Talking to Customers Last Week about Road Rules and Last Time They Read Them

I did a quick whip around of the workplace and customers last week after I read an article in some God awful online media mouthpiece about road rules and the comment section got me triggered. It was like no one literally knew any of the road rules, even the "journalist" (and that description I will use very loosely here).

So, that got me thinking. I have a pretty big age gap of people to ask from a office girl who got her license only last year to some of the boomers that come in that got their licences back in the late 60's.

I asked everyone the same basic questions;

  • When did you get your license (Got answers from 1965 to 2023)
  • Have you ever lost/renewed/upgraded your licences and had to resit the road rules test? (almost all said "no")
  • When was the last time you updated your knowledge on the road rules (almost everyone said "when I got my license")
  • How well do you think you would go if you had to resit the test tomorrow (Dunning-Kruger test. Everyone said they would ace it.)

And after that, I picked 3 random questions that were a little obscure and not just gimmies out of the box, and about 5% of people got them right. Things like "when can you merge", "where does 'keep left unless overtaking' apply" or general parking rules about no stopping, no parking, how to indicate from parking…. Those kinds of questions.

So, that made me wonder, just how many people, especially people that got their license 10+ years ago, would actually pass the knowledge test if they were forced to sit it today? Now, Dunning-Kruger's tells me that all of you are going to answer "yes, super easy, smash it" when some of you definitely would not.

I have compiled a list of all the Driver Knowledge Practice Tests from each state. Pick your own, and then do one from another state that may frequently drive in. You can either let us know how you did (Don't bullshit you "aced it" if you didn't. You are only bullshitting to yourself.) If you did better than expected, let us know. If you did worse than expected, let us know. If you learned something new, chip in.

NSW Driver Knowledge Test
Qld Practice Test
Vic Practice Learner Permit Test
Tas Driver Knowledge Test
SA Practice Learner's Theory Test
NT Practice Theory Test (You just need a fake "name" and "group" to access test)
WA Road rules theory test quiz
ACT Road Rules Knowledge Test

Sit some tests and then come back and lie to everyone about how you did… :D

Poll Options

  • 242
    Seems I am up to date and did well
  • 22
    Looks like I need to brush up on some rules
  • 6
    How the hell do I even HAVE a license?
  • 1
    I did awesome.... On my 5th or 6th attempt
  • 17
    Didn't do the test, already know I would pass
  • 3
    I didn't pass, but I will lie about passing anyway
  • 6
    I don't have a license, I just wanted a poll button to click

Comments

  • +3

    When I see a questionable act on the road ("changing over a white continuous line or driving over a painted island"), I often google and check for answers. I think the more you drive, the more questions you might get.

    • +32

      The worse one in NSW seems to be when entering a roundabout. Most think you give way to the right, but it's actually give way to cars already in the roundabout.

      • +2

        Almost everyone I asked got this wrong.

        • +5

          True.. Does anyone indicate left when exiting a roundabout? The law says "When exiting a roundabout you must signal left, if it is practical to do so. You must stop indicating as soon as you have exited the roundabout."

          • +4

            @darshu: Yes, especially on those larger, multi-lane roundabouts.

          • +1

            @darshu: yes, only because of children learning in recent years. prior to that only on multi lane roundabouts because that is how I was taught (and passed first time) - logic being we were crossing lanes on exit only on mulit lane
            .

          • -1

            @darshu: Only when practical to do so. Like if im going straight i won't indicate left when exiting lol

          • @darshu: It's never practical to do so?

          • @darshu: And this irks me to no end. People are so Fricking lazy, it's really frustrating. Coppers chase good drivers and try and find fault with nothing.

            Instead, they should just sit at a roundabout and hand out fines to people who don't indicate when leaving the roundabout (left, or right, or straight when multi lane). I indicate even when going straight so I give the next lane the chance to keep moving.

      • +1

        wait so I dont need to giveway to the right? like if I think i can get into the roundabout before the car coming in from the right, then I will have right of way?

        • +3

          The problem is almost everyone assumes that you must give way to the right. So most of the cars on the main road won't even bother slowing down as they approach. :shrug:

        • +7

          Except that you don't get "right of way" its not a traffic concept. The other car needs to give way if youre in first.

          given cars coming from the right are going to hit me on the drivers side i tend not to push the point and will wait if someone is barrelling through despite me probably being able to get onto a roundabout first.

          • +1

            @Euphemistic: Yeah and if you are hit on the driver's side while entering a roundabout, chances are you'll be deemed at fault anyway.

            It will appear as if you pulled out in front of a vehicle already on the roundabout.

            While you could potentially prove your innocence in court, if you can find video evidence etc, it will be a painful process.

        • if I think i can get into the roundabout before the car coming in from the right, then I will have right of way?

          You can if you don't interfere with them. Happens all the time on large multi-lane roundabouts - they are on your right but like 10 metres away - you can go then.

        • like if I think i can get into the roundabout before the car coming in from the right, then I will have right of way?

          Probably not a good idea to do it if the other car contains 2 police officers who will then decide to follow you for the next few minutes to see if they can determine a reason to pull you over for a chat. (ask me how I know)

          • @Grunntt: In my younger years I had a cop car stop me as a pedestrian, when I had legally crossed the road (and had right of way) because I didn't stop to let him go first (even though I jogged across and didn't end up slowing him down). Wasted five minutes of my life to give me an earful about how road rules also apply pedestrians and that I'm lucky he's letting me off with a warning. I guess that's what happens when you scrape the bottom of the barrel for recruits.

          • @Grunntt: Police can pull you over at any time for a random alcohol and drug test, no reason required. Just record them spouting The wrong information about who gives way in a roundabout.

        • +1

          It's still probably not a good idea though. All things being equal, if there's an accident you'll be worse off after being hit on the drivers side.

      • +19

        Nothing gives me a bigger smile when im in a truck and see a car flying up on the right as I slowly enter the roundabout before them and watch them come flying in to the roundabout and have to stop and watch me slowly cruise through.

        Edit: Neg away… it’s not done purely to screw with people, it’s done because it’s literally not possible to go through one as road train with out doing it.
        The satisfaction and entertainment i get is secondary.

        • +3

          I’m 100% confident people that neg my comment wouldn’t score 100% on the tests above.

          Even when faced with facts and correct information people still want to disagree.

        • +1

          It's something no one will comprehend until they get a truck license and go through the round about themselves and have cars do it to them

          • +2

            @namanuu: Exactly.

            As i said, I don’t go out of my way to piss people off on purpose. But if i see you come speeding up to a round about on my right and its clear to enter and I’m legally free to roll in… I will roll into it even if it means you braking hard.

            If i sat there waiting for people to drive to the conditions I would never make it through a round about.

            But i do get a absolute hoot out of watching people in the wrong have an absolute hissy fit as i put along at walking pace and they sit there and watch.
            Sometimes they even follow me and take photos, makes me feel special.

            • +1

              @El cheepo: I don't because I prefer to minimise risk rather than be 'legally' correct and get into a crash. Funnily enough roundabouts have never been a reason why I've been late to a destination.
              On the flipside over the many years if I'd driven 'by the book' I would have got into many crashes. Sure I'd win in court but pointless if you're injured or dead.

              • @gimme:

                I prefer to minimise risk rather than be 'legally' correct and get into a crash.

                That called defensive driving.
                Kudos to you.

                When I’m in a 90 ton road train and gaps are limited, its not usually possible to get through a round about without inconveniencing at least 1 idiot that doesn’t understand the road rules. I don’t need to worry about being defensive in a roundabout, the giant tank im in does that for me.

                When I’m in a car, I too drive defensively on them because like you, id rather be healthy and alive then dead and right.

                • +1

                  @El cheepo: You do what you need to do in a road train mate.

        • +1

          I may or may not also do this … ha ha

      • +1

        You're absolutely correct, the problem is when 2 cars are approaching at similar distances but not yet on the roundabout… Suburban roundabouts are too small to safely think both should enter at the same time since no one was on the roundabout when both reached it.

        I think this is a case where 'whoever is on the roundabout has right of way', with the caveat that if there is no one on the roundabout, you give way to cars approaching from the right. It might not be a rule, but it's proper defensive driving.

      • -2

        Always give way to your right at a roundabout.

        If you think your claim to have technically entered the roundabout first is going to save you, you're wrong.

        • -1

          If you think your claim to have technically entered the roundabout first is going to save you, you're wrong.

          We don’t think, we know.

          If you have proof (dashcam footage), you will have no issues making a claim after an accident where someone runs into you from the right because they came screaming into the round about while you were already in it.

          The biggest issue you will have is risking injury because some idiot doesn’t understand the modern road rules.

          Fortunately when I’m at work, i am not affected by the risk of injury from people rushing me on the right.

          • -1

            @El cheepo:

            If you have proof (dashcam footage)

            You have a dashcam aiming out your right window? Well done, but this is fairly uncommon.

            • @trapper: I have multiple dash cams at various angles in my truck and most dash cams are wide angle lenses capable of capturing enough of a right angle of a roundabout depending on the entry location.

              Fwiw, most standard dash cams are around 140-150 degrees which is enough to catch a roundabouts rh side entry.

    • changing lanes in an intersection (there are no lines for a reason)

  • perth drivers cant merge etc

    • in any case 30/30 in WA

    • Former WA resident here, have since lived in QLD and VIC.

      WA people themselves admit that they're bad drivers, but the worst I've seen on my journeys are in Victoria. Road rules seem optional here, especially red lights. Absolutely zero courtesy too.

  • -1

    tldr

  • +4

    Did the QLD one. I got 2 questions wrong. One about when I am allowed to do a U turn at the traffic lights and the other one about when I am allowed to do a high beam. In my defence, there are both U turns pemitted and U turns not permitted signs at traffic lights around Brisbane, so it is hard to remember which one is the "default" when no sign is displayed.

    Anyway, it is always good to brush up on road rules. Thanks OP.

    • +1

      Did the QLD one as well. Got one wrong. No parking sign. Apparently you can park if you are there for two minutes or less to drop passengers off. Did not know that, but I suppose that is the distinction between no parking and the clearway/yellow line rule, which is no stopping at any time.

      • 'No Parking' sign or 'no' parking sign?

    • They seem to have been phasing out the no U turn signs to address that. I only ever see the yellow informational ones now along the lines of 'u-turns aren't allowed here, like at all traffic lights, unless signed otherwise'

    • I did the NSW one, and have learnt you can use high beam at any time provided other cars are not around. Whether or not there are street lights does not come into the equation.

  • +4

    apparently I did well, 30/32 in Victoria, although those questions were ridiculously easy.

    "How should you drive out of a bend in the road?" I said stay the same speed, the answer is accelerate a little. It works off the assumption in the book that you slowed down prior to the bend then accelerate out of it. Without knowing that first bit it's a bit hard to answer, I also assumed you should keep your speed until the bend is complete - as much fun as gunning it out of a corner is.

    I also didn't know it's 100km/h outside built up areas in Victoria if it's not signed either, so I learned something.

    • +1

      "How should you drive out of a bend in the road?"

      Traction control off…. nail it.

    • +1

      Thanks for the link @pegaxs
      Got 88% for VIC. I was caught on that question as well. I can't say I agree and won't mind be wrong. There are lot of factors involve in exiting bends, especially on blind bends on Great Ocean Road.
      I personally have been on GOR bends where I found traffic jam just right out of the bend. So, my answer would be 'be prepared and drive to condition'.
      Imagine accelerate out with nearly bald tyres on rainy days. Kid you not, I did that, end up with understeer, hit kerb, cracked RaysTE37 wheel, rebounded, and nearly hit another car from the other lane… Come to think of it, I could sue vicroads because I was following their book.

      The other question that annoys me is: 'Speed limit is 110km/h. What should you do to save petrol'.
      a. drive steady 90 km/h.
      b. drive steady 110 km/h.
      c. drive alternate between 90km/h and 110km/h.
      Have fun with the answer.

      • +1

        D. Remove everything of weight from the car, seats, seatbelts, floor mats, then don’t ever brake for any reason at all, never idle, run every red light.

        What an absurd question for so many reasons. Not only does it vary greatly but driving safely is far more important than saving petrol.

      • The other question that annoys me is: 'Speed limit is 110km/h. What should you do to save petrol'.
        a. drive steady 90 km/h.
        b. drive steady 110 km/h.
        c. drive alternate between 90km/h and 110km/h.

        They forgot to include the correct answer:
        d. drive at a steady speed of 20 km/h
        Practically driving for free and can't see any issues.

      • +1

        What should you do to save petrol'.

        catch the bus

    • Something that amazes me about driving in Australia is that no one seem to slow down for blind bends. If the limit is 100, then do 100 whether you can see the road or not.

      Coming back from Mt buller there a lot of corners you can't see more than 20m but no one slows down. A broken down car, fallen tree or a roo on the road, you wouldn't be able to visit snow for a few years.

  • +8

    What did your boss say when you wasted everyone's time on this at your workplace?

  • 42/45 NSW

  • +3

    Im confident i could pass, as in the last couple of years have had my kid in the passenger seat dojng the test prior to getting Ls. In order to help them practice often got asked what the correct answer would be. I may have done the full test a couple of times myself as well.

    Ive also said for quite a few years now that implementing a knowledge test prior to licence renewal would really help things. The infrastructure is there, maybe just need a few more terminals. Perhaps the system could be uldated so that if you get some wrong you get a few extra questions, but if you get a lot wrong maybe you need some further training.

    Retesting at renewal plus done more advertsing aboht road rules woukd really help. Remember the roundbout ads? Most driving ads are based arounf speeding/distraction and dont help remind drivwrs of the more obscure rules.

    What other training do you get in life that you only recieve once? Most things require a refresher or updates at some point and they dont involve piloting 2tonne of metal at 60km/h.

  • 28 out of 32 Victoria :D

    • +1

      I got 29, but one question about the “challenges of driving” seemed completely stupid to me - it seemed like you had to answer the one in the book!

      • Agree, there was one about fuel economy in my sitting too.

  • Was just going to go for "Didn't do the test, already know I would pass"

    I did the test anyway - 45/45 NSW.

    Most of the questions I had felt like common sense.

    • -1

      Huh? The NSW test was out of 50.

      • Are you sure?

        The DKT is a computer-based test that you need to pass to get your class C learner licence. You need to answer 45 questions about road rules and road safety.

        https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-…

        • Should have take a screenshot. Mine was 50 questions. The test did hang around question 20 and I reloaded the page after waiting about a minute. Perhaps they gave me extra 5 questions in case I was cheating?

          • @peteru: I just sat it and got a score out of 45. Maybe they snuck in 5 trial questions in yours?

  • 28/30 where one of those I accidentally didn't highlight the answer I meant to, whoops.

  • I did my original test in 1994 and got 30/30 for it. Just did the practice test and got 30/30 again.

  • +2

    I only got one question wrong. It was the one about what do you do if you find a used lip balm in the centre console of your partners car?

    • +3

      what do you do if you find a used lip balm in the centre console of your partners car?

      Better get a lawyer, son
      You better get a real good one

  • +1

    QLD needs to look at changing their "Your answer was correct" alert box to be something more green tinged, I kept thinking I was getting every question wrong lol

    • +2

      ⚠ Your answer is correct

      Haha, that is awful UX.

      WTF QLD! You get the hand icon but have to click the radio button. Someone needs to be fired!

  • Did the test, didn't pass, though wrong answer was
    1. When I face a incoming car with high beam, correct answer is to slow down, I selected looking at middle lane. (but in real life I'd slow down anyway)
    2. If I forgot something on my way out, can I make a U turn, I selected yes when am at xxx… Thought it implied in a permitted intersection and is safe to do so.

    Imo it's more of a "do I actually read" problem, than am I a safe driver problem

    • +1

      Yeah I got one wrong because I didn't read the "except" in the question - ugh.

  • +1

    Ive had my license just under 20 years and got 100%

    But to be fair, i have done a car license, mr licence, hc license, mc license and re license over that time so have had to sit that test every time I upgrade a license.

    When my mrs went for her motorcycle license she barely passed (computer and practical) and her hpt was atrocious haha.
    Most people have absolutely 0 idea of the modern road rules… especially for things like roundabouts…

    • Roundabouts was where most people I chatted to got hung up. Merging, keeping left and roundabouts where the 3 biggest wrong answers.

      • +1

        I hate people's (lack of) knowledge on roundabouts where it has a 2nd lane for part of it, like a slip lane type thing

        Example

        Going from north to south on nicholson ave, left lane, should basically go straight through

        • +1

          That one looks like a pretty easy roundabout to use. How do people get confused?

        • +1

          My thoughts and prayers are with anyone negotiating canningvale traffic on the regular.

          Soo many badly designed intersections and roads used by even worse drivers.

        • Roundabouts should be simple. Just follow the painted arrows on the road!!

      • Does that vary by state? On the NSW test, one of my questions was about which lane to use and for how long when doing a U-turn on a roundabout. The correct answer was right lane all the way.

        • Course it is, you didn't read his comment properly

      • +1

        IMO they need to do more testing on keeping left. From my experience around Melbourne apparently you can drive in the right lane if:

        • 95 is more than fast enough for everyone so they’re upholding the rules by not moving over
        • They have a truck/car with caravan that can only do 80 up hills
        • The exit they want to take is next so they need to slam the brakes on and cut across 4 lanes.

        Much like the left hand lane is for driving 15km/h under the speed limit because they’re too old/stoned/useless to drive.

  • +2

    By the number of times that I get honked at for entering a roundabout first - I'd guess no one reads the road rules. I have just decided to give way to the right so I can keep my blood pressure low and my kids safe.

    • +3

      "I have just decided to give way to the right "
      that is defensive driving, AOK. I'd rather not have an accident just because I was in the 'right'
      .

  • +1

    29/30 on the 1st WA set of questions, only because I didn't know what the penalty for learners having a BAC > 0 is.

    • Hehe, 29/30 on the same set here. And got the same question wrong about the penalty for Novice driver with BAC>0. For some reason I assumed they'd lose their licence if they were on their P-Plates and drinking.

  • I just turn and hope for the best. If everyone else does it, I might as well do the same.

  • +1

    There are road rules?

    • +3

      says 80% of those driving

  • +2

    WA - 28/30

    Failed on:

    Is it an offence to refuse a breath test for alcohol?

    Actually thought that was no, thought you could push for a blood test (not that I've had reason to do so)

    What is the minimum penalty for a novice driver with a BAC over 0.00%?

    Meh, don't need to know that answer lol

    • Yeah that seems suss - you can refuse a breath test in SA but you'll be getting a blood test straight out the gate.

      • In NSW, you can be charged with refusing to supple a breath sample. This can land you a date in court and a criminal conviction.

        Failing to provide a breath sample in NSW is treated as if you have provided a high range PCA reading.

        It carries a 3 year driving disqualification, a $3,300 fine and up to 18 months in gaol.

  • +1

    I got one wrong. I didn't know the penalty for having a BAC over 0% when on your Ps. I haven't been on my Ps for 24 years.

    • +2

      Some of the questions are a bit irrelevant. Also the one about drag racing & how long the cops can impound your car.

  • +1

    ACT - 8 from 8, going to leave the other 370 questions for now.

    • I got to 12/12 before I pulled the plug - maybe if we all band together we can get to 378!

  • +1

    I learn a lot of road rules for all of Australia from Oz Bargain car advice forum posts.

  • First got my license in 2006 in SA.

    Just took the practice test and got 13/14. Only failed the question about what the minimum distance is you can park from traffic lights.

  • -2

    I'm unaware of any road safety research that has found any correlation between knowing the road rules back to front and being a safe driver by any objective measure, like number of bookings or crashes. People don't get booked and crash because they don't know what the rules are, but because they don't want to have to obey them.

    Its similar to the lack of correlation for young drivers between "skill" level and subsequently not being involved in a serious crash. You don't crash because you lack the skills to not have one, but because you take risks. Increasing the number of hours on-road young drivers are required to have clocked up before they are allowed to get their licence has not reduced their likelihood of subsequently having a serious crash. All it does to contribute to road safety is to delay young people from getting a licence until they are a year or two older. That does make them safer.

    There are things that seem to make common sense in road safety, but when you look at the research you find the cause of the problem is actually something quite different.

    Road crashes are not a problem that has much to do with knowledge or skills.

    Requiring people to know every rule simply wouldn't make them a safer driver. It would just be a distraction and complete waste of resources.

    • +2

      None of that wasn't mentioned as a reason for the post though.

  • Only got 1 wrong on the Vic test because I've not heard the term 'blend' in a driving situation. Don't remember it being a QLD term.

    • FWIW as a Victorian without any context, I have no idea what it could mean.

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