Guide to Driving In New Caledonia - Drive Safe in New Caledonia

Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in New Caledonia?

A favourite for scuba divers the world over, New Caledonia attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. This south pacific island, equidistance from mainland Australi and New Zealand is a magent for those wanting to explore the great barrier reef and surrounding natural wonders of the world. Heavily reliant on tourism, driving in New Caledonia shouldn't be anything to concern you. The road networks are generally excellent and provided you arrive on New Caledonia knowing what to expect when driving in New Caledonia renting a car shouldn't be a problem. Its capital city, Noumea has 2 airports both of which have an excellent range of rental cars and 4x4's to get you around New Caledonia safely. As an overseas French territory, in general the rules of the road in New Caledonia refelct that of driving in France. An interesting law that has passed to New Caledonia is the "Priorité à droite" which translates to 'Priority Right' which can represent a challenge for visitors from neighbouring Australia and New Zealand who both drive on the left and typically give way to the left.

• 
  Drive LEFT
  OR
  right?
• 
  check your
  speed
• 
  alcohol
  limits
• 
  drive safe
  guide from
  rhino
• 
  which
  driving
  license?
• 
  emergency
  contacts

French and English are widely spoken, if you do not speak French, the following phrases may come in useful;
 

• Where is the nearest petrol station? - Où se trouve la station-service la plus proche?
• Turn right - tournez à droite
• Turn Left – tournez à gauche
• No parking - stationnement interdit
• Slow - lent