VIC learner permit test emergencies and hazards practice questions

Question 1

An ambulance behind you has flashing lights and a siren on. What should you do?

• Stop immediately where you are
• Do nothing, the ambulance will find its own way through
• Move left and clear a path as soon as you can do so safelyCorrect answer
• Speed up to stay ahead of it

Make room without creating a new hazard. Check mirrors, signal and move over rather than braking hard in the lane.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: emergency vehicles

Question 2

Your car breaks down in the left lane of a freeway. What is the safest thing to do?

• Stand behind the vehicle to warn traffic
• Walk back along the lane to place a warning triangle
• Stay in the driver's seat with the doors locked
• Move the vehicle well off the road if you can, put on hazard lights, and get out on the left away from trafficCorrect answer

Get the vehicle and yourself away from moving traffic, then call for help from behind a barrier or well off the shoulder.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: breakdowns and freeway driving

Question 3

The red lights at a railway level crossing begin flashing as you approach. What must you do?

• Cross quickly before the train arrives
• Cross if you cannot see a train in either direction
• Slow down and cross with extra care
• Stop before the crossing and wait until the lights stop flashingCorrect answer

Flashing lights mean a train is coming, and a second train may follow the first. Stay stopped until the signals go out and the boom gates are fully raised.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: railway level crossings

Question 4

Your steering suddenly feels light and vague as you drive through standing water in heavy rain. What should you do?

• Ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight, and avoid braking hardCorrect answer
• Brake firmly to bring the tyres back into contact with the road
• Accelerate to push through the water faster
• Turn the wheel from side to side to find some grip

The tyres are riding on a film of water. Slowing gently lets them cut back through to the road surface, while braking or steering hard causes a skid.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: driving in wet weather

Question 5

A front tyre blows out while you are travelling at speed. What should you do?

• Brake hard straight away
• Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and slow gradually before pulling off the roadCorrect answer
• Steer sharply onto the shoulder
• Switch off the ignition to cut the power

Hard braking or sudden steering after a blowout can spin the car. Keep it straight, let the speed fall away, then move off the road when you have control.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: emergencies while driving

Question 6

You are involved in a crash and someone has been injured. What must you do?

• Exchange details and drive off if the other driver agrees
• Move every vehicle out of the way before anyone arrives
• Stop, give whatever help you can, and report the crash to policeCorrect answer
• Wait for an insurance company to tell you who to call

Stopping and helping is a legal duty, not a choice. A crash involving injury must be reported to police.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: what to do after a crash

Question 7

You are driving on an unlit road at night with high beam on and a vehicle appears coming the other way. What must you do?

• Flash between high beam and low beam so they see you
• Leave high beam on, because the road has no street lighting
• Switch your headlights off for a moment
• Dip to low beam in time to avoid dazzling the other driverCorrect answer

Dip well before the vehicles meet, and do the same when you come up behind another car. If you are dazzled, look towards the left edge line and slow down.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: driving at night and headlight use