Road User Handbook Notes

Introduction

The Road User Handbook provides the essential road rules for legal and safe driving in NSW. It is written in plain language and is not a detailed version of road law. For the complete set of Road Rules, refer to legislation.nsw.gov.au.

The handbook aims to:

• Help you understand your legal responsibilities on the road.

• Teach safe driving behavior.

• Prepare you for the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) and other licensing tests.

In this handbook:

• 'Must' or 'must not' indicate rules you have to follow.

• 'Should' or 'should not' explain safe and low-risk driving.

The handbook is periodically reviewed and updated.

• For the latest version, visit nsw.gov.au.

• Also visit nsw.gov.au for bicycle rider, heavy vehicle driver, and motorcycle rider handbooks.

A free interpreter service is available for the DKT or Hazard Perception Test (HPT). Call 13 22 13 to arrange an interpreter.

Statistics are sourced from Transport for NSW 2014–2018 unless otherwise stated.

Everyone has a responsibility to share the roads safely and look out for each other.

Contents

The handbook covers the following topics:

1. Licences

2. Safe driving behavior

3. Sharing with other road users

4. Stopping, giving way, and turning

5. Road lanes, lines, and markings

6. Warnings and road hazards

7. Vehicle safety and compliance

8. Penalties

Licences

Getting a driver licence in NSW involves a journey that starts with a learner licence. The learning process is spread over 3 or 4 years to build experience for safe driving.

A driver licence brings freedom but also responsibility. It is a commitment to keep roads safe for everyone. There is a set process and fees for obtaining a licence. Honesty is required throughout the process.

Misusing a licence can result in heavy penalties and loss of driving privileges.

Getting Your Driver Licence

To obtain a full (unrestricted) Car (C) driver licence, you must complete three licence stages:

• Learner licence

• Provisional P1 licence (red P)

• Provisional P2 licence (green P)

Along the way, you need to pass three tests:

• Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)

• Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

• Driving Test

There is a fee for each licence and test.

These licensing stages are part of the Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS), designed to help you become a safe and low-risk driver. It takes at least 4 years to get a full licence if you are aged under 25, or at least 3 years if you are over 25.

Before you start, you must:

• Be aged 15 and 11 months or older (for the DKT online only; 16 or over for the DKT in-person).

• Have a residential address in NSW.

• Be able to prove who you are.

• Be medically fit to drive and able to pass an eyesight test.

7 Steps to Getting Your Driver Licence

1. Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)

   • DKT online: Minimum age is 15 years and 11 months old.

   • DKT in-person: Minimum age is 16 years old.

2. Learner Licence

   • Minimum age for this stage is 16 years old.

   • Minimum 12 months (for under 25 year olds only).

   • Valid for 5 years.

   • Log book (120 hours for under 25 year olds only).

3. Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

   • Minimum 10 months on a learner licence (for under 25 year olds only).

   • Valid for 15 months

4. Driving Test

   • Minimum age for this stage is 17 years old.

5. Provisional P1 Licence

   • Minimum 12 months

   • Valid for 18 months

6. Provisional P2 Licence

   • Minimum 24 months (P2 drivers who receive a suspension for unsafe driving behavior must stay on their licence for an extra 6 months for every suspension they receive).

   • Valid for 36 months

7. Full Licence

   • Issued for 12 months, 36 months, 5 or 10 years (10 years applies to full licence holders aged 21 to 44 years).

Step 1: Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)

The DKT is the first step in getting a driver licence and can be completed online or in person.

DKT Online

The DKT online is an interactive course and test accessible anywhere with internet. You can work through the course at your own pace and take the test as many times as needed for one fee. You must be aged 15 and 11 months or older to enroll.

For more information, visit service.nsw.gov.au

MyServiceNSW Account required to enroll in DKT online. If you do not have an account you can create one using your email address.

An Australian identity document is required when you enroll in the DKT online. If you do not have an acceptable document you can visit a service centre to prove your identity in person.

When you pass the test and are aged 16 or older you can visit a service centre to apply for your learner licence. You do not need to make a booking but you will need your identity documents and payment for the test and licence fees.

DKT In-Person

You must be aged 16 or older to do the DKT in-person. The DKT in-person is a multiple choice computer test that you complete at a service centre after you make a booking.

To prepare for the test you can:

• Read this handbook

• View the DKT test questions at nsw.gov.au

• Use the NSW Practice Test or download a NSW practice test app.

Book and pay for your test at service.nsw.gov.au

If you pass the DKT in-person, you apply for your learner licence and pay the licence fee.

Depending on availability, if you fail the DKT in-person you can re-sit the test on the same day, or book to do it another time. You must pay a fee every time you re-sit the in-person test.

On the day you apply for your licence, you will get a temporary paper licence and your card posted to you. After you receive your licence card you can also apply for a digital driver licence via your MyServiceNSW Account.

Extra Support For The DKT

If you're from a disadvantaged background or Aboriginal community, the Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP) can help you to get a driver licence. DLAP is a free program providing support to people in NSW who face extra challenges in getting a licence. Visit nsw.gov.au for more information.

If you need help with the DKT in-person questions, call 13 22 13 to book your test with an assistant reader.

Step 2: Learner Licence

Once you have passed the DKT and have your learner licence, you can begin practicing driving with a supervisor who has a full Australian driver licence.

• If you are over 25, you can go to step 3 as soon as you feel ready and you do not need to log any driving hours.

• If you are under 25, you need to start logging hours

Your learner licence is valid for 5 years, but if you let it expire, you will need to pass another DKT and pay the test and license fee again.

Logging Driving Hours

You need to log at least 120 hours of driving, including 20 hours at night, before you can take the Driving Test.

To gain experience and log your hours, you can:

• Do the Safer Drivers Course. This will help you develop hazard perception and safe driving skills. You get 20 hours log book credit once you complete the course.

• Have structured '3 for 1' driving lessons with a licensed driving instructor. For every 1 hour lesson, the driving instructor can record 3 hours driving experience in your log book.

• Get support from the Driver Licensing Access Program, if you are Aboriginal or a disadvantaged person.

Learner Licence Restrictions

There are license restrictions that you need to follow. Examples include always having someone with a full Australian driver licence supervising you when you are learning to drive, zero alcohol, and displaying your L plates. These restrictions are there to keep you safe as you develop your driving skills.

Step 3: Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

The HPT is a computer-based test that measures your ability to recognize and respond to road hazards. The test uses film clips of real driving situations. You respond by touching the screen to show what you would do, for example, slow down or turn.

If you’re over 25, you can do the test as soon as you have your learner licence and feel ready. If you’re under 25, you need to have your learner licence for at least 10 months before you can take the test.

Visit nsw.gov.au to read more about the Hazard Perception Test and the Hazard Perception Handbook.

Book and pay for your test at service.nsw.gov.au. When you book, you can choose which service centre you want to take the test at.

If you pass the HP, the next step is to prepare for the Driving Test and a provisional P1 licence. If you fail the HPT, depending on availability, you can re-sit the test on the same day or book to do it another time. You have to pay for the test each time you re-sit it.

Step 4: Driving Test

You need to pass the Driving Test to get your provisional P1 licence. If you do not pass the Driving Test within 15 months of passing the HPT, you must pass the HPT again before you can take the Driving Test.

The Driving Test is a practical on-road test that you take with a Service NSW testing officer. The test assesses your driving skills, decision-making, and how you share the road with others. You have to bring a suitable car to do the test. It needs to be registered, safe for road use, and ready to drive.

If you’re over 25, you can book your Driving Test as soon as you’ve passed the HPT. If you're under 25, you also need to have:

• had your learner licence for at least 12 months

• logged at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving.

Make sure you feel prepared and confident that you can pass before taking the test. Read A Guide to the Driving Test at nsw.gov.au to help you prepare. Book and pay for your test at service.nsw.gov.au. When you book, you can choose which service centre you want to take the test at.

If you pass the Driving Test you can apply for your provisional P1 licence. If you fail the Driving Test, you can take it again after 7 days. You will need to book and pay for the test again.

Step 5: Provisional P1 Licence (Red P)

Once you have passed the Driving Test, you can apply for your provisional P1 licence. Once you have your P1 licence, you no longer have to keep a log book or have a supervisor in the car with you. As you drive on your own, you continue to learn, build your driving skills, and gain confidence.

There are license restrictions that you need to follow. Examples include the maximum speed you can drive, the vehicles you can drive and the number of passengers you can take. These restrictions are to help keep you safe as you develop your driving skills.

As long as you follow the restrictions of your P1 licence, it is valid for 18 months. You can renew it (for a fee) for another 18 months if you want to.

If you are ready, you can apply for a P2 licence after 12 months. If your P1 licence is suspended, the 12 months is extended by the length of the suspension, for example, by 3 months. If your P1 licence is disqualified, you will need to reapply for a P1 licence when your disqualification ends. This will re-start the P1 licence period and you can apply for a P2 licence after 12 months.

Step 6: Provisional P2 Licence (Green P)

Once you have had your provisional P1 licence for at least 12 months, you can apply for a provisional P2 licence at service.nsw.gov.au.

There are still license restrictions that you need to follow. Some are the same as the P1 license, but some are different, such as how many passengers you can take and what you can tow.

As long as you follow the restrictions of your P2 licence, it is valid for 36 months. You can renew it (for a fee) for another 36 months if you want to.

If you are ready, you can progress to a full licence after 24 months. If your P2 licence is suspended, the 24 months is extended by the length of the suspension (for example 3 months) plus an additional 6 months. This is to give you time to refine your safe driving skills and make sure you’re ready for a full licence. If your P2 licence is disqualified, you will need to reapply for a P2 licence when your disqualification ends. This will re-start the P2 licence period and you can progress to a full licence after 24 months.

Step 7: Full (Unrestricted) Licence

Once you have had your provisional P2 licence for at least 24 months, you can apply for your full driver licence at service.nsw.gov.au. You can apply for a full licence for 1, 3, or 5 years, or 10 years if you are aged between 21 and 44. Your driver licence gives you a great sense of freedom, but it comes with responsibility. Driving is one of the riskiest things we do on a daily basis. Make sure you keep up your driving skills and follow the road rules.

Licence Classes

This handbook is about getting a Car (C) licence. The vehicles you can drive with a C licence are described below. If you have a provisional P1 or P2 licence, there are restrictions on the vehicles you can drive. Other vehicles, such as motorcycles and heavy vehicles, need different licences. You must have your C licence before getting these licenses – except for Rider (R) licenses. You also have to take tests, competency assessments, and medical checks.

Car (C) Licence

Drivers with a C licence can drive vehicles:

• Up to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM)

• That seat up to 12 adults including the driver.

This includes:

• Utes, vans and some light trucks

• Tractors, and implements such as road graders

• Car-based motor tricycles (3-wheeled vehicles made from car components). Drivers with a C licence must not carry passengers aged under 16 in a car-based motor tricycle.

Rider (R) Licence

Riders with an R licence can ride any motorcycle, scooter, or motor tricycle.

Light Rigid (LR) Licence

Drivers with an LR licence can drive C vehicles as well as vehicles:

• Over 4.5 tonnes (GVM) but not more than 8 tonnes (GVM) – for example, small delivery trucks

• That seat more than 12 adults (including driver) and are not more than 8 tonnes (GVM) – for example, minibuses

• With a towing trailer up to 9 tonnes (GVM).

Medium Rigid (MR) Licence

Drivers with an MR licence can drive C and LR vehicles as well as rigid vehicles with:

• 2 axles and over 8 tonnes (GVM) – for example, buses

• A towing trailer up to 9 tonnes (GVM).

Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence

Drivers with an HR licence can drive C, LR, and MR vehicles, as well as rigid vehicles and articulated buses with:

• 3 or more axles and over 8 tonnes (GVM)

• A towing trailer up to 9 tonnes (GVM).

Heavy Combination (HC) Licence

Drivers with an HC licence can drive C, LR, MR, and HR vehicles, as well as:

• Prime movers attached to single semi-trailers (plus any unladen converter dolly)

• Rigid vehicles towing a trailer over 9 tonnes (GVM) (plus any unladen converter dolly).

Multi Combination (MC) Licence

Drivers with an MC licence can drive C, LR, MR, HR, and HC vehicles, as well as:

• B-double or road trains

• Low loader dollies

• Low loader trailer combinations.

Other Licences

Once you have your full C licence, you can apply for a:

• Passenger Transport (PT) licence code (taxis, chauffeur-driven hire cars and rideshare vehicles)

• Driving instructor licence

• Tow truck driver certificate.

Once you have a licence for the class of bus you want to drive, you can apply for a Bus Driver Authority.

Licence Restrictions

There are restrictions you must follow when you drive with a:

• Learner licence

• Provisional P1 licence (red P)

• Provisional P2 licence (green P)

These restrictions are in place to help keep you safe as you develop your driving skills. They also apply when you drive in another state or territory. If you do not follow these restrictions, you will get a fine. You can also get demerit points or even lose your license.

The restrictions are summarized in the following table:

Medical Conditions and Disability

When you apply for your driver licence, you must declare any medical conditions or disabilities that could affect your driving. You also need to pass an eyesight test.

For some medical conditions, such as epilepsy or cardiovascular conditions, you will need regular medical assessments to ensure you are fit to drive. If you develop a medical condition after getting your license, you must inform Transport for NSW. Driving with a medical condition can endanger yourself and other road users. Failure to follow medical directions can lead to losing your license.

Disability can affect your driving ability to varying degrees. If Transport for NSW determines that a disability has a serious effect, you may need to take a test to demonstrate your driving ability and determine if any aids or vehicle modifications are necessary. Conditions may be placed on your license, such as driving only automatic vehicles.

As you get older, age-related health changes may affect your ability to drive. From the age of 75, you must pass a medical assessment and eyesight test every year to keep your license. From 85, you will also need to take a practical driving assessment every 2 years. Alternatively, you can opt for a modified (local area) licence without a practical driving assessment if you no longer need your full licence.

Interstate and Overseas Licences

If you hold a current interstate or overseas driver licence, you can use it to drive in NSW. The specific conditions and duration of allowed use depend on your individual circumstances.

Learner Licence: You must adhere to your licence conditions and have a supervising driver with a full Australian (class C) licence. You must also display L plates and have zero alcohol level.

Provisional Licence: You must follow the conditions of your licence.

Full Licence: You must follow the conditions of your licence.

When driving in NSW with an interstate or overseas licence, you must:

Obey NSW road rules and meet the conditions of your current licence.

Hold the correct licence class for the vehicle you are driving.

Not drive if your licence is suspended or disqualified.

Not drive if your right to drive in NSW is withdrawn.

Interstate and New Zealand Licences

You can drive in NSW using your interstate or New Zealand driver licence for up to 3 months. If you wish to continue driving in NSW after this period, you must transfer your licence to a NSW licence within those 3 months.

Overseas Licences (Excluding New Zealand)

You can drive in NSW using your overseas driver licence for 3 or 6 months. You must carry your driver licence with you, and if it is not in English, also carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit.

Australian Resident Visas

If you are issued an Australian permanent resident visa and want to continue driving in NSW after 3 months, you must transfer your licence to a NSW licence. This must be done within the 3 months. If you are issued an Australian temporary visa and live in NSW for more than 6 months you must transfer your licence to a NSW driver licence. This must be done within the 6 months.

When you have a NSW licence, your interstate or overseas licence is no longer valid to drive in Australia. You can only drive on one driver licence in Australia. Visit nsw.gov.au for information about transferring your interstate or overseas licence.

Penalties

If you have an overseas licence and live in NSW on an Australian temporary visa, your right to drive will be withdrawn when:

• You have lived in NSW for 6 months or more and have not transferred to a NSW driver licence.

• Your licence is suspended or disqualified in Australia or another country.

• You exceed your equivalent licence demerit point limit.

• You commit certain speeding, alcohol, or other drug-related driving offences.

Transferring Your Licence

When transferring your interstate or overseas licence, you will receive an equivalent NSW licence.

*Depending on where your overseas licence is from, you may need to take the Driver Knowledge Test and the Driving Test.

Driving With The Correct Licence

You must always carry and have the correct licence with you for the vehicle you are driving. Police can ask to see your licence anytime. If you’re using a digital driver licence make sure your phone is charged and the screen is not cracked.

You can get a fine for driving without your licence with you or refusing to show it when asked. Your licence must be:

1. Current (not expired, suspended, or disqualified)

2. The correct licence class for the type of vehicle you are driving.

3. A NSW licence, unless you are complying with the current requirements and conditions for interstate and overseas driver licences.

Penalties for driving without the correct, current licence include large fines and prison, and increase for repeat offences within 5 years.

You must not let anyone without a licence drive your vehicle.

Learner Driver Supervisor

A learner driver must always drive with a supervisor sitting in the seat next to them. A learner can be immediately suspended if they drive without a supervisor.

Supervisor Requirements

A supervisor must have a full (unrestricted) Australian driver licence. This means a driver with a learner, provisional P1 or P2, or overseas licence must not supervise a learner driver. Both the supervisor and the learner driver can be fined if the supervisor does not have a full Australian driver licence.

Alcohol and drugs

When supervising a learning driver, a supervisor must:

• Have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under 0.05

• Not have illegal drugs present in their system or be under the influence of any drug.

Police can breath-test a supervisor involved in a crash. If a supervisor is admitted to hospital after a crash, medical practitioners can also take blood and urine tests. Police can also test a supervisor who shows signs of being under the influence of drugs, including prescription drugs. The same severe penalties for alcohol and drugs that apply to drivers also apply to supervisors.

Safety First

When you are learning to drive, your supervisor is both a role model and a mentor. They should support and help you become a safe and skilled driver. When you start learning, you should practice simple skills, such as steering, accelerating, and braking. It is best to learn these on quiet roads during the day. Once you have mastered those, you can move on to more difficult tasks on busier roads and in more challenging conditions. When you start practicing at night, drive on roads you know well.

Safe Driving Behaviour

Every year around 350 people are killed on NSW roads and another 22,000 are injured. The major behavioral factors that contribute to deaths on the road are speeding, drink driving, drug driving, fatigue, and not wearing seatbelts.

Of the fatal crashes involving young drivers/riders aged 17 to 25:

• 43% involved speeding

• 22% involved the presence of illegal drugs

• 17% involved alcohol

• 15% involved fatigue

NSW crash data shows that provisional P1 drivers are most likely to be involved in a crash.

To make sure our roads are safe for all road users, it’s critical drivers understand and practice safe driving behaviors and follow the road rules. You can reduce your chances of being in a crash if you follow the speed limits and drive to the conditions, do not drink or take drugs and drive, get enough sleep and be aware when you’re too tired to drive, and make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt. Your decisions can make a big difference to safety on the road.

Speed Limits

Speeding is the number one killer on NSW roads, and it is a factor in around 40% of deaths and 20% of serious injuries each year.

The Rules

On roads where there is a speed limit sign, you must not drive faster than that speed limit. On roads where there is no speed limit sign, you must not drive faster than the default speed limit:

• 50km/h in ‘built-up areas’ – areas with street lights and buildings next to the road less than 100m apart

• 100km/h for all other roads.

You must not drive faster than the maximum speed allowed by your driver or rider licence, even when a speed limit sign is higher. The maximum speed for learner and provisional P1 is 90km/h, provisional P2 is 100km/h, and heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes is 100km/h.

It is illegal to have a radar detector or jammer in your vehicle. These devices detect, interfere with, or reduce the effectiveness of speed-measuring devices.

Penalties:

Penalties for speeding include fines, demerit points (including double demerit points), loss of licence, and taking away your vehicle or number plates. The penalty increases the more you are over the speed limit, and if you speed in school zones. Learner and provisional P1 drivers will go over their demerit point limit for any speeding offence and their licence will be suspended.

Types of Speed Limit Signs

Regulatory Speed Signs

Regulatory speed limit signs have a white background with the speed limit in a red circle. You must not drive faster than the speed limit shown on the sign.

Variable Speed Limit Signs

These are electronic signs placed in tunnels and on motorways and bridges where the speed limit changes based on the road conditions. You must not go faster than the speed limit shown on the sign.

Local Traffic Areas

A local traffic area is an area of local streets with a speed limit of 40km/h. The lower speed limit means greater safety for all road users and more peace and quiet for people living in the area.

High Pedestrian Activity Areas

High pedestrian activity areas have a speed limit of 30km/h or 40km/h. This lower speed limit improves safety in areas with high levels of pedestrian activity, such as busy central business district zones and small suburban shopping strips.

Shared Zone

A shared zone is where pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles can share the road safely. Shared zones have a speed limit of 10km/h. You must not drive faster than this speed limit. You must also give way to any pedestrian in a shared zone. This includes slowing down and stopping, if necessary, to avoid them.

School Zone

A school zone is the area around a school between a ‘School zone’ sign and an ‘End school zone’ sign. You must not drive faster than the speed limit in a school zone on school days during the times shown on the sign. School days are published by the NSW Department of Education. Every school has at least one set of flashing lights, which operate during school zones times. ‘Dragon’s teeth’ are also painted on the road to make school zones more visible.

School Bus Stop Zone

The speed limit in a school bus stop zone is 40km/h when bus lights flash. A school bus stop zone is the area between a ‘School bus stop zone’ sign and an ‘End school bus stop zone’ sign. This area is where school buses stop to drop off or pick up children. If you are driving in a school bus stop zone and see a bus with flashing lights on the top, you must not pass or overtake it in any direction at more than 40km/h while the lights are flashing.

Buses with Flashing Lights

At any time when you are travelling in the same direction as a bus with a ‘40 when lights flash’ sign on the back and the lights on top are flashing, you must not overtake it at more than 40km/h. This is because the bus is picking up or dropping off children who may be crossing or about to cross the road.

Road Work Speed Limit Signs

Roadwork signs alert you to the start and end of roadworks and the speed limit for that area. You must not go faster than the speed limit shown on the sign.

Advisory Speed Signs

Advisory speed signs show the recommended maximum speed to safely drive when there are hazards, such as curves, bends, and crests. The advisory speed is for average vehicles in good driving conditions. You should drive at a slower speed if the conditions are poor. Advisory speed signs have a yellow background. An advisory speed sign is usually used with a warning sign.

Areas without Speed Signs

Default speed limits apply on roads without speed limit signs or roads with an end speed limit sign. End speed limit sign. State limit 100km/h applies, drive to conditions. Reduce speed to conditions.

Safety First

Speeding means driving over the speed limit or at a speed unsafe for the road conditions. Even a small increase in speed can lead to a big increase in your chance of a crash. Research has shown that even a small increase in speed can lead to a big increase in your chance of a crash. It is a dangerous way to think. Even if your passengers encourage you to, do not go over the speed limit.

Speeding increases the risk of death or injury. Safety cameras reduce the risk and severity of crashes. Slow down to save lives.

There are four types of speed cameras in NSW:

1. Mobile speed cameras

2. Red-light speed cameras

3. Fixed speed cameras

4. Average speed cameras

Alcohol Limits

Alcohol affects your driving. It puts your safety and the safety of your passengers and other road users at risk. Drink driving is one of the major causes of death on NSW roads. Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must be under the legal limit when driving. The legal limit depends on your driver licence or vehicle type. You must not refuse an RBT by the police, and you must not refuse a blood or urine test if asked to take one after a crash. There are severe penalties for driving over the legal alcohol limit or under the influence of alcohol, or refusing a blood or breath test.

Penalties and Safety

Penalties can be fines, loss of licence, prison, or an alcohol interlock on your vehicle. Even if you feel unaffected, as few as one or two drinks will affect your reaction, judgement, and ability to drive. Alcohol is a depressant. The simplest way to drive safely is not