Traffic Law, Penalties and Documentation
What you must carry
Driving legally requires a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any roadworthiness or inspection certificate the vehicle requires. Carry them when driving; producing them on request is part of the law. Driving without valid insurance or a licence is among the most serious offences and can lead to heavy penalties and vehicle impoundment.
Core offences
- Speeding - penalties escalate with how far over the limit you are.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - strictly prohibited; even small amounts impair judgement.
- Using a hand-held phone while driving - distraction is treated seriously.
- Failing to stop after a collision - you must stop, exchange details, and report where required.
- Dangerous or careless driving - includes racing, aggressive driving, and ignoring signals.
Collisions and documentation
After any collision: stop, make the scene safe, help the injured, exchange names, addresses, and insurance details, and report to the police where required. Leaving the scene is a serious offence.
Traps to watch
- A question may ask what to do first after a collision - safety and first aid come before paperwork.
- Insurance is not optional; an uninsured driver is personally liable.
- Penalties vary, so learn the categories of offence rather than memorising exact figures.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot produce the document, assume you should not be driving.
First Aid and Emergency Procedures
Your first priorities
At any crash scene the order is fixed: protect the scene, then treat the casualties. Switch off your engine, put on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle or other signal well back to warn approaching traffic. Call the emergency services (police, ambulance, fire) with a clear location and the number and condition of casualties. Do not put yourself in danger - moving traffic and fire are the biggest threats.
Treating casualties
The DR ABC sequence guides you: check Danger, then Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. If a casualty is not breathing normally, start chest compressions (adult: about 100–120 per minute, pressing hard and fast in the centre of the chest) and continue until help arrives or the casualty recovers. Control bleeding with firm direct pressure. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire; suspected spinal injury means leave them in place.
Vehicle fires and breakdowns
If a vehicle catches fire, stop, switch off the engine, get everyone out and well away, and call the fire service. Never open the bonnet fully if you suspect an engine fire - it feeds the flames. For a breakdown on a fast road, move to the hard shoulder, exit on the safe side, and stand behind the barrier.
Traps to watch
- A question may ask what to do first - usually warn traffic or ensure safety, not move the casualty.
- Do not give food or drink to an injured person.
- Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless breathing is obstructed.
Rule of thumb
Safety first, then breathing, then bleeding - in that order.