ACT Road Rules Knowledge Test key terms

To let other traffic go first when signs, signals, or road rules require it. You slow or stop as needed and only move when the way is clear, even if you arrived first.

The legal priority to move through a stretch of road ahead of others. It is never simply claimed; it is granted by signs, signals, and the give-way rules that apply at that location.

A solid white line painted across a lane at a stop sign, red light, or railway crossing. You must bring the vehicle to a complete stop at or before this line, not past it.

A red octagonal sign reading STOP. It requires a full stop at the marked line, a check that the way is clear, and then giving way to all traffic before you proceed.

A triangular sign with a red border and white centre, often reading GIVE WAY. You must slow down, be ready to stop, and let all traffic on the priority road pass before entering or crossing it.

A white rectangle with a red circle and a number showing the maximum speed allowed on that road in kilometres per hour. The limit applies from the sign until another limit sign appears.

The maximum legal speed for a road or zone, shown on signs or set by default rules for built-up and rural areas. Driving above it is an offence even if conditions seem safe.

The gap you keep behind the vehicle ahead so you can stop if it brakes suddenly. A common guide is at least two seconds in good conditions, and more in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle, leaving less than a safe gap. It reduces your reaction time, intimidates the driver ahead, and is a common cause of rear-end crashes.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It grows quickly with speed and is longer on wet, icy, or gravel surfaces.

The space between your vehicle and the one in front, measured in time rather than metres. It should increase with speed, poor weather, poor visibility, and when carrying a heavy load.

A marked area near a school where the speed limit is reduced during stated hours, usually when children are arriving or leaving. You must obey the lower limit and watch for children crossing.

A marked place where people on foot cross the road, often shown by painted stripes, signs, or flashing lights. Drivers must slow down and give way to pedestrians using or waiting at it.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes painted across the road. Drivers must give way to pedestrians on the crossing and must not stop on or block the stripes.

A junction with no traffic lights or signs controlling it. Drivers must apply the give-way rules, such as giving way to traffic already in the intersection or approaching from the right where that rule applies.

A circular junction where traffic moves in one direction around a central island. You give way to vehicles already in the roundabout, signal your exit, and stay in the correct lane.

An electric signal with red, amber (yellow), and green lights that controls traffic at intersections or crossings. Each colour carries a legal instruction that drivers and riders must obey.

A traffic signal meaning stop. You must stop before the stop line or crossing and remain stopped until the light turns green, unless a permitted turn is allowed by a sign.

The yellow signal after green. It means stop if you can do so safely; you may proceed only if stopping suddenly would be unsafe because you are too close to the intersection.

A traffic signal meaning you may proceed if the way is clear. It does not give an absolute right to go; you must still give way to pedestrians and to vehicles already in the intersection.

The flashing lights on a vehicle used to show other road users that you intend to turn or change lanes. You should signal early enough to give others clear warning.

The area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. You should turn your head to check it before changing lanes or reversing, because a vehicle or cyclist may be hidden there.

A quick look over your shoulder to check the blind spot before changing lanes, merging, or moving off. Mirrors alone do not show everything beside and behind the vehicle.

Moving from one marked lane to another. You must signal, check mirrors and blind spots, and give way to traffic already in the lane you intend to enter.

A continuous painted line separating traffic moving in opposite directions. You must not cross it to overtake, except in limited situations such as turning into a driveway where it is legal.

A dashed line separating opposing traffic flows. You may cross it to overtake or turn when it is safe and you have a clear view, provided no other rule or sign forbids it.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. It must be done only where permitted, with a clear view, enough space, and a signal, and never where a solid line or sign forbids it.

Paint or raised material on the road surface that guides or controls traffic, such as lane lines, arrows, stop lines, and painted islands. Drivers must obey the markings that apply to them.

A sign that sets where, when, and for how long you may park, or that prohibits parking. It may show time limits, permit areas, loading zones, or clearway periods you must follow.

A stretch of road where you may not stop for any reason, even briefly to set down a passenger. It is usually marked by a sign or a continuous yellow edge line.

A road or lane where stopping is banned during shown times, often to keep traffic flowing at peak hours. Vehicles left there can be fined or towed away.

A monetary penalty issued for breaking parking rules, such as overstaying a meter, parking in a no-stopping zone, or blocking a driveway. It may increase if not paid on time.

Penalty points added to your driving record when you commit certain traffic offences. Accumulating too many within a set period leads to suspension or loss of your licence.

A period during which your driving licence is withdrawn and you are not allowed to drive. It can result from too many demerit points, serious offences, or medical unfitness.

A restricted licence held while learning to drive under supervision. It usually requires a qualified supervising driver, display of L plates, and observance of special conditions such as passenger or speed limits.

A licence issued after passing the learner stage, allowing unsupervised driving but with conditions. These may include displaying P plates, lower alcohol limits, and limits on passengers or vehicle power.

A strap fitted in a vehicle that restrains occupants in a crash. Drivers and passengers must wear one where fitted, and the driver is responsible for ensuring children are correctly restrained.

A seat or harness designed for a child's size and age, such as a capsule or booster seat. It must be fitted and used according to the rules for the child's age and height.

The amount of alcohol in a person's blood, measured as grams per 100 millilitres. Driving above the legal limit for your licence type is an offence, and learner and provisional limits are usually zero.