DKTKey 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.
Another driver pulls into the gap in front of you and the gap is now much smaller. What should you do?
Answer: Ease off the accelerator and build a safe gap again
Rebuild your crash avoidance space by easing off. Tailgating in reply only raises your crash risk.
Practice question 439 · 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 440 · 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 441 · 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 442 · 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 443 · 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 444 · 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 445 · 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.
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 447 · 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.