ACT knowledge test overtaking and following practice questions

Question 1

You want to overtake a car ahead of you on a two way road. When may you do it?

• Whenever the car ahead is slower than the limit
• Only after sounding the horn
• When you have a clear view and enough room to return safelyCorrect answer
• Any time the road is not marked with a solid line

Overtaking is only lawful when you can see far enough ahead, the manoeuvre can be finished without exceeding the limit, and you can move back in without cutting anyone off.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 140, as adopted in the Australian Capital Territory

Question 2

There is a single continuous line on your side of the centre of the road. What does it mean?

• You must not cross it to overtakeCorrect answer
• You may cross it if the road ahead is clear
• It only applies at night
• It marks the edge of the road

A continuous centre line on your side means no crossing to overtake. You may only cross it to enter or leave a property or to pass an obstruction, and then only if it is safe.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: centre line markings

Question 3

When may you overtake another vehicle on its left side?

• Whenever the vehicle ahead is travelling slowly
• Never, on any road
• Only on rural roads
• When the road is multi lane, or the vehicle is turning rightCorrect answer

Passing on the left is allowed where there is more than one marked lane in your direction, or where the vehicle ahead is stopped or signalling a right turn and there is room.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 141, as adopted in the Australian Capital Territory

Question 4

What is the purpose of the two second rule?

• It sets how long you may indicate before turning
• It limits how long you may stop in a loading zone
• It gives a minimum following gap behind the vehicle aheadCorrect answer
• It sets how long to wait at a stop sign

Pick a fixed object, and if you reach it less than two seconds after the vehicle in front you are too close. Double the gap in rain, on gravel or behind a heavy vehicle.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: safe following distance

Question 5

A driver behind you is tailgating closely on a single lane road. What is the safest response?

• Brake sharply to warn them off
• Keep your speed steady and let them pass when it is safeCorrect answer
• Speed up to open a gap
• Turn on your hazard lights and stop

Braking to punish a tailgater raises your crash risk. Hold a steady speed, increase your own gap to the vehicle in front, and pull left when there is a safe spot.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: following distance and tailgating

Question 6

You are overtaking a long truck on a country road. Why do you need more room than for a car?

• Trucks are legally allowed to block overtaking
• You must always stay 100 m behind a truck
• Trucks accelerate faster than cars
• The extra length means you spend longer beside it and need a longer gapCorrect answer

A long vehicle takes far more time to pass, so you need a much longer clear stretch. If you cannot see well past it, drop back until the view opens up.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: overtaking long vehicles

Question 7

Another driver starts to overtake you on a country road. What should you do?

• Brake hard to make them pull back in
• Accelerate so the pass is shorter
• Move towards the centre line to block them
• Keep left, hold your speed and let them passCorrect answer

You must not increase your speed while being overtaken. Stay left, keep steady, and if there is a slow vehicle bay ahead consider using it.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: being overtaken

Question 8

You are behind a motorcycle in slow traffic. How much following room should you leave?

• Less than for a car, because a motorcycle is shorter
• At least as much as for a car, because a motorcycle can stop quicklyCorrect answer
• Half a car length is enough at low speed
• None, since motorcycles can move aside easily

A motorcycle can lose speed very quickly and can also go down without warning on a slippery surface. Leave a full gap so you have time to react.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: sharing the road with motorcycles

Question 9

Where a road has a speed limit over 80 km/h with more than one lane in your direction, which lane should you normally use?

• The right lane, so you can move fast
• The centre lane at all times
• The left lane, unless overtaking or turning rightCorrect answer
• Any lane, as long as you keep to the limit

On multi lane roads signed above 80 km/h, or where a keep left unless overtaking sign is displayed, you must not stay in the right lane except to overtake, turn right or avoid an obstruction.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 130, as adopted in the Australian Capital Territory