Road Rules and Safe Driving Practice
What this domain tests
This domain tests the rules that keep traffic predictable: keeping left, giving way, signalling, speed control, occupant protection and avoiding impairment. Questions often ask what a safe driver should do in a developing hazard, not just what a sign means.
Core rules
- Sri Lanka drives on the left. Overtake on the right when it is safe and permitted; never overtake where visibility or markings forbid it.
- At uncontrolled intersections, give way to traffic approaching from your right. At roundabouts, give way to traffic already circulating.
- Obey posted speed limits (commonly 50 km/h in built-up areas and 70 km/h outside, with higher expressway limits where signed) and reduce speed for rain, night, pedestrians and poor visibility.
- Signal early, check mirrors and blind spots, and make sure the manoeuvre is clear before moving.
- Seat belts must be worn where fitted; motorcyclists must wear approved helmets; carrying more passengers than permitted is unsafe and unlawful.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol, using drugs that impair driving, or using a hand-held mobile phone. A red light or traffic queue is not a licence to use the phone.
Worked example
You approach a T-junction on the terminating road. A car is coming along the through road from your right. Reasoning: you are joining a road that has priority, so you must give way to traffic on the through road regardless of direction. Pulling out because you think you are “first” causes a collision.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming a green light gives an absolute right of way; overtaking on the left; following too closely in rain; treating a stop line as a suggestion; ignoring pedestrians at crossings; using a phone while stationary in traffic.
Key points
- Keep left and overtake on the right only when safe.
- Give way to traffic from the right at uncontrolled intersections.
- Speed must suit the conditions, not just the posted limit.
- Signal, mirror and blind-spot checks precede every manoeuvre.
- Alcohol, drugs and hand-held phones are incompatible with driving.
- Seat belts and helmets are mandatory safety equipment.