Driver's Handbook Notes

Including GST driver’s handbook.

Road safety responsibilities.
The road rules.
Drivers and licensing.
Vehicles and registration.
Fitness to drive.
Road rules for bicycle riders.

The Driver’s Handbook.

Provides an overview of the road rules and the laws for driver’s licenses and registering a vehicle in South Australia.
The information is prepared to help you become better informed about road safety, road rules, drivers and licensing, and vehicle registration.
It is written in plain, easy-to-understand language but should not be taken as a precise interpretation of the law.
It is not a substitute for the legislation made by Parliament.
Recent changes in laws may not be reflected.
Diagrams are for illustrative purposes and are not to scale.
For further information:
\t* Visit service.sa.gov.au
\t* Relevant South Australian legislation: www.legislation.sa.gov.au
\t* Road crash statistics are based on averages from 2019-2023.
References.
\t* The Driving Companion (for Learner Drivers).
\t* Australian Road Rules.
\t* Road Traffic Act (1961) and Regulations.
\t* Motor Vehicles Act (1959) and Regulations.
\t* Cycling and the Law
First published in Australia 2000. MR200 January 2025 OFFICIAL.

Welcome.

The Driver’s Handbook provides an overview of the road rules and the laws for driver’s licenses and registering a vehicle in South Australia.
All road users have a right to use our roads including pedestrians, bicycle riders, motor bike riders, users of mobility devices, and wheeled recreation devices; drivers of cars and heavy vehicles; the young, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
This guide explains your road safety responsibilities to respect the rights of all who share our roads.
Visit mylicence.sa.gov.au and THINK Road Safety (thinkroadsafety.sa.gov.au) for updated news and information. Stay alert and travel safely.
Before you drive:
\t* Think about safety. Know the risks and be prepared. The major risks on the road and how to avoid them is covered in the Your Road Safety Responsibilities section.
\t* Know the road rules. Road rules are explained in the Road Rules section.
\t* Be licensed. Ensure that your driver’s license or permit is current, appropriate for the vehicle you are driving and with you. Refer to the Drivers and Licensing section for details. The Drivers and Licensing section also incorporates Fitness to Drive.
\t* Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, registered and insured. All drivers of registered vehicles in South Australia are covered by Compulsory Third Party (Bodily) Insurance and the Lifetime Support Scheme. Refer to the Vehicles and Registration section for details.

Contents.

Your Road Safety Responsibilities.
\t* Road Safety – Minimising the Risks.
\t* Young Drivers.
\t* Understand Different Types of Crashes and How to Avoid Them.
\t* In Case of a Crash.
\t* Speeding and Inappropriate Travel Speeds.
\t* Alcohol, Drugs, Medicines and Driving.
\t* Seatbelts.
\t* Driver Distraction and Inattention.
\t* Driver Fatigue.
\t* Share the Road.
\t* Hazardous Driving Situations.
Road Rules.
\t* Seatbelts and Restraints.
\t* Care, Courtesy, Common Sense.
\t* How to Read the Diagrams.
\t* Speed Limits.
\t* Driving on the Road.
\t* Signs.
\t* Driving Signals.
\t* Traffic Lights.
\t* Crossings.
\t* Giving Way.
\t* Approaching and Entering a Roundabout.
\t* Freeways and Expressways.
\t* Obstruction.
\t* Towing and Loads.
\t* Driving at Night or in Poor Visibility.
\t* Motor bikes.
\t* Road Rules for Bicycle Riders.
\t* Parking.
\t* Mobile Phones While Driving.
\t* Miscellaneous Rules.
\t* Trams.
Drivers and Licensing.
\t* Obtaining a Licence.
\t* Graduated Licensing Scheme.
\t* Fitness to Drive.
Vehicles and Registration.
\t* Registration of Motor Vehicles.
\t* What to do as a Seller.
\t* What to do When Buying a Car.
Glossary and Index.
\t* Glossary.
\t* Index.

Licence Classes and Minimum Driving Experience.

C
\t* Any motor vehicle with a GVM not exceeding 4.5 tonnes (except a vehicle under class U, bus designed to carry more than 12 seated persons and a motor bike or motor trike. The motor vehicle may tow a single trailer, subject to the combination mass limits fixed under the Road Traffic Act 1961.
\t* 17 years:
\t\t* if you are under the age of 25 you must have held your learner’s permit for at least 12 months.
\t\t* if you are aged 25 or over you must have held your learner’s permit for at least 6 months.
LR
\t* Any motor vehicle in class C and any other motor vehicle with a GVM not exceeding 8 tonnes (except a vehicle under class U, motor bike or motor trike). The motor vehicle may tow a single trailer, subject to the combination mass limits fixed under the Road Traffic Act 1961or the Heavy Vehicle National Law (South Australia).
\t* Must have held a class C for at least one year.
MR
\t* Any motor vehicle from class LR.
\t* Any other motor vehicle with 2 axles except a motor bike or motor trike. The motor vehicle may tow a single trailer (other than a semi-trailer) with a GVM not greater than 9 tonne subject to the combination mass limits fixed under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (South Australia).
\t* Any special purpose vehicle with 3 or more axles and a GVM not greater than 15 tonne.
\t* Must have held a class C for at least one year.
HR
\t* Any motor vehicle from class MR.
\t* Any other motor vehicle (including an articulated bus, but not including any other articulated motor vehicle) with 3 or more axles, except a motor bike or motor trike. The motor vehicle may tow a single trailer (other than a semi-trailer) with a GVM not greater than 9 tonne, subject to the combination mass limits fixed under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (South Australia).
\t* Any special purpose vehicle with 3 or more axles and a GVM greater than 15 tonne
\t* The applicant must have held -
\t\t* (a) a class C for at least two years; or (b) a class LR or MR for at least one year.
HC
\t* Any motor vehicle from class HR.
\t* Any prime mover to which is attached a single semi-trailer (whether or not any unladen converter dolly or low loader dolly is also attached).
\t* Any rigid motor vehicle to which is attached a single trailer with a GVM greater than 9 tonne (whether or not any unladen converter dolly or low loader dolly is also attached).
\t* Must have held a class MR or HR for at least one year.
MC
\t* Any motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles except a motor bike or motor trike or U class vehicle. Must have held a class HC or HR for at least one year.
R-DATE*
\t* Any approved motor bike or motor trike the engine capacity of up to 660ml with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 150 kW/t.
\t* 19 years:
\t\t* The applicant must have held a learner’s permit for a least one year.
R
\t* Any motor bike or motor trike.
\t* Must have held a class R-DATE* for at least two years.
U
\t* An ultra high-powered vehicle that has:
\t\t* a gross vehicle mass of up to 4.5 tonnes and
\t\t* a power to weight ratio of 276 kilowatts per tonne or more.
\t* Excludes buses, motor bikes or motor trikes.
\t* Must hold an unconditional (full) or probationary car (C) class licence or higher. Drivers that only hold a motor bike licence cannot apply.
*The holder of a driver’s licence endorsed with class R-Date remains restricted to an approved motor bike or motor trike with an engine capacity up to 660 millilitres with a power to weight ratio up to 150 kW/t for 2 years from the date of issue of that class. Once the 2 year period has lapsed the holder can commence riding any motor bike or motor trike, despite the class still being endorsed as R-Date.

Your Road Safety Responsibilities.

You are encouraged to carefully read the following road safety pages.
They can help South Australian drivers of all ages to drive in the safest ways possible and set the scene for life-long safe driving behaviors and experiences.

Road Safety – Minimising the Risks.

Driving involves risk, and safe drivers aim to reduce and manage their risk by making good decisions and taking responsibility for their behaviour when driving.
Operating a vehicle is one of the riskiest activities that people perform on a daily basis. Each year, there are thousands of crashes in South Australia, often involving death and injury. Driving is complicated and presents many challenges every time you drive. It requires a lot of time and practice to develop the skills to become a safe driver.
Certain behaviors are major contributors to high risk driving and crashes. These include:
\t* speeding and inappropriate travel speeds for the road or weather conditions
\t* driving after drinking alcohol or when impaired by drugs
\t* not wearing seatbelts
\t* driver distraction and inattention, including use of mobile phones
\t* driver fatigue.
These behaviors are discussed in more detail on the following pages and further information can be found on the www.mylicence.sa.gov.au website.
Severe penalties apply to drivers and riders who commit road traffic offenses, including those involving the above behaviors. In most cases, penalties increase in line with the seriousness of the offense and whether the offense is a first, second, third or subsequent one. The penalties include fines, demerit points, license disqualification or even imprisonment in some cases, and are designed to send a clear message to drivers and riders about the dangers such risky behaviors pose for the safety of themselves and other road users.
Motor bike riders have a much greater risk of crashing than drivers of other types of vehicles. The information contained in The Driver’s Handbook should be read by motor bike riders.
In this Road Safety section, you will find useful information about sharing the road, as well as hazardous driving situations, including country driving risks and how to keep your vehicle safe.
You are encouraged to read the road safety pages carefully. They can help South Australian drivers and riders of all ages to drive in the safest ways possible and set the scene for lifelong safe driving behaviors and experience. In particular, young drivers have been shown to have a higher risk of crashing than older drivers. Those learning to drive for the first time (as well as more experienced drivers) should study the road safety and road rules in The Driver’s Handbook carefully as the learner’s permit theory test is based directly on this information.

Young Drivers.

On average, 9 young drivers and 3 young passengers aged 16-24 lose their life in South Australia each year. In addition, around 93 drivers and passengers on average in this age group are seriously injured as a result of a road crash. Many will suffer permanent head, neck or back injuries.
Knowing the road rules is an important first step. But applying them while driving requires skills in not just vehicle control, but also in scanning the road ahead and in identifying potential hazards. Such skills are best learned through extensive supervised driving practice and an understanding of how you, as a young driver, respond to pressure and distractions. Lack of experience, night-time driving and the presence of passengers with similar ages all contribute to younger drivers having an increased risk of being involved in a crash.
Statistics show that young drivers have a far greater risk of death and serious injury than other drivers. The first few years of driving unsupervised – when you are on your provisional licence – are the riskiest of your driving life. Young drivers also have a significantly higher risk of death relative to the number of kilometers they drive, compared to other driver age groups.
Passengers
\t* Research shows that carrying two or three similar aged passengers under the age of 21 (who are not family members) increases the risk of a young driver crashing by four to five times greater compared to driving alone. This is likely to be due to distractions caused by the passengers, as well as peer group pressure on the driver to take greater or more risks. P1 provisional licence holders, under the age of 25, must not drive with more than one passenger aged 16 to 20 (not including immediate family members) unless they are accompanied by a Qualified Supervising Driver (exemptions apply).

What you can do as a young or new driver.

Late night driving
\t* Many crashes that lead to the death of young drivers occur late at night, particularly on weekend nights and when carrying more than one passenger. This is likely to be due to inexperience in night driving as well as fatigue and risk taking. Research shows that P1 licence holders are over represented in late night crashes compared to full licence holders. P1 provisional licence holders, under the age of 25, must not drive between midnight and 5AM unless they are accompanied by a Qualified Supervising Driver (exemptions apply).
Inappropriate risk taking
\t* Young drivers, particularly males, are more likely to drive too fast for the road conditions, drink drive, drug drive or not wear seatbelts.
Perception of driving hazards
\t* The skills to anticipate and accurately assess driving hazards develop over time. Young drivers often put themselves in potentially hazardous situations, without always realizing it, for example, driving too close to the vehicle in front or running red lights rather than stopping in time.
Pointers
\t* As a learner driver, get as much supervised driving practice as possible. Research has shown that learner drivers who have around 120 hours of supervised practice have substantial reductions in crashes.
\t* Learn to drive defensively – defensive driving involves learning to anticipate trouble before it happens. The competency based (log book) scheme for obtaining a driver’s licence uses a defensive driving approach, as do many driving instructors. Defensive driving courses will improve all aspects of your driving.
\t* Ensure you know and adhere to the conditions, and other laws, that apply to your licence. They are there to protect you.

Understand Different Types of Crashes and How to Avoid Them.

Rear-end crashes
\t* Crashes where a following vehicle hits the rear of the vehicle in front are called rear-end crashes and are the most common type of crash for drivers of all ages. Their main cause is that the driver behind is following too close to the vehicle in front.
\t* You can generally reduce the risk of a vehicle colliding with the rear of your vehicle. This can be done by checking your mirror well in advance for any following vehicles and if the vehicle is close behind, you can begin to brake earlier. By keeping a safe following distance from the vehicle in front at all times, it will allow you time to brake gently when slowing or stopping.
\t* You may even flash your brake lights a couple of times if the vehicle behind is either tailgating or approaching at a high speed, especially if you are approaching a traffic light that has been green for some time. The green traffic light could change to yellow and then red as you approach. By displaying your brake lights, the driver behind will generally place their foot over the brake, which will reduce their reaction time and the risk of a rear-end collision with your vehicle.
Single vehicle crashes
\t* Compared to experienced drivers, young new drivers are more likely to be involved in single vehicle crashes, such as running off the road, hitting a stationary object or rolling their vehicle over. Young drivers often become over-confident in their own ability to safely control their vehicle at speed. As a driver gains experience, they learn to match the speed of their vehicle to the road conditions, which may mean reducing their speed to less than the posted speed limit. For example, when conditions are wet, when the road is unsealed or where there is no clear view of the road ahead. Until young or new drivers gain sufficient driving experience to make those speed judgements, they should take particular care when driving at higher speeds, as control of the vehicle is a lot more difficult should something go wrong. Once a driver loses control of a vehicle traveling at high speed, it is extremely difficult to regain control (even for experienced drivers) and often results in a serious crash.
\t* A common cause of country crashes is running off the bitumen road surface to the left, and then over-correcting by steering to the right and/ or braking too hard.
\t* If the left wheels of a vehicle leave the bitumen:
\t\t* ease off the accelerator and do not brake harshly
\t\t* hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, and
\t\t* ease the wheels back on to the bitumen surface, being careful of the raised step between the soft edge of the road and the bitumen surface, because this can cause the steering wheel to be wrenched out of your hand.
\t* Modern cars are fitted with safety technologies such as electronic stability control (ESC), which can significantly prevent crashes involving running off the road and/or skidding. ESC helps drivers maintain control over their vehicle, particularly in emergency situations and on wet, icy or unsealed roads. It detects instability and oversteering and stabilises the vehicle by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels.
Turning at an intersection crashes
\t* Half of all crashes occur at intersections. The main cause of these crashes, particularly for young provisional drivers, is a lack of experience and judgement in selecting safe gaps in streams of moving traffic. It is much better to wait for gaps in moving traffic that are larger, regardless of any impatient driver behind you. A learner driver should gain plenty of practice under the supervision of an experienced licensed driver at selecting safe gaps in traffic when entering or leaving a busy road.
Crashes when changing lanes and when merging or diverging
\t* The most common cause of young provisional licence holders being involved in vehicle crashes when changing lanes, merging or diverging is that they fail to check blind spots.
\t* Drivers should check their side mirrors and also check blind spots by looking over their right or left shoulder before making a lane change, merging or diverging. However, some drivers often forget a blind spot check which can lead to a crash or a near-miss incident.
Head-on crashes
\t* Head-on crashes on country roads can have devastating results. Young or new drivers in particular can lack experience in overtaking, and judgement at selecting safe gaps in the on-coming traffic where they can overtake. To reduce the risk of a crash, it is better to choose larger gaps in the on-coming traffic or wait until an overtaking lane becomes available, or not overtake at all.

Safer Vehicles.

Buying a car, whether it’s your first car or not, is a big responsibility. It is important that your car offers you good protection from injury in a crash – but it is also important that your car offers good protection to other road users, such as pedestrians, bicycle riders, motor bike riders or the drivers of other cars involved in a crash.
Choosing a safe vehicle may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Driving a car that has recognised safety features and a high safety rating is an essential aspect in ensuring safer travel on our roads.
Buying a safe car doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money or sacrifice the look you want. Below is a guide to help make buying a safe car easier.
Safety Ratings
\t* It’s important to check the safety rating before you buy a car. For new and near new vehicles
ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) undertake crash tests on cars to gauge the level of occupant safety. New car safety is rated on a star system from one to five stars. For more information on ANCAP star-rated vehicles, visit www.ancap.com.au
\t* For second hand vehicles the Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) Buyer’s Guide provides safety ratings for popular vehicle models in Australia and New Zealand. The Used Car Safety Ratings list is derived from reports of actual on-road crashes and represents the ability of the car to protect its driver. You can use safety ratings systems to compare the safety of different brands or models when buying a car. Ensure safety features are given priority when you decide to buy.
\t* Even though a safer car will increase your safety in the case of an accident, it is your responsibility as a driver to maintain safe driving habits to prevent accidents occurring.
Safety features that may significantly reduce the risk of death or serious injury if you are involved in a crash include:
\t* crumple zones
\t* collapsible steering columns
\t* reinforced door frames
\t* front, side, curtain and knee airbags
\t* seat belts designed to work with airbags.
An increasing number of cars are being equipped with safety features that can help you avoid a crash and these should be considered when purchasing a used car. Some of these features are:
\t* Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
\t* Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
\t* Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
\t* blind spot warning.

Young Drivers – My First Car.

The My First Car Checklist (www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/safe-driving-tips/safer-vehicles) is a comprehensive list of safety features to help you evaluate the safety of the car you are potentially buying.
You should buy the highest safety rated car that you can afford.
If you are using a family car you should drive the safest car in the family.

In Case of a Crash.

If you see a crash happen or are the first to arrive at the scene of a crash, your actions on these occasions are vital – you might be able to save a life or prevent other vehicles crashing as well. You may be able to call the Emergency Services and you may be able to provide valuable help as a witness.
If you are involved in a crash you must:
\t* Stop
\t\t* Stop at the scene of the crash. Failing to stop at a crash you are involved in is an offense. Use your hazard warning lights to alert other road users to possible danger.
\t* Assist
\t\t* Assist anyone who is injured. Telephone 000 where there is danger such as fire, death and/or serious injury. Telephone 131 444 if non-emergency police assistance is required (e.g. if the road is blocked, or there is a traffic hazard etc.).
\t* Exchange your information
\t\t* Exchange your information with the other drivers (or that driver’s representative) or other persons involved in the crash, including the owner of any property damaged at the scene. The information you provide should include:
\t\t* the driver’s name and address
\t\t* the name and address of the owner of the driver’s vehicle
\t\t* the vehicle’s registration number
\t\t* any other information necessary to identify the vehicle and any other information required by a police officer about the crash.
\t* Clean up afterwards
\t\t* Clear up any debris from the crash, such as broken glass, as soon as it is safe to do so.

Report the crash to police.

The driver of a vehicle involved in a crash in which a person is killed or injured must stop and render assistance. The driver must report to a police officer either at the scene or at a police station, not more than 90 minutes after the crash, for the purpose of undergoing alcohol and / or drug testing.
Crashes that don’t result in death or injury must be reported to police as soon as possible and, except in exceptional circumstances, no later than 24 hours after the crash, unless the only property damaged is that belonging to the driver or where the damage is less than $3000.
\t* Be prepared to provide:
\t\t* your personal details (remember to take your driver’s licence with you)
\t\t* your car registration
\t\t* the exact crash location
\t\t* date and time of collision
\t\t* the other party’s personal details
\t\t* the other party’s car registration number.
You will be given a Vehicle Collision Report (VCR) number for future reference.
What should you do if your vehicle needs to be towed away after a crash?
\t* Tow trucks are rostered to remove vehicles from crash scenes in the greater metropolitan area of Adelaide through the Accident Towing Roster Scheme. By law, only tow trucks operating within this scheme can attend these crashes. The tow truck driver must provide you with an Authority to Tow form. Read the entire form carefully before you sign it, and make sure you write the place where you want the vehicle taken - before you sign the form. The tow truck driver can provide you with advice but it is your right to decide where your vehicle is taken. If your vehicle needs to be towed after a crash within the metropolitan Adelaide area you must ring 8116 9209.
Blood samples
\t* If you are injured in a crash and attend, or are admitted to hospital, a blood sample will be taken if you are 10 or older. The blood sample will be tested for alcohol and three drugs, THC (the active component in cannabis), Methylamphetamine (also known as crystal meth, speed or ice) and MDMA (ecstasy).
\t* Penalties will apply to drivers and riders who test positive for one or more of these drugs, or exceed the prescribed concentration of alcohol for their licence class.

First Aid.

Even if you are not trained in first aid, you can help by applying basic measures to clear a victim’s airway and control bleeding. While you wait for an ambulance, you can follow these simple guidelines:
\t* Clear airway by:
\t\t* supporting their head and carefully rolling the patient on to their side
\t\t* clearing any obstructions and draining any fluid from their mouth
\t\t* gently tilting their head back to open their airway.
\t* Control bleeding by:
\t\t* uncovering the injury
\t\t* applying direct pressure over the wound (use a clean cloth or other clothing, if possible).
\t* Check breathing
\t* Check pulse
\t* Tilt head
\t* Lift jaw
Giving further assistance
\t* If you know how, you can also give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or CPR, if it is required.
\t* Untrained people are often frightened to touch casualties – but early intervention can save lives or decrease the impact of injuries, leading to quicker recovery or lesser injuries for the victims.
\t* These are valuable skills that can help in road crashes, and they are also useful in other accident situations. Courses in First Aid are available from a range of providers including St John Ambulance and the Australian Red Cross Society.

Speeding and Inappropriate Travel Speeds.

Within South Australia the maximum default speed limit outside a built-up area is 100km/h. The maximum default speed limit in a built-up area is 50km/h. Unless a road sign or a licence condition indicates otherwise, these are the maximum speeds at which you are allowed to drive. Driving above the speed limit is illegal, because it creates unacceptable safety risks.
Travel speed affects both the risk of a crash happening and the severity of any injuries in a crash. Even small increases in vehicle speed significantly impact on road safety risks.
Speeding can be compared to driving under the influence of alcohol. Every 5km/h increase in speed in a 60km/h zone is equal to an increase in 0.05 in BAC.
Speeding and inappropriate travel speeds are estimated to directly contribute to around a third of fatal crashes on South Australia’s roads each year.
Also, speeds just 5km/h above average in urban areas and 10km/h above average in rural areas are sufficient to double the risk of a casualty crash.
For a fit and alert driver, in good driving conditions, at 60 km/h it takes about ¾ of a second or 12 metres of travel for you to realize that you have to brake and at least another 20 metres to stop. At higher speeds, the distance will be even greater.
In good clear driving conditions, you must drive within the posted speed limit however in certain circumstances, driving at the speed limit for that road can be dangerous. Conditions such as bad weather, heavy traffic, encountering children or pedestrians may require you to reduce speed to suit those road conditions. If you keep your speed down, you will have more time to avoid crashes and will reduce the seriousness of any injuries or damage. You may also save a life – possibly yours. You must only drive at a speed that would allow you to stop your vehicle within the distance that you can see ahead.
The ‘following distance’ is the space between your vehicle and the vehicle immediately in front. This distance varies, depending on the speed you are traveling and the braking ability of both your vehicle and the vehicle in front. The acceptable minimum following distance, which is considered reasonably safe, is the distance your vehicle will travel in three seconds. This distance – about eight or nine car lengths at 60 km/h – allows you time to glance at mirrors, signs, side roads and vehicles further ahead while maintaining a sufficient safety space should the vehicle ahead suddenly brake.

Keeping a safe following distance.

Allow three seconds to pass between the time when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes some stationary object, for example a signpost, and when the front of your vehicle reaches that point. This includes: when the road is wet or slippery when visibility is poor if conditions are dark when you have a heavy load when the road is unsealed.
Total Stopping Distance
\t* Total Stopping Distance = Reaction Distance + Braking Distance
\t* Reaction distance (or thinking distance) is the distance traveled by a vehicle while the driver realizes the need to brake and actually starts to physically apply the brake. For a fit and alert driver, it would average about ¾ of a second or 12 metres at 60 km/h. If you double the speed, you double the reaction distance. Note that you can reduce your reaction distance by scanning the road ahead to anticipate potential problems. If you notice a driver in front of you driving erratically or waywardly, moving your foot to ‘cover’ the brake pedal will reduce your reaction time if sudden braking is required.
Braking distance is the distance traveled by the vehicle once the brakes have been applied.
\t* The braking distance increases if the road is wet, slippery, uneven or unsealed.
\t* The braking distance increases when going downhill because of the effect of gravity.
\t* The braking distance for heavy vehicles, including buses, is much greater. Take extra care when changing lanes to move in front of them.
\t* The braking distance increases at a greater rate than the increase in the speed you are traveling – if your speed doubles, your braking distance will increase by four times (2 x 2); if your speed trebles, your braking distance will increase by nine times (or 3 x 3). For example, if your vehicle travels 20 metres in braking to a stop from 50 km/h, at 100 km/h it will take approximately 80 metres to come to a stop on the same road surface (i.e. 4 x 20 metres).
\t* Approaching a corner or bend too fast may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You should brake to a safe speed before entering the corner or bend because the vehicle will remain more stable and controllable if braking is done in a straight line.
Allow more room for heavy vehicles to stop
\t* likewise, in flowing traffic a heavy vehicle may be trying to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and if you cut in front of the heavy vehicle it may not have enough room to stop safely.

Alcohol, Drugs, Medicines and Driving.

Severe penalties apply to drivers who commit drink or drug driving offences - regardless of whether you are a learner driver or an unconditional licence holder. Penalties may include heavy fines (up to $2,900), licence disqualification, demerit points, and even imprisonment in some cases. Upon returning from a period of disqualification, drivers may be subject to a conditional licence. For drug driving and serious drink driving offences, drivers face immediate loss of licence at the roadside and, for serious drink driving offences, will be required to fit an alcohol interlock device for the same period as their licence disqualification before they can regain their full licence.
Alcohol, drugs and certain medicines reduce your ability to drive safely and increase your risk of being involved in a crash. Not only do these substances impair driving ability, but the effects of mixing them can be even more severe.
As a driver, you need to be alert and able to concentrate on what you are doing so that you can react to whatever is happening around you on the road. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including some over-the-counter and prescription medicines if they impair your driving ability.
If you are a learner, provisional or probationary licence holder you must stick to a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) – this means no alcohol at all. A zero BAC also applies to drivers of buses, taxis, heavy vehicles and vehicles carrying dangerous goods. If you are the holder of an R-Date licence classification you are restricted to zero BAC when riding, irrespective of whether you hold a full driver’s licence.
Unconditional (full) licence holders, including qualified supervising drivers accompanying a learner driver, must not drive with a BAC of 0.05 or more. The presence of cannabis, speed or ecstasy detected in a driver also constitutes an offence – these drugs may be detected through random roadside saliva tests.

Alcohol Drink Driving.

Is one of the main causes of road deaths in South Australia. Drinking alcohol affects driving skills and increases the likelihood that the driver will engage in greater risk-taking. You don’t have to be drunk to be affected by alcohol. You might feel normal, but no one drives as well after drinking alcohol. Studies have also shown that a driver’s risk of being involved in a casualty crash doubles for every increase of 0.05 above zero BAC.

What is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?

BAC is a measure of the amount of alcohol in your blood. It is measured by the number of grams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. For example, a BAC of 0.05 means 0.05 grams of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood.
An alcohol interlock device is to be fitted to a motor vehicle to monitor a driver’s BAC preventing the vehicle from being started or operated if the driver’s BAC exceeds a pre-set limit. These penalties are designed to send a clear message to drivers and riders about the dangers of drinking alcohol or taking drugs and operating a motor vehicle.

Factors affecting BAC.

Research shows that the way alcohol is broken down and expelled by the body is different for each person. The way your body breaks down alcohol is affected by the amount of alcohol you drink.
\t* Some ways this may affect you are:
\t\t* Body size – for the same amount of alcohol, a smaller person will have a higher BAC than a larger person, but this does not mean that a larger person should drink more.
\t\t* Gender – a woman will almost always have a higher BAC than a man of similar size who drinks the same amount; but this does not mean that men should drink more than women.
\t\t* Food consumption – food slows down the absorption of alcohol so, if you have not had a substantial meal before drinking, you will reach a higher BAC more quickly.
\t\t* Rate of drinking and types of drinks consumed – the quicker you drink and the greater the alcoholic content of