WA theory test mobile phones and distraction practice questions

Question 1

You hold a full Western Australian driver's licence. What may you legally do with a mobile phone while driving?

• Hold the phone to your ear if the call is short
• Make or take a call hands free, or with the phone secured in a mounting, without holding itCorrect answer
• Send a text message while the car is moving slowly
• Hold the phone in your lap so you can read messages

A full licence holder may take a call without holding the phone. Holding a phone in your hand or lap while driving is an offence.

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

Question 2

You are stopped at a red traffic light. May you pick up your phone to send a text?

• Yes, because the vehicle is not moving
• Yes, as long as the message is short
• No, because you are still driving until you park the vehicleCorrect answer
• Yes, provided you finish before the light turns green

Being stopped in traffic is not the same as being parked. The rules on holding a phone apply the whole time you are in the traffic stream.

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

Question 3

How may a fully licensed driver legally use a phone for navigation?

• Held in one hand while the other stays on the wheel
• Resting on the passenger seat within easy reach
• Propped against the instrument panel where you can see it
• Secured in a mounting fitted to the vehicle, without holding itCorrect answer

A navigation app is only legal in a proper cradle fixed to the vehicle. Set the destination before you move off.

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

Question 4

You are on a hands free call while driving. What is the risk?

• There is no risk, because both hands stay on the wheel
• The conversation still takes part of your attention away from the roadCorrect answer
• The only risk is that the call may drop out
• Hands free calls are risky only at night

Distraction is mental as well as physical. Drivers on a call miss more of what is happening around them, even with both hands on the wheel.

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

Question 5

Your phone rings and you want to take the call, but you are a learner driver. What should you do?

• Answer it hands free, because that is allowed for learners
• Answer it quickly and keep the call very short
• Find a safe and legal place to park, then take the callCorrect answer
• Ask your supervising driver to hold the phone to your ear

Learner and provisional drivers must not use a phone at all while driving, including hands free. The call can wait until you are parked.

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

Question 6

You want to change the music playlist during a drive. What is the safest approach?

• Do it while you are stopped at a red light
• Do it on a straight stretch of open road
• Do it while your speed is under 40 km/h
• Set it before you start driving, or ask a passenger to do itCorrect answer

Anything that takes your eyes off the road for several seconds is a real risk, whatever your speed. Sort it out before you move.

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

Question 7

Can you be penalised for eating or grooming while driving?

• No, because only phone use is covered by the law
• Yes, if it means you do not have proper control of the vehicleCorrect answer
• No, provided you keep one hand on the wheel
• Only if you are a learner or a provisional driver

You must have proper control of your vehicle at all times. Any activity that takes that away can be an offence, phone or not.

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

Question 8

You are a new driver and your passengers are being loud and distracting. What should you do?

• Turn the music up so you can concentrate on the road
• Drive faster so the trip is over sooner
• Ask them to settle down, and pull over safely if they do notCorrect answer
• Join in, because talking helps keep you alert

Passengers are one of the biggest sources of distraction for new drivers. You are responsible for the car, so it is fair to ask them to quieten down.

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