NT DriveSafe test overtaking and following practice questions

Question 1

How much space should you leave between you and the vehicle in front?

• One second in any conditions
• At least two seconds in good conditions, and more in rain, dust or at nightCorrect answer
• About half a car length
• Close enough that nobody can cut in front of you

Pick a fixed object, count the gap after the vehicle ahead passes it, and stretch the count out when the surface or the light is poor.

Rule cited: Northern Territory Road Users Handbook, topic: following distance

Question 2

You are behind a road train on a single lane highway and want to pass. What is the right approach?

• Pass quickly using the shoulder of the road
• Flash your lights and pull straight out
• Overtake on a crest, where you can see further
• Wait for a long clear straight, because a road train takes a lot of road and a lot of time to passCorrect answer

Passing a vehicle that long can take far more distance than drivers expect. If you cannot see the whole pass and a margin beyond it, stay back.

Rule cited: Northern Territory Road Users Handbook, topic: overtaking long vehicles

Question 3

When must you not overtake?

• On any straight stretch of road
• Anywhere the speed limit is 60 km/h
• Where you cannot see far enough ahead to finish the move safely, such as near a crest or a curveCorrect answer
• Whenever the vehicle in front is a car rather than a truck

You need enough clear road to pull out, pass, and pull back in with room to spare. If there is any doubt about what is over the crest, there is no doubt.

Rule cited: Northern Territory Road Users Handbook, topic: overtaking

Question 4

Another driver has pulled out to overtake you. What should you do?

• Speed up so they change their mind
• Move right to discourage them
• Brake hard to make the gap
• Keep left, hold your speed or ease off, and let them pastCorrect answer

Speeding up while someone is beside you leaves them stranded on the wrong side of the road. Make the pass shorter, not longer.

Rule cited: Northern Territory Road Users Handbook, topic: being overtaken

Question 5

When may you pass a vehicle on its left?

• Never, in any circumstances
• On a multi lane road while you stay in your own marked lane, or when the vehicle ahead is signalling and turning rightCorrect answer
• Any time the left of the road looks empty
• Only on unsealed roads

Passing on the left is only for those situations. Swinging onto the shoulder to get around someone is not one of them.

Rule cited: Northern Territory Road Users Handbook, topic: overtaking

Question 6

You are about to pass a person riding a bicycle. What should you do?

• Give the rider plenty of room, and pass only when you can do it without cutting back in front of themCorrect answer
• Pass as close as you can so you spend less time beside them
• Sound the horn as you go past
• Wait for the rider to leave the road

Riders wobble around potholes, gravel and gusts from passing trucks. Treat the pass like overtaking any other vehicle and wait for clear road.

Rule cited: Northern Territory Road Users Handbook, topic: sharing the road with bicycle riders

Question 7

You are following a large truck. Where should you position yourself?

• Well back, so you can see past it and so the truck driver can see you in the mirrorsCorrect answer
• Close behind, to sit out of the wind
• Alongside the trailer, where the road is smoother
• Close enough to pass the moment a gap appears

If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Extra distance also buys you time when the truck brakes.

Rule cited: Northern Territory Road Users Handbook, topic: sharing the road with heavy vehicles

Question 8

You are on an unsealed road and the vehicle in front is throwing up a thick trail of dust. What should you do?

• Speed up to get through the dust quickly
• Drop well back until you can see clearly, and wait for a safe place to passCorrect answer
• Turn your headlights off so the dust does not glare
• Drive on the wrong side of the road to get out of the dust

Dust hides oncoming vehicles, stock and washouts completely. Headlights on and a big gap is the only safe way to travel behind it.

Rule cited: Northern Territory Road Users Handbook, topic: unsealed roads

Question 9

A driver behind you is following far too closely. What is the safest response?

• Brake sharply to warn them off
• Speed up beyond the limit to open a gap
• Switch your hazard lights on and keep going
• Increase the gap to the vehicle in front, and pull over where it is safe to let them pastCorrect answer

You cannot control the driver behind, only the space in front. A bigger gap means you can slow gently rather than brake hard.

Rule cited: Northern Territory Road Users Handbook, topic: following distance