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NSW Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) study materials
NSW Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) study resources

NSW Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) practice questions

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Question 1Road safety and road rules

What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration permitted for a learner or provisional licence holder in New South Wales?

  1. 0.05
  2. 0.00 Correct answer.
  3. 0.08
  4. 0.02

Explanation

In New South Wales, learner and provisional drivers must have a zero blood alcohol concentration while driving. This means they cannot drive after consuming any alcohol at all, and a reading above zero carries penalties. The lower general limit of 0.05 applies only to fully licensed drivers.

Question 2Road safety and road rules

At an intersection with traffic lights that are not working, what should you do?

  1. Wait until a police officer directs traffic
  2. Proceed without slowing because the lights are off
  3. Give way to the right and proceed with caution Correct answer.
  4. Sound your horn and continue at normal speed

Explanation

When traffic lights are blacked out or faulty, the intersection is treated like an uncontrolled one, so the give-way-to-the-right rule generally applies. You should slow down, look carefully in all directions, and proceed only when it is safe. Treating the crossing as uncontrolled protects you and other road users.

Question 3Road safety and road rules

What is the default urban speed limit in built-up areas of New South Wales when no sign shows otherwise?

  1. 40 km/h
  2. 60 km/h
  3. 50 km/h Correct answer.
  4. 80 km/h

Explanation

In New South Wales the default speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h unless signs indicate a different limit. Drivers must watch for posted signs, because school zones and other areas can set lower limits. The default applies only where no other sign is displayed.

Question 4Road safety and road rules

When are you permitted to use a mobile phone held in your hand while driving?

  1. When making a short call in slow traffic
  2. When stopped at red traffic lights
  3. When the phone is used to pay at a drive-through
  4. Never while the vehicle is moving or in traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

A driver must not hold or use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving or stopped in traffic, including at red lights. Learner and provisional drivers are restricted even from hands-free use. Using a hand-held phone is illegal because it takes your eyes and attention off the road.

Question 5Road safety and road rules

What does a steady yellow (amber) traffic light mean?

  1. Proceed only if turning left
  2. Give way to oncoming traffic
  3. Speed up to clear the intersection
  4. Stop if it is safe to do so Correct answer.

Explanation

A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red, so you must stop unless you are so close that stopping would be unsafe. It does not mean accelerate. The safe response is to check your mirrors and stop smoothly if you can.

Question 6Road safety and road rules

How far before a railway level crossing must you not stop your vehicle?

  1. 50 metres
  2. 10 metres
  3. 20 metres Correct answer.
  4. 5 metres

Explanation

You must not stop on or within 20 metres of a railway level crossing unless traffic is blocked and you cannot proceed. Stopping too close risks your vehicle being struck by a train and blocks the crossing for others. Keep the crossing clear at all times.

Question 7Road safety and road rules

What must you do before changing lanes on a multi-lane road?

  1. Rely only on your mirrors without turning your head
  2. Sound your horn to warn other drivers
  3. Check mirrors, signal, and check your blind spot Correct answer.
  4. Increase speed sharply to fit into a gap

Explanation

Before changing lanes you must check your mirrors, indicate your intention, and turn your head to check the blind spot that mirrors do not cover. Only move when there is a safe gap. This sequence lets other drivers know what you intend and helps you see vehicles beside you.

Question 8Road safety and road rules

What is the purpose of a seatbelt for rear-seat passengers?

  1. It protects only the person wearing it from fines
  2. It is optional on short trips
  3. It reduces injury risk for all occupants in a crash Correct answer.
  4. It is only needed on highways

Explanation

Seatbelts restrain occupants so they are not thrown forward or out of the vehicle in a crash. An unbelted rear passenger can injure themselves and strike front-seat occupants. Wearing a belt is required by law for all seating positions.

Question 9Road safety and road rules

You are approaching a pedestrian crossing where a person is waiting to cross. What should you do?

  1. Continue if you are under the speed limit
  2. Move to the centre line and pass them
  3. Flash your headlights so they wait
  4. Slow down and give way to the pedestrian Correct answer.

Explanation

At a marked pedestrian crossing you must give way to pedestrians who are on or about to enter the crossing. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Failing to give way endangers people on foot and is an offence.

Question 10Road safety and road rules

When may you overtake a vehicle on the left on a multi-lane road?

  1. Only when the vehicle ahead is turning right
  2. Only on roads with a speed limit above 80 km/h
  3. Never under any circumstances
  4. Whenever the traffic in your lane is moving faster Correct answer.

Explanation

On a multi-lane road where lanes travel in the same direction, you may overtake on the left when it is safe and your lane is moving faster. You must not cross an unbroken line or use a lane not intended for your direction. Overtaking on the left across a single lane line is not allowed.

Question 11Road safety and road rules

What is the correct action when an emergency vehicle with flashing red and blue lights approaches from behind?

  1. Move to the left and stop if safe to do so Correct answer.
  2. Brake hard in your lane immediately
  3. Continue at the same speed and lane
  4. Speed up to stay ahead of it

Explanation

You must give way to an emergency vehicle using flashing lights or sirens. Move as far left as you safely can and stop, or clear the path if you are in an intersection. Blocking its path delays emergency response and is an offence.

Question 12Road safety and road rules

How should you drive in heavy rain when visibility is reduced?

  1. Use high-beam headlights continuously
  2. Keep the same speed to avoid holding up traffic
  3. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use headlights Correct answer.
  4. Follow the vehicle ahead closely to see its tail-lights

Explanation

In heavy rain you should slow down, leave a larger gap, and turn on your headlights so you can see and be seen. Wet roads increase stopping distances and the risk of aquaplaning. Adjusting speed and following distance gives you time to react.

Question 13Road safety and road rules

You are driving and feel sleepy. What is the safest course of action?

  1. Open a window and turn up the radio
  2. Drive faster to reach your destination sooner
  3. Drink coffee while driving to stay awake
  4. Stop and rest in a safe place before continuing Correct answer.

Explanation

Fatigue seriously impairs judgement and reaction time, and the only effective remedy is rest. Pull over in a safe place and take a break or a short sleep before continuing. Fresh air, music, and coffee are only temporary measures and do not fix fatigue.

Question 14Road safety and road rules

What does a broken white line in the centre of a two-way road mean?

  1. Overtaking is permitted when it is safe Correct answer.
  2. You must not cross the line at all
  3. The lane is for buses only
  4. You must drive on the right of the line

Explanation

A broken white centre line means you may cross it to overtake when it is safe and you have a clear view. You must still obey other rules, such as not exceeding the speed limit. A solid line, by contrast, generally means no crossing.

Question 15Road safety and road rules

At a roundabout, who must you give way to?

  1. Vehicles entering from your right
  2. Vehicles already in the roundabout Correct answer.
  3. Vehicles behind you
  4. Vehicles waiting at the next exit

Explanation

At a roundabout you must give way to vehicles already circulating in the roundabout. Slow down and be ready to stop before entering. Once inside, you should indicate left to leave and stay in the correct lane.

Question 16Road safety and road rules

What is the safest way to handle a vehicle that begins to skid on a wet road?

  1. Turn the steering wheel rapidly from side to side
  2. Brake hard and steer sharply
  3. Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly Correct answer.
  4. Accelerate to regain grip

Explanation

If your vehicle skids, ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go, avoiding sudden braking. Harsh inputs can worsen the loss of grip. Regaining control gently allows the tyres to recover traction.

Question 17Road safety and road rules

When are you allowed to drive in a bus lane?

  1. Never, under any circumstances
  2. Only when carrying two or more passengers
  3. Only during the times shown on the bus lane sign Correct answer.
  4. At any time if no bus is visible

Explanation

Bus lanes may be used by other vehicles only outside the operating times shown on the signs, or where the sign permits. During restricted hours the lane is reserved for buses and authorised vehicles. Check the sign before entering the lane.

Question 18Road safety and road rules

What must you do when a school zone sign shows a 40 km/h limit during school hours?

  1. Slow to 40 km/h during the times shown Correct answer.
  2. Slow only if children are visible
  3. Use 40 km/h only on school days in term one
  4. Maintain 50 km/h because the zone is advisory

Explanation

School zone speed limits are enforceable during the times displayed on the signs, usually school days. You must reduce to the posted limit whether or not children are visible. The lower limit protects children who may step out unpredictably.

Question 19Road safety and road rules

You intend to turn right at an intersection. A pedestrian is crossing the road you are turning into. What should you do?

  1. Complete the turn before the pedestrian arrives
  2. Sound your horn to clear the crossing
  3. Turn behind the pedestrian without stopping
  4. Wait and give way to the pedestrian Correct answer.

Explanation

When turning into a road, you must give way to pedestrians crossing that road. Wait until the pedestrian has cleared your path before completing the turn. Pedestrians at crossings have priority over turning vehicles.

Question 20Road safety and road rules

What is the minimum safe following distance in good conditions according to the three-second rule?

  1. Half a second
  2. At least three seconds Correct answer.
  3. One second
  4. Two seconds

Explanation

The three-second rule means you should stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions. Pick a fixed point and count the time until you reach it after the vehicle ahead passes. Increase the gap in rain, at night, or when following large vehicles.

Question 21Road safety and road rules

You are on a road with a single unbroken centre line. When may you cross it?

  1. Whenever the road ahead is clear
  2. To pass a cyclist on a narrow road
  3. To overtake a slow-moving vehicle
  4. To turn into a driveway or side road Correct answer.

Explanation

An unbroken centre line generally must not be crossed, but you may cross it to turn into or out of a property or side road where it is safe. Overtaking across an unbroken line is not permitted. The rule balances access with safety on dangerous sections.

Question 22Road safety and road rules

A vehicle ahead is signalling to turn left but has not yet begun to turn. When may you overtake it on the right?

  1. Only if it has stopped completely
  2. Only if you sound your horn first
  3. When you have a clear view and it is safe Correct answer.
  4. Never, because it is turning

Explanation

You may overtake a vehicle that is signalling left once you are sure it is safe and you have a clear view of the road ahead. The signal alone does not prohibit overtaking on the right. Check for oncoming traffic and road markings before moving out.

Question 23Road safety and road rules

You are involved in a crash where someone is injured. What is your first obligation?

  1. Exchange details and leave quickly
  2. Photograph the scene before helping
  3. Drive to the nearest police station without stopping
  4. Stop, render assistance, and call emergency services Correct answer.

Explanation

After a crash causing injury you must stop, give all reasonable assistance, and call emergency services. You must also exchange details with the other parties. Leaving the scene without helping is a serious offence.

Question 24Road safety and road rules

You are driving at night and an oncoming vehicle's headlights dazzle you. What should you do?

  1. Close your eyes briefly until the vehicle passes
  2. Turn on your high beams to retaliate
  3. Look directly at the headlights to judge distance
  4. Slow down and look toward the left edge of your lane Correct answer.

Explanation

When dazzled by oncoming headlights, slow down and shift your gaze toward the left edge of your lane to keep your position. Avoid staring at the lights, which prolongs the glare effect. Reducing speed gives you more time to react while your vision recovers.

Question 25Road safety and road rules

You are stopped at a red light and want to turn left. What rule generally applies to left turns on red in New South Wales?

  1. You may turn only if a police officer waves you through
  2. You may turn left without giving way to traffic
  3. You must always wait for green, with no exceptions
  4. You may turn left after giving way, unless a sign prohibits it Correct answer.

Explanation

In New South Wales, a driver may turn left at a red light after stopping and giving way to all traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign says no left turn on red. The turn must be made safely into the left-hand lane. Giving way is essential because cross traffic may have a green light.

Question 26Road safety and road rules

What is the default speed limit on a road in a built-up area in New South Wales when no sign is displayed?

  1. 40 km/h
  2. 80 km/h
  3. 60 km/h
  4. 50 km/h Correct answer.

Explanation

In New South Wales the default speed limit for a built-up area is 50 km/h, and this applies whenever no other sign is posted. Drivers must watch for signs because some local streets are set lower, such as shared zones or school areas.

Question 27Road safety and road rules

What does a stop sign require you to do?

  1. Come to a complete stop and give way before proceeding Correct answer.
  2. Stop only if another vehicle is approaching
  3. Slow down and continue if the road looks clear
  4. Sound your horn before moving off

Explanation

A stop sign means you must bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the stop line, then give way to traffic and pedestrians before moving on. Rolling through the sign, even slowly, is an offence.

Question 28Road safety and road rules

When must you use your headlights while driving?

  1. Only on unlit rural roads
  2. Between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of poor visibility Correct answer.
  3. Only when it is raining heavily
  4. Only when other vehicles are ahead of you

Explanation

Headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is seriously reduced, such as in fog, heavy rain or smoke. You must also use them so other road users can see you clearly.

Question 29Road safety and road rules

What does a yellow traffic light mean?

  1. Stop, unless it is unsafe to do so Correct answer.
  2. Give way to traffic on your right
  3. The light is broken and you may proceed
  4. Speed up to clear the intersection

Explanation

A yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red, so you must stop if you can do so safely. If you are already too close to stop safely, you may continue through the intersection.

Question 30Road safety and road rules

What is the blood alcohol limit for a learner or provisional licence holder in New South Wales?

  1. 0.05
  2. 0.08
  3. Zero Correct answer.
  4. 0.02

Explanation

Learner and provisional drivers must have a zero blood alcohol concentration whenever they drive. This is stricter than the 0.05 limit that applies to fully licensed drivers.

Question 31Road safety and road rules

What is the maximum speed limit for a learner driver in New South Wales?

  1. 120 km/h
  2. 90 km/h Correct answer.
  3. 110 km/h
  4. 100 km/h

Explanation

Learner drivers in New South Wales must not exceed 90 km/h even where a higher limit is posted. Provisional drivers are also restricted to 90 km/h. Exceeding this is an offence regardless of the sign.

Question 32Road safety and road rules

How should you secure a child under six months of age when travelling in a car?

  1. In an approved rear-facing child restraint Correct answer.
  2. On an adult's lap in the rear seat
  3. Using an adult seatbelt alone
  4. In a forward-facing booster seat

Explanation

Infants under six months must travel in an approved rear-facing child restraint that is correctly fitted. Rear-facing restraints support the head and neck and reduce injury risk in a crash.

Question 33Road safety and road rules

What is the rule about using a mobile phone while driving on a full licence?

  1. You may use it only for calls shorter than one minute
  2. You must not hold or use the phone while the vehicle is moving or in traffic Correct answer.
  3. Hand-held use is allowed if you drive slowly
  4. Hand-held use is allowed when stopped at traffic lights

Explanation

Holding a mobile phone while driving is illegal, including while stopped in traffic or at lights. A phone may only be used hands-free or through a cradle where the law allows, and learner and provisional drivers face stricter rules.

Question 34Road safety and road rules

You are approaching a yellow traffic light and cannot stop safely because a vehicle is close behind. What should you do?

  1. Brake hard immediately in all cases
  2. Stop in the middle of the intersection
  3. Reverse away from the intersection
  4. Continue through the intersection with care Correct answer.

Explanation

When you are too close to stop safely, you may proceed through the yellow light while checking the intersection is clear. Braking abruptly with a close follower risks a rear-end crash. The rule is to stop only if it is safe to do so.

Question 35Road safety and road rules

You are driving on a two-lane road and want to overtake a truck. What must you check before pulling out?

  1. That there is a clear gap ahead and no oncoming traffic Correct answer.
  2. That the road has a broken centre line only
  3. That your horn has been sounded
  4. That the truck is travelling below the speed limit

Explanation

Before overtaking you need a clear view, enough space to complete the manoeuvre, and no oncoming or overtaking traffic. You must also be sure the line markings permit crossing to overtake.

Question 36Road safety and road rules

What should you do when you see a 'Give Way' sign at an intersection?

  1. Stop completely and wait for a green light
  2. Slow down and be ready to stop for traffic on the priority road Correct answer.
  3. Accelerate to enter ahead of other vehicles
  4. Proceed without checking if the road looks empty

Explanation

A give way sign requires you to slow down and yield to traffic already on the priority road, stopping if necessary. Unlike a stop sign, a complete stop is only needed when traffic requires it.

Question 37Road safety and road rules

You are parked on a hill facing downhill with a kerb. Which way should you turn the front wheels?

  1. Straight ahead
  2. It does not matter if the handbrake is on
  3. Towards the kerb Correct answer.
  4. Away from the kerb

Explanation

Facing downhill, turn the wheels towards the kerb so that if the vehicle rolls it is caught by the kerb rather than rolling into traffic. Always apply the handbrake and select park or a low gear as well.

Question 38Road safety and road rules

You are towing a trailer and the trailer begins to sway. What is the safest response?

  1. Steer sharply to correct it
  2. Accelerate to straighten the trailer
  3. Ease off the accelerator gradually and avoid sudden braking Correct answer.
  4. Brake hard immediately

Explanation

Trailer sway is best corrected by easing off the accelerator smoothly and holding the steering steady so the vehicle slows and the sway settles. Sudden braking or sharp steering can worsen the sway and cause a jackknife.

Question 39Road safety and road rules

What does a 'No Stopping' sign mean?

  1. You may park for up to five minutes
  2. You may not stop except in an emergency Correct answer.
  3. You may stop briefly to pick up passengers
  4. You may stop only during business hours

Explanation

A no stopping sign prohibits stopping for any reason other than an emergency or as directed by police. You cannot pause there to drop off passengers or wait.

Question 40Road safety and road rules

When are you permitted to sound your horn while driving?

  1. To hurry a slow driver ahead
  2. To greet a friend on the footpath
  3. To warn other road users of danger Correct answer.
  4. To express frustration in traffic

Explanation

A horn may be used to warn others of danger, such as a vehicle drifting into your lane. It must not be used for social greetings or to pressure other drivers.

Question 41Road safety and road rules

You are driving and a ball rolls onto the road from between parked cars. What should you do?

  1. Accelerate past the parked cars quickly
  2. Maintain speed and sound your horn
  3. Slow down and be ready to stop for a child Correct answer.
  4. Swerve into the opposite lane

Explanation

A ball on the road is a strong warning that a child may follow, so you should slow down and prepare to stop. Children are small and may not be visible until they step out.

Question 42Road safety and road rules

What is the safest way to enter a freeway from an entry ramp?

  1. Drive along the shoulder until you find space
  2. Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a gap
  3. Use the ramp to match the speed of traffic and merge into a safe gap Correct answer.
  4. Enter slowly and force other drivers to change lanes

Explanation

You should build up speed on the ramp so you can merge smoothly with freeway traffic and slot into a safe gap. Stopping at the end of the ramp disrupts traffic and increases crash risk.

Question 43Road safety and road rules

You are driving behind a cyclist on a narrow road. What should you do?

  1. Drive very close to discourage the cyclist
  2. Sound the horn continuously
  3. Wait until there is a safe gap and leave plenty of space when passing Correct answer.
  4. Overtake closely to minimise time alongside

Explanation

Cyclists are vulnerable road users, so you should wait for a safe opportunity and then pass with a generous gap. Passing too close can destabilise the rider or cause a crash.

Question 44Road safety and road rules

What is the effect of fatigue on a driver's ability to react?

  1. It only affects drivers after midnight
  2. It slows reaction time and impairs judgement Correct answer.
  3. It improves concentration on long trips
  4. It has no effect if the driver has had coffee

Explanation

Fatigue slows reaction time, reduces attention and impairs judgement, which raises crash risk. Caffeine and loud music do not remove the underlying tiredness, so the only real remedy is rest.

Question 45Road safety and road rules

You are driving in fog with visibility reduced to about 50 metres. What should you do?

  1. Turn on hazard lights and continue at the speed limit
  2. Use high beam headlights to see further
  3. Use low beam headlights and reduce your speed Correct answer.
  4. Keep your normal speed and follow the vehicle ahead closely

Explanation

In fog, low beam headlights reduce glare reflected back at you, and slowing down gives more time to react to hazards you cannot see far ahead. High beam makes visibility worse by reflecting off the fog.

Question 46Road safety and road rules

What does a red traffic arrow pointing in your direction of travel mean?

  1. You may proceed after sounding your horn
  2. You may turn if the way is clear
  3. You must stop and wait for the arrow to change Correct answer.
  4. The arrow applies only to heavy vehicles

Explanation

A red arrow applies to the movement it points to, so you must stop and wait until it changes to green or is replaced by a permitted signal. It is not an advisory sign that can be ignored when the road looks clear.

Question 47Road safety and road rules

You are driving and a tyre suddenly blows out at highway speed. What should you do?

  1. Accelerate to keep the vehicle straight
  2. Hold the steering firmly, ease off the accelerator and slow gradually Correct answer.
  3. Turn off the engine immediately
  4. Brake hard and steer sharply to the shoulder

Explanation

After a blowout you should grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and let the vehicle slow before steering gently to a safe place. Hard braking or sharp steering can cause a loss of control or a rollover.

Question 48Road safety and road rules

You are driving on a road with a solid white edge line on the left. What does this generally indicate?

  1. You may drive on the shoulder to pass slow traffic
  2. The shoulder is for parking and breakdowns, not for normal driving Correct answer.
  3. The line marks a bicycle lane only
  4. You may use the shoulder whenever traffic is heavy

Explanation

A solid edge line marks the edge of the traffic lane, and the area beyond it is generally a shoulder for breakdowns or parking, not a travel lane. Using it to pass slow traffic is unsafe and usually illegal.

Question 49Road safety and road rules

You are at an intersection and the traffic lights have failed, showing no signals. What should you do?

  1. Proceed as if you have right of way
  2. Wait indefinitely until the lights are repaired
  3. Follow the vehicle ahead without checking
  4. Treat the intersection with caution and apply give way rules Correct answer.

Explanation

When signals are not working, the intersection is treated like an uncontrolled one, so you must slow down and apply the normal give way rules. Being cautious and checking all directions is essential because other drivers may be confused.

Question 50Road safety and road rules

In New South Wales, what does a 'Stop' sign require you to do?

  1. Slow down and proceed if the road is clear
  2. Come to a complete stop and give way to all traffic before proceeding Correct answer.
  3. Stop only if another vehicle is approaching
  4. Sound your horn before moving off

Explanation

A Stop sign requires a full stop at the stop line, even when no other traffic is visible. After stopping you must give way to vehicles already in or approaching the intersection before moving off. Rolling slowly through without stopping is an offence.