Austroads Learner Handbook: Comprehensive Study Guide

Austroads: Association and Purpose

Austroads is the association of Australian and New Zealand road transport and traffic authorities. Its membership includes:

Six Australian state road transport and traffic authorities.
Two Australian territory road transport and traffic authorities.
The Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
The Australian Local Government Association.
The New Zealand Transport Agency.

Purpose and Contributions Austroads facilitates improved transport options through the following actions:

Providing expert advice to the Standing Committee on Transport (SCOT) and the Australian Transport Council (ATC) regarding road and road transport issues.
Facilitating collaboration between road agencies.
Promoting harmonisation, consistency, and uniformity in road operations.
Undertaking strategic research and communicating outcomes.
Promoting improved and consistent practice across road agencies.

SECTION 1: Glossary of Terms

The following definitions are provided to assist learner drivers in understanding the terminology used in the handbook. Difficult words are highlighted throughout the text.

Ahead: Not far in front of you.
Approach, approaching: To get nearer to something.
Arrow: A symbol pointing in the direction of driving.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): A measure of how much alcohol is in your body.
Bridge: A structure designed to carry a road over railroads, rivers, other roads, or obstacles.
Built-up area: A road characterized by street lights and houses or buildings, typically within a town or city.
Caution: An instruction to be careful due to a possible problem ahead or close by.
Clearance: The height of a bridge; specific trucks may be too high to pass under.
Clearways: Lengths of road where kerbside parking and stopping are prohibited (except for buses and taxis) during specified times.
Continuous white centre line: A solid, unbroken white line in the middle of the road.
Controlled intersection: An intersection managed by stop signs, give way signs, or traffic lights.
Crest of a hill: The top of a hill where visibility of the other side is blocked.
Crossroads: A location where two or more roads cross over each other.
Demerit points: Points added to a driver's record for traffic violations. Accumulating $12$ points results in losing a licence.
Direction and opposite direction: "Direction" refers to where you are driving to; "opposite direction" refers to vehicles traveling the other way.
Divided road: A road featuring a painted strip or raised island down the middle.
Driveway: An entry or exit point near a gate or house for driving on to or off a property.
Drugs: Medication or illegal substances that can affect driving ability.
Elderly: An old person.
Ending road: A road that stops at its junction with another road.
Entry: A location where you can drive into a place.
Exit: A location where you can turn off or leave the road.
Fines: Monetary penalties for breaking road laws.
Freeway: A high-speed road with multiple lanes.
Give way: The act of letting other vehicles or people go first.
Hazard: A dangerous situation.
Intersection: A place where two or more roads meet or join.
Learner licence: Required before practicing driving on the road.
Legal alcohol limit: The maximum allowable amount of alcohol in the body before breaking the law.
Maximum speed: The fastest legal speed allowed.
Median strip: A painted strip or raised area in the middle of a road.
Medication: Drugs or medicine.
Merging traffic: When two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction join to become one lane.
Minimum speed: The slowest legal speed allowed.
Narrows: A section where the road becomes less wide.
Offence: An act of breaking the law.
On-coming traffic: Vehicles ahead that are coming toward you.
Overtaking: Passing a slower vehicle going in the same direction.
Parked: When a vehicle is stopped on the side of the road for a duration.
Passenger: A person in the vehicle who is not the driver.
Pedestrian crossing: Marked safe places on the road for pedestrians to cross; drivers must stop and give way to anyone on the crossing.
Pedestrian: A person walking or using a wheelchair (motorized or otherwise).
Penalties: Punishments for road law violations.
P licence: A licence held by a provisional or probationary driver.
Proceed: To move forward.
Prohibited: Not allowed.
Railway crossing: Where the road crosses train tracks.
Road Island: A raised or painted area in the center of the road dividing traffic.
Random Breath Test (RBT): A police test to measure a driver's alcohol consumption.
Restraint or restraining device: Seat belts or specialized car seats for children.
Reversing: Moving a vehicle backward.
Road markings: Painted lines on the road that provide instructions to drivers.
Road user: Anyone using the road, including drivers, pedestrians, passengers, and cyclists.
Roadwork: Areas where the road is being repaired or dug up.
Roundabout: An intersection where traffic moves in a circular direction around a central point.
Services: Locations providing petrol, shops, or toilets.
Siren: A loud noise-making device used by ambulances, police cars, or fire engines.
Sign: Pictures or words on a pole providing essential road information.
Slip lane: A lane allowing cars to turn left at an intersection without entering the main intersection area.
Slippery road: Roads that are wet, muddy, or have loose gravel.
Supervising driver: The driver required to sit next to a learner licence holder.
Speed limit: The maximum legal speed.
T-junction (or T-intersection): Where roads meet in the shape of the letter T.
Traffic infringement penalties: Fines and demerit points.
Traffic lights: Red, yellow, and green signals that regulate traffic flow.
U-turn: Turning around to travel in the opposite direction.
Uncontrolled intersections: Intersections without signs, lines, or traffic lights.
Utility (Ute): A vehicle similar to a small truck with an open space in the back for loads.
Vehicle: Includes cars, buses, bicycles, motorcycles, or trucks.
Zigzag lines: Markings on the road before a school pedestrian crossing.
Zone: An area marked for a special purpose, such as a school zone or shared zone.

SECTION 2: Road Signs

Road signs are categorized by color and shape to inform users of requirements or hazards. Road law and warning signs are considered the most important for safety.

Road Law Signs

You must follow the instructions on road law signs; failure to do so is an offence and can result in the loss of a licence. Most road law signs are red, white, or black.

Stop Sign: Slow down, stop behind the white line or by the sign, and give way according to road rules.
Give Way Sign: Slow down, stop if necessary, and give way to other road users.
Roundabout Sign: Slow down and prepare to stop to give way to vehicles already on the roundabout.
No U-turn: U-turns are prohibited.
No Entry: Do not drive past this sign on to the road.
One Way: Drive only in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Traffic Direction: Similar to one way; follow the arrow's direction.
No Left/Right Turn: Prohibits turning in the specified direction.
Keep Left: Drive only on the left side of the sign.
Two Way Traffic: Vehicles travel in both directions.
Wrong Way: Stop and turn around as soon as it is safe to do so.
Keep Left Unless Overtaking: Keep the right lane free unless overtaking, turning right, or avoiding an obstacle.
Speed Limit: Indicates the maximum speed in $km/h$ (e.g., $60\,km/h$ ).
End Speed Limit: The specific limit shown in the circle has concluded.
No Overtaking: Used when the road is only wide enough for one vehicle; allow on-coming traffic to pass first.

Warning Signs

Warning signs alert drivers to hazards ahead. They are typically yellow and black and diamond-shaped. If a speed limit is shown on a warning sign, it is the maximum safe speed for good conditions; drivers should go slower in poor conditions.

Pedestrian Crossing Ahead/Crossing: Prepare to give way or give way to people on the crossing.
Children/School Ahead: Watch for children near the road.
Bicycles/Pedestrians Ahead: Be alert for these road users.
Kangaroo/Cattle/Sheep: Watch for animals on or near the road.
Truck/Traffic Lights/Roundabout Ahead: Prepare for the indicated intersection or vehicle type.
Railway Level Crossing (Standard/Flashing): Prepare to stop for trains.
Divided Road/End Divided Road: Indicates the start or end of a median strip.
Narrow Road/One-lane Bridge: The road or bridge ahead narrows; wait for on-coming traffic if necessary.
Steep Descent: Caution for a steep downhill grade.
Crossroad: Intersection of two or more roads.
T-junction Ahead: Road intersects in a T-shape.
Merging Traffic (Left or Right): Two lanes join into one.
Lane Direction: Indicates the number of lanes and their travel directions.
Sharp Turns/Bends/Winding Road: Indicates curves in the road; sharp bends may include a speed advisory (e.g., $20\,km/h$ ).
Dip/Road Humps: Sudden drops or ridges in the road require slower speeds.
Slippery Road: Wet, muddy, or gravelly conditions.
Low Clearance: The bridge is low; tall trucks must not enter.
Ford: Water flows across the road.
Aircraft: Low-flying aircraft may be overhead.

Hazard Markers

Hazard markers guide traffic around physical obstacles and are usually black/white or black/yellow.

Markers indicating direction: Tell the driver to go left, right, or choice of either.
Width Markers: Placed on bridges or cattle grids to show available road width.

Roadwork Signs

These signs (yellow, orange, black, red, or white) manage traffic near construction.

Reduce Speed: Indicates roadworkers ahead; obey the shown speed limit.
Detour: Follow and use an alternate route as indicated by arrows.
Stop/Slow Signs: Handheld signs used by traffic controllers.

Information Signs

These provide context for road users, such as:

Directions/Towns Ahead: Distance in kilometers (e.g., Town A $15\,km$ ).
Services: Distance to petrol, food, or toilets.
Places of Interest: Directs to tourism areas.
Roadside Rest: Location of upcoming rest areas.

SECTION 3: Giving Way

Giving way means letting another road user go first.

The Left and Right Rule To distinguish left from right, hold hands out with nails facing you and thumbs out; the hand forming the letter "L" is the left hand.

Giving Way at Intersections

Intersections are categorized into crossroads (two roads crossing) and T-intersections (one road ending at another).

Crossroads with No Signs/Lines

Give Way to the Right: You must let vehicles on your right go first, including bicycles and trucks.
Diagram 1: Red car has a green car on its right; red car must give way.
Diagram 2: Red car has a green car on its right wanting to turn; red car must give way.
Diagram 3 (On-coming Traffic): If you are turning right and an on-coming vehicle is going straight, you must give way to them.
Diagram 4: If you are turning right and an on-coming vehicle is turning left, you must give way to the person turning left.
Diagram 5: If both vehicles are turning right from the same road, neither needs to give way to the other; they can both proceed simultaneously.

T-Intersections with No Signs/Lines

Ending Road Rule: Vehicles on the road that ends must give way to all vehicles on the continuing road (except those doing U-turns).
Diagram 6: Red car is on the ending road; it must give way to green cars on the through road.
Turning Right from Continuing Road: A vehicle turning right from the through road into the ending road must give way to on-coming traffic going straight or turning left (Diagram 7).

SECTION 4: Intersections with Signs and Markings

Broken Lines: Indicate where you must give way.
Continuous/Solid Lines: Indicate where you must stop.
Intersections with One Sign: Face the sign or line even if the other driver has no sign; you must give way (Diagram 10).
Intersections with Two or More Signs: If both drivers have signs (e.g., two Stop signs), the standard give-way rules apply (Diagram 11 & 12).

Priority Situations (Diagram 13 & 14)

At a crossroad (no signs), give way to vehicles on the right.
At a T-intersection, the vehicle on the ending road goes last.
Between on-coming vehicles, the one turning right gives way to the one going straight or turning left.

SECTION 5: Traffic Lights, Roundabouts, and Lanes

Traffic Lights:
- Red: Stop behind the line.
- Green: Go if the intersection is clear. If turning right, enter and wait, but give way to on-coming traffic (Diagram 15).
- Yellow: Stop if safe; do not slam brakes or speed up to "beat" the light.
- Arrow Lights: Green arrows allow movement in that direction; red arrows prohibit it.
- Flashing Yellow: Indicates broken lights; treat as a give-way situation.
Roundabouts: Always give way to vehicles already on the roundabout (Diagram 16).
Slip Lanes: Vehicles in a slip lane must give way to all other traffic except those doing U-turns (Diagram 17).
Driveways: When entering or leaving a road via a driveway, give way to all road users, including pedestrians on the footpath (Diagram 18).

SECTION 6: Narrow Roads and Bridges

Drivers must give way to on-coming vehicles until the narrow section is clear (Diagram 20). Drivers must not overtake on narrow sections; wait until the road widens (Diagram 19).

SECTION 7: Other Road Users

Pedestrians: When turning at an intersection, you must give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into (Diagram 21).
Children's Crossings: Marked by orange flags. If no supervisor is present, give way until the pedestrian is back on the footpath. If a supervisor is present, Wait until they return to the footpath. Never overtake a vehicle stopped at a children's crossing.
Zebra Crossings: Give way to people on the crossing and do not overtake stopped vehicles.
Shared Zones: Zones where pedestrians and vehicles share space. Speed limit is typically $10\,km/h$ . Vehicles must give way to pedestrians at all times.
Horses: If a rider signals or the horse is difficult to control, pull over, turn off the engine, and wait until it is safe to proceed.
Bicycles: Treat as a vehicle. When overtaking, provide at least $1\,metre$ of space. Check mirrors and shoulders before opening doors. Do not drive in bicycle lanes unless turning or stopping.
Buses and School Buses: Give way to buses displaying a give-way sign on the back when they signal to pull out from a stop. School buses use flashing yellow lights when children are boarding/disembarking; drivers must slow down and prepare for children crossing.
Emergency Vehicles: When an emergency vehicle uses sirens and flashing red/blue lights, move to the left and/or stop to clear its path immediately.
Level Crossings: Always give way to trains. Obey flashing lights, bells, and gates. If only a Stop sign exists, you must stop, look both ways, and proceed only when clear.

SECTION 8: Merging, U-turns, and Parking

Merging:
- No Line: The vehicle in front has priority; the vehicle behind gives way (Diagram 22).
- Line Present: The vehicle in the lane that ends must give way to vehicles in the continuing lane (Diagram 23).
U-turns:
- Prohibited at traffic lights unless a "U-turn Permitted" sign is present.
- Prohibited across any continuous line (single or double).
- Must give way to all other road users, regardless of signs they face (Diagram 24).
Parked Vehicles: When driving off from the side of the road, you must signal for at least $5\,seconds$ and give way to all other traffic (Diagram 25).

SECTION 9: Learner Driver Rules

L Plates: Must be displayed clearly on the front and back of the vehicle.
Licence: Must be carried at all times and shown to police on request.
Supervision: You must never drive alone. A supervising driver with a full (open) licence must sit in the front passenger seat. P-platers cannot be supervisors.
Practice: Requirements vary by state (typically $100$ to $120$ hours) and usually require logging in a logbook.
P Licence Eligibility: You must hold a learner licence for at least $1\,year$ before testing for a P licence.
Mobile Phones: Total ban while driving (includes texting, calling, or listening).
Alcohol/Drugs: Legal limit is zero ( $0.00\,BAC$ ). Illegal drugs are prohibited.
Speeding: Never exceed the speed limit. Some states restrict learners to a specific maximum speed regardless of the posted limit.
Distance: Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, especially in wet weather which increases braking distance.
Seatbelts: Every occupant (including children in proper restraints and the elderly) must wear a seatbelt. Drivers are responsible for passenger compliance.
Utility Vehicles: No passengers allowed in the back tray.
Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure all lights work and tyres have adequate tread and pressure. Bald tyres are dangerous due to lack of grip.

Questions & Discussion (Self-Test Answers)

Sign Identification

U-turn Prohibited (1a): You must not do a U-turn here.
No Overtaking/Passing (1b/7c): Do not drive next to or pass vehicles on narrow sections.
Speed Sign (1c): Speed limit is $50\,km/h$ .
Direction Arrow (1d): Drive only in the direction of the arrow; no turns or U-turns allowed.
No Buses (1e): Buses prohibited past this sign.

Warning Scenarios

Level Crossing (8f): Wait for lights to stop flashing entirely before driving on.
Merging (8h): In a "zip" merge with a dotted line ending, the car in the ending lane gives way.
Children's Crossing (7d): Stay stopped until all pedestrians are off the road entirely.
Bicycle vs. Slip Lane (7b): The car in the slip lane must give way to the bicyclist turning right.
Exit from Driveway (6e): The red car must give way to all other road users.

Learner Laws

While driving, you must not speak, listen, text, or dial numbers on a mobile phone.
You must have your learner licence with you at all times while driving.
Your alcohol level (BAC) when driving must always be nothing ( $0$ ).
Your supervisor must sit next to you.
You and your passengers must do up seatbelts.
You must not drive faster than the speed limit.