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Speed and distance in Australia are measured in kilometres rather than miles, and Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road at all times.

Road conditions in the 'outback', or center of the country, are much worse than those around the coast. In Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and large parts of South Australia and Queensland almost all the roads are reliable and in good condition, and there are plenty of towns, farms and passing motorists to give directions and aid to the bewildered or lost. Once you leave these areas the quality and repair of the roads drops dramatically, as does the number of people using them.

Distances can be a problem for the unprepared

Australia is a very big country, and while driving is a fun and interesting way to get around, you have to remember that it is a long long way to get from point a to point b. Taking the capital cities as an example, it is easy to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide in a day (9 hours), and not very much further to Canberra (10 hours) but driving from Melbourne to Sydney is a good 12 hours solid driving. If you want to drive to Perth from Melbourne, you must use the Eyre Highway and cross the Nullarbor Plain, which means driving for approximately 2,000 km on a dead straight, totally flat road with only a few roadhouses, sometimes hundreds of kilometres apart. You will have to spend at least one night on the road, so book in advance. There is little traffic but what there is will consist of a fair proportion of road trains (semi-trailers towing up to three trailers).

Source = WikeTravel

Like in the UK and Ireland you drive on the LEFT in Thailand.

Roads are generally of an excellent quality all over Thailand. Bangkok is a heavily congested city so expect traffic jams. They happen daily. Just be patient and don't toot your horn while waiting for the traffic to move.

Signs are generally in Thai and English, but a detailed map in your language is a must before you attempt any journey.

If you arrive at red traffic lights and there is a white line three or four meters from the end do not stop over this line as this space is reserved for motorbikes.

Some countries may require you to have an International Driving Licence - check the requirements with the embassy in your country or your car hire firm.

Try to avoid driving at night it can be very dangerous in Africa. Roads are often poorly lit, not in good condition and some other drivers have a tendency to drive without their lights on.

In many countries, and particularly in rural areas, roads are often poorly maintained and it's not unusual to come across large domestic animals such as sheep and cattle.

Africa is immense, there can be few police in remote areas - drunk drivers are not uncommon and be very watchful for drunk pedestrians.

Ensure you know all the legal requirements for driving a vehicle in the country you are travelling to. Laws vary from country to country, some countries require you to always carry hazard triangles, have reflectors (a white sticker on your bumper), wear seat belts etc... whilst others do not.

When travelling through Africa it almost a certainty that you will come across a road block, if you do not abide by the laws then sure enough and you will be fined - this can be costly! Ignorance is not an excuse.

If stopped at a roadblock, be courteous and responsive to questions asked by persons in authority. At night, turn on the interior light of the car. Make sure that the person you are dealing with is actually an official and ask them for their identity card. If they cannot provide it - do not pay any fines - ask to be taken to the local police station.

In areas of instability and unrest avoid travelling at night.

Ensure that your passport is stamped when crossing borders, if not, then you will have a huge problem when you come to leave the country.
 

Source = Africa Guide