Automatic vs manual
Are rental cars in Australia automatic?
Short answer
Yes. Every car you can book on niftirent in Australia is automatic, so you won't need to drive a stick shift on the left side of the road. You just pick the car size you need.
Last checked Nov 11, 2026By Brett Gould
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Do I need an IDP?What's the deductible?How do I contact you?Sydney, Jan 4 – Jan 12, automatic, I'm 24Cairns, Dec 20 – Jan 3, an SUV, zero deductible
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Looking for a manual?
We don't list manuals in Australia today. Every car you'll see is automatic, which makes driving on the left a lot easier to get used to. Driving on the left in Australia →
The practical details
- Australia, like North America, has moved largely to automatic transmissions for everyday cars. Every car in our results shows its transmission, so you can see at a glance whether it's automatic or manual before you choose.
- You drive on the left in a right-hand-drive car, so on a manual you'd change gear with your left hand. On an automatic there's nothing new to learn.
- Every car we list today is automatic. If you specifically want a manual, message us with your dates and pickup city and we'll ask the rental company for you.
Common pitfalls
- Thinking 'or similar' might mean a manual. It won't: you always get a car of the class you booked, and the transmission is shown on the listing.
- Booking a manual to save a little, then learning the left-hand shift and left-side driving at the same time on the first day of a holiday.
Our recommendation
- Used to an automatic? Book normally. The transmission is shown on each car, so you can confirm at a glance.
- Prefer a manual? Send us your dates and pickup city and we'll ask the rental company for you.
Related questions
Licenses & IDPDo you need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Australia?Usually not. A full US, Canadian or UK driver's license in English is accepted on its own to rent a car in Australia.One-way rentalsOne-way car rental in AustraliaYes, on some routes. In our live check on October 21, one-ways were offered between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, from Adelaide to Melbourne,...Pickup checklistWhat do I need to pick up a rental car in Australia?Picking up is quick when you bring the right three things: your driver's license, a card in the main driver's name, and an International Driving Permit if...Young driversCan you rent a car in Australia if you're under 25?Yes, from age 21. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a young-driver fee of $16.50 AUD (est. $12) a day, paid to the rental company at pickup, and we show it before...Driving on the leftDriving on the left in Australia: what overseas visitors need to knowMost Americans find it easy after the first hour: the pedals are in the same place, nearly every rental car is automatic, and signs are in English.
Quick answers
Can I rent a manual car in Australia?
Manuals aren't currently listed. Message us with your dates and pickup city and we'll ask the rental company for you.
Is driving on the left hard in an automatic?
It's easier: your left hand doesn't have to shift gears, so you can focus on the road.
Do I need to request an automatic in Australia?
No. Every car you can book on niftirent in Australia is automatic, and the transmission is shown on every vehicle listing.
Is the gear shift on the left in Australia?
Yes on a manual, because cars are right-hand drive, so you shift with your left hand. On an automatic there is nothing to relearn.
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