WA theory test hazards and safe driving practice questions

Question 1

What is the minimum following distance you should keep behind the vehicle in front in good conditions?

• At least two secondsCorrect answer
• At least one second
• Half a second
• One car length at any speed

Two seconds covers the time you need to notice a problem and start braking. In rain, at night or behind a heavy vehicle, double it.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Following distances

Question 2

You start to feel drowsy on a long drive. What is the only reliable fix?

• Stop somewhere safe and sleepCorrect answer
• Open the window and turn up the radio
• Drink an energy drink and keep going
• Speed up to finish the trip sooner

Fresh air and caffeine only mask fatigue for a short time. Sleep is the only thing that restores your alertness.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Fatigue

Question 3

You are driving on a country road at dusk when a kangaroo appears on the road ahead. What is the safest response?

• Brake in a straight line and stay on your side of the roadCorrect answer
• Swerve hard to whichever side has more space
• Accelerate past before it moves
• Sound the horn and keep your speed

Most serious wildlife crashes happen when a driver swerves and leaves the road or crosses into oncoming traffic. Braking straight keeps the car under control.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Country driving and wildlife

Question 4

Your steering suddenly feels light on a flooded section of road and the car does not respond. What should you do?

• Ease off the accelerator and hold the steering steady until the tyres grip againCorrect answer
• Brake hard immediately
• Turn the wheel sharply to find grip
• Accelerate to push through the water

That light feeling is aquaplaning, where a film of water lifts the tyres off the surface. Sudden braking or steering makes the car spin once grip returns.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Driving in wet conditions

Question 5

You turn off a sealed road onto loose gravel. How should you drive?

• Reduce speed and use gentle steering, braking and accelerationCorrect answer
• Keep the same speed and brake late into corners
• Drive in the middle of the road at all times
• Accelerate hard so the tyres bite through the gravel

Grip on gravel is far lower than on bitumen and the surface can change without warning. Smooth inputs and lower speed keep the car settled.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Country driving

Question 6

You hold a Western Australian learner's permit or a P plate licence. What are the rules on using a mobile phone while driving?

• You must not use a phone at all, including hands freeCorrect answer
• You may use it hands free but not hold it
• You may hold it while stopped at traffic lights
• You may use it for navigation only

Novice drivers face a full ban on phone use because they have less spare attention than experienced drivers. Set your route before you start driving.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Mobile phones