SA theory test signals and lane use practice questions

Question 1

How long should your indicator be on before you turn?

• Signalling is optional if the road is quiet
• Only while the steering wheel is turning
• Exactly one second
• Long enough to give other road users enough warning of your intentionCorrect answer

A signal exists to warn. Give it early, and cancel it once the manoeuvre is finished so it does not mislead.

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

Question 2

On a road with two lanes in your direction and a speed limit above 80 km/h, which lane should you normally use?

• The left lane, unless overtaking or turning rightCorrect answer
• The right lane, so slower traffic can use the left
• The right lane at all times
• Whichever lane has the smoother surface

Keep left applies where the limit is over 80 km/h and anywhere a KEEP LEFT UNLESS OVERTAKING sign is displayed.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: lane use

Question 3

What does the rule about marked lanes require of you?

• You may straddle two lanes when traffic is light
• You must drive within a single marked laneCorrect answer
• You may straddle lanes as long as your indicator is on
• Lane markings apply only to heavy vehicles

Keep the vehicle inside one lane and change lanes only as a deliberate, signalled move after checking mirrors and blind spots.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 146, as adopted in South Australia

Question 4

Before changing lanes on a multi lane road, what is the correct sequence?

• Signal and move immediately
• Move first and signal once you are in the lane
• Mirrors, signal, head check for the blind spot, then move when clearCorrect answer
• Head check only, mirrors are not needed

The head check is the step that catches motorcycles and small cars sitting in the mirror blind spot.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: changing lanes

Question 5

You want to turn right from a two way road into a side street. Where should you position the vehicle before turning?

• Position does not matter as long as you signal
• As far left as possible for a wider turn
• In the middle of both lanes
• As near as practical to the centre of the road, or in the marked right turn laneCorrect answer

Correct positioning tells other drivers what you are doing and leaves room for traffic to pass on your left where the road allows.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: turning at intersections

Question 6

You are parked at the kerb and want to rejoin the traffic. What should you do first?

• Move out slowly and signal once you are in the lane
• Sound your horn and pull straight out
• Check your mirrors, signal, look over your shoulder, and move out only when there is a safe gapCorrect answer
• Wait for another driver to flash their lights at you

You are joining moving traffic, so you give way to it. The shoulder check catches cyclists riding along the kerb line.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: moving off from the kerb

Question 7

A bicycle lane runs along the left of your lane, marked with a bicycle symbol. When may you drive in it?

• Only for a short distance to enter or leave the road, or to turn, and only when it is safeCorrect answer
• At any time when no bicycle is using it
• Whenever traffic in your own lane is slow
• Only outside the morning and afternoon peak

A bicycle lane is for bicycles. Crossing it briefly to turn or to park where that is permitted is allowed, but driving along it is not.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 153, as adopted in South Australia

Question 8

You are approaching a lane signposted T2. What does that mean?

• The lane is for trucks only
• The lane carries traffic in two directions
• The lane is for turning traffic only
• It is a transit lane you may use only if the vehicle carries the driver and at least one passengerCorrect answer

Transit lanes are set aside for vehicles carrying people, along with buses, taxis, motorcycles and bicycles where the signs allow it.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: special purpose lanes

Question 9

You are in a lane where a painted arrow points left only. What must you do at the intersection ahead?

• Go straight ahead if the lane beside you is full
• Turn leftCorrect answer
• Choose either left or straight ahead
• Stop and wait for a gap so you can change lanes inside the intersection

The arrow decides your movement once you are in the lane. If you are in the wrong lane, turn as marked and fix your route afterwards.

Rule cited: The Driver's Handbook (South Australia), topic: lane use