Bicycle riders - may have signals that show them when to cross. Cyclists must follow these red, yellow or green bicycle symbols.

Some oversize vehicles may be accompanied by pilot vehicles with yellow flashing lights displaying an ‘Oversize Load Ahead’ warning sign. Police may accompany pilot vehicles or will escort unusually large vehicles and direct traffic if required. When approaching an on-coming oversize vehicle you should reduce your speed, keep to the left of the centre line and be prepared to move to the left side of the road if necessary. You should use extreme care when overtaking an oversize vehicle.

If you think two vehicles can’t fit on a bridge, give way to the approaching driver. A GIVE WAY sign on a bridge means give way to any vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. A NO OVERTAKING OR PASSING sign means you must not overtake any vehicle travelling in the same direction.

Going straight ahead: Do not signal when approaching the roundabout but always signal left before exiting a roundabout. You may approach the roundabout from either left or right lanes (unless road markings indicate otherwise), and must drive through and exit in the same lane.

* Maintenance spill kit for everyday spills on unsealed surfaces * 20 litre absorbent capacity * Contained in a labeled 20 litre pail

A pedestrian refuge is an island in the middle of the road allowing the road to be crossed in two stages. When you are approaching a pedestrian refuge (which is signposted), look out for pedestrians.

Tow trucks: When an appropriate child restraint is unavailable in a tow truck, a child less than 1 year old is allowed to sit on the lap of another passenger.

At gates, booms, or flashing lights, start to cross only when signals have stopped flashing, and when the gates or booms are fully open.

Distractions increase risk of crashing. Research suggests that at least 14% of crashes and as many as 1 in 10 fatalities are caused by driver distraction. However, while 98% of people believe mobile phone use while driving is dangerous, 28% admit to doing it.

When parking on a hill or a built up area curve, make sure someone coming over the hill or around the bend can see your car from at least 100m away.

Driving with your headlights during the day improves the likelihood of being seen by other road users. Your headlights must be on when:

Stay left unless overtaking. If there are three lanes and the left lane traffic is travelling slower than you, stay in the middle lane until you have passed and return to the left lane. The right lane is generally reserved only for overtaking.

Warning signs warn about potential dangers ahead. They are usually black on a yellow background and diamond shaped. Pictures, diagrams and symbols are used to alert you to danger. Red warning triangles can be placed on the road to warn of crashes or breakdowns (minimum 3 for >12t GVM vehicles).

Three-point turns are used when a road is not wide enough for a U-turn. However, because it takes longer to do a three-point turn, it is often safer to turn around by driving around the block. Before commencing and after completing: signal, and check mirrors and blind spots.

Where there are no STOP or GIVE WAY signs, the line marked across the road has the same meaning as the sign. You must stop or give way.

Studying to get your learner licence? Wondering what the HPT is like? Preparing for the practical driving test? Getting ready for your full licence?

Fog lights can only be used in conditions that limit your vision (fog, rain, dust, smoke) and should be turned off when conditions improve. If you don’t have fog lights, use your headlights during the day in these adverse conditions.

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Special markings show where pedestrians have special rights. You must give way to pedestrians if there is any danger of colliding with them – even if there is no marked pedestrian crossing.

Learner drivers are not allowed to tow any vehicle or trailer. On your red Ps, you can tow trailers up to 250kg unloaded weight.

Turning right: On your approach you must select the right lane, signal right, stay in the right lane and signal left before exiting into the right lane.

One-way streets - When turning right into a one-way street, turn as close as possible to the right side of the road you are entering. When turning right from a one-way street, turn from as close as possible to the right side of the road.

* Maintenance kit for everyday leaks and spills indoors * 60 litre absorbent capacity * Contained in a purple mobile and robust 120 litre wheelie bin

Do not notify police if there are no injuries and no towing. If someone is later treated for a related injury, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

At a level (train/tram) crossing a pedestrian must not cross when a red light is displayed. If warning lights commence flashing or warning bells begin ringing and a pedestrian has already started they must finish crossing without delay.

Sometimes other signs are used together with warning signs to advise on how long you should look out for a particular hazard (e.g. next 10km).

School crossing supervisors – display ‘STOP Children Crossing’ signs so you slow down and stop. When the School Crossing Supervisor no longer displays the sign you may proceed.

* Maintenance kit for everyday leaks and spills indoors * 10 litre absorbent capacity * Contained in 20 litre labeled pail with lid

On roads with a KEEP LEFT UNLESS OVERTAKING sign or where the speed limit is more than 80 km/h, drive in the left lane unless you want to overtake or turn right.

Pedestrian crossings are usually marked by white stripes on the road (zebra crossings). Some pedestrian crossings have zig zag lines marked on the road before the crossing to warn drivers they are approaching a crossing which they may not be able to see because of a curve, crest or dip. Do not overtake any vehicle that is stopping or has stopped at a crossing.

Electronic tags are small transponders that attach to the inside of your windscreen. An electronic pass is an arrangement where your number plate is temporarily recorded allowing you to purchase a pass up to 48 hours after you travel on a toll road. Cash booths are generally located on the left hand side of toll plazas. Lanes that accept payment by tag or pass are marked with the E and e symbols.

You must give plenty of warning by signalling before you turn or change lanes and make sure your indicator is turned off after. If your indicators are not working, not clearly visible or your vehicle does not have indicator lights then you must give a hand signal out the window when turning right (straight arm) or stopping (arm bent upwards).

In addition to demerit points, a heavy fine applies for drivers caught using or answering a hand-held phone while driving.

Red light speed (safety) cameras - are used to photograph vehicles that run a red light. A notice is then sent to the vehicle owner, who has the option to:

These are crossings that operate before and after school hours (and other times such as school excursions and lunch times). They are highlighted by red flags with the words CHILDREN CROSSING on them. You must not stop on or within 20 metres before or 10 metres after, a children’s crossing.

Large vehicles displaying a DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE sign may use more than one lane when turning. When such a vehicle is turning you must not pass on the right if it is turning right. A driver may overtake to the left only if it is safe.

Red means stop and wait behind the line. Yellow (amber) means stop unless you are so close to an intersection that sudden braking might cause a crash. Green means proceed through the intersection carefully.

Do not make a U-turn across an unbroken line/s, unless the line closest to you is broken. Do not overtake across a single unbroken line. Drivers are permitted to cross a single dividing line to enter or leave a road.

You must show police attending the crash your drivers licence and provide details of vehicles involved, your name and address, and information about any witnesses or the drivers involved.

An Emergency Procedures Guide will be in a holder attached to the truck driver’s door. Follow these procedures if it is safe to do so.

Broken yellow kerb line - is a CLEARWAY line. You must not stop at the edge of the road between the hours shown on the sign except in an emergency. Buses, taxis and hire cars may only stop to pick up or set down passengers.

When turning make sure you are in the correct part of the road and have enough time to signal. When turning left or right you must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.

Alpha-numeric markings have been introduced to identify motorways to make it easier to plan trips and navigate road networks. The alpha-numeric numbering links the road guidance system to national and interstate routes. ‘M’ designates motorways of national significance, ‘A’ designates routes of national significance and ‘B’ is for routes with state significance.

Around half of crashes in NSW happen at intersections. You should approach intersections at a speed that allows you to give way. It is an offence to be in the middle of an intersection when the traffic lights change. Stay on the approach side until there is a big enough gap on the other side.

When you hear a siren or see flashing lights of an emergency vehicle you must give way. Generally, you need to pull over to the left until the vehicle passes. You can get an on-the-spot fine if you do not give way to emergency vehicles. If the police pursue you, immediately pull over.

Oversize vehicles may travel down the centre of a bridge and can occupy more than one lane not allowing room for another vehicle - so be prepared to stop and wait. Do not attempt to cross simultaneously as these vehicles are unable to reverse. If you see portable warning triangles on the road this can indicate a heavy vehicle has broken down and you should slow down and drive carefully.

Before moving from a stationary position at the side of the road or a median strip park, signal for at least five seconds, checking mirrors and blind spots.

A pelican crossing is a special pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights. The traffic lights have a different colour sequence. After the red light, the traffic lights start to flash yellow at the same time pedestrians see a flashing red DON’T WALK sign. This means you may drive carefully through the crossing if there is no risk of hitting a pedestrian.

If you have stopped for a train, always check that another one is not approaching before you move. You must stop at a crossing if:

Stop signals should be obeyed because trains cannot stop quickly. Remain behind the STOP line unless there is room to get across safely.

School buses - Take care when passing stationary buses from 7am - 9.30am and 2.30 - 5pm (when children are travelling to and from school).

Keep to the left of an oncoming light rail vehicle unless there is a barrier. To pass a light rail vehicle travelling in the centre or on the right side of the road - overtake on the left. You should overtake on the right when the light rail vehicle is on the left side of the road. You must not overtake on the left or right if it is turning in that direction.

If you hit a domestic animal, contact the owner, Police or RSPCA. Injured domestic animals should be taken to the nearest vet or animal shelter. Should you injure or kill a native or wild animal, try to remove it from the road but take care as some animals carry young in their pouches. The Wildlife and Information Rescue Service (WIRES) can care for hurt animals.

Two biggest risks are adjusting the sound system and other passengers. Drivers using mobile phones and GPS (particularly text entry) have increased crash risk. Text messaging while driving is dangerous and illegal.

You must stop at temporary traffic lights set up for road works. Large flashing arrows indicate hazards ahead and to merge lanes.

Parking signs may indicate METER, TICKET or COUPON parking. You may park for the length of time shown provided you pay the required charge.

Judging the space required to complete overtaking safely is difficult. If you have any doubts do not overtake. Generally, you must overtake on the right. If a vehicle is waiting to turn right, is stationary, or if you and the other vehicle are travelling in marked lanes you may overtake on the left side when safe.

Turning arrows at traffic lights - are used to control traffic turning right or left. A green arrow means you can only turn in that direction. A red arrow means traffic waiting to turn must wait behind the line until the arrow turns green or disappears, even if there is no traffic on the road. When the yellow (amber) arrow is flashing, you may proceed but you must give way to any pedestrian who is crossing the road you are turning into.

When approaching a crossing, look and listen for trains (even if lights are not flashing and gates are fully open). Slow down to a speed so you can stop quickly.

Parking rules stop vehicles parking in dangerous or inconvenient parks. Fines and demerit points apply for parking illegally. You must not leave children or pets alone in a vehicle. A baby/pet left in a hot car will suffer from dehydration and may die. A child can release the handbrake or start a fire with the lighter.

You must not drive on a section of painted road that is surrounded by double lines unless required (e.g. emergency vehicles or when avoiding an obstruction). You may drive on a painted island surrounded by single continuous or broken lines to enter or leave the road, or to enter a turning lane that begins immediately after the painted island for up to 50m. You must not stop on a painted island.

Slip lanes are mandatory where provided and improve safety and traffic flow when turning left. Do not stop in a slip lane unless there are parking signs.

You should keep in the middle of your marked lane or drive to the left of the road when there are no markings. Signal, check your mirrors and blind spots and give way to vehicles in the lane you are moving into.

S lanes create a right turn lane at intersections by merging the kerb-side lane and making the other lanes follow an S shape around a marked island. A single unbroken line separates the S shaped lanes.

If you park in places such as clearways or no parking zones, you could restrict traffic flow and create danger. Obey all parking signs.

This certificate must be carried while travelling unrestrained, otherwise both driver and passenger will be fined and the driver will get demerit points.

School bus headlights will flash when buses are dropping off or picking up school children as there may be children crossing or about to cross the road.

If you and an oncoming vehicle are turning right at an intersection both cars should pass in front of each other. If other drivers do not give way to you, do not get into danger. You must also give way to any pedestrians at or near the intersection on the road you are entering.

Parallel parking along the side of the road is the way to park unless signs indicate otherwise. Park in the same direction as traffic and as close as possible to the kerb. You should be within any lines and at least 1m from any other vehicle. On a one-way street, you may park on the right hand side.

When the lane you’re in ends, you must merge before you run out of road. There are two possible situations: The broken lane line ends before the lanes merge and the broken line continues until the lanes merge. In the first situation, the trailing vehicle must give way to the vehicle ahead (irrespective of lane). In the second situation, the vehicle in the lane about to end must give way to traffic in the other lane.

Hours of operations may apply meaning restrictions apply for those times only. MPS permit holders are allowed to park for up to 5 minutes.

Many prescription and some over-the-counter medicines affect driving. They can affect concentration, mood, coordination and reactions. Do not drive while taking medicines with a warning label that tells you not to drive including:

If you are involved in a crash you must stop and help anyone involved. If anyone is injured or killed, call the police and ambulance – dial 000. Protect the area to prevent another crash and, always ensuring your safety, remove anything that falls from the vehicles likely to endanger others (debris or glass). It is recommended you place a warning triangle 50 to 150m behind your vehicle to warn others and wear a reflective vest if you have one. Following a crash:

Roundabouts and bicycle riders - Bicycle riders are allowed to turn right from the left hand lane. When passing each exit, the rider must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout from that exit.

Motorways that require you pay a toll to use them (failure to pay may incur a penalty). Signage will alert you to the requirement for a toll in advance.

Regulatory signs tell you about laws to be obeyed. Except for STOP, GIVE WAY and ROUNDABOUT signs, most regulatory signs are rectangles with black on a white background though may have red or green (parking signs).

B signals - separate buses from other vehicles for a safer, smoother traffic flow. Never drive in the lanes marked BUSES ONLY. B signals are attached to the usual traffic lights. They show a white, red or yellow B. Shortly before the usual traffic signals change to green, the B signal lights up white. All other vehicles stay while the buses may proceed in any direction unless signs or markings indicate otherwise. The red and yellow B signals tell bus drivers when to stop at the intersection.

Some roads have lanes set aside for special vehicles (trucks, buses and bicycles) with signs at the start and end indicating their purpose. When part-time special purpose lanes are not operating, other vehicles are permitted.

Transit lanes can be used by vehicles with a certain number of people. Buses, taxis, hire cars, motorcycles, bicycles and emergency vehicles can use them regardless of the number of people. The two types of transit lanes are:

Before leaving your vehicle check your mirrors and blind spots for bicycles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. You should also ensure that the hand brake is on and (for manual vehicles) the gears are engaged either in first gear for downhill or reverse for uphill. Automatic vehicles should be left in PARK. If you are more than 3m away from your vehicle you must remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors and windows if there is no one in the vehicle.

Give way (generally by pulling over to the left) when you hear a siren or see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle so it has a clear passage.

Young drivers have a higher crash risk when travelling with similarly aged passengers than when travelling alone. For parents, distractions can come from tending to children. You should avoid or minimise distractions when engaged in complex driving actions.

A motorway is usually joined from a road merging on the left. Select a safe gap and increase your speed to safely merge.

Police often give hand signal directions at intersections and road incidents. You must always obey any direction you are given from the police.

When purchasing a child restraint look for the sticker certifying the restraint meets Australian Standard AS1754. A booster seat must be used with either an approved lap and sash seatbelt or an approved child safety harness.

Penalties apply for exceeding the BAC limits. Some foods and medications may contain alcohol that can register in a breath test (e.g. chocolates, cough lollies and mouthwashes). Always read the labels.

Where a Trucks/Buses Use Left Lane sign appears, trucks/buses must use the left lane until a sign tells otherwise. Other vehicles may also use this lane.

As the owner/driver your main responsibility is to report the accident to police immediately and sign a Towing Authorisation Form. If you are unable to sign, a police officer or authorised officer will organise the towing. It is also your responsibility to check the tow truck driver has in their possession an accredited driver certificate. A NSW-based tow truck should have a number plate with four numbers and ending in ‘TT’. If the tow truck driver cannot produce an accredited driver certificate or does not have an authorised tow vehicle, do not allow them to tow your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance policies may cover the towing fee.

Pedestrian signals - When making a turn you must give way to pedestrians on the road into which you are turning. At traffic light intersections there may be pedestrian signals (which must be followed) that show them when to cross.

Audible edge lines are a series of raised materials that create a noise or vibration when driven on to warn drivers who veer over the line.

Painted arrows tell you which direction must be taken in each lane. When more than one direction is shown, you may go in the either direction. Even if the lane you are in turns in only one direction you must signal. When you turn, stay in the same lane as you move from one road to the other.

Angle park at the kerb if indicated by signs or lines (assume 45° and front to kerb unless signs or lines indicate otherwise).

Speed cameras support NSW Police as they are proven to change behaviour and reduce road trauma. All cameras are regularly tested to ensure they are measuring speeds accurately and fine revenue raised goes directly towards improving road safety. There are 4 types of speed cameras used in NSW:

Children up to 6 months must be secured in an approved rear facing restraint device. From 6 months up to 12 months a child may be in either an approved rearward or forward facing restraint device. Children from 12 months up to 4 years must be in an approved forward facing child restraint. From 4 years to under 7 years, an approved child restraint or booster seat must be used. Approved restraints must be properly fastened, adjusted and anchored. All restraints should be fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not swerve violently to avoid an animal on the road (alive or dead) as you can lose control or hit oncoming traffic. If you can do so safely, stop or slow down and steer around the animal. If you can’t avoid the animal safely you may have to hit it to avoid injury or death to yourself and others. If the animal has been killed and it is safe, remove it from the road. Native animals may have babies in their pouches. If a native animal has been hurt, contact the Wildlife and Information Rescue Service (WIRES). If the animal is a domestic pet, contact the owner, police or the RSPCA. If the animal is injured, immediately take it to the nearest animal shelter or vet.

For example The Sydney to Newcastle Freeway previously known as the ‘F3’ is now joined with the Pacific Highway between Brunswick Heads and the Queensland border and known as the M1 Pacific Motorway.

* Maintenance kits for everyday leaks and spills indoors * 5 litre absorbent capacity * Contained in 10 litre labeled pail with lid

These lines can be broken or unbroken and are marked to keep traffic off soft road edges and breakdown lanes and help you see where you are going.

T signals - are special signals for light rail vehicles. These traffic lights display a red (stop), yellow (prepare to stop) or white (go) letter T.

To reduce the risk of a breakdown, service and maintain your vehicle and check your fuel before departing. Only stop if absolutely necessary, activating your hazard lights (leaving them on even if you’ve left the road) and trying to find a safe spot to pull over as far to the left as possible (e.g. emergency breakdown area). Assess the road and surrounds for hazards and risks. If it is not safe to exit the vehicle, remain in your seat with your seatbelt on and call roadside assistance. If it is safe, you can exit your car (preferably from the passenger side) and stand clear of the road, behind a safety barrier if possible. To further increase visibility in poor light conditions, activate your parking lights. It is recommended you carry a high-visibility vest and safety markers, so you can easily and safely access them if you break down.

Follow the instruction of road markings. If there are none, make a right turn by passing as near as possible to the right of the centre of the intersection.

Generally if you’re turning across another vehicle’s path, you must give way. When turning at an intersection, you must give way to:

If police do not attend, you must report the crash as soon as possible after leaving the crash site to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 where:

If you have a valid Parking Permit for an area displayed and the sign indicates you are exempt, you may park without time restrictions or paying a charge.

You must not negligently or wilfully interfere with, or interrupt, the free passage of any vehicle or person forming part of a funeral cortege or authorised procession. It is an offence and you will be fined.

Do not use or allow your lights to dazzle another road user and avoid looking at headlights. If you get dazzled look to the left of the road, slow down, drive to the left of your lane, and, if necessary, pull over until your eyes recover.

Dragon’s Teeth are a series of triangular markings placed in pairs to further increase the visibility of school zones and provide a constant reinforcement to slow down to 40km/h around schools.

Taxi drivers can be fined and given demerit points for every unrestrained passenger they carry. When travelling in taxis, a child under 12 months of age must use a suitable child restraint. Taxis have anchorage points for your child restraint and some taxi companies will supply a child restraint if you request one when booking. Approved restraints have the Standards Australia label.

Ensure the coupling and safety chains are secure and the trailer lights are working before starting your trip and throughout the trip.

Making a U-turn: On your approach signal right from the right lane, stay in the right lane, but signal left before exiting into the right lane.

Check out the other resources available to help you pass the Driver Knowledge Test and get your learner licence (L plates):

Unless a sign tells you otherwise, you can cross any type of dividing line during a right turn at an intersection. You can also turn to the right across a dividing line to enter or leave a property by the shortest route or to park in angle parking across the road.

Some intersections that have traffic lights contain painted bicycle areas that allow cyclists to stop safely. When traffic lights or arrows are red, drivers must not allow any part of the vehicle to enter the bicycle storage area.

Medical conditions: In rare circumstances an adult or child may obtain a doctor’s certificate to say they cannot wear a seatbelt. This certificate must:

Keep Clear pavement markings are to ensure vehicles are not obstructed. Do not stop between the marked lines. These markings may also be used at some T intersections to prevent queuing across the intersection.

Without the required passengers you can only enter a transit lane for a maximum of 100m when entering or leaving the road. Penalties apply for driving in transit lanes illegally.

Be especially alert on motorways/freeways because of the high-speed traffic. Bicycle riders are allowed on motorways unless prohibited by signs.

Cyclists must use a marked bicycle lane when available. These lanes are for bicycles only, but may be used for less than 50m to enter or leave the road.

Take extra care where there are no gates, booms or flashing lights, particularly in the country. Slow down, look and listen for trains.

If you are crossing as the light turns yellow (amber) and it is not safe to stop, continue driving through the intersection. The camera takes a photograph if you cross over the line 0.3 seconds after the light has turned red. Traffic already in the intersection or entering on a yellow (amber) light will not activate the camera (capable of detecting red light and speeding offences).

Combined children’s and pedestrian crossing - Pedestrian crossings can be used as children’s crossings. When the red CHILDREN CROSSING flags are displayed the crossing operates as a children’s crossing. When the flags are not displayed the crossing operates as a pedestrian crossing.

Many intersections have a roundabout to manage the traffic flow in roads with either a single lane or multiple lanes. Don’t drive on the central island of a roundabout unless the size of your vehicle means you can’t avoid it.

Road users must not lead an animal while their vehicle is moving. Animals should be seated or housed in appropriate areas (not in the driver’s lap). A motorcycle rider must have an animal between the handlebars and the rider.

Oversize vehicles are becoming more common, are often slower moving, occupy more of the road and take longer to stop. LONG VEHICLE signs mean the vehicle is longer than normal. OVERSIZE signs mean the vehicle is wider/longer/higher than normal.

Variable speed limit signs are placed in tunnels, on motorways and bridges. The changes in speed limits are enforceable and must be obeyed.

Everyone in a vehicle must wear a correctly fitted seatbelt when available. If seatbelts are unavailable, passengers must sit in the back if a seat is available. Passengers under 7 cannot travel in the front seat without a child restraint or seatbelt, even if the back seat is full. Learner or provisional licence holders cannot carry passengers if there are not enough seatbelts. It is illegal to drive with people in the boot or on the vehicle.

Variable message signs are large electronic signs placed on the side of some roads. They display messages to warn motorists of changes in normal traffic conditions on the road ahead, such as fog, crashes, road works, congestion and road closures. These early warnings help provide a safe and efficient traffic flow.

You must start your U-turn from as close as possible to the centre of the road. Before starting the U-turn you must make sure it is safe: check mirrors and blind spots. Do not begin unless you can make the turn without unreasonably obstructing traffic. Give way to all vehicles and pedestrians and signal.

Police will arrest you if they suspect you are driving drug-affected. You will have to give blood and urine samples for testing. In a crash where someone is sent to hospital, blood samples are taken which may be tested.