Safe Driving Guide · Australian Capital Territory

More safe driving (part 6 of 7): Australian Capital Territory safe driving

Key points on more safe driving for the Australian Capital Territory learner test. Each answer is checked against the official Australian Capital Territory handbook or road rules; use the practice-question links to test yourself.

According to the ACT Government, about what are a pedestrian's chances of surviving a hit from a car at 45 km/h?

Answer: Less than 50%

At 30 km/h about 90% of pedestrians survive, but at 45 km/h the chance falls below 50%. At 80 km/h there is almost no chance.

Practice question 443 · official source

Why is driving 5 km/h over the limit more dangerous than many people think?

Answer: Even small speed rises lengthen stopping distance and worsen crashes

Small increases in speed raise both the chance of a crash and how badly people are hurt.

Practice question 444 · official source

Why is travelling just 5 km/h over the speed limit risky when a hazard appears suddenly?

Answer: You need more distance to stop and hit with more force

Even a small increase in speed lengthens stopping distance, so an obstacle is hit at a much higher speed.

Practice question 445 · official source

A speed limit sign shows 100 km/h but it is pouring with rain. What is the best speed?

Answer: Slower than 100 km/h to suit the conditions

The speed limit is the maximum in ideal conditions. You must drive to the conditions, which may mean much slower.

Practice question 446 · official source

When your speed doubles, what happens to your braking distance?

Answer: It becomes about four times longer

Braking distance rises faster than speed. Doubling your speed makes the braking distance roughly four times as long.

Practice question 447 · official source

Total stopping distance is made up of which two parts?

Answer: Reaction distance plus braking distance

You travel a reaction distance before the brakes start to work, then a braking distance until you stop.

Practice question 448 · official source

A driver is following your car very closely. What is the safest response?

Answer: Keep a steady speed, leave extra room ahead and let them pass when safe

Do not brake hard or speed. A bigger gap ahead lets you slow gradually, and letting the tailgater pass removes the risk.

Practice question 449 · official source

How does towing a trailer or caravan affect your driving?

Answer: It lengthens stopping distance and takes more room to turn and overtake

A trailer adds weight and length, so allow more space to brake, turn and overtake.

Practice question 450

A long truck displaying a "Do not overtake turning vehicle" sign is slowing to turn left at an intersection. What should you do?

Answer: Stay behind and wait until it has completed its turn

Long vehicles can swing out across lanes and swing wide, crushing anything beside them. Stay back until the turn is complete.

Practice question 451 · official source

What is the minimum legal tread depth for a car tyre across its main tread?

Answer: 1.5 mm

Car tyres must have a visible tread pattern and at least 1.5 mm of tread depth, and must not be worn to the wear indicators.

Practice question 452 · official source