900 a year. Comprehensive insurance will be a lot cheaper if you live outside metropolitan Melbourne.

I'm sure that you can use your British no claims bonus for this but you would need to check with the individual insurance companies to be absolutely certain.

Hope this helps and good luck with your plans.

[dusty]

Hi Scooter,
Cars require a current Certificate of Roadworthiness in Victoria when they are first registered and after that the when the car is sold. You are responsible , of course, to keep the car in a fit state to drive at all times.

Here's the website of the vic roads http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/ which has more details for you.

[scooter]

Thanks Dusty and Fran for your replies.

Do you know if I have to sit another driving test or will my UK licence be enough?

[fran]

Hi Scooter,

You do not need to sit any driving test if you hold a full UK licence. It is simply a case of applying for a Victoria licence. You will need to hand in your UK licence when you apply but it will be returned to you.

Here is the link http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licensing/NewResidentsVisitors/OverseasDriversLicences.htm

[scooter]

Thanks for your help. It's a big relief not having to take any more tests.