DKT Car Driver Knowledge Test – General Knowledge 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When can a private car travel in a lane marked by this sign?
- On weekends, after 10pm and before 6am
- When carrying at least two passengers
- Only to overtake another vehicle
- Only within 100 metres of making a turn (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Only within 100 metres of making a turn
This sign indicates a special purpose lane, often for buses or taxis. Private cars are generally restricted from using these lanes, but a common exception allows them to enter the lane for a short distance (typically 100 meters) when preparing to turn off the road. This rule helps maintain traffic flow and allows drivers to position themselves safely for turns without impeding the designated vehicles for the majority of the lane.
Question 2: If one or two of your wheels run off the edge of the roadway, you should:
- Turn quickly back onto the road to minimise the chance of spinning on the loose surface
- Slow down quickly by braking hard
- Increase your speed and drive back on the road
- Slow down gradually and ease back onto the road (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Slow down gradually and ease back onto the road
If your wheels run off the roadway, turning sharply back onto the road or braking hard can cause you to lose control, potentially leading to a spin or overcorrection. The safest approach is to gradually reduce your speed, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, and gently steer back onto the road when it's safe to do so. This controlled maneuver minimizes the risk of an accident.
Question 3: If you are driving towards a road works zone and a traffic controller displays a stop sign you must:
- Slow down and continue through the road works zone.
- Stop and then proceed if you think it is safe.
- Stop your vehicle and follow the directions of the traffic controller. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop your vehicle and follow the directions of the traffic controller.
Traffic controllers at road works zones are authorized personnel whose primary role is to ensure the safety of both workers and road users. Their stop signs and directions override standard traffic signals and road rules. It is mandatory to obey their instructions immediately to prevent accidents and maintain orderly traffic flow through the work zone.
Question 4: How close can you park to another vehicle when parked parallel to the kerb?
- You must leave at least 1 metre front and back (Correct answer)
- You must leave at least 1.5 metres front and back
- You must leave at least 2 metres from the front only
- You must leave at least 3 metres front and back
Correct answer: You must leave at least 1 metre front and back
When parallel parking, it is a legal requirement to leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those parked in front and behind. A minimum of 1 metre is necessary to allow other vehicles to maneuver out of their parking spots and for your own vehicle to exit safely. This prevents obstructions and potential minor collisions during parking and unparking.
Question 5: When you see these lights flashing on the back of a bus, what should you do?
- Stop and wait for the lights to stop flashing.
- Overtake the bus only while the lights are flashing.
- Drive carefully at no more than 40 km\/h. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Drive carefully at no more than 40 km\/h.
Flashing yellow lights on the back of a bus indicate that it is picking up or dropping off school children. To ensure the safety of children who may be crossing the road, drivers are legally required to slow down to a maximum of 40 km/h and proceed with extreme caution when passing the bus. This rule is crucial for protecting vulnerable pedestrians.
Question 6: Are you permitted to park in the direction of the arrow?
- Yes, provided no taxis are using the area
- Yes, if you are carrying two or more passengers
- No, not at any time (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No, not at any time
The image likely shows a 'No Parking' sign or a similar restriction. Parking restrictions are put in place for various reasons, such as maintaining traffic flow, ensuring visibility, or reserving space for specific purposes (e.g., bus stops, taxi stands). Therefore, parking in a prohibited area, regardless of the time or number of passengers, is not permitted.
Question 7: Looking at the diagrams, how far from the approach side of a bus stop or a railway crossing are you allowed to stand or park your vehicle?
- At least 5 metres.
- At least 10 metres
- At least 20 metres. (Correct answer)
- At least 50 metres.
Correct answer: At least 20 metres.
Parking too close to bus stops or railway crossings can obstruct visibility for drivers and pedestrians, and interfere with the safe operation of public transport or trains. Road rules typically mandate a minimum clear distance, often 20 metres, from these locations to ensure safety and clear access. This distance allows for safe stopping and maneuvering.
Question 8: You are approaching a green light in vehicle A. An ambulance sounding its siren is approaching the same intersection and has a red light. You should:
- Pull over to the left before you reach the intersection.
- Slow down and stop if necessary to prevent getting in its way. (Correct answer)
- Keep driving because you have the green light.
Correct answer: Slow down and stop if necessary to prevent getting in its way.
Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, sounding their sirens have priority on the road, even if you have a green light. It is your responsibility to give way to them to allow them to reach their destination quickly. Slowing down and stopping if needed ensures you do not impede their progress and helps them respond to emergencies efficiently.
Question 9: When you are driving on a two-lane freeway, which lane should you choose?
- The left lane unless you are overtaking. (Correct answer)
- Whichever lane has the least traffic.
- The right lane to avoid slow-moving vehicles.
Correct answer: The left lane unless you are overtaking.
On multi-lane freeways, the general rule is to keep left unless overtaking. This rule helps maintain smooth traffic flow, allowing faster vehicles to use the right lane for passing and preventing slower vehicles from obstructing the flow in the overtaking lane. It's a fundamental principle for freeway safety and efficiency.
Question 10: If a vehicle you are driving is involved in an accident and a person is injured, what must you do after stopping?
- Report the accident to Police within seven days.
- Only call the Police if the accident also resulted in over $500 worth of property damage.
- Render every assistance and take immediate steps to have an ambulance notified. Then call the Police. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Render every assistance and take immediate steps to have an ambulance notified. Then call the Police.
In an accident involving injury, the immediate priority is to provide assistance to the injured and ensure medical help is on the way. This includes rendering first aid if possible and calling for an ambulance. After ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved, you must then notify the police about the incident.
Question 11: Are you permitted to park on a median strip or traffic island?
- Yes, but for no more than 30 minutes
- Yes, in daylight hours
- No, not at any time (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No, not at any time
Median strips and traffic islands are designed to separate traffic flows or provide refuge for pedestrians, not for parking. Parking on them is illegal and dangerous as it obstructs traffic, creates hazards for other road users, and can damage the infrastructure. These areas must always be kept clear.
Question 12: You are driving your vehicle along a street and want to stop for a short time. Are you allowed to double park your vehicle (that is stand it on the road alongside a parked car)?
- No, never. (Correct answer)
- Yes, provided you do not leave the vehicle.
- Yes, provided you stop for a short time only and turn on your hazard warning lights.
Correct answer: No, never.
Double parking involves stopping or standing a vehicle alongside another parked car, effectively blocking a traffic lane. This is illegal and extremely dangerous as it obstructs traffic flow, creates a hazard for other drivers, and can lead to congestion and accidents. It is never permitted, regardless of how short the stop.
Question 13: Is it an offence to obstruct clear vision of your number plates?
- Yes, at any time (Correct answer)
- Yes, but it is legal for a towbar or bicycle rack to cover the rear number plate
- Yes, but not if they are obscured by mud
- No, you are allowed to cover your number plates if you want to
Correct answer: Yes, at any time
Vehicle number plates must always be clearly visible to allow for identification by law enforcement and other road users. Obstructing them, whether by objects, dirt, or any other means, is an offence. This rule ensures accountability and proper enforcement of traffic laws.
Question 14: You should angle park:
- Where there are markings or a sign indicating angle park. (Correct answer)
- Where the road is very wide.
- Where there is plenty of room from the centre line.
Correct answer: Where there are markings or a sign indicating angle park.
Angle parking is a specific parking method that requires designated spaces to be marked on the road or indicated by signs. You should only angle park in these designated areas to ensure proper traffic flow, sufficient space for other vehicles, and to avoid obstructing the road. Parking at an angle elsewhere can be dangerous and illegal.
Question 15: You see a broken yellow line painted on the roadway adjacent to the kerb. What does it mean?
- Bicycle riders must ride along the yellow line.
- Clearway restrictions apply - you must not stop during the clearway hours. (Correct answer)
- You may at any time, park along this part of the road for 1 hour only.
Correct answer: Clearway restrictions apply - you must not stop during the clearway hours.
A broken yellow line adjacent to the kerb typically indicates a clearway zone. During specified clearway hours, vehicles are prohibited from stopping or parking in this area to ensure smooth traffic flow, especially during peak times. Disregarding these restrictions can result in fines and vehicle towing.
Question 16: You hold an unrestricted licence and are driving at 100 km\/h in the country and pass this sign. What should you do?
- Slow down to a speed that will allow you to stop to avoid crashing into farm animals on the road. (Correct answer)
- You can continue to drive at 100 km\/h if there are fences to stop farm animals from getting on the road.
- For the next 5 kilometres you must not exceed 60 km\/h unless you pass an end farm animals speed limit sign.
Correct answer: Slow down to a speed that will allow you to stop to avoid crashing into farm animals on the road.
A 'Farm Animals' sign warns drivers of the potential presence of livestock on or near the road. Even if fences are present, animals can escape. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce your speed significantly to allow sufficient time to react and stop safely if animals suddenly appear on the roadway, preventing a collision.
Question 17: To drive safely, you need to concentrate and be able to monitor everything that is happening on the road. To do this, you need to:
- Ask other occupants in the vehicle to watch out for possible dangers.
- Continually scan the road, looking ahead, to the sides, checking side and rear mirrors and anticipate what may happen. (Correct answer)
- Turn all your attention only to the road ahead.
Correct answer: Continually scan the road, looking ahead, to the sides, checking side and rear mirrors and anticipate what may happen.
Safe driving requires constant vigilance and a comprehensive awareness of your surroundings. This involves actively scanning the road ahead for potential hazards, checking side and rear mirrors frequently for vehicles approaching from behind or the side, and anticipating the actions of other road users. This proactive approach helps in reacting safely to changing conditions.
Question 18: Bicycle and motorcycle riders have the same rights to use the road as other motor vehicle drivers. They are, however, more at risk in traffic because:
- They are harder to see in traffic and do not have the same protection as many drivers. (Correct answer)
- They are careless and do not obey road rules.
- They ride too fast and do not turn their lights on.
Correct answer: They are harder to see in traffic and do not have the same protection as many drivers.
Bicycle and motorcycle riders are more vulnerable in traffic due to their smaller size, making them less visible to other drivers, especially in blind spots or poor lighting. Additionally, they lack the protective enclosure of a car, meaning they are at a much higher risk of serious injury in a collision. Drivers must be extra vigilant for them.
Question 19: What must you do when you are towing a caravan to help other vehicles overtake?
- Stop immediately and let the faster vehicle overtake (Correct answer)
- Drive at least 25kph below the speed limit
- Keep at least 60 metres behind heavy vehicles or other vehicles towing caravans (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop immediately and let the faster vehicle overtake
When towing a caravan, your vehicle is longer and often slower, which can impede traffic flow. If you notice a build-up of vehicles behind you, road rules require you to pull over to the left and stop, or leave the road, at the first safe opportunity to allow faster vehicles to pass. This action helps maintain traffic flow and reduces frustration for other drivers.
Question 20: What are you required to do if you develop a serious medical condition that could affect your driving?
- Tell your doctor and let him or her notify Roads and Maritime
- Once you become aware of the condition you must notify Roads and Maritime (Correct answer)
- Hand your licence in at the nearest police station.
Correct answer: Once you become aware of the condition you must notify Roads and Maritime
Drivers have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure they are medically fit to drive. If you develop a serious medical condition that could impair your driving ability, you are legally required to notify the licensing authority (Roads and Maritime in NSW) as soon as you become aware of it. This allows them to assess your fitness to drive and implement any necessary restrictions or conditions to ensure road safety.
Question 21: When you come across roadworks:
- You only have to obey the signs during working hours.
- You only have to obey the signs when there are workers about.
- You must obey the signs that are displayed at all times. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: You must obey the signs that are displayed at all times.
Roadwork signs are put in place for safety reasons, protecting both road workers and drivers. These signs, including speed limits and warning signs, remain in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether workers are present or not. This ensures consistent safety measures are followed, as hazards like uneven surfaces or changed road layouts may still exist.
Question 22: You are in busy traffic and slow down for a bicycle rider. A driver behind you beeps a horn and pressures you to go around the bike and drive faster. How should you respond?
- Go slower because the slower you go the safer you are.
- Overtake the bike quickly and speed up to stop the other driver becoming aggressive.
- Resist the pressure, stay calm and overtake the cyclist when it is safe. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Resist the pressure, stay calm and overtake the cyclist when it is safe.
It is crucial to prioritize safety over succumbing to pressure from other drivers. Bicycle riders are vulnerable road users, and you must give them adequate space and time when overtaking. Resisting aggressive driving and waiting for a safe opportunity to pass ensures the safety of the cyclist and prevents potential accidents, even if it means a slight delay.
When can a private car travel in a lane marked by this sign?