Living in Australia - I wonder...?

Question

Hello from Germany,

I am translating a book and I need some information. Simple questions, I would say, but would help me a lot, if you could tell me:

Coming of age is at which age? In Germany it is 18; you are allowed to buy alcohol, cigarettes, to drive a car and to sign contracts (whatever you like! *smile*)

Some provinces in Germany may allow to drive a car at the age of 17? What about driving a car in Australia?

What about the speedlimit? Do you messure in mph?

And, last one: after graduation, is it University or College?

I know, that sounds pretty stupid, but for I am interested in australian life and for I am translating a story on that...

Thank you for helping!

Answer 1

alcohol cigerettes 21 driving 17 when your learnig to drive by law a l plate must be displayed on the vehicle fallowed by a probation sticker  60 KMH between a 100KMH and 150KMH on freeways schooling elementory high school uni Australian life resolves around the family traditional the men go to the bar and have a drink main holidays australia day ansac day

Answer 2

Okay...let me see what I can do.

The legal age to drink or buy cigarettes is 18.  Driving begins at 17, but is a very provisional system involving several different levels of plates.  L-plates are learners and that is 50 hours of supervised driving.  Red-plates is one year, unsupervised with specific speed and time requirements. Green-plates are two years with requirements on speed.  Finally after all that you receive your full license.  There are little plastic letters on the outside of cars to signify the drivers status.

Speedlimit varies greatly.  It is calculated in kilometers per hour.  In the city, it is typical to see speeds of 40 to 60.  In the country the limit often is about 100.

After graduation it is uni--short for university.  Sometimes you will hear the world college used, but its more rare.

Answer 3

Varies from State to state

Victoria

Coming of age is a term we don't use much all tho we still have a 21st party.

Alcohol 18

Probationary licence at 18 Learners form 16 but must have passenger with full licence ( over 21)

Cigarettes 18

Sign Contracts 18

Speed limits are in KPH

40 in school zones

50 suburban streets or city busy streets

60- 80 bigger suburban streets

100-110 open highway /freeway

We tend to use the term University as collages are private schools that can be from starting age to University age.

Answer 4

G'day from Oz!

Australians are of legal age at 18: you can buy alchohol and purchase ciggarettes, drive a car and legally allowed to sign contracts without a parental guardian. (Exactly- whatever you like!)

There are states in Australia that allow you to recieve a drivers license earlier: Western Australia and South Australia allow you to get it at 17.

Measurements for speed in Australia are made in kilometres per hour. Speed limit vary depending on where you are. Residential areas are 50kph, normal roads range from 60-80kph, and highways and freeways are generally speed limited to 100/110 kph. This can vary depending on which state you are in: South Australia allows 110kph, Northern Territory used to be a no speed limit zone coming down the centre but I think these have now been speed limited as well)

University is the usual step after high school if you are wanting to further your studies.

Hope this helps with your translation.