How Well Do You Know Australian Rules of the Road?

By: Hania Syed
Estimated Completion Time
7 min
How Well Do You Know Australian Rules of the Road?
Image: Pailin S. Kulvong/ Moment/ Getty Images

About This Quiz

Think you're a bit of a legend on the road? Know the perfect technique for a three-point turn, and execute your parallel park perfectly every time? This Aussie road rules test is exactly what you need! 

Australian road rules bear many similarities to British road rules, particularly when it comes to basics like driving on the left side of the road. However, Australia also has plenty of unique conditions that make its road rules rather interesting. On top of this, the road rules also vary from state to state and territory to territory. For example, New South Wales is known for its harsh rules toward young drivers, while some parts of the Northern Territory are a complete free-for-all when it comes to speed limits! On top of this, cities like Melbourne and Sydney also have other factors like trains and trams to look out for when on the road. Finally, all Australian drivers need to look out for our local animals, like kangaroos and wombats that tend to wander out onto the road, as well as harsh weather conditions that may cause roads to be flooded or otherwise inaccessible.

Are you across all your Australian weather conditions, native animals and overall road rules? Take this quiz to see if you'd be a good driver across its states and territories!

Question 1 - road with a dotted single line
Xuanyu Han/ Moment/ Getty Images
Which of these scenarios is permitted on a road with a dotted single line?
You may cross these lines to enter or leave the road.
You can stop at any point.
You can drive in the right-hand lane.
You can park next to the dotted line.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A dotted single line means you may cross the lines to enter or leave the road or overtake another car if safe to do so. On the flipside, an unbroken or solid line means you may not overtake or turn.

Advertisement

Question 2 - keep to the left
Felix Cesare/ Moment/ Getty Images
In what situation should you keep to the left?
When doing a U-turn
When turning right
At all times possible
When overtaking
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Australia, drivers must stay on the left in all scenarios possible. Depending on the road markings, they may come to the right lane to overtake, or if turning right. Otherwise, driving on the left is the default.

Advertisement

Question 3 - roundabout
Simon McGill/ Moment/ Getty Images
What is the appropriate way of giving way at a roundabout?
You must give way to all vehicles on your left.
You must give way to all vehicles on your right.
You must give way to all vehicles that got there before you.
You must stop until there are no other cars.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Australia, the basic rule of thumb is that you must give way to all vehicles on your right when entering a roundabout. This tip is especially useful if you are visiting Canberra, the city known for roundabouts!

Advertisement

Question 4 - red stop sign
Simon McGill/ Moment/ Getty Images
What is the appropriate action at a red stop sign?
Keep rolling slowly until you see the coast is clear.
Come to a complete stop, so that your head hits your headrest.
Go straight through.
Only stop for pedestrians.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While many people don't follow the stop sign rule properly, drivers are actually required to come to a complete stop, then check if the coast is clear. This means your head should hit the headrest when you stop.

Advertisement

Question 5 - amber light
Owaki - Kulla/ The Image Bank/ Getty Images
What must you do at this amber light?
Prepare to stop.
Come to a complete stop.
Rush through before it goes red.
Continue as normal.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While many people see the amber light as an indication that they should speed up to make it before the light turns red, it actually means you should prepare to stop. This means slowing down so you can come to a complete stop when the light turns red.

Advertisement

Question 6 - road
James O'Neil/ The Image Bank/ Getty Images
This is a road with no signposted speed limit. What is the default speed limit?
30km/h
40km/h
50km/h
60km/h
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The default speed limit in Australia for built-up areas is 50 kilometres per hour. In the Northern Territory however, the default is 60km/h. In school zones throughout the country, it is generally 40km/hour.

Advertisement

Question 7 -  passing
Daniella Cortis/ Moment/ Getty Images
This driver is indicating to overtake you. What should you do?
Increase your speed so they don't have to overtake.
Slow down so it's easier for them to overtake.
Maintain your speed while remaining vigilant of them.
Pull over so they can pass easily.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If a driver is trying to overtake you, it's prudent to maintain your speed so as not to cause confusion and risk an accident. If you were travelling under the speed limit, try to drive at a more appropriate speed to make things easier for other road users.

Advertisement

Question 8 - change lanes
Nick Rains/ Corbis Documentary/ Getty Images
You need to change lanes. Which is the correct procedure to do so?
Use your mirrors to check blind spots, indicate and give way to traffic in the other lane.
Slow down to warn other drivers, indicate and give way to traffic in the other lanes.
Use your mirrors, indicate for a sufficient amount of time, do a head check then give way to traffic in the other lane.
Raise your hand so that other drivers can see your intentions, then give way to traffic in the other lane.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You must give plenty of notice to other drivers of your desire to change lanes by indicating. After this, you must check your mirrors and do a head check (turning to look over your shoulder) to check your blind spots.

Advertisement

Question 9 - breath testing
SoCalShooter/ E+/ Getty Images
This breath testing checkpoint has been set up. Is it an offense to refuse a breath test?
Yes
No
No, if you are over 55
Yes, if you are under 18
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

RBTs, or random breath tests, are frequently set up throughout Australia to catch drink drivers. Generally speaking, it is considered a serious offense to refuse a breath test.

Advertisement

Question 10 - Sign
Wikicommons by New Zealand Transport Agency
This sign depicts a truck. What does this mean?
Rest stop for trucks
Height restriction applies to trucks
Truck lane only
Beware of slow-moving vehicles entering traffic.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A sign with a truck on it indicates that slow-moving vehicles are entering traffic, typically from a truck stop or weighing station. Drivers must proceed with caution or enter the right-hand lane to make room for the trucks.

Advertisement

Question 11 - keep left
Simon McGill/ Moment/ Getty Images
What is the meaning of the Keep Left sign?
That you must turn left
That you must pull over to the left
That you must stay to the left
That you must merge to the left
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you see this sign on a single-lane road, you must stay on the left side of the road. On a multi-lane road, you must generally stay in the left lane unless overtaking. Exceptions are made in heavy traffic.

Advertisement

Question 12 - emergency
Nigel Killeen/ Moment/ Getty Images
What should you do if an emergency vehicle is nearby?
Stay alert and pull to the left if they need to pass you.
Pull over just in case.
Come to a complete stop.
Keep going as you were.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Upon hearing or seeing emergency vehicle sirens, it's important to stay alert to determine if the emergency vehicle needs to pass you or make its way through an intersection. If it needs to pass you, pull over to the left.

Advertisement

Question 13 - passing
Virginia Star/ Moment/ Getty Images
How long do you need to indicate before overtaking someone?
One second
Two seconds
Three seconds
You don't need to if no one's around.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Three seconds is a good rule of thumb when it comes to indicating. This gives you enough time to double-check to see if the road is clear as well as give other drivers enough notice.

Advertisement

Question 14 - Road Work Ahead
Yellow Dog Productions/ The Image Bank/ Getty Images
If you see this "Road Work Ahead" sign, what speed limit will you most likely need to travel at?
20km/h
30km/h
40km/h
50km/h
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roadwork speed limits will vary depending on the traffic at any given time, but generally, 40km/h is a safe speed limit to stick to. This ensures that you and the workers on site can remain safe.

Advertisement

Question 15 - learner
davidf/ E+/ Getty Images
What is the maximum speed limit for learners in NSW?
80km/h
90km/h
100km/h
There is no specifed limit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

New South Wales is known for having harsher restrictions on learner drivers. They may only drive up to 90km/h, while in other states they may drive up to 100km/h or at whatever the posted speed limit is.

Advertisement

Question 16 - kangaroo
John White Photos/ Moment/ Getty Images
What does a road sign with a kangaroo on it mean?
Watch out for wildlife on the road.
There is a kangaroo sanctuary nearby.
There is a kangaroo crossing coming up.
There is a zoo coming up.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These signs warn you that the area you are in has a large number of kangaroos, so you can avoid any unfortunate road kill incidents. You may also see signs with wombats or camels on them.

Advertisement

Question 17 - hook turn sign
Simon McGill/ Moment/ Getty Images
What does the hook turn sign mean?
You can only turn right.
You can only turn left.
You must make a right turn from the left lane.
You must make a left turn from the right lane.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The city of Melbourne is notorious for its hook turns, which require drivers to perform right turns from the left lane in order to give way to trams. Drivers must approach the middle of the intersection and turn when the traffic clears.

Advertisement

Question 18 - right turn
Phillip Hayson/ Photodisc/ Getty Images
If you are turning right at a set of green traffic lights (as pictured), what should you do?
Turn right, as the traffic going straight has to give way to you.
Wait until the light goes red, then turn quickly.
Wait until the light turns amber, then turn quickly.
Approach the middle of the intersection and turn when the traffic clears.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not all traffic lights have a separate turn signal. Instead, drivers must approach the middle of the intersection when the light goes green, wait for all other traffic to pass and then perform their right turn.

Advertisement

Question 19 - t sign
Wikicommons by Standards Australia
What does the T-sign mean?
Transit lane
T-intersection
Trucks only
Taking over lane
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A road sign with an image resembling a T indicates that you are approaching a T-intersection. This means the road you are on is ending, and that you must yield to traffic on the intersection roadway.

Advertisement

Question 20 - Speed
Wikicommons by Standards Australia
This sign is of a black circle with a line going through it. What does it mean?
No stopping
No parking
Drive according to conditions.
100km/h speed limit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is an unrestricted speed sign, which means you may drive according to the conditions. Such signs are most commonly found in the outback, where there's practically no traffic!

Advertisement

Question 21 - bus zone
Wikicommons by Government of Queensland
What does the "Bus Zone" sign mean?
For buses only
Passengers alighting
Hail bus here
For buses and vans
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A bus zone is an area allocated specifically for buses to drop off and pick up passengers. Drivers may not park or stop in these spaces, unless they are within the time frame specified on the sign.

Advertisement

Question 22 - clearaway
Wikicommons by Standards Australia
You see a clearway sign at a parking spot. What does this mean?
That you must give way
That you must stay clear of the space
That you can stay in the space
That it is a handicapped spot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Simply put, clearways must be kept clear of vehicles. A specific time frame applies, which will be mentioned on the sign. This helps to facilitate traffic flow during peak hour traffic.

Advertisement

Question 23 - NS
Wikicommons by Government of New South Wales/ Wikicommons by Standards Australia
What is the difference between these No Stopping and No Standing signs?
One is for cars, one is for pedestrians.
One means you can park, the other means you can't stop at all.
One means you can't stop at all, the other means you can wait with your engine on.
There is no difference.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There is generally no difference between No Standing and No Stopping signs. They both mean that you cannot stop your vehicle there for any reason, even if you are just dropping someone off or picking someone up.

Advertisement

Question 24 - blind spot
Antonio Garcia Recena/ Moment/ Getty Images
What area is known as a driver's blind spot?
Any area where you have a visual impairment
Your peripheral vision
A spot in your side mirror that you cannot see
Anywhere behind your vehicle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The term 'blind spot' typically refers to the area that you cannot see in your side mirror. In order to see clearly, you will need to turn your upper torso and head to check if the coast is clear.

Advertisement

Question 25 - Y sign
scibak/ E+/ Getty Images
What does the Y sign mean?
The road will soon join into one.
The road will soon divide into two.
There will soon be a median turning bay.
You will have to turn either left or right.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A sign that resembles a Y indicates that the road you are on will soon divide. This means you must know which lane you need to enter, or prepare to stay in the left lane by default.

Advertisement

Question 26 - uturn
Raja Islam/ Moment/ Getty Images
Can you make a U-turn at any traffic light?
Yes, always
Only if there isn't a "No U-turn sign"
Only if there is a sign that says "U-turns permitted"
No, never
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Generally, it's best to only perform a U-turn at the traffic lights if there is a sign that specifically says U-turns are permitted. Otherwise, you may also perform a U-turn if there aren't any continuous or unbroken road markings.

Advertisement

Question 27 - railway
Marnie Griffiths/ Moment/ Getty Images
What do red flashing lights mean at a railway crossing?
Come to a complete stop.
Proceed with caution.
Turn around.
Hail the train.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Train crossings will typically feature a gate, flashing lights and other warning devices. As soon as the lights start to flash or any sirens start to sound, you must come to a complete stop and only proceed when the warning devices stop.

Advertisement

Question 28 - loose rocks
Wikicommons by So Monggo
This sign depicts two cars, one passing by rocks and the other with a broken windscreen. What does this mean?
That you are in a dangerous area
That roadworks are being conducted
To look out for loose stones
That there is an accident further up the road
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This sign means that drivers must look out for loose stones, which may hit other cars. To minimise risk, drivers are encouraged to drive slowly and cautiously, avoiding rocks where possible.

Advertisement

Question 29 - give way sign
Wikicommons by Matthew Paul Argall from Australia
What does the give way sign mean on the back of a bus?
That you must let the bus merge in front of you at all times
That you must let the bus in if it is joining traffic from the left-hand side
That you must stop for the bus to make a turn
That you must pull over to give the bus room
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Typically, drivers are to give way to public transport vehicles, especially in the case of large buses. This means that you must let a bus in if it is indicating to join the stream of traffic from the bus stop or bay.

Advertisement

Question 30 - ped xing
Wikicommons by Au.crosswalk_ahead.svg: *Au.give_way_ahead.svg: *MUTCD_W3-2.svg:Australian_road_sign_R1-2.svg: Queensland Government of Transport and Main Roadsfile:Australia road sign W5-29.svg (original name File:Kangaroo_Warning_Sign.svg):derivative work: Fry1989Au.pedxing.svg: Cassowaryderivative work: Fry1989derivative work: Fry1989
This sign depicts a person's legs. Do you know what it means?
Pedestrians only
Look out for the elderly
Pedestrians may be crossing
Pedestrian crossing ahead
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This sign indicates that there is a pedestrian crossing ahead, typically in the form of a zebra crossing. A sign featuring two people simply means to look out for pedestrians in the area.

Advertisement

Question 31 - truck
davidf/ E+/ Getty Images
A long vehicle with a "Do not overtake turning vehicle" sign is trying to turn left from the middle lane. What should you do?
Let it pass before you turn.
Turn left first.
Speed up so you can get out of its way.
Honk - they should not be turning left from the middle lane.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Long vehicles need the extra space to turn left, which is why they will often do so from the middle lane. If a vehicle just ahead of you is indicating to turn left, you must slow down and let it pass.

Advertisement

Question 32 - T3
1 NEWS/ TVZN
Who may travel in this lane, according to the Transit Lane T3 markings on it?
Buses only
Taxis only
Trucks only
Buses, taxis and carpools
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Transit lanes (also known as T2 or T3 lanes) are for buses, taxis and other vehicles carrying multiple occupants to enjoy more convenient travel. Emergency vehicles, bikes and motorcycles may also use them.

Advertisement

Question 33 - children xing
Wikicommons by Standards Australia
You enter an area with this "Children Crossing" sign. What should you do?
Be vigilant of children crossing the road.
Look out for lollypop ladies or men.
Give way to children until it is safe to proceed.
Honk to let the children know you are approaching.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Children Crossing signs or flags are common around schools, and during the signposted hours, drivers must give way to children crossing the road. This means you must remain stationary until it is safe to proceed.

Advertisement

Question 34 - cyclists
Wikicommons by Standards Australia
This sign has an image of a bicycle on it. What does it mean?
Look out for bicycles.
Bicycle lane only
Give way to bicycles.
Bicycle crossing ahead
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This common road sign indicates to drivers that they must simply look out for cyclists. If the same symbol is on the road itself, it means it is a bicycle lane, which only cyclists may use.

Advertisement

Question 35 - winding
Wikicommons by Government of Queensland
This sign has a curved arrow on it. What does it mean?
Must turn left
Must turn right
Sharp turn ahead
Winding road ahead
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This sign can be spotted in mountainous areas or other areas which have curved, winding roads. It indicates to drivers that they may not have full visibility around the bends, and must therefore drive carefully.

Advertisement

Question 36 - light
Wikicommons by Eric Fischer
When approaching traffic lights, what does a green light with a red arrow mean?
Drivers must proceed with caution.
Drivers can go straight or turn.
Drivers can go straight, but those in the turning lane must remain stationary.
Drivers can turn but not go straight.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To aid with the flow of traffic, the green light will often go first for those travelling straight. Then after some time, the right arrow will turn green for those in the right lane.

Advertisement

Question 37 - Livestock
Wikicommons by New Zealand Transport Agency
You see a sign with a picture of a cow and a sheep. What does this mean?
Approaching rest stop
Approaching petting zoo
Livestock may be crossing ahead.
You are on a farmer's property.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A sign with a cow and a sheep on it indicates that livestock may be crossing in the area, or that there may be an established crossing for livestock. It is important to drive slowly to not startle the livestock.

Advertisement

Question 38 - crest
Wikicommons by Standards Australia
This uncommon road sign says "crest" on it. What does it mean?
The road climbs or descends.
You are approaching the highest point of a hill.
The road has speed bumps.
The road is rocky.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The "crest" sign indicates to drivers that they are approaching the highest point of the hill or mountain, which means that visibility of the road ahead may be limited. Drive carefully.

Advertisement

Question 39 - refuge island
Simon McGill/ Moment/ Getty Images
You are approaching a sign that says "refuge island" - what does this mean?
You are near a refugee centre.
You must give way to pedestrians.
Pedestrians are crossing in stages using the refuge island.
You are approaching a hitchiking point.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The refuge island sign indicates that pedestrians are crossing in stages by waiting for traffic to pass on the refuge island in the centre of the road. Drivers do not need to give way, but it is worth staying vigilant.

Advertisement

Question 40 - tipping truck
Wikicommons by Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
This sign depicts a truck leaning over to the side. What does it mean?
Only trucks may turn here.
Trucks may tilt while turning.
Trucks cannot turn here.
Beware of dangerous drivers.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A sign with a tilting truck warns truck drivers that they could tip over when driving around the curve of the road or turning. There may also be a recommended speed limit for these heavy vehicles.

Advertisement

You Got:
/40
Pailin S. Kulvong/ Moment/ Getty Images