Helping new arrivals get the hang of Aussie road rules
Road safety workshop for new arrivals in Melbourne – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL·E by OpenAI.
VOCABULARY LIST
Hook turn (noun) /hʊk tɜːn/
A special right-hand turn at some Melbourne intersections where drivers turn from the left lane.
Example: Many international drivers try to avoid Melbourne’s hook turns because they seem confusing.Wombat crossing (noun) /ˈwɒmbæt ˈkrɒsɪŋ/
A type of pedestrian crossing built on a raised platform, shaped a bit like a wombat’s back.
Example: The driver slowed down at the wombat crossing near the school.Gig economy (noun) /ɡɪɡ əˈkɒnəmi/
A work system where people take short-term jobs or delivery gigs instead of permanent work.
Example: Many international students join the gig economy by delivering food on bikes or scooters.Blitz (noun) /blɪts/
A sudden, strong police or government campaign to check or stop something.
Example: Police ran a blitz in the city and fined many unsafe riders.Zero tolerance (noun phrase) /ˈzɪəroʊ ˈtɒlərəns/
A strict rule where no small offence is accepted.
Example: Australia has zero tolerance for drink driving.Behind the wheel (phrase) /bəˈhaɪnd ðə wil/
Driving a vehicle.
Example: She didn’t feel ready to get behind the wheel in Melbourne.Back seat interpreter (phrase) /bæk sit ɪnˈtɜːprətə/
A person who helps translate while sitting in the car during lessons.
Example: New drivers often had a back seat interpreter to help with English instructions.Build trust (verb phrase) /bɪld trʌst/
To create a good relationship based on honesty and respect.
Example: The workshops helped build trust between police and new arrivals.Fine (noun) /faɪn/
Money you must pay as a punishment for breaking the law.
Example: The fines for speeding in Australia are very high.Safe and sound (expression) /seɪf ənd saʊnd/
Unhurt and safe after some risk or danger.
Example: The farm wanted all workers to come home safe and sound every day.
ARTICLE
Helping new arrivals get the hang of Aussie road rules
Driving in Australia can be tricky for newcomers. From hook turns in Melbourne to wombat crossings and school zones, the rules can feel a bit confusing.
The Fit to Drive Foundation runs workshops to help migrants and international students understand Aussie road culture. When Antoinette Anastacio arrived from the Philippines, she only knew the basics of crossing the road. After the workshop, she said she felt much safer and now understood why fines are so high.
Some new arrivals drive on an international permit at first. But many, like Antoinette, wait to get an Australian licence because they don’t feel confident enough to get behind the wheel on the opposite side of the road. Others, like Muhammad from Indonesia, were okay with driving on the left but stayed away from Melbourne’s hook turns.
These workshops also teach about wildlife, rural roads, U-turns, and tricky signs like “crest” and “dip.” Police sometimes join in to build trust and explain things like zero tolerance for drink driving.
Delivery riders are also included, as many international students work in the gig economy. A recent police blitz in Melbourne fined almost 300 riders for unsafe behaviour. The program even covers how to safely charge e-scooters after some fires.
One Victorian farm makes sure its PALM workers quickly get their local licences. They buddy up workers with a back seat interpreter for lessons. About 95% now hold a proper licence, and police checks have shown them driving safe and sound.
Ms O’Brien from the farm said, “Everyone deserves to come to work safe, healthy, and happy — and go home safe and sound.”
SOURCE:
This article is based on:
Explaining Aussie driving culture to make roads safer for recent arrivals - ABC News
Reflection Questions
Instructions:
Use these questions as:
– Speaking practice (e.g. talk to yourself, record and listen back)
– Writing practice (e.g. short paragraph answers)
– Class discussion with your teacher or classmates
Would you feel confident driving in a new country? Why or why not?
Have you ever seen or used a hook turn? What do you think of it?
In your country, what are the most common road rules that drivers must follow?
Do you trust police in your country to keep roads safe? Why or why not?
Would you like to work in the gig economy as a food delivery rider? Why or why not?
Comprehension activity - multiple choice
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