DKT- Signal for at least 5 seconds before moving off from the side of the road.
- Headlights and tail lights must be on between sunset and sunrise and in hazardous weather with reduced visibility.
- Dip high beam to low beam when another vehicle is within 200 metres.
- Use the horn only if needed to warn other road users.
Indicators
Signal for long enough to give others plenty of warning, including bicycle riders and pedestrians. In a 60 km/h zone, aim for at least 30 metres (about two houses and driveways) before you turn or change lanes. You must signal when:
- turning left or right, or changing lanes
- overtaking, or making a U-turn
- pulling into or out of a parking spot
- leaving a roundabout, if practicable
- moving off from a stationary position, or leaving a continuing road that curves
Check that your indicator has switched off after the manoeuvre. A signal left on misleads other drivers. Watch other drivers' indicators too, because they may be left on or switched on too early. Brake lights also communicate: brake early and gently so the driver behind has warning. Eye contact helps at intersections.
Headlights
If the street lights are on, your lights should be on too. On high beam you can see further, but you may dazzle others, so you must dip your lights when another vehicle is within 200 metres. This also applies when you are driving within 200 metres behind another vehicle.
If you are dazzled by oncoming high beam, look towards the left side of the road and steer towards the left of your lane. If you still cannot see, slow down and pull over until your eyes recover.
Hazard lights and fog lights
- If you break down, turn on your hazard lights. If you have none, use your left indicator. Lifting the bonnet or boot lid also shows you are in trouble.
- You may use hazard lights in dangerous weather such as fog or smoke, or if you are driving slowly and may obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Hazard lights do not make illegal parking legal. See parking signs.
- Front or rear fog lights may be used only in fog or hazardous weather. In other conditions they can dazzle drivers.
The horn
Use it only when needed to warn other road users of your approach or position. Do not sound it near horses (see animals on the road). Flash your headlights or sound the horn to warn of danger, not to show anger.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
When do you have to turn your headlights on in Victoria?
Between sunset and sunrise, and in hazardous weather when visibility is reduced.
When must you dip your high beam in Victoria?
When another vehicle is within 200 metres, whether it is oncoming or you are following it.
How long do you indicate before moving off from the kerb?
At least five seconds before you move off from the side of the road or a parking area in the middle of the road.