SA theory test mobile phones and distraction practice questions

Question 1

May a learner's permit holder in South Australia use a mobile phone in a cradle while driving?

• Yes, a cradle makes it legal for everyone
• Yes, if the supervising driver operates it for them
• No, learner and P1 drivers must not use a mobile phone at all while drivingCorrect answer
• Yes, for navigation only

Learner's permit and P1 drivers cannot use a phone in any way while driving, including hands free, loudspeaker and navigation.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: mobile phones

Question 2

How may a full licence holder legally use a mobile phone to take a call while driving?

• Resting on the lap on loudspeaker
• Tucked between the shoulder and the ear
• Held in one hand with the other on the wheel
• Secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle, or operated fully hands freeCorrect answer

The phone must never be held or rest on any part of your body. Set your route before you move off so you are not interacting with it while driving.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 300, as adopted in South Australia

Question 3

You are stopped at a red light with the engine running. May a full licence holder pick up their phone to send a text?

• No, you are still driving until the vehicle is parked legallyCorrect answer
• Yes, because the vehicle is stationary
• Yes, if the message is short
• Yes, as long as the handbrake is on

Stopped in traffic still counts as driving. The only legal place to use a hand held phone is parked out of the traffic.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: mobile phones

Question 4

You want to use a navigation app for a trip. When should you enter the destination?

• At the first red light
• While driving slowly in light traffic
• Whenever a passenger asks you for directions
• Before you start drivingCorrect answer

Typing an address takes your eyes off the road for many seconds. Set it before you move off, or pull over legally to change it.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: driver distraction

Question 5

Your passengers are being loud and keep asking you to look at things. What should you do?

• Join in, because conversation helps keep you alert
• Ask them to settle down, and pull over somewhere safe if they do notCorrect answer
• Speed up so the trip ends sooner
• Turn around to answer them, but only at low speed

You are responsible for the vehicle. Losing concentration to passengers is a common cause of crashes for new drivers.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: driver distraction

Question 6

Is it an offence to eat, drink or fix your hair while driving?

• No, only phone use counts as a distraction
• Yes, all three are banned by name
• There is no offence naming them, but you can be charged if you do not have proper control of the vehicleCorrect answer
• Only if you hold a learner's permit

The law requires proper control and a clear view at all times. Anything that takes your hands or eyes away for long enough can be an offence.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: driver distraction

Question 7

Where may a phone be mounted in the vehicle when the driver is allowed to use it?

• In a holder fixed to the vehicle that does not block your view of the roadCorrect answer
• On the dashboard, resting loose against the windscreen
• On your leg, where you can see it easily
• Anywhere, as long as you only glance at it

The mounting must be made for the purpose and fixed to the vehicle, and it must not obscure your view or sit over an airbag.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: mobile phones

Question 8

Your phone rings while you are driving and you are not allowed to answer it. What should you do?

• Answer briefly and hang up
• Hold the phone below the window line while you answer
• Pull over straight away wherever you are, including in the traffic lane
• Let it go to voicemail and check it once you have parked legallyCorrect answer

No call is worth the risk. If you have to take it, find a legal and safe place to stop first.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: mobile phones