Tasmania DKT Car key terms

To let another road user go first when their path has priority, slowing or stopping as needed so you do not force them to change speed or direction.

A solid white line painted across a lane at an intersection or crossing. You must stop completely before this line when a stop sign, red light or crossing rule requires it.

A red octagonal sign reading STOP. You must bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the line and give way to all traffic before moving off when it is safe.

An inverted triangular sign meaning you must slow down and yield to traffic on the road you are entering or crossing, stopping if necessary to avoid a collision.

A circular intersection where traffic travels clockwise around a central island. You give way to vehicles already circulating and signal your exit before leaving.

A short separate lane that lets you turn left without entering the main intersection. You still give way to pedestrians and to traffic already on the road you are joining.

The priority one road user has over another in a given situation. It is never taken automatically; it is given by others or granted by a sign, line or rule.

A crossing with no signs, signals or lines controlling it. Standard give way rules apply, usually requiring you to yield to vehicles approaching from your right.

Using your indicators to signal a turn, lane change, overtaking move or exit from a roundabout so other road users know your intention in advance.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. You must turn your head to check it before changing lanes or merging.

A quick glance over your shoulder into the blind spot before changing lanes, merging, or moving off from a kerb, to confirm no vehicle is hidden there.

The maximum legal speed for a road, shown on a sign or set by a default rule. It applies in good conditions and must be reduced when conditions are poor.

A yellow diamond sign showing a suggested speed for a hazard such as a sharp bend. It is a recommendation, but travelling faster than it is often unsafe.

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, more when wet or dark.

The delay between noticing a hazard and beginning to brake. It is typically around one to one and a half seconds and lengthens when tired, distracted or affected by alcohol.

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

The total distance needed to stop, made up of reaction distance plus braking distance. It increases with speed, load, poor tyres and wet roads.

The amount of alcohol in your blood, measured in grams per 100 millilitres. Learner, provisional and novice drivers must have zero alcohol in Tasmania.

A rule requiring a driver to have no alcohol in their blood at all. It applies to learner and provisional licence holders and to some other driver categories.

A roadside check where police require a driver to provide a breath sample to measure alcohol. Refusing a lawful test is itself an offence.

Extreme tiredness that slows reactions, reduces attention and can cause a driver to fall asleep. The only real cure is stopping and resting, not loud music or fresh air.

A very brief involuntary sleep of a few seconds while driving. The driver may not notice it, but the vehicle can travel a long distance uncontrolled.

Anything that takes your attention away from driving, such as a phone, food, passengers or adjusting controls. Even a brief glance away can cause a crash.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving or while stopped in traffic, such as texting, calling or browsing. It attracts heavy fines and demerit points.

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

A period during which your authority to drive is withdrawn, often for too many demerit points or a serious offence. Driving while suspended is a criminal offence.

A court order removing your right to hold or obtain a licence for a stated period, usually for serious driving offences such as drink driving or dangerous driving.

A permit allowing a person to learn to drive under supervision, displaying L plates and obeying conditions such as zero alcohol and passenger or speed restrictions.

A restricted licence held after passing the practical test, allowing solo driving subject to conditions such as displaying P plates and a zero alcohol limit.

A fully licensed person who sits beside a learner and is responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle. They must hold the required licence and meet any conditions.

A marked section of road where people on foot have priority. You must slow down, give way to anyone on or entering the crossing, and not overtake there.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes painted on the road, often with signs. Drivers must give way to pedestrians waiting to cross or already crossing.

A lane marked for cyclists, often with a bicycle symbol. Drivers must not drive or park in it and should check for cyclists before turning across it.

A road user with little protection in a crash, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider. Drivers must give them extra space and patience.

A large truck, bus or similar vehicle with long stopping distances and wide blind spots. Give it room, avoid cutting in front, and allow extra time to pass.

An area near a school where a lower speed limit applies during stated times, marked by signs and often flashing lights. Watch for children crossing.

A continuous painted line along the middle of the road. You must not cross or straddle it to overtake, except in limited circumstances such as turning into a driveway.

A dashed painted line marking lanes or a centre line that may be crossed when it is safe, for example to overtake or change lanes after checking.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. It must be done only where permitted, with clear visibility, enough space and after signalling.