Road Rules and Safe Driving
Core concepts
Victorian road rules rest on a few organising ideas: keep left unless overtaking on multi-lane roads with a speed limit above 80 km/h; give way according to signs, lines and the general rules where none exist; and match your speed to the posted limit and conditions. Learn the give-way hierarchy cold: a driver turning across another's path yields; at an uncontrolled intersection the vehicle on the right has priority; at a roundabout you give way to vehicles already circulating. Know the meaning of stop lines, give-way lines, and the difference between a stop sign (full stop, then give way) and a give-way sign (slow and yield).
Distances and signals
Memorise the numeric rules that questions love: indicate at least 30 metres before turning and before changing lanes; signal left to leave a roundabout; keep left of the centre line. Know school zone times (generally 8:00–9:30 am and 2:30–4:00 pm on school days, 40 km/h unless signed otherwise) and that a 40 km/h limit applies when passing a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights.
Traps
Common traps include the "left turn on red" myth (not permitted in Victoria unless a sign allows it), confusing a slip lane's give-way obligation with a free pass, and forgetting that at a T-intersection the continuing road has priority over the terminating road. Another trap: indicating right to enter a roundabout and expecting others to yield - the obligation is yours.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot name who must give way in a scenario within two seconds, slow down and prepare to stop; hesitation is safer than assumption.