WA theory test overtaking and following practice questions

Question 1

Why should you leave a larger gap when following a heavy truck?

• Trucks brake far more quickly than cars do
• It is only a courtesy rather than a safety matter
• Truck drivers cannot use their mirrors at speed
• You cannot see past it and it needs a longer distance to pull upCorrect answer

Sitting close behind a truck hides the road ahead and puts you inside its stopping distance. Drop back and you can see and be seen.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Sharing the road with heavy vehicles

Question 2

A driver behind you is following far too closely. What is the safest response?

• Brake sharply to warn them off
• Keep left, hold a steady speed and increase your own gap to the vehicle aheadCorrect answer
• Speed up until they fall back
• Switch on your hazard lights and keep driving

You cannot control the driver behind, but you can give yourself more room in front so you never have to brake hard. Let them pass at the first safe chance.

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

Question 3

What must you be sure of before you start to overtake?

• That the driver ahead has seen you in the mirror
• That you can complete the pass within 200 metres
• That you can see far enough ahead to pass and return to your lane without cutting inCorrect answer
• That the road is straight for at least two car lengths

Overtaking needs a clear view of the whole manoeuvre plus a margin. If you are not certain there is room, stay back.

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

Question 4

You are being overtaken and the other driver needs to pull back in sooner than planned. What should you do?

• Hold your position so they learn to wait next time
• Move towards the centre line to close the gap
• Sound your horn and hold your speed
• Ease off and make room for them to return to your laneCorrect answer

A half completed overtake is dangerous for everyone on the road. Backing off costs you a few seconds and removes the danger.

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

Question 5

May you exceed the speed limit briefly to complete an overtaking manoeuvre?

• Yes, by up to 10 km/h while you are alongside
• No, the speed limit applies at all times, including while overtakingCorrect answer
• Yes, but only on country roads
• Yes, if the vehicle you are passing speeds up

There is no overtaking exemption from the speed limit. If you cannot pass within the limit, do not start the pass.

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

Question 6

A vehicle in the lane beside you has stopped at a pedestrian crossing. What must you do?

• Pass it slowly, because your own lane is clear
• Pass it only after sounding your horn
• Stop as well, and do not pass it until you can see the crossing is clearCorrect answer
• Continue at the posted limit and watch for movement

A stopped vehicle hides whoever is on the crossing. Passing it is one of the most common ways pedestrians are struck.

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

Question 7

How do you check that you are keeping a two second gap?

• Count car lengths, which works the same at any speed
• Match whatever gap the driver behind you is leaving
• Keep the vehicle ahead just above your bonnet line
• Pick a fixed object ahead and count two seconds from when the vehicle in front passes it until you doCorrect answer

Counting against a fixed marker works at any speed, because the gap grows automatically as you go faster.

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

Question 8

You have just overtaken a vehicle on a multi lane road. What should you do next?

• Stay in the right lane in case you need to pass again
• Signal and move back to the left once you can see the other vehicle in your mirrorCorrect answer
• Move back across at once, without signalling
• Stay in the right lane until you reach your exit

Seeing the whole vehicle in your mirror means there is room to move back without cutting in. Then the right lane is free for others.

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