TAS knowledge test mobile phones and distraction practice questions

Question 1

What mobile phone use is allowed for a driver on a learner licence?

• Hands free calls only
• Calls made through a fixed cradle
• Navigation apps only
• None, the phone must not be used while drivingCorrect answer

Novice drivers must not use a mobile phone at all while driving, including hands free and loudspeaker. Set the phone aside before you start.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: mobile phones and novice drivers

Question 2

How may a fully licensed driver lawfully take a phone call while driving?

• Only if the phone is secured in a mounted cradle or operated hands free, without holding itCorrect answer
• By holding the phone against the ear, as long as the call is brief
• By resting the phone on their lap and using loudspeaker
• By holding the phone whenever traffic is moving slowly

A full licence holder may make or take a call only without holding the phone. Holding it in your hand, your lap or between your shoulder and ear is an offence.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: mobile phone use while driving

Question 3

You are stopped at a red light with the engine running. Can you pick up your phone and read a message?

• Yes, because the vehicle is not moving
• No, you are still driving and the phone rules still applyCorrect answer
• Yes, if you put the handbrake on first
• Yes, as long as you do not reply

Being stopped in traffic or at lights still counts as driving. The rules stop applying only when you have parked lawfully and are off the road.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: mobile phone use while driving

Question 4

When may any driver send or read a text message while driving?

• When travelling under 30 km/h
• When the message is short
• Never, texting while driving is not allowed for any driverCorrect answer
• When a passenger holds the phone up for them

Reading or writing a text takes your eyes off the road for seconds at a time, and at 60 km/h a car covers about 17 metres every second.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: texting while driving

Question 5

You hold a full licence and want to use your phone as a navigation aid. What is required?

• You may hold it if you only glance at the screen
• You may rest it on the dashboard where it can slide
• You may pass it to a passenger to hold in front of you
• It must be in a commercially designed mount fixed to the vehicle, and you must not hold itCorrect answer

Navigation is permitted for full licence holders only when the phone is mounted and not held. Learners must not use the phone for navigation at all.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: using a phone for navigation

Question 6

You want to eat a meal, sort through paperwork or fix your hair on a drive. What does the law require?

• You must have proper control of the vehicle at all times, so stop somewhere safe firstCorrect answer
• These activities are always allowed because they do not involve a phone
• They are allowed as long as you keep one hand on the wheel
• They are allowed at speeds under 50 km/h

There is a general duty to keep proper control of your vehicle. Anything that takes your hands, eyes or attention away can be an offence and increases crash risk.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 297, as adopted in Tasmania

Question 7

Your passengers are being loud and you are struggling to concentrate. What is the right response?

• Turn the music up to drown them out
• Ask them to settle, and pull over somewhere safe if it continuesCorrect answer
• Drive faster so the trip ends sooner
• Close your window and keep going

You are responsible for the vehicle, so you set the rules inside it. Stopping for a minute costs far less than a crash caused by divided attention.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: managing distractions

Question 8

When should you enter a destination into a navigation device or app?

• At the first red light on the trip
• While driving slowly on a quiet street
• Before you start driving, while the vehicle is safely parkedCorrect answer
• Whenever you realise you have taken a wrong turn

Typing an address is a long, eyes down task. Set it up before you move, and if you need to change it, park somewhere safe and legal first.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: managing distractions