I didn't find that to the case in Australia, as someone who had L's for far longer than is standard.

Mostly it meant that people gave you a wide berth, as learner drivers are unpredictable at times. So basically, what the sign intends.

It surprises me to hear that about NZ? As I think of NZ, as our friendlier cousin.

Just goes to show that our experiences are always hyperlocalised, and it's hard to actually make generalisations without actual data.

Where abouts where you driving in Australia?

I've had the same experiences as the parent commenter when learning to drive in Sydney. In general drivers in the bigger cities seem to be very aggressive.

> It surprises me to hear that about NZ? As I think of NZ, as our friendlier cousin.

Kiwi here. Our driving is, in general, absolutely atrocious.

I've driven in America, Australia, UK, Canada (also India, but let's exclude that for this purpose). Out of all these, NZ is the worst to drive in. Aggressive drivers (especially Ute/truck drivers). Drivers that shouldn't be on the road because they don't know how to drive (Toyota Aqua drivers!). People that drive totally oblivious to their surroundings. And then you have the selfish ones. They won't stay on the left-most lanes if not passing, they won't move to the left if another vehicle is behind them, and when on a single lane approaching a double lane section (overtaking lane), they will start to speed up so the cars behind them can't overtake. I think it comes down to the 'tall poppy syndrome' that Kiwis are known to have.

Never experienced this kind of driving anywhere else. Other places, the drivers would have the courtesy to move out of the way if other vehicles are behind them.