WA theory test signals and lane use practice questions

Question 1

How far before a turn should you start signalling?

• Exactly one car length before the turn
• As you begin to turn the steering wheel
• Only when another vehicle is close behind you
• Far enough ahead to give other road users clear warning of what you plan to doCorrect answer

The point of a signal is to tell others what you are about to do while they can still react. Signalling as you turn is too late to be useful.

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

Question 2

You are parked at the kerb and want to rejoin the traffic. What must you do?

• Move out first and signal once you are in the traffic lane
• Signal for long enough to warn others, check your mirrors and blind spot, then move out when there is a safe gapCorrect answer
• Move out without signalling, because parked vehicles have priority
• Sound your horn instead of signalling

Traffic already on the road keeps its priority, so you wait for a gap rather than expect one. A signal held long enough gives approaching drivers time to see you.

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

Question 3

When should you switch your indicator off?

• After you have travelled a further 100 metres
• Only when you next come to a stop
• As soon as you have finished the turn or the lane changeCorrect answer
• When the vehicle behind you has passed

An indicator left flashing tells other drivers you are about to do something you are not. Check it has cancelled after a shallow turn.

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

Question 4

A sign marks the lane ahead as a T2 transit lane during the hours shown. When may you drive in it?

• Only if you are driving a taxi or a bus
• At any time, because transit lanes apply to trucks only
• Only if you intend to turn left at the next intersection
• Only if your vehicle is carrying at least two people, including the driverCorrect answer

A T2 lane needs at least two people on board. The number in the sign is the minimum number of occupants.

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

Question 5

A white arrow painted in your lane points left only. What must you do?

• Go straight ahead if the lane to your right is full
• Turn left, because you must follow the direction shown by the arrowCorrect answer
• Treat the arrow as advice rather than a rule
• Turn left only if there is a left turn sign as well

Lane arrows are as binding as a sign. Read them early so you are in the right lane before the queue builds.

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

Question 6

A marked bicycle lane runs along the left of the road. When may you drive in it?

• At any time when there is no rider in the lane
• Only between 9 am and 4 pm
• Only for a short distance to enter or leave the road, or where a sign allows itCorrect answer
• Never, under any circumstances

A bicycle lane is set aside for riders. Brief entry to turn or to reach a driveway is allowed, but driving along it is not.

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

Question 7

You are about to turn right from a two way road. Where should you position your vehicle before the turn?

• As far to the left as possible so others can pass you
• In the middle of your lane, whatever the width of the road
• Across the centre line so you can see oncoming traffic
• As near as practicable to the centre of the road on your sideCorrect answer

Moving across to the centre lets following traffic pass on your left and shortens the time you spend crossing the oncoming lane.

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

Question 8

When should you switch on your hazard warning lights?

• Whenever you park in a metered bay
• When your vehicle is stopped and is creating a hazard for other road usersCorrect answer
• So that you can stop briefly in a no stopping zone
• In heavy traffic, to warn the drivers behind you

Hazard lights mark a vehicle that has become an obstruction or a warning of danger ahead. They do not give you permission to stop where stopping is banned.

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