TAS knowledge test seatbelts and passengers practice questions

Question 1

Who is legally responsible for making sure a passenger under 16 is properly restrained?

• The passenger, once they are over 12
• A parent, whether or not they are in the car
• The driver of the vehicleCorrect answer
• Nobody, if the trip is under two kilometres

The driver must make sure every passenger under 16 is in a properly fitted and adjusted seatbelt or approved child restraint before setting off.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 266, as adopted in Tasmania

Question 2

Who is responsible for a passenger aged 16 or over wearing a seatbelt?

• The driver alone
• Nobody, because it is optional for adults
• The registered owner of the vehicle
• That passenger, who commits the offence themselvesCorrect answer

Passengers aged 16 and over are responsible for their own seatbelt. That does not make it a good idea to drive off while someone is unbelted.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: seatbelt responsibilities

Question 3

What restraint must a baby under six months of age travel in?

• An approved rearward facing restraintCorrect answer
• A forward facing restraint with an inbuilt harness
• A booster seat with an adult lap sash belt
• An adult seatbelt, held by a seated adult

Babies under six months must use an approved rearward facing restraint, which supports the head and neck in a frontal crash.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: child restraints

Question 4

In a vehicle with two or more rows of seats, where must a child under four years old travel?

• In the front row, so the driver can watch them
• In a row behind the front rowCorrect answer
• In any row, as long as they are restrained
• In the front row only if the airbag is switched off

A child under four must not sit in the front row of a vehicle with two or more rows. The rear seats are the safest place for young children.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: where children may sit

Question 5

Can a passenger ride in the open tray of a utility vehicle?

• Yes, if the trip is short and slow
• Yes, if they sit down and hold on
• No, passengers must not travel in a part of the vehicle not designed for themCorrect answer
• Yes, if a canopy is fitted over the tray

People must travel in a seat with a proper restraint. Riding in a tray, a boot or on the outside of a vehicle is an offence and offers no protection at all.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: how passengers must travel

Question 6

Six friends want a lift in your car, which has five seating positions with seatbelts. What must you do?

• Take all six, with the smallest person sharing a belt
• Take all six if you drive slowly
• Take all six, with one person sitting in the boot
• Carry no more people than there are seatbeltsCorrect answer

Every person needs their own seating position and their own belt. Two people sharing one belt is both illegal and badly unsafe.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: number of passengers

Question 7

How should a lap sash seatbelt be worn?

• Sash across the chest and shoulder, lap belt low across the hipsCorrect answer
• Sash tucked under the arm for comfort
• Sash behind the back if it rubs the neck
• Lap belt across the stomach, with slack left for movement

The belt has to load the strong parts of the body. Wearing the sash under the arm or behind the back lets the upper body swing forward in a crash.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: wearing seatbelts correctly

Question 8

You have parked at the kerb on a busy street and your passenger is about to get out. What is the safe practice?

• Open the door wide first so following traffic can see it
• Check mirrors and over your shoulder for traffic and riders, then open the door only when clearCorrect answer
• Get out quickly, because a fast exit reduces the risk
• Leave the door open until everyone has stepped away from the car

A door opened into the path of a bicycle rider or a passing car causes serious injuries. You must not open a door, leave it open or get out without making sure it is safe.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 269, as adopted in Tasmania