Safe driving habits (speed limits, alcohol/drugs/medication, seatbelts, fatigue, distraction)
This domain tests the habits that prevent crashes: obeying speed limits, staying within alcohol and drug limits, wearing restraints, managing fatigue and avoiding distraction. The exam often combines a rule with a situation, so know the default limits and the age-based alcohol rules.
Core rules
- Speed limits: default urban 50 km/h, rural 100 km/h and motorway 100 km/h unless signed. School zones are 40 km/h when signs flash. Temporary limits must be obeyed.
- Alcohol: for drivers 20 and over, the limit is 250 mcg/L breath or 50 mg/100 mL blood. Under 20, the limit is zero. Illegal drugs have zero tolerance; prescription medication can impair, so do not drive if affected.
- Seatbelts: driver and passengers must wear them. Children under 7 need an approved child restraint; the driver is responsible for passengers under 15.
- Fatigue: rest at least every 2 hours; stop if sleepy. Sleep is the only real cure.
- Distraction: no handheld phone use. Learner and restricted drivers cannot use a phone at all. Set GPS before driving.
Worked example
A 19-year-old blows 150 mcg/L. The adult limit is 250 mcg/L, so they might think they are legal. But the under-20 limit is zero, so 150 mcg/L is an offence. The reasoning is age-based: zero alcohol applies until age 20.
Traps
Assuming 50 km/h applies in a flashing school zone; thinking ‘under the limit’ means safe; using hands-free as a restricted driver; wearing a seatbelt under the arm; and driving tired after coffee.