NaTIS Code 3 Learner cheat sheet

Sign classes: regulatory (red circle/triangle, mandatory instruction), warning (yellow or red triangle, hazard ahead), guidance (green/blue, destination and distance).

Stop sign (octagon, R1) requires a full stop at the stop line or before the intersection; a 4-way stop requires stopping even when the road is clear.

Yield sign (inverted triangle, R2) requires giving way to traffic on the intersecting road; stop only if traffic is present.

Solid centre line: no crossing except to enter or exit an adjacent property with due care; broken line: overtaking permitted when safe and sight distance allows.

Double solid lines in the same direction prohibit crossing from either side; a solid plus broken line means the broken side may cross.

Traffic signals: steady red = stop before the line; flashing amber = proceed with caution if safe; flashing red = stop then proceed when clear.

A yellow box junction may not be entered unless the exit is clear, except when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic.

Road markings hierarchy: a traffic officer's signals override signals, signals override signs, signs override markings.

Keep left: drive on the left half of the roadway except when overtaking, passing a stationary obstruction, or turning right.

Overtake on the right; overtaking on the left is permitted only when the vehicle ahead is signalling a right turn or in a one-way street.

Speed limits apply as posted; the general urban limit and rural limit are set by regulation, and a lower limit applies near schools and in residential areas.

Following distance: the two-second rule in dry conditions, doubled to four seconds in rain or poor visibility, and more for heavy vehicles.

At an uncontrolled intersection, give way to traffic approaching from the right; at a T-junction the through road has priority.

A vehicle must not stop within an intersection, on a pedestrian crossing, on a railway crossing, or within the marked no-stopping zone.

Roundabout: give way to traffic already circulating; signal left when exiting, and signal right before entering only if turning right at the first exit.

A driver must produce a licence on demand by a traffic officer and must obey a lawful direction to stop.

Pre-trip checks: tyres (tread depth, pressure, sidewall damage), lights, brakes, steering free play, fluids, wipers, mirrors, and load security.

Tyre tread minimum for passenger vehicles is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width; heavy vehicles require more.

Daily walk-around: check for leaks under the vehicle, loose wheel nuts, cracked lenses, and anything obstructing the number plate.

Brake test: at low speed, apply the brakes firmly; the vehicle must stop in a straight line without pulling or pedal sponginess.

Clutch and gear use: select a gear appropriate to speed before a hazard; do not coast in neutral or with the clutch depressed.

Mirror setting: interior mirror shows the rear window fully; exterior mirrors show a sliver of the vehicle side for reference.

Seat and steering position: arms slightly bent at the wheel, back supported, and pedals reachable without stretching.

Dashboard warning lights that remain on after start (oil, battery, brake, temperature) mean stop and investigate before driving.

Scanning pattern: look 12–15 seconds ahead in urban areas and further on open road; check mirrors every 5–8 seconds.

Hazard perception: identify a developing hazard early, decide on a response, and act smoothly rather than braking late.

Cornering: slow before the bend, maintain a steady speed through it, and accelerate gently on exit.

Wet road braking distance roughly doubles; stopping distance increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed quadruples distance.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, hold the steering steady, and avoid braking until grip returns.

Night driving: reduce speed so you can stop within the distance lit by headlights; dip headlights for oncoming traffic.

Blind spots: check over the shoulder before changing lanes; mirrors alone do not cover the area beside the rear quarter.

Fatigue, distraction, and following too closely are the leading contributory factors in serious crashes; maintain a space cushion around the vehicle.

Any alcohol in the bloodstream impairs judgement, reaction time, and lane control; the legal limit is not a safe limit.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence; refusal to provide a breath or blood sample is itself an offence.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair driving; check the label and ask a pharmacist before driving.

Fatigue signs: yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting, missed signs, and difficulty maintaining speed; the only remedy is to stop and rest.

Rest breaks: stop at least every two hours on long trips; a short nap of 15–20 minutes is more effective than coffee alone.

Illness and injury: do not drive with a condition that affects consciousness, vision, or movement control; report notifiable conditions to the licensing authority.

Alcohol is eliminated at roughly one standard drink per hour for an average adult; coffee, cold air, and food do not speed this up.

A driver who feels sleepy should stop in a safe place, not on the hard shoulder, and rest before continuing.

At a crash scene: stop, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle behind the vehicle, and check for further danger before helping.

Do not move an injured person unless there is fire, traffic, or other immediate danger; suspected spinal injury requires immobilisation.

First aid priority sequence: airway, breathing, circulation (ABC); control severe bleeding with direct pressure.

Call emergency services and give the location, number of casualties, and nature of injuries; do not hang up until told to.

Do not give food or drink to an injured person; keep them warm and reassure them until help arrives.

Record details at the scene: other party's name, address, licence, registration, insurance, and witness contacts.

Report a crash involving injury or death to the police within 24 hours; report a crash involving only property damage as required by law.

Vehicle fire or submersion: get out immediately, move upwind or to higher ground, and never re-enter a burning vehicle.

A learner driver must hold a valid learner's licence, display L plates, and be accompanied by a licensed driver seated beside them.

A vehicle must have a valid registration certificate, licence disc displayed on the windscreen, and proof of third-party insurance.

A roadworthy certificate is required on change of ownership and periodically thereafter; the certificate confirms the vehicle meets safety standards.

Driving without a valid licence, registration, or insurance is an offence and may result in the vehicle being impounded.

The licence disc must be displayed on the left side of the windscreen, visible from outside the vehicle.

A vehicle owner must notify the registering authority of a change of address or ownership within the prescribed period.

Vehicle licence renewal is annual; late renewal attracts penalties and the vehicle may not be used on a public road.

A driver must carry a valid licence at all times when driving and produce it on demand.

A Code 3 licence authorises driving a rigid heavy vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3 500 kg but not exceeding 16 000 kg.

Loads must be securely fastened; a load may not project beyond the front of the vehicle or more than a prescribed distance beyond the rear.

A projecting load must be marked with a red flag by day and a red light at night so it is visible to other road users.

Gross combination mass (GCM) is the total mass of the drawing vehicle plus trailer and load; it must not exceed the vehicle's rated GCM.

Air brake system: check pressure build-up, listen for leaks, and confirm the low-pressure warning operates before departure.

Heavy vehicles have longer stopping distances; increase following distance and brake early, using engine braking on descents.

Overloading affects steering, braking, and tyre failure risk; axle mass limits must not be exceeded.

A heavy vehicle driver must keep a professional driving permit (PrDP) where required and obey hours-of-work limits to manage fatigue.