Collecting Your Hire Car in Sydney – Things You Need to Know

To help you enjoy a stress-free start to your car rental experience in Sydney we’ve drawn up a list of important points and guidelines that will help you before you set off.

Invest in a good map of Sydney and of the surrounding area so that you can familiarise yourself with the region and the main routes around the city. A GPS system is also recommended and this can sometimes be ordered at the time you reserve your car. 

One of the most important things to remember when renting a vehicle in Sydney (or anywhere else for that matter) is your driver’s licence! Do not forget your drivers licence, and ensure it is valid at the time you hire your car as this is a basic requirement of all rental companies.

Before driving in the Sydney area make sure to familiarise yourself with any local restrictions and rules. The restrictions and rules that exist in Sydney can sometimes be very different to what you are used to when driving in your home country.

Here’s a useful checklist of things to look for before getting behind the wheel in Sydney:

Sydney’s road markings and signs – are they different to what you’re used to?
Parking zones throughout Sydney.

Sydney’s Speed limits – make sure you know if these markings are in miles per hour or kilometres per hour.

Regarding your Sydney hire car, ensure there is no existing damage done to the car by taking time to walk around the vehicle and look for any visible faults. Check the following:
 
Are there any visible oil leaks?
Are there any scratch marks?
Are the tyres worn or flat?
Are there hubcaps on all wheels?
Is there a spare wheel?
Is there a jack and wheel brace?
Are lights and indicators in working order?
Are the windscreen wipers working?
Are there any scratches or chips on the windscreen?
Be sure to test-drive the vehicle at your Sydney pick-up location. If you’re collecting at Sydney International Airport, tell the attendant that you want to drive the vehicle around the car park to make sure it is okay. Or if you are picking up in a city location, just tell the staff member that you want test drive the car by driving around a local street.
Do the brakes feel acceptable?
Does the car have the features and requests you paid for such as air conditioning, CD player, GPS system, baby seat etc?
Can you get a replacement quickly if it breaks down?
If you pay the cost of repairs, how do you get refunded?
Do you have to fill the fuel tank before returning it?
Once you are satisfied with the condition of the vehicle ensure you make note of any faults or observations in the ‘Condition Report’. If you have a note of it, then you’re safe.

Safety is extremely important and you must take all necessary procedures when driving a car in Sydney.  Make sure to wear your seatbelt and never drink and drive!

Do you know who to contact in the event of a breakdown or accident? When you collect your car in Sydney, make sure that the rental company provide you with contact details of their breakdown service.

Finally, you will have plenty of reminders while you travel Sydney and in Australia to: “Stop, Revive and Survive”, if you are after a long flight perhaps the last thing you want is to continue your journey by car.  Do not under any circumstances drive if you are feeling tired and remember to “STOP, REVIVE AND SURVIVE”.

 For the best car hire rates and availability in Sydney check out our car hire in Sydney - we’ll check the rates of all the top Sydney car rental companies and provide you with the lowest quotation. 

If you have any comments or further tips you would like to add to this article, then please leave your message in the comment box below. Thank you.