Automatic vs manual
Are rental cars in Australia automatic or manual?
Mostly automatic. The large majority of cars in our Australian fleet are automatics, and the transmission is shown on every vehicle listing, so you always know before you book. Manuals exist but are the exception, not the rule.
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 is automatic or manual before you choose.
- You drive on the left in a right-hand-drive car, so on a manual you would change gear with your left hand. On an automatic there is nothing new to learn.
- If you specifically want a manual, check the transmission on the listing, or tell us your trip and we will confirm what is available.
Common pitfalls
- Thinking 'or similar' might mean a manual. It will not: 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? Filter by the transmission shown on the listings, or send us your dates and pickup city and we will confirm availability.
Related questions
Do I need to request an automatic in Australia?
No. Most of our Australian fleet is automatic, and the transmission is shown on every vehicle listing, so you can confirm before you book.
Can I rent a manual car in Australia?
Sometimes. Manuals are the exception, and the transmission is shown on each vehicle listing, so you can see which cars are manual before booking.
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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