DKTKey points on alcohol for the New South Wales learner test. Each answer is checked against the official New South Wales handbook or road rules; use the practice-question links to test yourself.
What does your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measure?
Answer: The amount of alcohol in your blood
BAC is the proportion of alcohol in your bloodstream. It is the figure police breath tests are designed to measure.
Practice question 317 · official source
Which is the ONLY thing that lowers your blood alcohol concentration?
Answer: Allowing enough time to pass
Nothing speeds up how fast your body removes alcohol. Coffee, a shower, fresh air or a big meal will not sober you up.
Practice question 318 · official source
After a heavy night of drinking, when is it safe to drive the next morning?
Answer: Only when your BAC is back under your limit, which may take hours
You can still be over the limit for much of the next day. Feeling fine does not mean your BAC is low enough.
Practice question 319 · official source
Which of these is an effect of alcohol on a driver?
Answer: It makes it harder to judge speed and distance
Alcohol is a depressant. It slows the brain, reduces judgement of speed and distance, and makes it harder to do two things at once.
Practice question 320 · official source
Alcohol gives some drivers false confidence. What is the risk?
Answer: They take bigger risks because they think they drive better
Alcohol can make you believe your driving is better than it is, so you accept risks you would normally avoid.
Practice question 321 · official source
Why can't you reliably work out your own BAC by counting your drinks?
Answer: Body size, tiredness and drink sizes all change your BAC
Your weight, how tired you are and the size of the serves all affect BAC, so the only way to be sure is not to drink if you will drive.
Practice question 322 · official source
You plan to drink at a party tonight. What is the safest plan?
Answer: Arrange a way home that does not involve you driving
Plan before you drink. If you intend to drink, organise a lift, taxi, rideshare or public transport home.
Practice question 323 · official source
A friend who has been drinking says they feel fine and offers you a lift. What should you do?
Answer: Decline and find another safe way home
Feeling fine is not a reliable test. Alcohol affects judgement, reactions and concentration even at low levels.
Practice question 324 · official source
How much pure alcohol does one standard drink contain in Australia?
Answer: 10 grams
A standard drink always contains 10 grams of alcohol, whatever the type of drink or the size of the glass.
Practice question 325 · official source
How can you reduce the alcohol in your blood before driving?
Answer: Wait, as only time will lower it
Nothing speeds up how fast your body clears alcohol. Only time reduces your blood alcohol concentration.