Road Courtesy
What this domain covers
Road Courtesy tests how you share the road with vulnerable users and manage conflict without aggression. The exam rewards giving space, signalling clearly and avoiding behaviour that provokes others.
Sharing with vulnerable users
Give pedestrians time at crossings and do not block the crossing box. Pass cyclists with at least 1.5 metres at low speed where local rules require it; if you cannot leave that space, wait behind. Pass horses wide and slow, avoid revving or sounding the horn. At junctions, look specifically for cyclists and motorcyclists who may be in your blind spot.
Merging and lane use
Use the zipper merge where traffic is slow and lanes merge: alternate one vehicle from each lane at the merge point. Do not block side roads or junctions. Keep left (or right) unless overtaking. Allow buses to pull out from stops where it is safe and legal.
Managing aggression
Do not retaliate against a tailgater or a driver who cuts you off. Increase your own following distance, let the aggressive driver pass, and avoid eye contact that escalates conflict. Report dangerous driving rather than confronting it.
Worked example
You are on a narrow road behind a cyclist and cannot see far ahead. What is the courteous and safe response? Stay behind until you have clear visibility and can leave at least 1.5 metres; then pass slowly. Reasoning: a close pass endangers the cyclist, who may need to swerve for a pothole; waiting costs seconds, not minutes.
Traps that cost marks
- Honking or revving at a cyclist or horse rider.
- Passing too close because you are in a hurry.
- Blocking a junction while queuing.
- Using high beams to bully a slower driver.
- Not acknowledging a courtesy with a brief thank-you where safe.
Key points
- Leave at least 1.5 m when passing cyclists where required; if not possible, wait.
- Pass horses wide and slow; no horn or revving.
- Zipper merge: alternate at the merge point.
- Do not block junctions or side roads.
- Do not retaliate against aggressive drivers; create space.
- Report dangerous driving rather than confronting it.
Alcohol and Driver Fitness
What this domain covers
Alcohol and Driver Fitness tests the effects of alcohol, drugs, medication and medical conditions on driving, plus legal limits and your duty to assess fitness. The safest rule is simple: if you are impaired, do not drive.
Alcohol
Alcohol reduces judgement, reaction time, coordination and vision. Legal limits vary; a common limit is 0.05% blood alcohol concentration, with lower limits for novice and professional drivers, and some jurisdictions use 0.08%. The only reliable way to stay under the limit is not to drink before driving. Coffee, water, food and sleep do not speed up elimination; the liver processes alcohol at a roughly fixed rate.
Drugs and medication
Illegal drugs impair driving and are usually detected by roadside tests. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause drowsiness, blurred vision or slowed reactions. Read the label and ask a pharmacist; do not drive if warned that the medicine affects driving. Combining alcohol with drugs increases impairment.
Fitness and eyesight
You must meet the eyesight standard for your licence, often reading a number plate at a specified distance, and wear corrective lenses if required. Report medical conditions that affect driving, such as epilepsy, diabetes or heart conditions, if local rules require it. Fatigue and illness also reduce fitness.
Worked example
You have had two beers and feel fine. Should you drive? No. Reasoning: alcohol impairs judgement before you feel impaired; you may be over the legal limit or lose your licence even if under it. 'Feeling fine' is not evidence of fitness. Use a taxi, public transport or a sober driver.
Traps that cost marks
- Believing coffee or a cold shower sobers you up.
- Using 'one drink' as a safe rule; strength and body weight vary.
- Ignoring a drowsiness warning on medicine.
- Driving without required glasses or lenses.
- Not reporting a medical condition that affects driving.
Key points
- Alcohol impairs judgement and reaction before you feel it.
- Legal limits vary; novice and professional drivers often have lower limits.
- Coffee, food and sleep do not speed alcohol elimination.
- Check medication labels for drowsiness warnings.
- Meet the eyesight standard and wear required lenses.
- If impaired, do not drive; arrange alternative transport.