QLD PrepL overtaking and following practice questions

Question 1

When is it legal to pass a moving vehicle on its left?

• On a multi lane road, or when the vehicle is stopped or signalling a right turnCorrect answer
• Whenever the left lane is free
• Only when the other driver waves you through
• Only on gravel roads

Outside those situations, overtaking happens on the right. Undertaking on a single lane road is an offence.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 141, as adopted in Queensland

Question 2

In Queensland, what is the minimum distance you must leave when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less?

• 0.5 metres
• 1 metreCorrect answer
• 1.5 metres
• 2 metres

The minimum passing distance is 1 metre at 60 km/h or less and 1.5 metres above that. You may cross centre lines to give the space when it is safe and clear.

Rule cited: Your Keys to Driving in Queensland handbook, topic: minimum passing distance for cyclists

Question 3

What is the minimum safe following gap in good conditions?

• Half a second
• One car length per 10 km/h
• Two secondsCorrect answer
• One second

Two seconds covers reaction time at most speeds. Add at least another second in rain, at night, or behind a heavy vehicle.

Rule cited: Your Keys to Driving in Queensland handbook, topic: safe following distance

Question 4

You are following a long road train on a country highway. Why should you sit further back than usual?

• Because it is illegal to be within 100 metres of any truck
• To keep your paint clean
• Because trucks accelerate faster than cars
• So you can see past it for a safe overtaking gap and stay out of its blind spotsCorrect answer

Extra distance buys you a view of the road ahead, and long vehicles need a very long clear stretch to pass safely.

Rule cited: Your Keys to Driving in Queensland handbook, topic: sharing the road with heavy vehicles

Question 5

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

• Keep a steady speed, increase your own gap to the vehicle ahead and let them pass when it is safeCorrect answer
• Speed up above the limit to get away
• Brake sharply to warn them
• Turn on your hazard lights and stop in the lane

A bigger gap in front gives you room to brake gently instead of hard, which protects you from being hit from behind.

Rule cited: Your Keys to Driving in Queensland handbook, topic: safe following distance

Question 6

You want to overtake on a two way country road. What has to be true before you start?

• The vehicle ahead is travelling below the speed limit
• You have flashed your headlights first
• You can see far enough ahead to pass and return to your lane safely, and the road markings allow itCorrect answer
• There is a broken line and nothing else matters

Overtaking needs a long clear view, room to return without cutting in, and no crest, curve or intersection in the way.

Rule cited: Your Keys to Driving in Queensland handbook, topic: overtaking

Question 7

Another vehicle is overtaking you on a single lane each way road. What must you do?

• Speed up so the pass is over sooner
• Move to the right to block the move
• Brake hard to open a gap in front
• Keep left, hold a steady speed and do not increase itCorrect answer

Increasing speed while being passed traps the other driver in the oncoming lane, and it is an offence.

Rule cited: Your Keys to Driving in Queensland handbook, topic: overtaking

Question 8

What is the minimum passing distance for a cyclist where the speed limit is above 60 km/h?

• 1.5 metresCorrect answer
• 1 metre
• 2.5 metres
• 0.5 metres

Above 60 km/h the gap must be at least 1.5 metres. If you cannot leave that much space, wait until you can.

Rule cited: Your Keys to Driving in Queensland handbook, topic: minimum passing distance for cyclists

Question 9

You are behind a slow vehicle as the road climbs towards a crest. What should you do?

• Overtake on the crest, where you get the best view
• Hold back and wait until you have a clear view of the road beyondCorrect answer
• Overtake using the left shoulder
• Move to the centre line and overtake using your horn as a warning

A crest or a curve hides oncoming traffic completely. Wait for a straight stretch or an overtaking lane.

Rule cited: Your Keys to Driving in Queensland handbook, topic: overtaking

Question 10

It is raining steadily and the road is wet. What should you do about your following gap?

• Keep the usual gap, because modern brakes handle rain
• Shorten it so spray from the vehicle ahead clears faster
• Increase it to four seconds or moreCorrect answer
• Sit closer so you can use the vehicle ahead as a guide

Wet roads lengthen braking and spray cuts your view. Doubling the gap gives back the time the conditions take away.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 126, as adopted in Queensland