ACT knowledge test signals and lane use practice questions

Question 1

When must you signal before changing lanes?

• Only when another vehicle is close behind
• Only on roads with a limit above 60 km/h
• Long enough beforehand to warn other road usersCorrect answer
• Only after you have started to move across

A signal is a warning, so it has to come before the movement and last long enough to be noticed. Signal, check mirrors, check the blind spot, then move.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: signalling

Question 2

You are moving off from a parked position at the kerb on the left. What must you do?

• Signal right, check mirrors and blind spot, and give way to trafficCorrect answer
• Move out first and signal once you are in the lane
• Sound your horn instead of signalling
• Signal left because you are leaving the kerb

Pulling out from the kerb means joining moving traffic, so you must signal right, check over your shoulder for cyclists and give way to anything already on the road.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: moving off from the kerb

Question 3

A lane on the road is painted with a large white bicycle symbol and marked BICYCLE LANE. When may you drive in it?

• At any time, as long as you watch for riders
• Only for a short distance to enter or leave the road, or to turnCorrect answer
• Only when no cyclists are visible
• Never, under any circumstances

Bicycle lanes are for riders. Drivers may only enter briefly for a permitted reason such as turning, entering a driveway or stopping where stopping is allowed, and must give way to riders.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: bicycle lanes

Question 4

What must you do before changing lanes on a multi lane road?

• Check mirrors and the blind spot, then signal and move when clearCorrect answer
• Signal and move straight away, since others must give way
• Only glance at the mirror, as blind spots are covered by mirrors
• Sound your horn and move across

Mirrors do not cover the area beside and slightly behind your car, which is exactly where a motorcycle or small car can sit. A head check is the only reliable way to see it.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: changing lanes

Question 5

Two lanes merge into one and there is no lane line between them. Who gives way?

• The vehicle on the left always gives way
• The vehicle whose front is behind the other gives wayCorrect answer
• The faster vehicle gives way
• Both must stop before merging

Where lane lines end and lanes merge, the zip rule applies. If the front of your vehicle is behind the front of the other, you give way.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: merging

Question 6

You are moving from your lane into another lane that continues, and a lane line separates them. Who gives way?

• Traffic already in that lane gives way to you
• Nobody, both may move at once
• Whoever is travelling faster gives way
• You give way to traffic already in that laneCorrect answer

Crossing a lane line into another lane is a lane change, not a merge. The driver changing lanes gives way to everyone already in the target lane.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: changing lanes

Question 7

What must you do when driving on a road with marked lanes?

• Stay within a single lane unless you are changing lanes properlyCorrect answer
• Straddle the line when the road is quiet
• Use the centre of the road for a better view
• Change lanes at every intersection

You must drive inside one marked lane. Straddling the line makes it impossible for other drivers to predict what you are doing.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 146, as adopted in the Australian Capital Territory

Question 8

When should you turn your indicator off after a turn or lane change?

• It switches off by itself in every case
• Leave it on until the next intersection
• As soon as the manoeuvre is finishedCorrect answer
• After counting five seconds

A signal left running after the move sends a false message to other drivers, who may pull out expecting you to turn. Check it has cancelled after every lane change.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: signalling

Question 9

You are approaching a marked bus lane during the hours it operates. What may you do?

• Use it freely if you are running late
• Use it if you are carrying two or more passengers
• Use it to overtake stationary traffic
• Stay out of it except for a permitted short movement such as turningCorrect answer

Bus lanes are restricted to buses and any other vehicles named on the sign. Other drivers may only enter for a short distance where the rules allow, such as to turn or leave the road.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: bus lanes