Road Rules and Safe Driving
Core concepts
Safe driving questions test whether you can apply a small set of principles to everyday situations. The most important is the safe following distance: in good conditions, stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Pick a fixed object (a sign or pole), count when the car ahead passes it, and check that you reach it no sooner than three seconds later. Add time in rain, at night, or when following a motorcycle or heavy vehicle. Speed limits are maximums for ideal conditions, not targets; you must slow for rain, fog, roadworks, or heavy traffic. Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers, and children must use an approved restraint appropriate to their age and size. Mobile phones may not be held or used while driving; hands-free use is allowed only where the law permits and never in a way that distracts you.
Traps to watch
- A question may describe perfect weather and ask for the minimum gap; do not add extra seconds unless conditions are poor.
- "Safe speed" questions often have a correct answer below the posted limit.
- Distraction questions may offer a legal-but-unsafe option; choose the safest, not merely the permitted, action.
- Fatigue: the only real cure is to stop and rest; coffee or fresh air is not a substitute.
Worked example
You are following a car at 60 km/h on a dry road. The car ahead passes a lamp post, and you reach the same post after two seconds. You are too close. Ease off until you reach the post at least three seconds after the car ahead.
Rule of thumb
Ask: "Would a careful, experienced driver do this in these conditions?" If not, it is the wrong answer.