DKT Licences, Fines and Demerit Points — Questions and Answers
Question 1: While driving on a learner licence in NSW, you must:
- Always display L plates and be supervised by a fully licensed driver (Correct answer)
- Drive only between midnight and dawn
- Never carry passengers
- Drive without any supervision after one month
Correct answer: Always display L plates and be supervised by a fully licensed driver
A learner must clearly display L plates and always be supervised by the holder of a full (unrestricted) Australian driver licence seated next to them. Learners must also keep a logbook of supervised driving hours.
Question 2: Demerit points are:
- Reward points for safe driving
- Points recorded against your licence when you commit certain driving offences (Correct answer)
- A discount on your registration
- Points you earn for passing the DKT
Correct answer: Points recorded against your licence when you commit certain driving offences
Demerit points are recorded against your licence when you commit certain offences such as speeding or running a red light. Accumulating too many within the limit leads to suspension.
Question 3: Learner and P1 licence holders in NSW have a demerit point limit of:
- 13 points
- 20 points
- 4 points (Correct answer)
- 10 points
Correct answer: 4 points
Learner and P1 drivers have a lower threshold of 4 demerit points, and P2 drivers 7 points, before suspension. Fully licensed drivers can reach 13 points before suspension.
Question 4: Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is:
- Allowed if you are stopped at traffic lights
- Allowed for learners only
- Allowed if the call is short
- Illegal and attracts demerit points and a fine (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Illegal and attracts demerit points and a fine
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving (including when stopped in traffic or at lights) is illegal. It carries demerit points and a fine. Learner and P-plate drivers must not use a phone at all, even hands-free.
Question 5: Your vehicle must be registered and you must carry your licence because:
- It is a legal requirement to drive a registered vehicle and hold a valid licence (Correct answer)
- Only to avoid paying tolls
- Registration is optional in NSW
- A licence is only needed on freeways
Correct answer: It is a legal requirement to drive a registered vehicle and hold a valid licence
You must hold a current, valid licence for the class of vehicle and the vehicle must be registered. Driving unlicensed or in an unregistered vehicle is an offence with serious penalties.
Question 6: If you are caught exceeding the speed limit, you can expect:
- A warning every time with no penalty
- Only a verbal caution
- A fine and demerit points, with heavier penalties for higher speeds (Correct answer)
- Extra demerit points removed from your licence
Correct answer: A fine and demerit points, with heavier penalties for higher speeds
Speeding offences carry a fine and demerit points. The faster you go over the limit, the higher the fine and the more points, and you may face licence suspension.
Question 7: All occupants of the vehicle, including passengers, must:
- Only wear a seatbelt on the freeway
- Wear a seatbelt only in the front seat
- Never wear a seatbelt if the trip is short
- Wear a properly fitted and fastened seatbelt or approved restraint (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Wear a properly fitted and fastened seatbelt or approved restraint
The driver and every passenger must wear a correctly fitted and fastened seatbelt, and children must use an approved child restraint. The driver can be penalised for unrestrained passengers under 16.
Question 8: If your licence is suspended due to demerit points, you:
- Must not drive during the suspension period (Correct answer)
- Can keep driving if you are careful
- Can drive only to work
- Lose no driving privileges at all
Correct answer: Must not drive during the suspension period
A licence suspension means you must not drive at all during the suspension period. Driving while suspended is a serious offence that can lead to fines, longer disqualification and even imprisonment.
DKT Licences, Fines and Demerit Points
While driving on a learner licence in NSW, you must: