Safe Driving Guide · New South Wales

More safe driving (part 5 of 7): New South Wales safe driving

Key points on more safe driving 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 is the safest way to manage your phone before you start driving?

Answer: Silence it and put it out of your reach

Reducing distractions reduces crash risk. Put the phone on silent and out of reach, or switch it off.

Practice question 420 · official source

Is it legal to have a radar detector or jammer in a car in NSW?

Answer: No, it is illegal to have one in the car

It is illegal to have a radar detector or jammer in your vehicle in NSW.

Practice question 421 · official source

Why must you always obey STOP signs and flashing lights at railway crossings?

Answer: Trains are fast and heavy and cannot stop quickly

Trains cannot stop quickly, so you must not enter a crossing when lights, bells or signs say a train is coming.

Practice question 422 · official source

A police officer signals you to stop for a random breath test. What must you do?

Answer: Stop and take the test as directed

Police can test any driver at any time and you must not refuse. Refusing a test is a serious offence.

Practice question 423 · official source

Which of these makes your reaction time longer?

Answer: Alcohol, drugs or fatigue

A fit, alert driver needs about 1.5 seconds to react. Alcohol, drugs and fatigue all slow reactions and judgement.

Practice question 424 · official source

What is the best way to check behind you before reversing?

Answer: Look behind directly as well as using your mirrors

Mirrors do not show everything. Turn and look directly behind the vehicle.

Practice question 425 · official source

Another driver fails to give way when you should have priority. What should you do?

Answer: Slow down or stop to avoid a crash, even if you had priority

Road rules say who must give way, but no one gets absolute right of way. Do not force a dangerous situation; avoid the crash first.

Practice question 426 · official source

Why should you leave some room beside parked cars when you drive past them?

Answer: A door might open or a person might step out

Leaving a buffer lets you avoid opening doors and people stepping out from between parked vehicles.

Practice question 427 · official source

You are the motorcyclist going straight ahead through this roundabout. Why should you watch the car marked A?

Illustration for: You are the motorcyclist going straight ahead through this roundabout. Why shou…

Answer: It may be about to leave the roundabout in front of you

Vehicles in a roundabout may leave at any exit, often with a late indicator. Give way to them and watch what they do before you enter.

Practice question 428 · official source

Your car starts to skid. What is the best first response?

Answer: Ease off the accelerator, avoid harsh braking, steer smoothly

Do not slam the brakes or make sudden steering movements. Ease off the accelerator, keep a firm grip and steer smoothly where you want to go.

Practice question 438 · official source