VIC learner permit test signals and lane use practice questions

Question 1

How long should you signal before turning?

• Signalling is optional if nobody is behind you
• Only once you have started to turn the wheel
• Long enough to give other road users enough warning of what you intend to doCorrect answer
• For at least 30 seconds

The point of a signal is warning, so it must go on early enough for others to react, and it must be cancelled afterwards.

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

Question 2

On a multi lane road where the speed limit is over 80 km/h, which lane should you normally use?

• The centre lane at all times
• Whichever lane is emptiest
• The right lane, so you can overtake easily
• The left lane, unless you are overtaking or turning rightCorrect answer

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

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: lane use

Question 3

Your vehicle is drifting across a lane line on a multi lane road. What does the road rule require?

• You must drive within a single marked laneCorrect answer
• Lane lines are advisory only
• You may straddle two lanes if traffic is light
• You may straddle lanes as long as you signal

Stay inside one lane and move fully into another only when you have checked mirrors and blind spots and signalled.

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

Question 4

You have finished changing lanes but your indicator is still flashing. What is the risk?

• The globe will overheat
• Other drivers may assume you are about to move again and act on itCorrect answer
• None, a signal left on is always safer
• It cancels your right to change lanes again

Cancel a signal as soon as the manoeuvre is complete. A stale signal is misleading information for everyone around you.

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

Question 5

There is a marked bicycle lane on the left of the road. When may you drive in it?

• Never, under any circumstances
• Any time the lane is empty
• Only in the limited situations the rules allow, such as briefly entering or leaving the roadCorrect answer
• Whenever traffic in your lane is slow

Bicycle lanes are for bicycles. Driving in one is limited to short, specific movements such as turning into a driveway or stopping where permitted.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: bicycle lanes

Question 6

Your lane is ending and a sign tells you to merge into the lane on your right, which is separated from you by a lane line. What must you do?

• Give way to vehicles already travelling in the lane you are moving intoCorrect answer
• Keep your speed, since traffic in the other lane must make room
• Stop at the end of your lane and wait for a very large gap
• Signal and move across straight away without checking

Where a lane line still separates the lanes, you are changing lanes rather than zip merging, so the traffic already there has priority.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: merging and lane changing

Question 7

Two lanes merge into one where the lane lines end and no sign gives priority. Who must give way?

• The driver on the right, in every case
• The driver whose vehicle is behind gives way to the vehicle that is aheadCorrect answer
• The driver of the larger vehicle
• Neither, because both drivers must stop and take turns

In a zip merge with no lane lines, the driver whose front is further back gives way. Adjust your speed early so the merge is smooth.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: merging where lanes end

Question 8

You are about to move off from a parking space at the kerb. What should you do?

• Sound your horn and pull out
• Rely on your mirrors alone, because they show the whole road
• Signal, check mirrors and your blind spot, and give way to traffic already on the roadCorrect answer
• Move out slowly without signalling, since you are only starting off

Traffic already on the road has priority. A head check catches cyclists and motorcyclists that a mirror can hide.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: moving off from the kerb

Question 9

When is it appropriate to switch on your hazard warning lights?

• To park briefly in a place where parking is not allowed
• To thank another driver who let you in
• To let you drive in a bus lane during peak hour
• When your vehicle is stopped and creating a hazard, or you need to warn others of danger aheadCorrect answer

Hazard lights warn about danger. They do not give you permission to stop or park where you otherwise could not.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: hazard warning lights

Question 10

A lane on the road ahead is marked BUS LANE. What does that mean for you in a car?

• You must stay out of it except for the short movements the rules allow, such as entering to turnCorrect answer
• You may use it at any time outside the morning peak
• You may use it whenever your own lane is congested
• It is an ordinary lane with a painted label and no restriction

Bus lanes keep public transport moving. A car may enter only briefly for a permitted purpose, such as making a turn or getting around an obstruction.

Rule cited: Road to Solo Driving handbook (Victoria), topic: bus lanes and special purpose lanes