Your keys

to driving
in Queensland
No. 10: May 2007 r.r.p $10.65

Published by
Queensland Transport
PO Box 673
Fortitude Valley 4006
The State of Queensland (Queensland Transport) 20002007
Copyright protects this material. Except as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth),
reproduction by any means (photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise),
making available online, electronic transmission or other publication of this material is
prohibited without the prior written permission of Queensland Transport. Enquiries should
be addressed to copyright@[Link] or to Queensland Transport at the postal
address shown above.
Information in this guide is current as at May 2007. For the latest road rules please refer
to the Queensland Transport website [Link].
Please note:
The notes and information contained in this guide are an interpretation of current traffc
law and should not be used for a legal interpretation.
ISSN 1443-4172
Your keys to driving in Queensland

Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................1
Queensland licensing .....................................................................................................3
Licence types ................................................................................................................................................4
Graduated licensing system .....................................................................................................................5
Licence classes, codes and conditions ..................................................................................................7
Applying for a licence .............................................................................................................................11
Learning to drive ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Q-SAFE practical driving test ............................................................................................................... 22
Provisional licences ................................................................................................................................. 28
Open licences ............................................................................................................................................ 33
Probationary and restricted licences ................................................................................................. 33
Motorbikes ................................................................................................................................................. 35
Heavy vehicles ........................................................................................................................................... 44
General provisions ................................................................................................................................... 47
Non-Queensland driver licences ......................................................................................................... 48
Road rules ........................................................................................................................ 53
Signs and signals ...................................................................................................................................... 54
Speed limits ............................................................................................................................................... 64
Making turns ............................................................................................................................................. 67
Roundabouts ............................................................................................................................................. 69
Indicating and signalling ....................................................................................................................... 71
Giving way ................................................................................................................................................. 74
Road positioning ...................................................................................................................................... 82
Hazardous localities ................................................................................................................................ 89
Alcohol and drugs .................................................................................................................................... 93
Heavy vehicles ........................................................................................................................................... 99
Other rules and responsibilities ..........................................................................................................111
Rules for other road users ...................................................................................................................120
Safe road use.................................................................................................................127
Sharing with other road users .......................................................................................................... 128
Stopping .................................................................................................................................................. 134
Hazards ..................................................................................................................................................... 136
Driver fatigue ......................................................................................................................................... 140
Correct seatbelt and child restraint use......................................................................................... 142
4WD driving ............................................................................................................................................ 143
Towing a trailer or caravan ........................................................................................................ 144
What to do at a crash .................................................................................................................. 146

Ofences and penalties........................................................................ ..............151
Enforcement ................................................................................................................................... 152
Licence suspensions ...................................................................................................................... 156
Unlicensed driving ........................................................................................................................ 162

Your vehicle............................................................................................. ...............165
Buying a used vehicle .................................................................................................................. 166
Registering your vehicle ............................................................................................................. 167
Insuring your vehicle ....................................................................................................................170
Looking after your vehicle ..........................................................................................................171
Organ donation....................................................................................... .............173
Index....................................................................................................... ..................175

Introduction
Your keys to driving in Queensland is a publication for Queensland drivers that
combines important information about the Queensland driver licensing system
and the Queensland road rules.

This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to learn to drive. Questions
you may fnd in your road rules test are featured at the end of some sections.

Your keys to driving in Queensland is not just for learner driversit is important
for everyone who uses the road, regardless of their level of experience, to read
the book to update their knowledge of the road rules and road safety.

You will be able to fnd information easilytheres an index at the back and each
section is colour coded for quick reference.

The information in this guide is an interpretation of the rules applying to road
use in Queensland. For the complete picture, visit the Offce of the Queensland
Parliamentary Counsel website at [Link] or purchase a copy
of the Transport Operations (Road Use ManagementRoad Rules) Regulation
1999, which contains the Queensland road rules, from The Government
Bookshop by calling 07 3118 6900 or 1800 679 778 (if you live outside Brisbane).

For further information visit [Link], contact your nearest
Queensland Transport customer service centre or call Queensland Transport
on 13 23 80.
Please note:
Higher rates apply when calling 13 or 1800 phone numbers from mobile phones.
If calling from outside Queensland, STD rates will apply.

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Licence types
Graduated licensing system
Licence classes, codes and conditions
Applying for a licence
Learning to drive
Q-SAFE practical driving test
Provisional licences
Open licences
Probationary and restricted licences
Motorbikes
Heavy vehicles
General provisions
Non-Queensland driver licences
3
4
Probationary licence
You may be eligible for a probationary licence if you were disqualied from holding or
obtaining a licence by a court and you have now served the period of disqualication
see Probationary licences on page 33.
Restricted licence
If you are convicted of drink driving but need a licence to earn your living, you may ask
the court that convicts you to grant you a restricted licence, commonly known as a work
licencesee Restricted licences on page 34.
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Before you drive, or learn to drive, any class of motor
vehicle on a road in Queensland, you must have a current
driver licence allowing you to drive or learn to drive that
class of vehicle.
There are three types of licences:
learner licence
provisional, probationary or restricted licence
open licence.
Learner licence
Before learning to drive any class of motor vehicle you
must hold a learner licence. Applying for a licence on
page 11 gives you information about getting your learner
licence. Learning to drive on page 17 outlines the
conditions for driving with a learner licence and helps
you get ready for your Q-SAFE practical driving test.
Provisional licence
A two stage provisional licenceP1 and P2has been introduced in Queensland as part of
a graduated licensing system.
After you have held your learner licence for at least one year, you may go for your Q-SAFE
practical driving test. Depending on how old you are when you pass your test, you will
receive either a P1 or a P2 provisional licence, which you must hold for a minimum period
before you can progress to the next stagesee Provisional licences on page 28 and Open
licences on page 33.
5
Open licence
You may be eligible for an open licence if you have held your provisional licence
for the required periodsee Open licences on page 33.
+VEHYEXIHPMGIRWMRKW]WXIQ

Statistics show that drivers aged 17 to 24 have the highest risk of being involved
in crashes resulting in death or injury. As a result, Queensland has introduced
changes to its licensing system.
Introduced on 1 July 2007, the graduated licensing system is designed to
give novice drivers more supervised on-road driving experience, including
identifying and dealing with hazards, and to improve their driving skills with
minimal distraction.
For learner drivers aged 23 and under, there are six steps you will need to go
through to get your open licence.
Written road rules test

L Learner licence

Q-SAFE practical driving test

P P1 provisional licence

Hazard perception test

P P2 provisional licence

Open licence
This process could be slightly different if you:
held a learner or provisional licence before 1 July 2007
are 24 years of age
are 25 years of age or over.
Under the graduated licensing system, you can get your learner licence at 16 and,
if you meet all the requirements for each stage and do the right thing, you can
have your open licence by the time you are 20.
R
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:

6
The new system means many changes, including:
You can now apply for your learner licence at 16.
Learner licences are issued for three years and must be held for at least one year
before you may take your Q-SAFE practical driving test.
If you are a learner driver under 25, you must complete 100 hours of supervised on-road
driving (including 10 hours of night driving) recorded in a logbook and pass the
Q-SAFE practical driving test to progress to your provisional licence.
Provisional licences will now be issued in two stagesP1 and P2with driving
restrictions to be observed in both stages.
There are restrictions on mobile phone use for learner drivers, their supervisors and
passengers, and for P1 drivers and their passengers.
Yellow L, or red or green P plates must be clearly displayed at the front and rear of
your car.
To get a motorbike learner licence, you will rst need to hold a provisional licence
for a car for at least one year.
There are restrictions on driving high-powered vehicles (such as those with 8 or
more cylinders, or those with turbo, super-charged or modied engines) during the
provisional phases.
You must carry your licence with you at all times while driving.
Accumulating 4 or more demerit points during the learner or provisional driving
phase could mean a three-month driving suspension or further restrictions imposed
on you.
If you are under 25 when you get your P1 provisional licence, you will be required
to pass a hazard perception test (from mid-2008) before you can progress to a P2
provisional or open licence.
Components of the graduated licensing system are aimed at reducing the risks to
learner, P1 and P2 drivers.
Research shows that novice drivers have a very high incidence of crashes in their
rst three to six months of solo driving. Thats why its so important you get as much
supervised on-road driving experience during the learning period as possible.
You may be able to apply for an exemption from some of these restrictions, and
Queensland Transport will assess applications for exemption on a case-by-case
basissee Provisional licences on page 28.
7
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You need a particular class of licence to drive certain vehicles. Your licence will
show the licence class and if required, the code for any conditions that you are
required to comply with.
Your licence will show only the highest class of vehicle you are authorised to drive.
This means you are allowed to drive each class of vehicle under that class of licence.
However, motorbike classes RE or R and the specially constructed vehicle class UD
will appear separately on the licence.
Authority to learn
If you hold a provisional, probationary or open licence for a particular class of
vehicle, you are authorised to learn to drive the higher classes of vehiclesee the
table below.
Also, if you hold a provisional, probationary or open licence for a particular class
of vehicle, you are authorised to learn to drive that class of vehicle with either an
automatic or manual transmission or with a synchromesh gearbox. For example,
if you hold an automatic car licence, you are authorised to learn to drive a car with
a manual gearbox.
If you are authorised to learn to drive a class of vehicle under your provisional,
probationary or open licence, you must be accompanied by a person who holds an
open licence for the class of vehicle you are learning to drive and has held that
licence for at least one year. If you drive unaccompanied or with a person not
appropriately licensed, you may be ned and not permitted to continue driving.
Driver licence classes
This table shows what class of licence you need to drive a particular vehicle.
Licence class Class of vehicle
RE (motorbike) You may ride:
a moped (a motorbike with an engine capacity of not more
than 50 mL and a manufacturers top rated speed of not more
than 50 km/h). Excludes power assisted cycles
a motorbike with an engine capacity of not more than 250 mL,
with or without a trailer.
You must have held a C class car provisional licence for at least
one year to be eligible for a motorbike (class RE) learner licence.
You may learn to ride a class R motorbike once you have held
your class RE motorbike licence for at least one year.
8
LR (light rigid) You may drive:
a class C vehicle
a bus of not more than 8 tonne GVM, with or without a trailer
of not more than 9 tonne GVM
a truck (including a prime mover) of not more than 8 tonne
GVM, with or without a trailer of not more than 9 tonne GVM
a specially constructed vehicle of not more than 8 tonne GVM,
with or without a trailer of not more than 9 tonne GVM.
You may learn to drive a class MR, HR or UD vehicle.
MR (medium rigid) You may drive:
a class LR vehicle
a bus of more than 8 tonne GVM with not more than 2 axles,
with or without a trailer of not more than 9 tonne GVM
a truck (including a prime mover) with not more than 2 axles,
with or without a trailer of not more than 9 tonne GVM
a specially constructed vehicle of more than 8 tonne GVM with
not more than 2 axles, with or without a trailer of not more
than 9 tonne GVM.
You may learn to drive a class HR, HC or UD vehicle.
HR (heavy rigid) You may drive:
a class MR vehicle
a bus, with or without a trailer of not more than 9 tonne GVM
an articulated bus
a truck (including a prime mover), with or without a trailer of
not more than 9 tonne GVM
C (car) You may drive:
a moped
a car, with or without a trailer
a specially constructed vehicle of not more than 4.5 tonne gross
vehicle mass (GVM), with or without a trailer
a vehicle, e.g. a minivan, not more than 4.5 tonne GVM, built or
tted to carry no more than 12 adults, including the driver.
You may learn to drive a class LR, MR, HR or UD vehicle.
R (motorbike) You may ride:
a class RE motorbike
a motorbike of any other engine capacity, with or without
a trailer.
9
MC (multi-
combination)
You may drive:
a class HC vehicle
a B-double
a road train.
UD You may drive a specially constructed vehicle.
Code Licence condition
A You may only drive the class of vehicle with automatic transmission.
B You may only drive the class of vehicle with synchromesh gearbox.
I You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with, an order under
the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992, part 5, division 1.
M You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with, your
medical certicate.
S You may only drive while wearing corrective lenses.
V You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with, your vehicle
modication notice.
XI You may only drive while carrying, and in accordance with, your
order under section 87 or 88 of the Transport Operations (Road Use
Management) Act 1995.
X2 You may only drive the class of vehicle with an L plate displayed
conspicuously at the front and rear of the vehicle.
Licence codes and conditions
Upgrading your licence
To upgrade your licence, you must:
complete an application form and produce your driver licence. You will be
HC (heavy
combination)
You may drive:
a class HR vehicle
a truck (including a prime mover), with or without a trailer
a specially constructed vehicle of more than 8 tonne GVM, with
or without a trailer.
You may learn to drive a class MC vehicle.
a specially constructed vehicle of more than 8 tonne GVM, with
or without a trailer of not more than 9 tonne GVM.
You may learn to drive a class HC, MC or UD vehicle.
10
Minimum periods for higher licence classes
You must have held a provisional, probationary or open licence for a minimum
period before you can upgrade to a higher licence class.
Licence class Minimum period
R (motorbike) You must have held a class RE provisional, probationary or
open licence for at least one year.
LR (light rigid)
MR (medium rigid)
You must have held a class C provisional, probationary or
open licence for at least one year.
LR MR
HR (heavy rigid) You must have held:
a class C provisional, probationary or open licence for at
least two years
a class LR or MR provisional, probationary or open licence
for at least one year.
HR
HC (heavy or open combination) You must have held a class MR or HR provisional,
probationary or open licence for at least one year.
HC
MC (multi-combination) You must have held a class HR or HC provisional,
probationary or open licence for at least one year.
MC
required to declare any trafc offences for which you have been convicted
provide evidence of identity and residence if requiredsee Evidence of identity below
pass an eyesight test if requiredsee Eyesight test, page 14
pass a road rules test if required. To pass the heavy vehicle test, you will need to answer
eight out of ten questions correctly. For the motorbike test, you must answer four out
of ve questions correctly
pass the Q-SAFE practical driving test
pass a hazard perception test if required (effective mid-2008).
11
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To apply for a licence, including a learner licence, you must:

visit a driver licence issuing centreQueensland Transport customer service
centre or Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) licence issuing
ofce (not all QGAP ofces can issue licences). In some rural or remote areas,
Queensland police stations may issue the licence
complete a Driver licence application/renewal form (F3000) including your
name, address, date and place of birth, medical tness, details of any previous
driver licences and any trafc convictions
provide identication and evidence of residence
pass an eyesight test if required
pass the road rules test if required
if you are a learner driver under 25 years of age, obtain a Queensland Transport
logbook to record your 100 hours of supervised on-road driving experience.
If you hold an interstate or foreign licence and need to get a Queensland licence,
see Non-Queensland driver licences on page 48.
Evidence of identity
You will need to comply with the evidence of identity requirements when you are
applying for a Queensland driver licence for the rst time, or when you are renewing
your licence and are unable to show your Queensland driver licence (current or
expired less than two years).
You will also need to comply with these requirements when you are applying for a
replacement of your licence because it has been cancelled, lost, stolen, destroyed or
defaced, or you have changed your name and you want your new name shown on
your driver licence.
Evidence of identity requirements
You will need to show three evidence of identity documents. These documents must
include at least either:
one category A document and two category B documents
two category A documents and one category B document.
One of these documents must include your signature. Each document must be
an original.
All documents must be current unless otherwise stated. Evidence of identity
documents may be veried with the issuing authority.
12
Category A documents
These documents establish the legal existence of your name and date of birth.
They include:
Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages birth certicatefull, including a
Bicentennial birth certicate issued for births in 1988 (other commemorative
certicates, extracts, acknowledgment of birth, photocopies or certied copies of
original documents are not acceptable)
Australian or foreign passport (current or expired less than two years)
Australian citizenship certicate or naturalisation certicate
Department of Immigration and Citizenship travel document, for example, resident
visa (valid up to ve years after issue)
Department of Immigration and Citizenship Certicate of evidence of resident status
Australian photo driver licence (current or expired less than two years)
Australian Defence Force photo identity card (excluding civilians)
Queensland or federal police ofcer photo identity card
Queensland Card 18+ (issued after 1 January 1992)
Queensland Transport Driver Authorisation, e.g. for bus, taxi and limousine drivers
(current or expired less than two years)
Queensland Transport Accreditation, for example driver or rider trainers, pilot
vehicle drivers (current or expired less than two years).
Category B documents
These documents establish your identity as the person presenting the category A
documents. They include:
Medicare card
nancial institution debit/credit card with signature and embossed name
education institution student identity document (must be issued in Australia and
include photo or signature)
Department of Veterans Affairs/Centrelink pensioner concession card (including
Health care cards)
If you cannot show any of the evidence of identity documents, you should discuss this
with staff at Queensland Transport. For more information, contact Queensland
Transport on 13 23 80.
13
Australian security guard or crowd controller licence (with photo)
Australian rearm licence (with photo).
Note: If you have any documents in a foreign language, you must include a
recognised English translation. For a list of approved recognised translators, contact
the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) at
website [Link] and access the Practitioners directory.
Change of name documents
If you have changed your name, or the details of your name are different on the
documents to be shown, you must also show an ofcial change of name document
such as:
Australian marriage certicate issued by the relevant Registrar of Births, Deaths
and Marriages
Australian change of name certicate issued by the relevant Registrar of Births,
Deaths and Marriages
Australian birth certicate (amended or with notations)
divorce papers decree nisi or absolute (must show the name being reverted to)
deed poll (issued before 1 February 2004).
An ofcial overseas marriage certicate may only be accepted if it has a registration
number and ofcial crest and is accompanied by one category A document in the
married name or two category B documents in the married name.
Evidence of Queensland residential address
If your current Queensland residential address is not shown on either category A or
category B documents, you will need to show another document that does provide
evidence of your Queensland residential address. They include:
contract of purchase, lease or rental document, mortgage or land
ownership certicate
current Queensland Vehicle registration certicate
Queensland driver licence or Vehicle registration renewal notice (for the
coming period)
Queensland local government rates notice
Queensland Land tax valuation notice
Australian Taxation Ofce assessment (last or current nancial year)
Australian Taxation Ofce tax le number conrmation advice (valid up to
two years)
14
electricity, gas or telephone account.
If you are genuinely unable to show one of these documents, you may do one of
the following:
complete the Queensland residency declaration form (F4208)
show a statement from your employer
if you are a student of an education institution, show a statement from the
institutions administrator.
Visit [Link]/licensing or contact Queensland Transport for more
information or to get a copy of the form F4208.
Eyesight test
You may be required to undergo an eyesight test before you get your licence. To pass
the test, you must be able to read the eyesight chart from a distance of six metres and
not make more than two errors. If you are required to take the test, you must meet
these standards:
Driver licence class Eyesight standard
Private vehicle driver - RE, R, C, LR You must be able to read line 12 or smaller with
both eyes.
Commercial vehicle driver Eyesight standard
MR, HR, HC, MC - includes any class of
vehicle used for commercial purposes
(e.g. taxi, limousine or a driver trainer
vehicle)
You must be able to read line 9 or smaller with one
eye or line 18 or smaller with the other eye.
If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses when driving, bring them with you and
wear them during the test. The code S will appear on your licence, showing you must
wear corrective lenses while driving.
If you have any eyesight problems, you may be required to obtain a medical certicate
from a doctor, optometrist or ophthalmologist certifying your sight meets the approved
standard for the class of licence you want.
If you only have vision in one eye (monocular vision), you will be required to obtain a
certicate from an optometrist or ophthalmologist conrming the extent of the loss of
your visual acuity and visual elds, regardless of whether you are a private or commercial
vehicle driver.
If you do not meet the eyesight standards, you will not be granted the licence.
15
Medical conditions affecting driving
By law, you must notify Queensland Transport as soon as practicable if you develop
a permanent or long-term medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your
ability to drive safely, or if there is an adverse change to your existing permanent
or long-term medical condition.
Medical conditions that are likely to affect your driving ability include (but are not
limited to):
epilepsy
diabetes
heart disease
stroke
arthritis and other joint problems
loss or partial loss of a limb
sight or hearing disorders
lung disease
sleep disorders
Alzheimers disease and other dementias
depression and other mental illnesses
injuries and disabilities.
If you have a medical condition that will adversely affect your ability to drive safely
and you already hold a driver licence, you can notify Queensland Transport by
completing the Medical condition notication form (F4355).
If you have a medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive
safely you may be able to drive provided you have a Medical certicate for motor
vehicle driver form (F3712) completed and signed by your doctor stating that you
are medically t to drive a motor vehicle safely. You may be suspended from driving
until this form is completed and assessed. Medical certicates can be issued by your
doctor for up to ve years.
If you fail to notify Queensland Transport of a medical condition that adversely
affects your ability to drive safely, you may be ned up to $4,500 and you may also
be disqualied from driving for a period of time.
If you are 75 years of age or older, you also need to provide evidence you are
medically t to drive. You will need to hold a Medical certicate for motor vehicle
driver form (F3712) completed and signed annually by your doctor stating that you
are medically t to drive a motor vehicle safely.
16
If your licence shows the code M, or you are 75 years of age or older, you must carry
the tearaway section of the medical certicate when you drive, and drive according to
any conditions it shows.
If you have a medical condition and are only able to drive a specially modied vehicle,
you must carry a medical certicate. You may also be required to carry a vehicle
modication notice when driving. For more information about driving specially
modied vehicles, contact Queensland Transport on 07 3253 4851.
If your licence is suspended or cancelled because your medical condition is likely to
adversely affect your ability to drive safely, you cannot obtain a Queensland driver
licence until your doctor gives you a medical certicate stating that you are medically
t to drive again.
If you hold a class MR, HR, HC, MC or a class R, C, LR and you have authority to carry
passengers or dangerous goods, you need to be assessed by a health professional
according to the commercial drivers standards set out in Assessing tness to drive,
available from the Austroads website at [Link].
For more information, or to obtain forms relating to medical conditions, contact
your nearest Queensland Transport customer service centre or driver licence issuing
centre, call Queensland Transport on 13 23 80, or visit
[Link]/medicalconditions. Forms may also be available from
your doctor.
Road rules test
You can take the road rules test at a driver licence issuing centre when you apply for
your driver licence. You pay a fee for each test. If you pass your test, you will receive
a learner licence. If you fail your test, you cannot take it again until the next day.
Allow at least 30 minutes to complete your road rules test. Once you pass, you will not
have to take it again but, if you apply for an additional licence class, you may need to
pass a specic road rules test for that class.
Class C general road rules test
There are 30 questions in the general road rules test. The questions have multiple choice
answersthis means each question has a number of possible answers and you must
mark the correct one. The test has two main sections. In the rst section, you must
correctly answer at least nine out of 10 questions. In the second section, you must
correctly answer at least 18 out of 20 questions.
Class RE or R (motorbike) road rules test
You will have to correctly answer at least four out of the ve additional questions
specic to motorbikes to pass the test.
17
Class UD, LR, MR, HR, HC or MC (heavy vehicle) road rules test
If you hold a car or motorbike licence or higher, you will have to correctly answer at
least eight of the 10 additional questions specic to heavy vehicles to pass the test.
Practice test questions
Practice test questions for all licence classes are available online on the Queensland
Transport website from July 2007. Visit [Link].
0IEVRMRKXSHVMZI
If you are under 25, you must:
ensure L plates are tted to the front
and rear of the vehicle you are driving
see L plates, page 19
gain 100 hours of supervised on-road
driving experience recorded and
certied in a logbook by your supervisor,
including 10 hours of night driving,
prior to taking your practical driving
testsee The compulsory learner licence
logbook, page 19
not use a mobile phone, including hands-
free function or Bluetooth accessories
while driving. Your supervisor and any
passengers are also banned from
using mobile phones on the loudspeaker
functionsee Mobile phones, page 20
drive with a zero blood alcohol
concentrationsee Drink driving, page 93
always carry your learner licence when
you are driving
be supervised by a person who holds
an open licence for the class of vehicle
you are learning to drive in, whether
Learner licence conditions
Now you have your learner licence, there are a number of requirements and
restrictions that you must be aware of.
18
manual or automatic. Your supervisor must have held that open licence for at least
one year. Your supervisor must not exceed the legal blood alcohol concentration for
the type of vehicle in which they are supervising you. Your supervisor must sit next
to you
obey the conditions shown on your learner licence
hold your learner licence for at least one year, excluding periods of suspension,
disqualication or cancellation, before applying to do your Q-SAFE practical driving
test to progress to a P1 provisional licence.
If you are 25 or older, you must:
ensure L plates are tted to the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving
see L plates below
drive with a blood alcohol concentration below 0.05. However, Queensland
Transport recommends you drive with a zero blood alcohol concentration for
optimum safety during the learning periodsee Drink driving, page 93
always carry your learner licence when you are driving
always be supervised by a person who holds an open licence for the class of vehicle
you are learning to drive in, whether manual or automatic. Your supervisor must
have held that licence for at least one year. Your supervisor must not exceed the
legal blood alcohol concentration for the type of vehicle in which they are
supervising you. Your supervisor must sit next to you
obey the conditions shown on your learner licence
hold your learner licence for at least one year, excluding periods of suspension,
disqualication or cancellation, before applying to do your Q-SAFE practical driving
test to progress to a P2 provisional licence.
For learner drivers aged 25 and over, the requirement to gain the 100 hours of
supervised on-road driving experience is voluntary, but you are encouraged to complete
this for improved road safety.
If you obtained your learner licence before 1 July 2007, you must:
ensure L plates are tted to the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving
see L plates below
drive with a zero blood alcohol concentration if you are under 25, or a blood
alcohol concentration below 0.05 if you are 25 or oldersee Drink driving, page 93
always carry your learner licence when you are driving
always be supervised by a person who holds an open licence for the class of vehicle
you are learning to drive in, whether manual or automatic. Your supervisor must
have held that licence for at least one year. Your supervisor must sit next to you
19
obey the conditions shown on your learner licence
hold your learner licence for at least six months within the previous two
years, excluding periods of suspension, disqualication or cancellation, before
applying to do your Q-SAFE practical driving test to progress to a P1 or P2
provisional licence.
If you accumulate 4 or more demerit points over a one-year period on your
learner licence, you will have the choice between:
a three-month driving suspension
a good driving behaviour option for one year.
L plates
All learner licence holders must display L plates at the front
and rear of the vehicle, or at the rear only for motorbikes,
or risk a ne. An L plate is a sign that measures 146 mm x
146 mm and shows a black uppercase letter L on a yellow
background. An L plate must be easily seen by anyone looking
at the front and rear of the vehicle.
You can buy L plates from service stations, major retailers and automotive outlets.
Check with your local supplier for cost. You can also download and print a colour
template from [Link]/youngdrivers.
The compulsory learner licence logbook
International research shows there is a signicant link between the amount of
supervised on-road driving experience that new drivers gain and improvements
in road safety.
All learner drivers under the age of 25 must gain 100 hours of supervised on-road
driving experience and record it in an approved Queensland Transport logbook.
Your logbook must also show 10 hours of night driving as part of the 100
hour requirement.
Before you book your Q-SAFE practical driving test, Queensland Transport must
verify your logbook entries.
There are a number of ways in which you can gain your 100 hours of supervised
on-road driving experience:
undertake driving experience with a supervisor other than an accredited
trainer, and record these hours in your Queensland Transport logbook
undertake driving experience with an accredited driver trainer, and record
these hours in your Queensland Transport logbook. This can reduce the 100
hour requirementsee below
L
20
undertake a combination of driving experience with a supervisor and an accredited
driver trainer, and record these hours in your Queensland Transport logbook
if you have undertaken driving experience elsewhere under an Australian or
New Zealand learner licencea combination of that experience recorded on a
Prior driving experience application form F4450 and driving experience recorded
in your Queensland Transport logbook
if you have undertaken driving experience other than in Australia or
New Zealand on a foreign learner licencea combination of that experience
recorded on a Prior driving experience application form F4450 (no more than
50 hours) and driving experience gained on Australian roads recorded in your
Queensland Transport logbook (at least 50 hours, including the required 10
hours of night driving)
apply for an exemption and hold your learner licence for two years.
Your initial logbook will be issued to you when you get your learner licence, and the
cost will be included in your learner licence fee. Replacement or additional logbooks
may be purchased through the Services online section at [Link] or
a customer service centre.
You can reduce the 100 hour requirement by taking driving lessons with an accredited
driver trainer. A one-hour lesson will count as three hours in your logbook, up to a
maximum of 10 actual hours (30 logbook hours).
Your supervising driver must sign every entry in your logbook. If you are submitting a
Prior driving experience application, your supervising driver/s must also sign this form.
When you have completed 100 hours, you will need to sign a declaration that the
logbook entries are true and correct. Penalties apply to you and your supervisor if
you record false or misleading information in your logbook.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones can be a major distraction
to young drivers. This is why learner licence
and P1 licence holders under 25 are banned
from using mobile phones at any time while
driving. This includes using hands-free kits,
Bluetooth accessories and loudspeaker
functions.
Your supervisor and any passengers are also banned from using mobile phones on
loudspeaker function. If youre under 25, a learner licence holder and need to use
your mobile phone, you may use it only when you are legally and safely parked.
21
7EQTPIUYIWXMSRWPIEVRIVPMGIRGIW
1. What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration for a learner driver under 25?
(See page 17)
A. 0.05.
B. 0.02.
C. 0.00.
D. 0.08.
2. If you are driving a car on a learner licence, you: (See page 17)
A. must ensure one L plate is tted to your car so that it can be clearly seen from the
front of the car
B. must ensure one L plate is tted to your car so that it can be clearly seen from the rear
of the car
C. are not required to display L plates when you are accompanied by a supervising driver
D. must ensure two L plates are tted to your car so that they can be clearly seen from
the front and the rear of the car.
3. Which one of the following statements is true for a learner driver? (See page 19)
A. You must have only one passenger in the car.
B. You must only drive during daylight hours.
C. You need to complete the required number of hours of supervised on-road driving
experience before you can undertake your Q-SAFE practical driving test.
D. You can drive without a supervisor, but it will not contribute to your logbook hours.
Ready to drive for the learner
When you receive your learner licence, you will also be provided with information
to help you get your provisional licence. This information will give you helpful
tips and explain the step-by-step process of upgrading from a learner licence to
a provisional licence.
Remember that taking risks and driver inexperience are key factors in many fatal
crashes involving young drivers. While learner drivers are not generally prone to
having crashes, once you get your provisional licence, you are then a solo driver
and are much more likely to have a serious crash than other motorists. Dont fall
into the trap of taking risks and becoming a statistic by doing something stupid.
Use your time as a learner to make yourself the best possible driver. Its a bit like
sport and other interests. You dont want to just pass. You want to be the best driver
you can be.
22
57%*)TVEGXMGEPHVMZMRKXIWX

Booking your Q-SAFE practical driving test

If you have an accredited driver trainer, they will arrange an appointment time for your
Q-SAFE practical driving test at a testing centre. If not, youll need to do this yourself.
You will be required to pay the driving test fee and complete a Driver licence
application/renewal form (F3000), available from Find a form at
[Link]. You can make a booking by contacting 13 23 90 or visiting
the website.
If you are a learner licence holder under 25 years of age, you must lodge your
completed and certied logbook at Australia Post at least 14 days before your
Q-SAFE practical driving test. Queensland Transport will carefully check and record
your logbook, and will then notify you of your result. Your logbook must be approved
before you can take your Q-SAFE practical driving test.
For more information about booking a Q-SAFE practical driving test, call Queensland
Transport on 13 23 90, visit Services online at [Link], or check the
information in your logbook.
Note: If you wish to obtain a motorbike licence or heavy vehicle licence, see pages 35
and 44 respectively.
Test vehicles
The standard test vehicle for a class C licence is a vehicle (other than a motorbike) not
more than 4.5 tonne GVM, built or tted to carry no more than 12 adults including
the driver.
4. Which one of the following statements is true for a learner driver? (See page 20)
A. You may use a mobile phone while driving, provided you use a hands-free or
Bluetooth accessory.
B. You may use a mobile phone while driving, provided you do not become distracted and
drive with due care and attention.
C. You may only use a mobile phone in the car you are driving if you are legally and
safely parked.
D. You must never use a mobile phone in your car.
5. How long must you hold your learner licence for before you take your Q-SAFE practical driving
test? (See page 18)
A. Six months.
B. 12 months.
C. Six months if you are 25 or over, and 12 months if you are under 25.
23
The vehicle must be registered and pass a basic safety check conducted by the
driving examiner. Before turning up for your test, make sure the vehicle would pass
the safety check by having:
signalling devices, horn and stop lights that are all working
brakes and tyres that are in good condition
mirrors and internal sun visors that are adjustable
windows that are clean and able to be opened and shut
windscreen and wipers in good condition
seatbelts and head restraints tted to both front seats.
Convertible-style vehicles must have the roof closed. All doors must be able to be
opened from inside and outside the vehicle and be tted with suitable door handles.
If you are under 25 and do your Q-SAFE practical driving test in a high-powered
vehicle such as one with 8 or more cylinders, or one with a turbo, super-charged or
modied engine, you will not be able to drive it out of the testing centre after you
pass the Q-SAFE practical driving test unless you have an exemption. This is because
P1 drivers (which you will then be) are restricted from driving high-powered
vehiclessee High-powered vehicles, page 30.
Note: the Q-SAFE practical driving test cannot be taken on a moped.
Before the Q-SAFE practical driving test
Bring your:
learner licence or current licence if you are being tested for another class
of licence
L plates if you are using your own vehicle
Driving test appointment sheet (F3910)
Examiners authority to drive test vehicle section of the application form or
appointment sheet, signed by the registered owner, authorising a Queensland
Transport driving examiner to drive the vehicle if necessary
vehicle
P plates to attach to your vehicle after you pass the test and get your
provisional licencered P plates if you are under 25 years of age, or green P
plates if you are 25 years or over. See P plates on page 30 for information on
where to buy P plates or how to download them from
[Link]/youngdrivers.
You should arrive at least ten minutes before your test with the Driving test
appointment sheet and driver licence application fully completed by you and the
24
registered operator of the test vehicle. Your signature on the form must be witnessed
by a customer service ofcer. Failure to be ready for the test at the scheduled time
may result in the cancellation of your driving test and the forfeiture of your driving
test fee. You would then be required to book and pay for another driving test. Make
sure that you give at least two working days notice if you need to alter or cancel your
appointment.
Your driving test may be cancelled for any of these reasons:
your vehicle is modied (unless the modications have been approved by the
Director-General of Queensland Transport)
anything (such as a tow bar) obscures the number plate
your number plate cannot be read from 20 m away
your vehicle is not a standard test vehicle for the licence you have applied for
your vehicle does not pass a basic safety check
L plates are not displayed on the vehicle
the registered operator of the vehicle has not signed the Examiners authority to
drive test vehicle section on the driver licence application or appointment sheet
you failed a driving test for the same class of licence earlier the same day
you did not sign the declaration attached to the application form (F3000)
you are under 25 and your learner licence logbook has not been checked and passed
by Queensland Transport.
Your Q-SAFE practical driving test fee will not be refunded if:
you fail your driving test
you dont give two working days notice before altering or cancelling your
appointment or cannot take your driving test at the set time, possibly because you
arrived late
you do not have the vehicle owners permission for the vehicle to be used for
the test
your test vehicle failed the basic safety check
you are under 25 and your learner licence logbook has not been checked and passed
by Queensland Transport.
During your Q-SAFE practical driving test
The on-road test time for a class C licence will be not more than 35 minutes.
When you arrive for your driving test, you get information on how the test will be
conducted. Turn off your mobile phone as soon as you arrive at the testing centre,
and leave it off for the duration of the test.
25
The driving examiner carries out a basic safety check on your vehicle. If it passes,
the driving examiner starts your test with a pre-drive check of your knowledge
of your vehicles controls. Then you have a chance to ask questions before your
on-road test starts.
As you drive, the driving examiner records how well you complete each task on the
form, so dont assume you have made a mistake when the driving examiner marks
the report. You should allow at least one hour for your driving test and associated
activities. Driving examiners are there to help. Its their job to assess your ability to
drive safelyso dont feel intimidated or nervous.
A message from your driving examiner
The driving examiner will make the following statements to you before you start
your driving test:
Q-SAFE is designed to evaluate your ability to drive safely and correctly in
different driving situations which may include a variety of speed zones.
I will be asking you to perform a series of driving tasks throughout your
driving test. You will be given clear directions in ample time.
If I dont give you any specic directions please follow the road and be
directed by road signs, signals and markings.
Do you have any questions?
Additional information
You will be expected to perform the driving tasks according to the road rules.
At no time during your test will you be asked to perform any driving tasks that
are illegal or unsafe.
If your vehicle is tted with blind spot mirrors, you must still look over your
shoulder to make sure there are no vehicles in the blind spot.
Once your driving test has begun, the driving examiner cannot answer any
questions that may inuence your driving performance.
Q-SAFE practical driving test
When you do a Q-SAFE practical driving test for a car you will be assessed on a
number of tasks.
Pre-drive check
The pre-drive check asks you to locate and explain the operation of a range of
vehicle controls including wipers, washers, demister, air conditioner, seat adjustment,
hazard lights, mirrors and headlights.
26
On-road driving test
In your on-road driving test, the driving examiner will check that you perform the
following procedures correctly:
stoppinguse of the vehicles parking or foot brake when stopped
giving waygive way, slow down or stop and give way to vehicles or pedestrians
so they do not have to slow down, stop or take action to avoid your vehicle.
This also applies to reversing your vehicle
signs, signals and road markingsobey all trafc signs, signals and road markings,
including any warning and guide signs
moving off, changing direction or lane changingfollow this sequence:
1. look in mirrors
2. indicate your intention
3. check the vehicles blind spot by turning your head
4. check trafc, your road position and speed
5. when beginning to move, check for changed trafc conditions
clutchcontrol the clutch so that there is a smooth take-up of power to the drive
wheels and smooth gear changing
gearsdemonstrate the correct use of gears appropriate for speed, vehicle and
driving conditions
brakingdrive to avoid harsh or abrupt movement by slowing the vehicle smoothly
and progressively. The parking brake is used when the vehicle is stationary
speeddrive at a speed that suits the road and trafc conditions (even 10 km/h
can sometimes be too fast)
27
observation and scanningbe on guard, always looking for trafc hazards and
possible problems. Look left, right, ahead and behind when approaching a
hazard, then use a driving system to deal with it in timesee Hazards, page 136
mirrorscheck rear vision mirrors, including both side mirrors, frequently
following vehiclesin good conditions, travel at least two seconds behind the
vehicle in front of you. Double this gap in poor conditionssee Safe following
distance, page 134
marked laneskeep within lane markings. Change lanes only after signalling
and if it is safe to do so
road positionkeep as far left as safe and practical when driving on a road
without marked lanes
signalling and indicatorsgive other road users sufcient warning of what you
intend to dosee Indicating and signalling, page 71
steeringalways keep control of the steering wheel. Never:
- put your hands inside the rim of the wheel
- remove your hands or let the wheel go free
- hold the wheel with your arms crossed or so that the movement of the wheel
is restricted
- operate the wheel with one hand unnecessarily
(for example, one arm resting on the door)
- palm the wheel with one hand
- operate the wheel with the vehicle stationary (dry steering)
manoeuvresperform two or more of the listed manoeuvres:
- reverse parkingpark the vehicle parallel to and within 45 cm of the kerb.
You can have one attempt with a maximum of two reverse and one
forward movements
- reversing exercisesteer a steady course (in an approximate straight line),
starting and nishing within 50 cm of the kerb. The observation should be
predominantly by turning your head and looking through the rear window
- turning arounduse the available space with a minimum of going forward
or back. Do not turn the wheel when the vehicle is stopped
- U-turngive way to all other vehicles and pedestrians and have a clear view
of all approaching trafc
- hill startposition the car parallel to and within 50 cm of the kerb and move
off without rolling backwards
28
4VSZMWMSREPPMGIRGIW

Once you have passed your practical driving test, you will receive a provisional licence.
Under the graduated licensing system, the type of provisional licence you receive will
depend on how old you are.
If you are under 25, you will receive a P1 provisional licence. If you are 25 or older, you
will receive a P2 provisional licence.
P1 provisional licence requirements
If you hold a P1 provisional licence and you are under 25 you:
must display red P plates at the front and rear of your vehicle when driving
must not use your mobile phone when driving, including hands-free functions
- gear changing in automaticsif you are driving an automatic car, you may be
asked to select a lower gear and re-select drive.
After the Q-SAFE practical driving test
After you have completed all the driving tasks, the driving examiner directs you back
to the testing ofce. The examiner will tell you at the end of your test whether you
have passed or failed. You also get feedback on any errors, and a copy of your Driving
assessment report. If you have passed, you pay the licence fee and have your photo
taken. You then receive a P1 licence if you are under 25 years of age, or a P2 licence if
you are 25 years of age or older. If you wish to drive your test vehicle out of the testing
centre, you must remove the L plates and replace them with your red P plates (P1
licence) or green P plates (P2 licence).
If you drive out of the testing centre, having passed the test and have not put the
correct colour P plates on the vehicle, you risk a ne.
Note: If you already hold a provisional or open licence, and are upgrading your licence,
it will be re-issued with the new class stated on it.
If you failed dont panic
Come back after more practice and try again. Before you leave, make sure you know
exactly what you did wrong and how you can improve. You can take the test as many
times as you like, but you must pay each time and cant re-take the test on the same
day. Your learner licence is current for three years and it is easily renewed. Dont push
yourself if youre not ready. You have many people to help you through one of the most
important challenges youll ever take on. So take your time.
29
or Bluetooth accessories. Your passengers are banned from using mobile phones
on the loudspeaker functionsee Mobile phones, page 31
may only carry one peer passenger under 21 years (excluding immediate family
members) between 11.00 pm and 5.00 amsee Peer passengers, page 31
are not allowed to drive high-powered vehiclessee High-powered
vehicles, page 30
must drive with a zero blood alcohol concentrationsee Drink driving, page 93
must always carry your licence when you are driving.
If you are 24 years of age when you get your P1 licence, full P1 restrictions will
apply to you until you turn 25. When you turn 25, fewer restrictions will apply for
the balance of the P1 period.
Getting your P2 licence
If you hold a P1 licence and are under 24, to get your P2 licence you will need to:
hold your P1 licence for at least one year (not including licence suspensions
or cancellations)
obtain green P plates
pass a hazard perception testsee below
remove the red P plates from your vehicle and replace them with green P plates
as soon as the P2 licence is issued to you.
Hazard perception test
From mid-2008, all licence holders who were under 25 years of age at the time they
got their P1 licence must pass a hazard perception test (HPT) to graduate to the
next stage.
If you were issued with your P1 licence when you were 24, you will be eligible for
your open licence after one year on a P1 licence. This one-year period does not
include any time when your licence is suspended or cancelled. To graduate to an
open licence, you must pass a HPT.
If you were 25 or over when you passed your practical driving test, you would
have been issued with a P2 licence with certain conditions. You are not required to
undertake the HPT to obtain this licence or to graduate to your open licence.
P2 provisional licence requirements
If you hold a P2 provisional licence and you are under 25 you must:
display green P plates at the front and rear of your vehicle when driving
30
High-powered vehicles
Research shows that drivers take more risks such as speeding deliberately and driving
recklessly when they are behind the wheel of high-powered or performance cars. Thats
why provisional licence holders under the age of 25, whether holding P1 or P2 licences,
are not allowed to drive high-powered vehicles, such as those with:
an engine with a power output of more than 200 kW
not drive high-powered vehiclessee High-powered vehicles below
drive with a zero blood alcohol concentrationsee Drink driving, page 93
always carry your licence when you are driving.
If you are aged 25 or over you must:
display green P plates at the front and rear of your vehicle when driving
have a blood alcohol concentration below 0.05see Drink driving, page 93
always carry your licence when you are driving.
Provisional licence issued before 1 July 2007
If you obtained your provisional licence before 1 July 2007, you must:
drive with a zero blood alcohol concentration if you are under 25, or a blood
alcohol concentration below 0.05 if you are 25 or oldersee Drink driving, page 93
always carry your licence when you are driving.
P plates
The rst years of driving pose the greatest risk
of crashes for young drivers. P plates have been
reintroduced to remind young or inexperienced
drivers that they are novices and still developing
their on-road experience. They also help
other road users to exercise caution around
P-plated drivers.
A P plate is a plate that features an uppercase red letter P or an uppercase green letter
P on a white background. You can buy P plates from service stations, major retailers
and automotive outlets. Check with your local supplier for cost. You can also download
and print a colour template from [Link]/youngdrivers. If you are a
P1 or P2 licence holder, you must display your P plates so they can be clearly seen at
the front and rear of your vehicle.
31
eight or more cylinders
a turbo-charged or super-charged engine (except a diesel-powered engine)
a modied engine requiring approval under the Transport Operations (Road
Use ManagementVehicle Standards and Safety Regulation 1999, section 30)
a rotary engine that has a capacity of more than 1146 cc.
Check your vehicles power specications on the vehicle manufacturers website,
or a car guide website such as [Link] or [Link].
You may request an exemption, but exemptions are considered on a case-by-case
basis in accordance with strict guidelines. If you breach the high-powered vehicle
restriction, a penalty will apply.
Mobile phones
All drivers are banned from using hand-held mobile phones while driving (see page
118). Additionally, the restrictions that apply to learner licence holders under 25
and their passengers still apply during the P1 period. P1 licence holders under 25
are banned from using mobile phones at any time while driving, and this includes
using hands-free kits, Bluetooth accessories and loudspeaker function. Passengers
of P1 licence holders are also banned from using mobile phones on the loudspeaker
function.
If youre under 25, a P1 licence holder and need to use your mobile phone, you may
use it only when you are legally and safely parked. If you breach the mobile phone
restriction, a penalty will apply.
Peer passengers
Research shows that the risk of having a crash is higher when a young driver is
carrying more than one passenger of a similar age to them (their peers) in
their vehicle.
When you are driving on your P1 licence, you may only carry one passenger aged
under 21 (excluding immediate family members) between 11.00 pm and 5.00 am. You
may request an exemption, but exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis
in accordance with strict guidelines. If you breach the peer passenger restrictions, a
penalty will apply.
Demerit points
If you accumulate 4 or more demerit points over a one-year period, you will have the
choice between:
a three-month driving suspension
32
7EQTPIUYIWXMSRWTVSZMWMSREPPMGIRGIW
1. What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration for a provisional licence holder under 25?
(See page 29)
A. 0.05.
B. 0.02.
C. 0.00.
D. 0.08 .
2. If you are under 25 and hold a P1 provisional licence, how many passengers under 21
(other than family members) are you allowed to have in the car between 11.00 pm and
5.00 am? (See page 31)
A. None.
B. 1.
C. 2.
D. 4 .
3. Which two of the following statements are true for a driver with a P1 provisional licence?
(See page 31)
A. You may use a mobile phone while driving, provided you use a hands-free or
Bluetooth accessory.
B. You may not use a mobile phone while driving, but your passengers can, provided they
do not use the loudspeaker function.
C. You may use a mobile phone while driving, provided you do not become distracted and
drive with due care and attention.
D. You may only use a mobile phone in the car when you are legally and safely parked.
4. If you hold a provisional licence, your licence will be suspended or you will have to comply
with a good driving behaviour option if you accumulate how many demerit points?
(See page 31)
A. 4 or more over a one-year period.
B. 4 or more over the period of the licence.
C. 12 or more over a one-year period.
D. 12 or more over the period of the licence.
a good driving behaviour option for one year.
Further restrictions will be imposed during the good driving behaviour period, or when
you resume driving after the suspension, if you are under 25see Licence suspensions,
page 156.
If your licence is suspended or cancelled during the provisional licence period, this time
will not contribute to the time for which you must hold that licence.
33
3TIRPMGIRGIW

You may be eligible for an open licence if you

have held your P1 or P2 licence for the
required period:
If you were under 23 when you got your
P1 licence, you must hold your P2 licence
for at least two years (not including
licence suspensions or cancellations) to
progress to an open licence.
If you were 23 when you got your P1 licence, you must hold your P2 licence for
at least one year (not including licence suspensions or cancellations) to progress
to an open licence.
If you were 24 when you got your P1 licence, you must hold it for at least one
year (not including licence suspensions or cancellations) to progress to an
open licence.
Conditions for open licence holders
You must remove any P plates once you receive your open licence.
Always keep your licence with you when driving, and show it to any police
ofcer who asks you to do so. If you do not have the licence with you, you may
be given 48 hours to produce it at a police station nominated by the police
ofcer. You may be ned if you do not produce your licence.
You must drive with a blood alcohol concentration below 0.05see Drink
driving, page 93.
If you accumulate 12 or more demerit points over a three-year period, this will
result in a three-month suspension, or you will have to observe good driving
behaviour conditions for one yearsee Accumulation of demerit points, page 157.
If you pass a Q-SAFE practical driving test for an additional or higher class of licence
and already hold a Queensland open driver licence, your licence will be re-issued to
you showing the additional or higher class.
4VSFEXMSREV]ERHVIWXVMGXIHPMGIRGIW

Probationary licences
If you were disqualied from holding or obtaining a licence by a court and you have
now served the period of disqualication you will be issued with a probationary licence.
34
If you held a P1 or P2 licence before you were disqualied, you must continue to display
the respective coloured P plates on your vehicle if you are driving under a P1 or P2
probationary licence.
If you held a provisional licence issued before 1 July 2007 before you were disqualied,
you are not required to display P plates if you are driving under a probationary licence.
If you are over the age of 25 and held an open licence before you were disqualied,
you are not required to display P plates on your vehicle while driving under a
probationary licence.
Conditions for probationary licence holders
You must:
carry your licence at all times when driving
if you are under 25 years of age, have a zero blood alcohol concentration when
drivingsee Drink driving, page 93.
You may:
drive any class of vehicle shown on your licence
learn to drive a higher class vehicle as long as you are with someone who holds
an open licence for that class vehicle and has held that licence for at least one
yearsee Driver licence classes, page 7.
Restricted licences
If you are convicted of drink driving but need a licence to earn your living, you may
ask the court that convicts you to grant you a restricted licence, commonly known
as a work licence. You must apply to the court for this licence before the Magistrate
decides what period you will be disqualied for.
You are not eligible to apply for this licence if any of these conditions apply to you.
You have had another drink driving offence in the past ve years.
You are under 25 years of age and hold a learner or provisional driver licence.
You did not hold a Queensland provisional or open driver licence at the time you
committed, or were convicted of, the drink driving offence.
You were driving a motor vehicle that you were not authorised to drive under your
Queensland provisional or open driver licence.
When tested, your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15 or greatersee Drink
driving, page 93.
35
In the past ve years, you have had your licence suspended or cancelled, or you
have been disqualied from holding a driver licence. Note: This ve-year period
is calculated backwards from the day your application is made to the court.
In all cases, you must be able to prove to the court that you need a driver licence to
earn your living.
Conditions for restricted licence holders
You must hold the restricted licence for the same period as the disqualication
period imposed by the court.
You may only drive the class of vehicle shown on the licence and drive the
vehicle in accordance with conditions stated on the court order.
You may also be required to hold a probationary licence for a required period
of time before being eligible for an open licence.
1SXSVFMOIW

From 1 July 2007, you must have held a provisional car licence (class C) for at least
one year to be eligible for a motorbike learner licence (class RE). This provides
motorbike riders with at least two years on-road driving experience before riding
solo, and a better understanding of how vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists interact
to improve rider judgment and safety.
You may choose between two ways to get your motorbike licenceQ-RIDE or the
Queensland Transport Q-SAFE practical riding test. The main differences are outlined
in the table below.
36
Q-SAFE Q-RIDE
You must hold your learner licence for six
months before getting your RE licence.
You do not need to hold your learner licence for six
months before getting your RE licence.
You must pass a practical riding test
before getting your RE licence.
You are assessed while learning to ride, and can get
your class RE or R licence once you receive your
Q-RIDE certicate.
You must hold your RE licence for one
year before learning to ride a class
R motorbike.
You can progress directly from your class RE learner
licence to a class R licence if you have held a class
C car licence for at least three years, or you can
learn to ride a class R motorbike as soon as you get
your class RE provisional or open licence, provided
that you re-enrol in Q-RIDE.
The Q-SAFE method
Conditions for learning to ride
You must:
obey the conditions shown on your learner licence
always carry your learner licence when you are learning to ride
only be taught by a person who holds an open class RE or class R licence and has
held this licence for at least one year
only learn to ride a motorbike with an engine capacity of not more than 250 mL
always display an L plate on the rear of the motorbike you are riding or on the
back of a vest worn while ridingsee L plates, page 19.
Your rst motorbike licence will be for a motorbike not more than 250 mL engine
capacity (class RE). After you have held your class RE provisional or open licence for at
least one year, you may learn to ride a class R motorbike with an engine capacity more
than 250 mL under this licence, but you may only be taught by a person who holds an
open class R licence and has held this licence for at least one year.
Note: If the vehicle has pillion passenger seating or a sidecar, your supervisor may
either accompany you by sitting on the pillion if suitable footrests are tted, or by
being safely seated in the sidecar. If the vehicle does not have passenger seating or
a sidecar, then you may learn to ride the motorbike under the direction of a person
following at a safe distance on another motorbike or in another vehicle.
Special rules about mopeds
If you have your learner licence and you want to learn to ride a moped, you must:
always carry your learner licence when you are learning to ride
37
be accompanied by, or ride under the direction of, a person who holds an open
class C or RE licence and has held this licence for at least one year.
If you hold a class C or RE licence and you want to learn to ride a moped, you can do
so without being supervised.
However, you cannot take the practical driving test on a moped because it is not
representative of the class of vehicle that may be driven under a class C or RE licence.
You must take the test on either a class RE motorbike or in a car. If you pass the test,
you will be granted a driver licence for the class of vehicle that you were actually
tested in.
Q-SAFE practical riding test
You must pass a practical riding test before your provisional or open licence will be
upgraded to include a motorbike class.
For information on booking your practical test, see page 22.
Test vehicles
For your test, you must ride a motorbike that is a standard test vehicle for the
licence you want.
Licence class Vehicle requirement
RE (restricted motorbike) A motorbike with an engine capacity of not more than 250 mL.
Note: The test cannot be taken on a moped or a motortrike.
R (motorbike) A motorbike with an engine capacity more than 250 mL.
Note: The test cannot be taken on a motortrike.
The vehicle must be registered and pass a basic safety check conducted by the
riding examiner. Before turning up for your test, make sure the vehicle would pass
the safety check by having:
signalling devices, horn and stop lights that are all working
brakes and tyres that are in good condition
mirrors that are adjustable.
Clothing requirements
Queensland Transport recommends that you wear the following clothing when you
take your motorbike test:
pants made from heavy material that cover leg length
38
long-sleeved shirt or jacket made from heavy material
gloves providing appropriate protection
fully enclosed shoes
eye protection.
You must wear an Australian Standard A1698 (1988) motorbike helmet when riding a
motorbike, including when taking the test.
A message from your riding examiner
The riding examiner will make the following statements to you before starting your
riding test:
I will follow you during the riding test. Please keep me in your vision and
should we get separated during the assessment, please stop somewhere
safe and legal and wait for me.
You will be given clear directions in ample time. Directions will be given
by radio. If radio reception or directions given become unclear, pull over
somewhere safe and legal and I will give you further instructions on the
method of directions throughout the remainder of the assessment.
After you have followed my directions, please stop somewhere safe and
legal on the side of the road and wait for me.
Do you have any questions?
Pre-ride check
The test will start with the pre-ride check followed by the on-road riding test.
The pre-ride check will involve the riding examiner asking you to locate and explain
39
the operation of the fuel reserve, choke, kill switch, side stand, horn and
headlight/dip switch.
On-road riding test
The individual on-road test time will be 35 minutes or less for both the class RE and
R licence.
The on-road riding test will include general riding exercises and low speed
manoeuvres.
In your on-road riding test, the riding examiner will check that you do the following
procedures correctly:
changing road positiongiving other road users sufcient warning of what
you intend to do and always checking your mirrors and your vehicles blind spot
before changing your position on the roadsee Indicating and signalling, page 71
posture when riding
- keeping your knees into the tank
- keeping your head up so you are looking well ahead through the corners
- keeping your foot instep on the footrest
- keeping your feet on the footrests except when stopping or moving off
- keeping your feet out and slightly down
gear changingavoiding wheel lock-up by smooth gear changes. A touch to the
accelerator on down changes is recommended
balance and controlmaintaining full balance and control of the motorbike in
all speed and riding conditions
road positionkeeping clear of painted surfaces and metal inspection covers
on the road surface. Beware of oily or loose surfaces, especially near
intersections. The positioning of your motorbike on the road must be suitable for
the road conditions. When in a marked lane, keep within the lane. On a two-
way road where there are no line markings, maintain a road position that
enhances your safety
required manoeuvres
- slow rideriding in a straight line at the speed of a slow walk using
the clutch if necessary to adjust the speed of the motorbikesee Posture
when riding above
- U-turnsgiving way to all other vehicles and pedestrians and having a clear
view of all approaching trafc in all directions of travelsee U-turns, page 68
- emergency stopstopping the motorbike safely with full control from a
40
speed of at least 40 km/h. Use all your ngers on the front brake at all times.
Dont lock the wheels. You are not required to change back through the gears
in this exercise
- hill startmoving off smoothly from a stationary position and travelling up a
moderate incline without the motorbike rolling backwards.
The Q-RIDE method
Q-RIDE is a competency-based motorbike training assessment scheme aimed at
improving the quality of learner rider instruction, ensuring riders are equipped with
both the practical skills and attitude needed for safe riding. Q-RIDE is a registered
service provider accredited by Queensland Transport, and is available in regions with
access to a Q-RIDE registered service provider. Q-RIDE licence candidates are assessed
while they learn to ride.
Conditions for learning to ride
You must have held a provisional class C car licence for at least one year to be
eligible for a motorbike (class RE) learner licence.
You must always display an L plate on the rear of the motorbike you are riding or
on the back of a vest worn while ridingsee L plates, page 19.
You do not need to hold your motorbike learner licence for six months before
obtaining your provisional or open licence.
If you obtained your class RE motorbike licence through Q-RIDE, you can learn to
ride a class R motorbike immediately if you undertake further Q-RIDE training.
You can progress directly from your learner licence to a class R motorbike licence
through Q-RIDE if you have held a provisional or open car licence for at least three
years (conditions apply in both cases).
Eligibility
You can sign up for Q-RIDE if you:
hold a class RE motorbike learner licence
hold a class RE motorbike provisional or open licence.
Applying for Q-RIDE training and assessment
With Q-RIDE, getting your licence to ride is as easy as following these six steps.
1. Get startedyou need to hold a class RE learner, provisional or open licence.
2. Choosea Q-RIDE registered service provider. Your choice may depend on
location, fees and charges.
41
3. Enrolin Q-RIDE training with a Q-RIDE registered service provider.
The registered service provider will ask you to provide some information
about your licence history to determine which class of motorbike you are
eligible to learn to ride.
4. Learndevelop your motorbike riding skills through progressive training.
You need to carry your learner licence and Q-RIDE receipt when on a
Q-RIDE course. Be prepared to show your learner licence and Q-RIDE
receipt to any police ofcer who asks you to do so if you are learning to
ride outside the Q-RIDE course. You must only receive instruction from
another rider who holds an open licence for the class of motorbike you
are riding and who has held that licence for at least one year.
5. Certicatewhen you have been assessed as attaining the required
competencies by the rider trainer, the Q-RIDE registered service provider
may issue you with a competency declaration (Q-RIDE certicate).
6. Licencetake your Q-RIDE certicate together with your driver licence into
a Queensland Transport customer service centre to apply for your class
RE or R licence.
For further information about your local registered Q-RIDE trainer or service
provider, visit [Link]/QRIDE.
Additional road rules for motorbike riders
As a motorbike rider, you are subject to the same road rules that apply to you when
you drive other vehicles. However, because of the different nature of a motorbike,
the following road rules also apply.
You must sit astride the riders seat, face forward and keep your feet on the
riders footrests, except to use a foot-operated device on the motorbike or to
remain stable when travelling at low speeds.
Before carrying a passenger on your motorbike, you must have held your
current provisional or open motorbike licence for that size motorbike for at
least one year.
You may ride side-by-side with another motorbike rider in one marked lane.
Rules for passengers on motorbikes
You must not carry more passengers in the motorbikes sidecar than the sidecar
was designed to carry.
A passenger must be seated safely on the pillion seat or in a sidecar attached
to the motorbike.
42
A pillion passenger must not ride on the motorbike unless the motorbike has a
suitable pillion seat and suitable passenger footrests.
A pillion passenger on a moving motorbike must sit astride the pillion seat and
face forward with their feet on the passenger footrests.
A passenger must not interfere with your effective control of the motorbike.
Parking
When parking a motorbike or moped, position at least one wheel as close as possible
to the kerb. Park a motorbike with the sidecar parallel to the kerb. You must obey the
parking rules. For more information, see Parking, page 112.
Preparing to get on the road
You and your passengers (both pillion and sidecar) must wear an Australian Standard
A1698 (1988) motorbike helmet at all times when riding, unless the motorbike or
moped is parked. It should t properly (e.g. an adults helmet on a child will offer no
protection) and be kept in good condition.
For safety, both you and your passengers should wear eye protection, gloves, boots and
hard-wearing, high-visibility clothing, covering legs and arms.
To increase your visibility and safety, Queensland Transport recommends you ride your
motorbike with the headlight on at all times.
Before riding on the road, check the following safety equipment on your motorbike
is working:
headlight
rear light that shows a red light
rear number plate light (clear)
rear red reector
front and rear brakes
footrests for you and for the pillion passenger, if the motorbike is registered to
carry one passenger
mufer
horn
chain guardif the motorbike is chain driven, ensure that the chain is correctly
adjusted and lightly lubricated
right rear-vision mirrora left rear-vision mirror is optional if the motorbike was
manufactured before June 1975
43
7EQTPIUYIWXMSRWQSXSVFMOIW
a registration label on the left side or rear that can be seen clearly from 6 m away
safe tyres (with a tread at least 1.5 mm deep)
indicators (if manufactured after 1962).
Note: If you are an employee of, or a contractor or a sub-contractor with Australia
Post, you may ride a bicycle, tricycle, power-assisted cycle, moped or motorbike on
a footpath or road reserve if:
you are delivering postal articles
the motorbike engine is not more than 125 mL
the speed of the moped or motorbike is not more than 10 km/h
you ride safely, taking care to avoid danger or a crash.
Required periods to hold a licence
When you are required to have held a particular licence for a minimum period,
for example, holding a class C car licence for one year before getting an RE
learner licence, you may include the sum of any periods within the previous
ve years that you have held a valid licence for the same class of licence.
This means you cannot count any period during which your licence was expired,
suspended (including SPER suspensions), or any period that you were disqualied
from holding or obtaining a driver licence by order of an Australian court.
1. If you are riding a motorbike on a learner licence, you: (See page 36)
A. must only display L plates when riding on highways
B. must display one L plate so that it can be clearly seen from the rear of the motorbike,
or wear a vest displaying an L while riding
C. are not required to display L plates when you are accompanied by a supervising rider.
2. If not enrolled in Q-RIDE, motorbike learner riders are restricted to riding a motorbike
with an engine capacity not more than: (See page 36)
A. 250 mL
B. 500 mL
C. 1,000 mL.
3. Motorbike riders must ride: (See page 41)
A. single le in one marked lane
B. no more than two riders side-by-side in one marked lane
C. no more than four riders side-by-side in one marked lane.
44
Licence class Vehicle requirement
LR (light rigid) A bus or truck more than 4.5 tonne GVM but not more than
8 tonne GVM.
MR (medium rigid) A bus or truck more than 8 tonne GVM, with not more than
2 axles.
HR (heavy rigid) A bus or a truck more than 15 tonne GVM, with at least 3 axles.
Note: the test cannot be taken in a bobtail prime mover.
HC (heavy combination) A prime mover more than 15 tonne GVM with at least 3 axles
and semitrailer with at least 2 axles.
A truck more than 15 tonne GVM with at least 3 axles and
trailer more than 9 tonne GVM with at least 2 axles.
A vehicle of more than 12 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) must be equipped with at
least three portable warning triangles for the test.
Q-SAFE practical driving test
When you do a practical driving test for a heavy vehicle, you will also be assessed on
the following tasks.
Pre-drive check
The pre-drive check asks you to locate and explain a range of vehicle controls including
wipers, washers, demister, air conditioner, seat adjustment, hazard lights, mirrors, horn
and headlights.
,IEZ]ZILMGPIW

To obtain a heavy vehicle licence of any class, you must undergo a practical driving test.
For information on booking your practical test, see page 22.
Test vehicles
For your driving test, you must drive a vehicle that is representative of the class of
vehicle authorised to be driven under the particular class of licence.
The standard test vehicles for each class of licence are:
4. Is a pillion passenger required to wear a motorbike helmet? (See page 42)
A. Yes.
B. Only if the motorbike has an engine capacity more than 250 mL.
C. No, only the person controlling the motorbike is required to wear a helmet.
45
On-road driving test
The individual on-road test time will be not more than 35 minutes for a class
LR licence, 70 minutes for a class MR and HR licence and 90 minutes for a class
HC licence.
In your on-road driving test, the driving examiner will check that you perform
the following procedures correctly:
reversing exercisereverse the vehicle around a corner. You can do the
manoeuvre in a left- or right-hand direction. Start and nish reversing parallel
to and within 2 m of the edge of the road. The driving examiner may allow you
two attempts to successfully reverse the vehicle around the corner. Two reverse
movements and one forward movement are allowed for each attempt. The
forward movement for left and right reversing can be as far as the furthest edge
or kerb you are turning from. You should check what you are doing by looking in
your mirrors, although you can glance over your shoulder occasionally. If you
drive a truck with a dog trailer in the test, you may reverse with or without the
trailer steerable axle locked
gear changingchange down to a lower gear, excluding crawler gears, when
the vehicle is in motion. On a manual vehicle, use the clutch. You must be able
to operate exhaust brakes, two-speed differential, range selector, and so on,
if they are tted
hill startmove off smoothly from a parked position and travel up a moderate
incline without the vehicle rolling backwards
uncouple/recouple requirementsfor the class HC licence test, uncouple the
trailer, drive forward approximately 10 m and reverse back onto the trailer
to recouple. Uncouple and recouple the trailer, following all safe practices,
in the correct sequence within 12 minutes. Extra time may be given for some
congurations, e.g. ying saucer type coupling.
Correct sequence and procedure uncouple
1. Apply the park brake to the vehicle.
2. Alight from the cab facing the vehicle.
3. Secure the wheel chocks (necessary for vehicles that do not have a spring
brake system).
4. Lower trailer/drawbar support legs.
5. Disconnect, retract and secure:
- electric cable
- hydraulic lines
46
- brake hoses
- chains where applicable.
6. Release the turntable jaws/pin coupling.
7. Where the vehicle has airbag suspension, operate the air dump valve
(where applicable) to prevent any damage to the vehicle.
8. Drive prime mover or truck forward for a distance of approximately 10 m.
Correct sequence and procedure recouple
1. Ensure pin coupling/jaws are in the correct position for recoupling.
2. Reverse prime mover/truck back towards the trailer. You can stop and check
the position of the prime mover/truck in relation to the trailer coupling.
Where applicable, activate valve to rell airbag suspension.
3. After you have coupled the prime mover/truck and trailer, check that all the
mechanisms are locked by:
- attempting to carefully ease forward against the trailer brakes
(i.e. tug test)
- visually checking the coupling to ensure locking pin/jaws have engaged
after rst applying the park brake.
4. Connect and check the condition of:
- brake hoses
- hydraulic lines
- electric cables
- chains if applicable (ensure they are crossed).
5. Wind up trailer support legs and lock in position or secure drawbar leg.
6. Start engine and build up air pressure to operating level.
7. Turn the engine off, walk around the vehicle listening for air leaks and
checking the condition of all tyres.
8. Remove wheel chocks if appropriate.
9. Check trailer and footbrake stop lights, turn indicators, and sound the
horn. This is done to ensure correct functioning of the electrical system.
10. An additional tug test should be conducted on the trailer brake at low
speed after recouple when asked to do so by the driving examiner.
47
Long vehicle
When driving a long vehicle, you should know the length of the vehicle and your
obligations regarding turning, following distance and giving way to other vehicles.
Synchromesh restriction code
If the driving test is conducted in a vehicle with a synchromesh transmission and
non-synchromesh skills havent been displayed in a previous licence test, a licence
condition code B (synchromesh restricted) will be stated on the licence.
For additional road rules for heavy vehicles, see Heavy vehicles, page 99.
+IRIVEPTVSZMWMSRW
Renewing your licence
To apply for, or renew, your Queensland driver licence, visit a Queensland Transport
customer service centre or a driver licence issuing centre, or renew your licence
online through Services online at [Link]. The licence may be
granted to you for a period up to ve years.
You may renew your licence up to six weeks before it expires, and renewing early
will not reduce your licence period. If your licence has expired, you may have to
show extra identication when you apply to renew it. You will need to pay a fee
when renewing your licence.
If you renew your provisional or open licence within ve years of the expiry date
of the licence, you will not be required to take another practical driving test before
48
being granted a further licence of the same class. However, if you are found driving
after your licence expires and before you renew it, you will be charged with unlicensed
drivingsee Unlicensed driving, page 162.
Travelling interstate or overseas
If your licence will expire while you are travelling interstate or overseas, and you still
need to drive after it expires and before returning to Queensland, contact Queensland
Transport. For more information about renewing your licence, call 13 23 80.
Changing your name or address
If you change your name or address, you must tell Queensland Transport or its agent
within 14 days. Call Queensland Transport on 13 23 80 for information about what you
will need to show to change your name or address on your Queensland licence.
Alternatively, you can change your address online by visiting Services online at
[Link].
2SR5YIIRWPERHHVMZIVPMGIRGIW
Interstate licence
An interstate licence is a driver licence granted to you in another Australian state or
territory. This also includes any external territory of Australia.
Foreign licence
A foreign licence is a licence to drive a motor vehicle issued to you under a law of
another country. This includes a New Zealand driver licence.
Driving in Queensland
When you may drive in Queensland
If you hold a valid interstate or foreign licence, you are allowed to drive any class of
motor vehicle in Queensland that you are authorised to drive on that licence, as long as
you comply with the conditions (if any) stated on it.
When you are driving, you must have the licence with you and show it straight away to
a police ofcer when asked to do so.
If your licence is in a language other than English, you should carry a recognised
English translation of it when driving. This translation should be shown to the police
ofcer at the same time you are required to show your licence. For a list of approved
49
recognised translators, contact the National Accreditation Authority of Translators
and Interpreting Ltd (NAATI) at website [Link].
When you must not drive in Queensland
You must not drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign licence if:
your licence is no longer a valid licence because:
- it has expired
- it has been suspended by the issuing authority
you have been disqualied by an Australian court from holding or obtaining
a driver licence
your authority to drive in Queensland on your licence has been suspended
because:
- you have been convicted of driving more than 40 km/h over the
speed limit
- you have not paid any nes imposed by a court
- you have gained too many demerit points, see Accumulation of
demerit points - interstate and foreign licence holders, page 160
your authority to drive in Queensland has been withdrawn because:
- you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely,
see Medical conditions affecting driving, page 15
- the three months residency rule applies to you.
When the three months residency rule applies
Under the three months residency rule, you can no longer drive on your interstate
or overseas licence, and must obtain a Queensland licence to continue driving in
Queensland, if:
you are an Australian citizen and you have been residing in Queensland for
three months
you are not an Australian citizen, and:
- before you took up residence in Queensland you were given a permanent
visa or special category visa under the Migration Act 1958 (Cwlth)
- you have now been residing in Queensland for three months
50
you are not an Australian citizen, and:
- after you took up residence in Queensland you were given a permanent
visa or special category visa under the Migration Act 1958 (Cwlth)
- you have now been residing in Queensland for three months since getting
the visa.
Permanent visa and special category visa
A permanent visa and a special category visa allow you to stay indenitely in Australia.
A visa, such as a student visa, that allows you to stay in Australia for a limited time, or
until a certain event happens or while you have a special status, is not a permanent visa or
special category visa.
If you need to drive in Queensland
If your licence has expired or your authority to drive in Queensland on it has been
withdrawn because of the three months residency rule, and you still need to drive, you
may be eligible to be granted a Queensland driver licencesee Applying for a
licence, page 11.
Obtaining a Queensland driver licence
If you hold an interstate licence, and need to get a Queensland licence for the same
class as your interstate licence, you will need to:
show your interstate licence and supporting evidence of identity
show evidence of your Queensland residence
surrender your interstate licence.
You may also be required to:
show evidence that you are medically t to drive safely
pass an eyesight test
pay the licence fee, if you wish to purchase an additional period.
If you hold a foreign licence, and need to get a Queensland licence for the same class as
your foreign licence, you will need to:
show your foreign licence and a recognised translation of the licence if it is not
in English
show supporting evidence of identity
show evidence of your Queensland residence.
51
You may also be required to:
show evidence that you are medically t to drive safely
pass an eyesight test
pay the road rules test fee and pass the test
pay the practical driving test fee and pass the test
pay the licence fee.
If you have a genuine difculty in understanding or speaking English, you may be
assisted by an approved interpreter while you take your road rules test. However,
you will need to tell the licence issuing ofcer what a number of selected trafc
signs mean without the interpreters help. Queensland Transport may organise an
interpreter for you.
You must not continue to drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign licence
once you have been granted a Queensland driver licence.
If any of the following happens:
your licence has been suspended by the issuing authority
you have been disqualied from holding or obtaining a driver licence by an
Australian court
your authority to drive in Queensland has been suspended because you have:
- been convicted of driving more than 40 km/h over the speed limit
- gained too many demerit points
- not paid any court nes
you will not be eligible to be granted a Queensland driver licence until the period of
suspension or disqualication has ended.
For more information about unpaid court imposed nes, contact the State Penalties
Enforcement Registry on 1300 365 635 or view their website at [Link].
If your authority to drive in Queensland has been withdrawn because you have a
medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you will not be eligible for
a Queensland driver licence until your doctor gives you a certicate stating that you
are medically t to drive againsee Medical conditions affecting driving, page 15.
Each year too many people are killed or hospitalised as the result
of road crashes. We want to turn these terrible statistics around. Were
determined to stop the carnage on our roads. But we cant do it alone.
We need the commitment of every Queensland driver. Please, drive safely.
[Link]
Road rules


Signs and signals
Speed limits
Making turns
Roundabouts
Indicating and signalling
Giving way
Road positions
Hazardous localities
Alcohol and drugs
Heavy vehicles
Other rules and responsibilities
Rules for other road users
53 53
54
Signs and signals

Signs
Traffc signs and signals are an essential part of the road traffc system.
Paying attention to traffc signs helps you move around safely and effciently.
There are three types of traffc signs:
regulatory signs
warning signs
guide signs.
Regulatory signs
You must obey the instructions on these signs.
Stop
Stop and give way to all other vehicles approaching, entering
or already on the intersection. If you turn at the intersection,
you must also give way to pedestrians crossing the road you
are entering.
Give way
Slow down or stop and give way to all other vehicles approaching,
entering or already on the intersection. If you turn at the
intersection, you must also give way to pedestrians crossing the
road you are entering.
Roundabout
Slow down or stop and
give way to all vehicles
on the roundabout.
No turns
Do not turn right or left or make a
U-turn at the intersectionyou must
only drive in the direction indicated
by the arrow.
No entry
Do not drive onto the
road beyond this sign.
No U-turn
Do not make a U-turn here.
55
No left turn
Do not turn left at the
very next intersection.
No right turn
Do not turn right
at the very next
intersection.
Keep left
You must drive to
the left of this sign.
One way
You must drive
only in the
direction
indicated by
the arrow.
No overtaking or passing
Overtaking or passing another vehicle is not allowed
from the NO OVERTAKING OR PASSING sign to:
a distance past the sign indicated on the sign
the end of the bridge, if the sign applies to a bridge
an END NO OVERTAKING OR PASSING sign.
Wrong way go back
This sign warns you that
you are driving in the
wrong direction along an
exit ramp of a motorway.
Trucks and buses must drive in a gear low enough to limit their
speed without relying on the primary brake. Used on steep routes.
Keep left unless overtaking
When you drive past this sign on a multi-lane road, you must not
drive in the right lane unless overtaking, turning right, making a
U-turn, avoiding an obstacle or driving in congested traffc.
Trucks and buses use low gear
For more regulatory signs, see Roadworks, page 89.
Two way
Vehicles travel in both
directions on this road.
56
Shared zone End shared zone
Speed limit signs
The END (speed limit)
AREA sign indicates you
are leaving the area
covered by the area speed
limit and re-entering a
general speed limit area.
The (speed limit) AREA
sign indicates the
speed limit within
the area you are
about to enter.
The END (speed limit) sign is
used at the start point of a
section of road covered by
the general default speed
limit outside a built-up area,
where it is not practicable
or desirable to indicate the
speed limit by means of a
speed restriction sign. The use
of this sign is the exception
rather than the rule.
You must not drive
faster than the
km/h speed shown
in the circle. In poor
conditions it is safer to
drive slower than the
speed limitsee Bad
weather, page 138.
Some speed limit signs show times or days
that the limit applies, e.g. in school zones.
Other variable speed limit signs have a
changeable electronic display to show
the current speed limit, e.g. around sports
venues. These variable speed limit signs may
have different colours to the normal speed
restriction sign.
Give way to pedestrians
and do not drive faster
than the km/h speed
shown in the circle
between this sign and
the next END SHARED
ZONE sign.
You have reached the
end of a shared zone,
the previous speed
limit no longer applies
and you are no longer
required to give way
to pedestrians.
57
Roundabout
ahead
Railway level
crossing ahead
Steep descent
Railway level
crossing. Flashing
signal ahead
Warning signs
These signs warn you of hazards.
GIVE WAY
sign ahead
STOP sign
ahead
Traffc lights
ahead
Side road
intersection
Merging traffc
One-lane
bridge
T-intersection
End divided
road
Divided road Road narrows
Crossroad
intersection
Turn Reverse turns Reverse curves
Traffc travels
in each
direction
Curve Winding road
Arrows indicate
direction of
traffc
Added lane
58
Maximum safe
speed in good
conditions
Water fows
across road
School
Children
getting on and
off buses
Raised area
on road
Pedestrian
crossing ahead
School bus
turning
Road hump
Pedestrian
crossing
People on
bicycles may be
using the road
Advisory
speed limit
Children could
be on the road
Pedestrians
may be using
the road
Trucks crossing
or entering
Hazard ahead.
Be prepared to
take action
Slippery road
Sharp
depression
in road
Low-fying
aircraft ahead
Beware
kangaroos
Low clearance
ahead
59
Unidirectional hazard markers
Drive to the left of the hazard.
Drive to the right of the hazard.
Bidirectional hazard markers
Drive either side of the hazard.
Hazard markers

You will see these signs on hazards on the road. They show you the direction to
take when driving past the hazard. You must obey these signs. The points of the
V-shaped bars are the direction you must drive.
Width markers

These signs are normally used in pairs. They show the width of a bridge, stock grid
crossing or a narrow section of road.
Guide and information signs

These signs give you information about safe road use, routes, directions, destinations
and points of interest.
Drive to the right of the sign. Drive to the left of the sign.
60
Form one lane
The number of marked lanes for vehicles travelling in the same
direction has been reduced to one. Form a single lane with
other drivers.
Turn left at any time with care
Give way to all bicycles and pedestrians on the slip lane.
Give way to all vehicles on the road you are entering.

Slow vehicles use left lane
You may see this sign at the beginning of a long or steep climb
where a slow-moving vehicle may delay other vehicles. If you are
driving a slow-moving vehicle, use the left lane and leave the other
lane clear for passing vehicles.

No through road
The road you are about to enter is a dead end.


Reduce speed now
The motorway you are on is ending. Slow down from the motorway
speed limit to the much slower speed limit on the next section
of road.
Services
The services shown on this sign are available on the road ahead or
on a side road, and include frst aid, tourist information, caravan
parks or meals. The sign may also show your distance from these
services.
Local trafc only
The road past the sign is not intended for through traffc. The sign
may be at the entrance to a local area or at detours where local
traffc is allowed to enter the work area.

Tourist drive information
A scenic drive or route, which connects a number of
tourist attractions, goes this way. The route may be
identifed by a particular number.
61
You must not drive past the STOP line at the red
traffc light or, if there is no STOP line, the traffc
light.



You must not drive in the direction of the red
traffc arrow past the STOP line at the traffc light
or, if there is no stop line, the traffc light.


This sign is used above roads. You must not drive
in a lane with the red X above it, even to overtake
another vehicle.
Traffc lights

Traffc lights control the fow of traffc and pedestrians to improve safety and
access to roads. You should drive at a speed that gives you time to react if the
traffc lights change.
If you disobey a red traffc light, you may receive an infringement notice from
police or you will be sent a Photographic detection device offence notice in the
mailsee Red light cameras, page 153.
For information about how cyclists and pedestrians should respond to traffc lights,
see Rules for other road users, page 120.
Obeying trafc lights

Stop
Stop if it is safe to do so
You must not drive past the STOP line at the
yellow traffc light or, if there is no STOP line,
the traffc light.

You must not drive in the direction of the yellow
traffc arrow past the STOP line at the traffc light
or, if there is no STOP line, the traffc light.
However, you may drive past the yellow traffc light
or arrow if you are so close to the light or arrow
when it changes from green to yellow, it is unsafe
to stop.
62
Obeying lawful directions

Police ofcers and Queensland Transport inspectors

Police offcers and Queensland Transport inspectors may direct road users with hand
signals. A direction given by a police offcer overrules a give way or stop sign, or a
traffc light.
You must obey these signals and any directions given.
Stop where indicated and wait Go as directed
Stop
Trafc controllers
A traffc controller may direct traffc at or through a worksite. You must obey a lawful
direction or signal given by a traffc controller within a designated worksite.
Stop Slow Go
Drive with caution
If you face a fashing yellow traffc light or arrow, you may drive past it applying
give way rules and caution to avoid a collision with other vehicles and pedestrians.
Drive past the light
Drive past the green traffc
light or arrow, as long as
the intersection is clear.
Trafc lights showing
a white B light
If you are driving a bus,
taxi, limousine, emergency
vehicle or a bicycle, you may
drive past the white B light.
63
1. What does this sign mean? (See page 55)
A. Danger road bends sharply to the right.
B. No right turn.
C. Speed zone ends.
D. No sharp right hand bends ahead.
2. When a traffc light turns from green to yellow, you should: (See page 61)
A. speed up and go through the lights before they turn red
B. stop, even if you must stop on the intersection and then reverse back to
the stop line
C. stop, even if you are in the intersection
D. stop if you can do so safely before reaching the stop line.
3. What does this sign mean? (See page 54)
A. U-turns allowed.
B. No right turn.
C. Give way to vehicles on the roundabout.
D. Turning area for heavy vehicles ahead give way.
4. What does this sign mean? (See page 55)
A. Vehicles travel in both directions on this road.
B. No right or left turn.
C. No parking.
D. No U-turns allowed.

5. What does this sign mean? (See page 57)
A. Crossroad intersection ahead.
B. Helicopter landing pad ahead.
C. Ambulance station ahead.
D. Hospital emergency entrance ahead.
Sample questions signs and signals
64
Speed limits

In Queensland, all speed limits are set in accordance with part 4 of the Manual of
uniform traffc control devices. This approach is aimed at ensuring speed limits are
consistent and credible, and a balance is provided between increased safety, urban
amenity and traffc effciency for all road users.
The faster you drive, the longer it takes you to stop, and the harder you hit in the
event of a crash. If you drive too fast around corners, you may affect the stability
of your vehicle.

Speed limit sign

A speed limit sign has a number in a circle on it showing the
maximum speed in km/h that you may drive your vehicle on the road
in good conditions. In poor weather or hazardous conditions, you
should drive at a lower speed to suit those conditions. You must not
exceed the sign posted speed limit even when overtaking.


Drivers under 25
There are no specifed reduced speed limits in Queensland for provisional licence
holders under 25 years of age. You may drive according to the speed limit for the
area in which you are driving.

In a built-up area

The default speed limit on a road in a built-up area is 50 km/h. This
means you may only drive at a maximum speed of 50 km/h in a
built-up area, unless you see a speed limit sign on the road showing a
different speed limit.
Not all roads in a built-up area will have a speed limit sign on them.
In that case, you should only drive at a maximum speed of 50 km/h
until you pass a speed limit sign showing a different speed limit.
A built-up area includes any area where there are buildings on land next to a road,
or street lighting, at intervals of not more than 100 m, for a distance of 500 m. If
the road is less than 500 m long, it includes the whole road.
This includes roads in residential, commercial and industrial areas.

Outside a built-up area

The default speed limit on a road outside a built-up area is 100 km/h unless
65
otherwise signed. On a small number of higher standard roads, you may be allowed
to drive at a maximum speed limit of 110 km/h, but only if a speed limit sign on the
road shows that speed limit.
Heavy vehicles over 12 tonne GVM or buses over 5 tonne GVM are restricted to
travelling at a maximum speed of 100 km/h, regardless of any higher speed limit
that may be shownsee Speed limiters, page 102.

Specifc speed zones
A length of road that has a specifc speed limit applying to it is
known as a speed zone. A speed zone is always defned by a speed
limit sign at the start of the zone and another speed limit sign
showing a different speed limit at the end of the zone. If you turn off
this road into another road before you see another speed limit sign,
you should not drive any faster than the default speed limit on the
other road until you see a speed sign showing a different speed limit.

Variable speed zones
A variable speed zone has different speed limits applying in the zone
at different times of the day or days of the week. These different
speed limits may be shown by special speed limit signs that may be
electronically controlled. These signs have different colours to the
normal speed limit signs.
An example of a variable speed zone is a school zone. The maximum
speed limit in a school zone may be shown either by normal school
zone signs or by special electronic signs, and is usually 40 km/h or
60 km/h. This speed limit only applies on school days between the
hours shown on the sign. At any other time, the speed limit shown
on the last speed limit sign before you enter the school zone still ap-
plies. School zone hours and speed limits may differ between schools,
so read the sign, read the time and read your speed.
See also Speed limit signs, page 56.

Warning sign with advisory speed limit

This sign tells you what the recommended speed, in good driving
conditions, should be through the curves ahead. It is placed where
extra caution is needed and where the speed of your vehicle should
be reduced temporarily.
See also Warning signs, page 57.
66
1. What does this sign mean? (See page 64)
A. You must travel more than 60 km/h.
B. You must not travel more than 60 km/h.
C. You are on Highway 60.
D. Childrens crossing slow down.
2. Can you legally drive over the speed limit? (See page 64)
A. Yes, as long as you do not go over the speed limit 10 km/h.
B. Yes, when you are overtaking a slower moving vehicle.
C. No.
D. Yes, when you have a good excuse.
3. Speeding is dangerous because: (See page 64)
A. the faster you drive, the more time and space you need to stop
B. increasing speed also increases the severity of crashes
C. driving too fast around a corner can affect the cars stability
D. all of the above.
4. What is the maximum speed limit (unless otherwise sign-posted) in a built-up
area? (See page 64)
A. 70 km/h.
B. 80 km/h.
C. 50 km/h.
D. 60 km/h.
5. What does this sign mean? (See page 65)
A. 40 km/h is the advised maximum speed to travel around the
curve ahead under good conditions.
B. Winding road for next 40 km.
C. 40 km/h is the legal maximum speed limit for the curve ahead
when the road is wet.
D. You can only turn right for the next 40 km.
Sample questions speed limits
67
Sample questions speed limits Making turns

Turning

Before you turn you must indicate for long enough to tell other road users.

Left turns
If turning left at an intersection, position your vehicle
so you are close to the far left side of the road.





When you turn left at an intersection from a multi-lane
road, you must approach and enter the intersection
from within the left lane unless:
there is an obstruction in the left lane
road markings allow the turn to be made from
another lane
your vehicle is showing a DO NOT OVERTAKE
TURNING VEHICLE sign.

Right turns
Turning left on a multi-lane road
with traffc arrows
When turning right into a
two-way road, keep left of the
centre of the road you enter.
If the road is marked to show
the path to take when
turning, follow the markings
When turning right from a
one-way street, drive up to the
intersection, keeping your vehicle
close to the right and parallel to
the side of the road
When turning right from a
one-way street, you must make
the turn as indicated by
the arrows
68
Turning right at unmarked intersections

When you turn right from a two-way road at an unmarked
intersection, pass to the right of the centre of the
intersection unless road markings indicate differently.
Give way rules apply.
















U-turns
You must only make a U-turn when necessary. You can
make a U-turn if:
you have a clear view of approaching traffc
you can safely make a U-turn without obstructing the
free movement of traffc
there are no signs or road markings prohibiting a U-turn.
Do not make a U-turn at traffc lights, unless there is a sign that states you can.

Turning across painted traffc islands

You may drive on or over a painted island surrounded by one
continuous line for up to 50 m to enter or leave the road or to
enter a turning lane that begins immediately after the painted
island.
The only time you may drive on or over a painted traffc island
surrounded by two continuous lines is to avoid an obstruction
Only do this if you have a clear view of approaching traffc, it
is necessary to avoid the obstruction and you can do so safely.
Tips - Turning
When turning:
check your road position
check the position of approaching traffc
check the road markings
check traffc signs
check the direction of traffc
obey the give way rules
give way to pedestrians
make sure your entry position is correct.
69
Roundabouts

Drive clockwise around the roundabout.
Follow the road arrows and direction
signs.
Drive within marked lanes.
Indicate when you are going to change
lanes.

Driving on a roundabout with marked lanes

To make a left turn at the roundabout:

1. enter the roundabout from the left
marked lane or line of traffc
2. give way to vehicles already on the
roundabout
3. if traffc lane arrows apply to the lane,
drive in the direction of the arrows.
If the arrows indicate two or more
directions, you may drive in any of the
directions
4. signal left as you enter the roundabout
5. continue to signal left as you exit the
roundabout
6. turn off your indicator after you have
left the roundabout.
This sign means that
you are approaching a
roundabout
This sign means that
you must give way
to all vehicles on the
roundabout
70
To drive straight ahead at the roundabout:
1. enter the roundabout from the left or right lane
or line of traffc
2. give way to vehicles already on the roundabout
3. if traffc lane arrows apply to the lane, drive in
the direction of the arrows. If the arrows indicate
two or more directions, you may drive in any of
the directions
4. signal left as you exit the roundabout
5. turn off your indicator after you have left the
roundabout.
To make a right or U-turn at the roundabout:
1. enter the roundabout from the right marked lane
or line of traffc
2. give way to vehicles already on the roundabout
3. if traffc lane arrows apply to the lane, drive in
the direction of the arrows. If the arrows indicate
two or more directions, you may drive in any of
the directions
4. signal right as you enter the roundabout and
continue to signal right while driving on the
roundabout
5. signal left as you exit the roundabout
6. turn off your indicator after you have left the
roundabout.
Lane changes are permitted on roundabouts as long
as they are conducted legally and safely.
Cyclists may travel around the roundabout in either
lane to exit more than halfway around but when in
the left lane must give way to vehicles exiting the
roundabout.
Only use the left lane to leave the roundabout
halfway round or earlier, unless traffc lane arrows
indicate otherwise. In this diagram, the path taken
by vehicle 1 is illegal.
71
Driving on a roundabout without marked lanes

When you come to a roundabout without
marked lanes, give way to vehicles already on
the roundabout.
In this situation, vehicle 2 must give way
to vehicle 1, because it is already on the
roundabout.
Indicating and signalling

You must signal your intention to:
stop or slow downuse brake lights or a hand signal
turn right, move right or make a U-turnuse indicators or hand signal
turn left or move leftuse indicators only (there is no left hand signal).
You must give the change of direction signal for long enough to give suffcient
warning to other drivers and pedestrians. Turn off your indicator after you have
done the manoeuvre. You must signal for at least fve seconds when moving off
from a parked position.








Tips - Roundabouts
Keep a special look out for motorbike riders and cyclists as they can be hard to
see. Also watch out for large trucks as they may need more space to complete
their manoeuvre.
72
If the continuing road at a T-intersection bends to the left or right, you must
indicate left or right if you are turning off the continuing road and going
straight ahead.


Hand signals

There are two offcial hand signals.
Using hand signals is the only time when part of
your body may protrude outside the vehicle. Do not
use hand signals to tell drivers behind to
overtakethis can be dangerous.





Signalling with your horn
You may only use the horn of your vehicle to warn others of your approach.
About to stop or slow down
About to turn, move right or make a
U-turn
Vehicle must indicate right if the
continuing road curves to the left
Vehicle must indicate left if the
continuing road curves to the right
73
1. You are driving your vehicle towards a multi-lane roundabout. You want to
travel straight through the roundabout to the road opposite. What lane must
you take? (See page 70)
A. You must enter and leave the roundabout in the
left lane.
B. You may enter and leave the roundabout in either lane.
C. You must enter and leave the roundabout in the
right lane.
D. You must move to the left lane before the roundabout,
then leave by the right lane.
2. You can do a U-turn at an intersection with traffc lights: (See page 68)
A. between 9.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m.
B. if there is no oncoming traffc
C. if the traffc lights are green
D. only when there is a U-TURNS PERMITTED sign.

3. Cars A and C are travelling straight ahead, car B is turning right. In what order
should they go through the roundabout? (See page 70)
A. Car B, then car C, then car A.
B. Car B, then car A, then car C.
C. Car A, then car B, then car C.
D. Car C, then car A, then car B.

4. When are you allowed to sound your horn? (See page 72)
A. Only in a built-up area.
B. To say good-bye to friends.
C. At anytime.
D. To warn others of your approach.
Sample questions turns,
roundabouts and signalling
74
Giving way

Giving way, for a driver or pedestrians means:
if a driver or pedestrian is stoppedremain stationary until it is safe to proceed
in any other caseslow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.
Learners will be tested in detail about giving way, so learn every rule before taking
the written test. Give way rules are designed to allow road users and pedestrians
to move predictably without the danger of a crash. Drivers who dont give way are
dangerous to themselves and other road users.

GIVE WAY and STOP

GIVE WAY and STOP signs are placed at intersections where extra care is needed
because of limited visibility, or where vehicles on the other road have priority.
STOP lines and GIVE WAY lines on the road have the same meaning as STOP signs
and GIVE WAY signs, in case a sign is missing, e.g. stolen or knocked down. This also
applies at railway level crossings.








GIVE WAY signs
When you face a GIVE WAY
sign or GIVE WAY line at an
intersection, you must slow
down or, if necessary, stop.
You must then give way to
vehicles approaching, entering or
on the intersection. If you turn
at the intersection, you must also
give way to pedestrians crossing
the road you are entering.
Vehicle 2 must give way to
vehicle 1
Vehicle 2 must give way to
vehicle 1
75
Do not drive past a GIVE WAY sign
on a narrow section of road when
a vehicle is approaching.
STOP signs
When you face a STOP sign or STOP line, you must
bring your vehicle to a complete stop just behind the
STOP line. You must give way to vehicles approaching,
entering or on the intersection. If you turn at the
intersection, you must also give way to pedestrians
crossing the road you are entering. If there is no STOP
line, you should stop where you have a clear view of
the intersection before entering it.



Giving way at GIVE WAY and STOP signs

When two or more drivers face each other at STOP
or GIVE WAY signs at an intersection, they must frst
give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians. They
then apply the give way rulessee also Giving way
to the right below.







If you are turning left or right at an intersection,
you must give way to any pedestrian at or near
the intersection on the road you are entering.








Vehicle 2 must stop and give way
to vehicle 1
After both vehicles have stopped
and given way to all other vehicles,
vehicle 1 must give way to vehicle
2 because vehicle 1 is turning right
across vehicle 2s path
After both vehicles have given
way to all other vehicles and
pedestrians, vehicle 2 must give
way to vehicle 1 because it is
turning right across vehicle 1s path
76
Giving way to the right




In all these situations, vehicle 1 must give way to vehicle 2
When you come to a crossroad intersection, you must give way to all vehicles on
your right if they are approaching, entering or on the intersection.
However, you do not have to give way to vehicles:
coming from the opposite direction and turning right at the intersection
making a U-turn
facing a STOP or GIVE WAY sign.

Giving way when making a U-turn




Giving way when merging

Example 1 Example 2
When lines of traffc merge,
you must give way to any
vehicle that is ahead of you.
In example 1, Vehicle B gives
way to vehicle A.
If your lane comes to an
end, you must give way
to traffc already in the
lane you are moving to.
In example 2, Vehicle A
gives way to vehicle B.
You must give way to all vehicles and pedestrians when
you make a U-turnsee U-turns, page 68.
Vehicle 1 must wait for vehicle 2
to pass before making the U-turn
77
Giving way to emergency vehicles

You must do everything practical to give way to an emergency vehicle sounding
a siren, bell or fashing warning lightssee also Emergency vehicles, page 128.

Giving way to buses


a bus stop bay the shoulder of the road








the far left side of the road






Giving way from a slip lane with or without a TURN LEFT
AT ANY TIME WITH CARE sign at the intersection
You must give way to a bus ahead of you with this sign on
its right-hand rear side, when you are in a built-up area and
in a 70 km/h or less zone, if the bus is signalling to enter
traffc from:
Vehicle 1 gives way to a bus leaving a bus
zone or a bus stop in a specially constructed
bus bay
Vehicle 1 gives way to a bus moving away
from a bus zone or a bus stop on the
road shoulder
Vehicle 1 gives way to a bus leaving a bus
zone or a bus stop without changing lanes
When you drive onto a road from a slip lane with or
without a TURN LEFT AT ANYTIME WITH CARE sign on it,
you must give way to all bicycles and pedestrians on the
slip lane and all vehicles on the road you are entering.
Vehicle 2 must give way to vehicle 3. Vehicle 1
may continue without giving way
78
Giving way at a T-intersection
A T-intersection consists of two roads where one road
continues through the intersection and the other road
ends at the intersection.
If you are driving on the road that ends at a
T-intersection, you must give way to all vehicles
travelling on the road continuing through the
intersection if they are approaching, entering or
on the intersection.
If you are on the road that ends at a T-intersection and a
vehicle on the road continuing through the T-intersection
faces a STOP or GIVE WAY sign, you do not have to give
way to that vehicle.




Reversing
You may reverse only as far as necessary. It is your responsibility when you are
reversing to do so safely.






Giving way to pedestrians




Vehicle 1 must give way to
vehicle 2
Vehicle 2 must give way to
vehicle 1
Tips - Reversing
You should take extra care when reversing near intersections.
In both situations, the vehicle must give way to the pedestrian and wait
until the pedestrian has crossed before turning
When you turn at an
intersection, you must give
way to pedestrians crossing
the road you are entering.
79
Giving way at pedestrian crossings

You must give way to pedestrians on a
pedestrian crossing or pedestrians on or
entering a childrens crossing. If a vehicle
has stopped to give way at a pedestrian or
childrens crossing, you must not overtake
the stopped vehicle. For more information
about sharing the road with pedestrians,
see Sharing with other road users
pedestrians, page 131.

Giving way when turning right











If you are turning right at an intersection, you must give way to vehicles coming
from the opposite direction if they are approaching, entering or already on the
intersection and are:
not turning at the intersection
turning left at the intersection.
However, you dont have to give way to a vehicle if it is:
oncoming, and it is also turning right
driving on to the road from a slip lane
making a U-turn
facing a STOP or GIVE WAY sign.
You must give way if you are turning across the path of
a vehicle.




In both cases, vehicle 2 must give way to vehicle 1
80
Giving way when entering or leaving a road
You must give way to
vehicles, bicycles and
pedestrians when leaving
land to enter a road, or
entering land from a road.


In both cases, vehicle B must give
way to vehicle A and the pedestrian
before turning


Giving way when there are multiple vehicles
When there are more than two vehicles at an intersection, you must combine the give
way rules.








Giving way from a parked position
Give way to all other vehicles when you drive out of or into a parking area from the
side of the road. You must signal for at least fve seconds before leaving the kerb.
Do not reverse out of a parking area that is across the centre of the road unless
signs indicate that you cansee Parking, page 112.

Giving way at a railway level crossing
When you face a GIVE WAY or STOP sign or line at a level crossing, you must give
way to a train approaching the level crossingsee Railway level crossings, page 92.

Giving way to horses
When a person in charge of a horse that appears to be hard to control gives a signal,
by raising a hand and pointing to the horse, you must give way. You should drive to
the side of the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine. Keep the engine off
and the car stopped until there is no reasonable chance that the noise of the engine
or movement of your vehicle will further upset the horse.
Vehicles 1 and 3
are not required
to give way
to any other
vehicle. Vehicle
2 must give way
to vehicle 3
coming on the
right
Vehicle 1 must give way
to vehicle 2 on the right.
Vehicle 2 does not have
to give way to any other
vehicle. Vehicle 3 must give
way to vehicle 1 on the
right. Vehicles 2 and 3 are
not required to give way to
one another as their paths
will not cross
81
1. Which car must give way? (See page 76)
A. Car 1.
B. Car 2.


2. In what order should the cars go through the intersection? (See page 75)
A. Car 1, then Car 2, then Car 3.
B. Car 2, then Car 3, then Car 1.
C. Car 3, then Car 2, then Car 1.
D. Car 3, then Car 1, then Car 2.
3. You are stopped at a childrens crossing displaying orange fags. You can drive
on when: (See page 79)
A. pedestrians are not in your cars path
B. pedestrians have left the crossing and there is no one
about to enter the crossing
C. pedestrians are about to enter the crossing.
4. Which car goes frst? (See page 78)
A. Car 1.
B. Car 2.



5. You are driving Car A in a 100 km/h speed zone. Your lane ends and you need
to change lanes (there are line markings). Which is correct? (See page 76)
A. You have to give way to Car B as you are moving into its lane.
B. Car B has to give way to you as you are travelling ahead of it.
C. Car B has to give way to you as it is in the right lane.



Sample questions giving way
82
Road positioning

Lanes

Lane markings
There are fve types of road markings that indicate where you must travel on the road:
lane lines
dividing lines or centre lines
arrows
edge lines
special purpose lines.

Lane lines
Lane lines are usually broken (A). You can cross broken lines to turn or
overtake with caution. However, lane lines are continuous (B) close to
a controlled situation, such as traffc lights or a STOP sign. You must
not cross continuous lane lines.


Dividing lines or centre lines
You must not drive to the right of two continuous dividing
lines, including entering or leaving private property.
You are allowed to cross and drive to the right of a broken
dividing line if overtaking a vehicle or entering or leaving
the road.
When there is a broken dividing line to the left of a single
continuous line, you are allowed to cross and drive to
the right of the continuous line if overtaking a vehicle or
entering or leaving the road. For overtaking, the centre line
may only be crossed from the broken line side.
You may cross a single continuous
dividing line or a single continuous
dividing line to the left of a broken
dividing line to enter and leave the road.
You cannot cross the lines to overtake or
do a U-turn.
83
Edge lines
You must not drive on or over a continuous white edge line unless you are:
turning at an intersection
entering or leaving the road
overtaking a vehicle that is turning right or making a U-turn from the centre
of the road
driving a slow-moving vehicle
stopping at the side of the road
driving a vehicle that is too wide or long to ft within the marked lane to the left
of the centre line.
Please note that a driver turning left from a multi-lane road must turn from within
the marked lane (or lanes in the case of a long vehicle).

Arrows
In a lane marked with arrows, you must drive only in the direction of
the arrows.




Special purpose lanes

Some lanes are for use only by certain vehicles.

Bus lane
You must not drive in a bus lane unless you are driving a bus, taxi or
limousine, or riding a bicycle.




Transit lane
You must not drive in a transit lane during the hours of
operation (the hours will be marked on the transit lane sign)
unless you are driving a vehicle with the number of people
specifed by the sign (including the driver), or you are driving a
bus, taxi or limousine, or riding a bicycle or motorbike.

84
Bicycle lane

Bicycle lanes are intended for use by cyclists. You may stop or park in a
marked bicycle lane unless there are signs or road markings prohibiting
you from doing so.
Exemptions for driving in special purpose lanes

You may drive in a bicycle lane for up to 50 m and all other special purpose lanes for up to
100 m to:
enter or leave a road
overtake a vehicle that is turning right or making a U-turn from the centre of
the road
enter a marked lane or line of traffc from the side of the road.

Keeping left

When you drive on a two-way road, the basic rule is keep left.
When you drive on a multi-lane road where the speed limit is
more than 80 km/h, you must not travel in the far right lane
unless you are:
overtaking
turning right
making a U-turn
avoiding an obstacle
driving in congested traffc.
You could be fned for driving in the right-hand lane.
Overtaking

Overtaking on the right

The basic rule is that you overtake on the right.
You may overtake a vehicle only if you have a clear view of any
approaching traffc and you can do it safely.



85
If you are being overtaken

When you are being overtaken, and the overtaking vehicle is crossing the centre of
the road, do not speed up.














Overtaking on the left

You can overtake a vehicle on the left if:
you are driving on a multi-lane road and the vehicle can be safely overtaken in a
marked lane to the left of the vehicle
the vehicle is turning right or making a U-turn from the centre of the road and is
indicating right
the vehicle being overtaken is stationary and it is safe to do so.
Follow these steps for safer overtaking.
1. Keep a safe following distance behindsee Safe following distance, page 134.
2. Check ahead for approaching traffc and other vehicles.
3. Check behind for other vehicles.
4. Signal right to give suffcient warning to other road users.
5. Accelerate and move right but do not exceed the speed limit.
6. Turn off right indicator.
7. Signal left as you move ahead and clear of the vehicle you are overtaking.
8. Move back to the left lane or line of traffc as soon as it is safe.
9. Turn off left indicator.
10. Overtaking more than one vehicle at a time increases your risk of a crash.
You can overtake a vehicle on
the left if the vehicle is turning
right and it is safe to do so
You can overtake a vehicle
on the left on a multi-lane
road if it is safe to do so
You can overtake a vehicle on the
left if the vehicle is stationary and
it is safe to do so
86
Overtaking or passing

You must not drive past a NO OVERTAKING OR PASSING sign when a vehicle
is approaching.

You cannot overtake another vehicle when you
have passed this sign.
You must not overtake any vehicle on a
bridge where a NO OVERTAKING ON BRIDGE
sign applies.




Overtaking long vehicles

You must not overtake a vehicle displaying a DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING
VEHICLE sign if the vehicle is signalling its intention to turn left or right,
unless you can do it safely.


A long vehicle on a multi-lane road may use the left-hand lane or
the marked lane next to the left lane to turn leftsee Sharing with
other road users heavy vehicles, page 128.


Overtaking cyclists

You must leave a safe distance between your vehicle and a cyclist when you are
overtaking or passingsee Sharing with other road users cyclists, page 130.
Overtake correctly or the results could be fatal. Before overtaking consider:
Is it necessary? Could I wait?
Is it safe? Can I see ahead? What is happening behind?
Is it legal? What are the road markings? What is my speed?
87
Motorway/highway driving

Motorways and highways are divided roads designed for fast-
moving vehicles.
For safety reasons, slower vehicles and pedestrians are not allowed on
these roads. Most motorway entrances list the vehicles not allowed to
travel on the road.


If you face the sign, WRONG WAY GO BACK, as you enter a
motorway, reverse back immediatelyyou are on an exit ramp.
On a motorway you must:
be prepared to give way to vehicles already on the motorway as you
enter along the on-ramp
not stop except in an emergency or if you break down. If you must stop, use the
emergency lane or bay and switch on your hazard lights
not travel in the emergency lane
not make U-turns
not reverse
not drive in the right lane unless overtaking, avoiding an obstruction or travelling
in congested traffc
check behind and signal before you overtake
signal for long enough to give suffcient warning to other road users before you
change lanes
enter the exit lane and slow to the appropriate speed when you are about to
leave the motorway.
Tips - Motorway driving
Plan your route before you enter a motorway.
When entering the motorway, look for a gap between the vehicles in the closest
lane and safely build up speed on the on-ramp so you enter at the motorway
traffcs speed.
Watch for other vehicles entering the motorway from an on-ramp and adjust
your speed to allow them to enter safely.
Be ready and in the correct lane as your exit approaches.
If you miss your exit, continue to the next exit.
88
1. When entering a freeway using an on-ramp: (See page 87)
A. give way to vehicles on the freeway and adjust your speed accordingly
B. vehicles on the freeway should give way to you
C. stop and wait for a gap.
2. How far can you drive in a special purpose lane (other than a bicycle lane) when
entering or leaving the road? (See page 84)
A. Not at all.
B. 25 m.
C. 50 m.
D. 100 m.
3. Where the road is marked with two continuous dividing lines, when may you cross the
double lines? (See page 82)
A. To overtake a vehicle in front.
B. To turn into a driveway.
C. Not at any time.
D. To do a U-turn.
4. You are driving Car 1. In what direction must you travel? (See page 83)
A. Turn right or go straight ahead.
B. Turn right only.
C. Straight ahead only.
D. Turn left only.
5. You are driving behind a truck displaying this sign that is signalling and starting
to turn left. It is in the second lane from the left-hand side of the road. What
must you do? (See page 86)
A. Allow the truck to complete its turn before turning left.
B. Use the far left lane to pass the truck and turn left.
C. Sound your horn and quickly pass the truck on the left
before it turns.
D. Indicate and quickly pass the truck on the right-hand side
before it turns.
Sample questions road positioning
89
Hazardous localities

Roadwork sites
Roadworks improve the roads for everyone, ensuring a safe, more effcient and more
convenient road network.
Safety around roadworks
Driving safely through roadwork sites requires road users to reduce speed and
increase attention.
Drive to suit the changed road conditions.
Keep an eye out for roadworkers.
Stay calm. Be patient.
Expect the unexpected.
Be alert. Always follow road signs and traffc controller instructions.
Keep to the reduced speed limit throughout the roadworks.
Observe the roadworks signs. If you dont see someone working there, they
may be out of view.
Ensure you are in the correct lane to avoid last minute lane changes.
Plan your trip ahead to ease any delayscheck the RACQ website at
[Link] or the website of the relevant local authority to see if any
roadworks are identifed along the route of your trip.
Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles, traffc barriers,
construction equipment and roadworkers.
Look for an alternative route.
When travelling through roadworks, remember you cant control the traffc
conditions, only your reaction to them.
Roadwork signs

Roadwork signs are provided to ensure everyones safety, and are enforceable and
regulated by law. Disobeying roadworks signs means:
you are committing an offence, which may lead to fnes and licence demerit points
you may be liable for damage caused to roadwork equipment and materials
your insurance claim may be void
vehicles may be damaged by loose stones and gravel.
90
The ROADWORK AHEAD sign gives advance warning of
roadwork sites.
Be prepared for changed road conditions and slow down if
required.
The WORKERS sign is a temporary sign that warns motorists that
there are roadworkers ahead on or adjacent to the travelled path.
This sign is only used while workers are in the area.
Drive with due care and attention for your own and roadworkers
safety.
This multi-message sign gives advance warning of roadwork sites
and imposes a speed restriction which applies until the next speed
restriction sign.
You are required to reduce speed to below the speed limit indicated.
This multi-message sign warns motorists that there are roadworkers
ahead on or adjacent to the road, and imposes a speed restriction
which applies until the next speed restriction sign.
You are required to reduce speed to or below the speed limit
indicated.
The SPEED RESTRICTION sign is used at roadworks to create a
temporary speed zone, and indicates the speed limit which applies
until the next speed restriction sign.
You MUST obey all speed restriction signs.
The STOP/SLOW bat is used by a traffc controller.
You must stop at a safe distance from the traffc controller and wait
when facing a STOP bat. You may proceed with caution when faced
with a SLOW bat.
The TRAFFIC CONTROLLER AHEAD/PREPARE TO STOP sign
gives advance warning that traffc may be required to stop in
compliance with the directions of a traffc controller. It is only
used when a traffc controller is on duty.
This multi-message sign gives advance warning that traffc may
be required to stop in compliance with the directions of a traffc
controller.
Do not overtake other vehicles when approaching the traffc
controller.
91

The PREPARE TO STOP and SIGNALS AHEAD signs give advance
warning of temporary traffc signals.

You should be prepared to obey the traffc signals ahead.
The STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL sign is used to indicate where
traffc must stop when faced with a red light and there is no
stop line marked on the road.





The TRAFFIC HAZARD AHEAD sign is only used for emergency
purposes to warn motorists of an unexpected hazard ahead.
Take care and drive to the prevailing conditions.
The SLIPPERY ROAD and LOOSE STONES signs warn motorists
of hazardous road surface conditions ahead.
Take care and drive to the prevailing conditions.
The LANE STATUS signs give motorists advance warning that one
or more lanes of a multi-lane roadway are closed ahead. The bars
indicate the closed lanes, while the arrows indicate lanes available
to traffc.
The LINE MARKERS ON ROAD and SURVEYORS AHEAD signs warn
motorists that there are line markers or surveyors working ahead
on or adjacent to the road. This sign is only used while workers
are in the area.
Drive with due care and attention for your own and roadworkers
safety.
The ROAD PLANT AHEAD sign is used at work sites where
machinery is working on the roadway.
Take care and be prepared for plant being operated on the road
without any form of delineation or traffc control.

92
The ROAD WORK supplementary plate may be used with a SPEED
RESTRICTION sign at roadworks.

The END ROADWORK sign may be used to defne the end of
a worksite. This sign does not cancel out any previous speed
restriction. You should be aware that roadwork speed limits
continue to apply until the next speed restriction sign.
This multi-message sign defnes the end of a worksite and reinstates
the speed limit.
You may now travel in a safe manner up to the speed limit indicated.

Reduced speed limits through roadworks

Reduced speed limits in and around roadworks are in place to protect the road user
and roadworker.
Speeding vehicles are a very real threat to the safety of other drivers and
roadworkers.
The road condition may have changed, but you may not be aware of this. While
under construction or repair, the road surface may not be safe to drive on at the
normal speed.
Loose gravel on the road surface may cause damage to vehicles.
The road surface may be uneven.
The road lanes may have narrowed.
Often hidden from view are kilometres of utilities such as drainage pipes,
electrical and telecommunication lines. When roads are widened, many of these
have to be relocated. Relocation takes time.
Some roadwork activities are mobile, such as line markings, road patching and
mowing. The roadworker may be moving through the zone and needs a reduced
speed limit for safety reasons.
Roadworkers may not always be visible when working in the road area.

Railway level crossings

Disobeying the road rules near railway level crossings
can be fatal.
Crashes at railway level crossings are generally more
severe than other types of crash because trains are
heavy and fast.
93
Stopping and giving way at a level crossing

You must stop at a STOP sign or STOP line and give way to any
trains approaching or entering the crossing.
You must give way at a GIVE WAY sign or GIVE WAY line to any train
approaching or entering the crossing.

Entering or leaving a level crossing

You must not enter a level crossing if:
warning lights, warning bells or boom gates are operating
you can see or hear a train approaching the crossing
the road beyond the crossing is blocked or your whole vehicle
cannot immediately clear the crossing.
You must get off the crossing as soon as you can do so safely.
At a level crossing where boom gates or fashing lights are not
installed, extra care should be taken.
Slow down, or stop if facing a Stop sign, and look both ways and listen for trains.
Take extra care if the sun, fog, vegetation or buildings obscure your view of the
train tracks.
If you have stopped for a train, dont move off until warning lights (if installed)
have stopped fashing, and you have checked that another train is not following
or coming the other way.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol

Drink driving

Drinking alcohol impairs your ability to drive safely. Alcohol affects your judgment,
vision, coordination and refexes. It also increases your risk of having a crash.
If you have consumed alcohol, you must not drive a motor vehicle if the level of
alcohol in your blood or breath is over the alcohol limit for your age and for the
type of licence you hold or the type of vehicle that you want to drive.


94
When you are over the alcohol limit

There are three alcohol limits:
no alcohol limityou will be over this limit if the concentration of alcohol in
your blood or breath is more than zero
general alcohol limityou will be over this limit if the concentration of alcohol
in your blood or breath is equal to or more than 0.05
high alcohol limityou will be over this limit if the concentration of alcohol in
your blood or breath is equal to or more than 0.15.

What your alcohol limit is
If you are under 25 years of age and hold a learner, probationary
or provisional licence.
0.00
(zero)
If you do not hold a driver licence and you are driving, or in
charge of, any motor vehicle.
0.00
(zero)
If you hold a restricted licence (see Restricted licences, page 34). 0.00
(zero)
If you are driving, or in charge of, a truck, bus, articulated motor
vehicle, B-double, road train, vehicle carrying a placard load of
dangerous goods, taxi, limousine, tow truck, pilot or escort vehicle
escorting an oversize vehicle, or a vehicle being used by you as a
driver trainer to give driver training.
0.00
(zero)
If you hold an open licence and you are driving, or in charge of,
any other motor vehicle.
Below
0.05
If you are 25 or over and hold a provisional licence and you are
driving, or in charge of, any other motor vehicle.
Below
0.05

Police regularly carry out random breath tests to detect and deter drink drivers.
Refusing to take a roadside breath test is an offence. For more information, see
Random breath testing, page 154.

If you drive when over your alcohol limit

If you drive when over your alcohol limit, you may be charged. If you are convicted,
you face serious penalties and consequences:
your Queensland driver licence will be cancelled
you will be disqualifed from holding or obtaining a further Queensland driver
licence for a stated period
you will be fned and may be jailed as well.
95
If you crash the vehicle when driving with the level of alcohol in your blood or
breath over your alcohol limit, your comprehensive insurance cover will not apply.
You will have to pay for any damage caused.
Your compulsory third party insurance (CTP) may also be affected. See the Motor
Accident Insurance Act 1994 by visiting the Offce of the Queensland Parliamentary
Counsel website at [Link].

Standard drinks rule





Use the standard drinks rule as a guide to stay under the limit. This is a guide onlysome
people can drink less and still be over the limit.
Men can generally have two drinks in the frst hour and one drink every hour after that.
Women can generally have one drink in the frst hour and one every hour after that.
Common myth:
I can reduce my alcohol level by sleeping, chewing gum, drinking coffee, having a
shower or exercising.
Truth:
The only thing that reduces your alcohol level is time. The majority of alcohol
you drink is broken down in your liver. It takes about one hour to break down the
alcohol content of a single standard drink. It is possible for you to have an alcohol
level over the legal limit the day after youve been drinking.
= = =
One standard
drink of full
strength beer
(285ml)
One standard
drink of wine
(100ml)
One standard
drink of spirits
(30ml nip)
in a mixer
One standard
drink of spirits
(30ml nip)
Tip - How to avoid drink driving
If youre planning to drink, plan alternative travelcatch a taxi or public
transport, get a lift with a non-drinking driver or plan to stay overnight.
Discourage friends or family from driving when they have been drinking.
Nominate one person in your group as the non-drinking driver.
Serve non-alcohol and low alcohol drinks at parties. Let people ask for a refll
rather than continually topping up their drinks. This way they can count how
many drinks they have consumed.
Do not mix drugs and alcohol.
96
Drink walking

Many people assume walking is a safe alternative to drink driving. However, alcohol
also impairs your ability to walk safely and judge traffc situations correctly. If you
are walking while drunk, take care to ensure you make it home safely.
Plan travel arrangements to avoid walking or driving home.
Catch public transport, a courtesy bus, a taxi or get a lift home with a non-
drinking driver.
Walk with a sober friend or in a group, if possible. A group or a pair is more
visible than one person.
Always walk on the footpath rather than the road. If there isnt one, walk on
the left- or right-hand side of the road, as close to the edge as possible.
Cross at traffc lights, crossings or crosswalks.
Dont expect drivers to see you at night. Carry or wear something light in colour.
Cross under a street light if there are no marked crossings, crosswalks or signals.
For more information about road rules for pedestrians, see Rules for other road
users pedestrians, page 123.








Drugs and driving





Many drugs can impair your ability to drive. It is important to be aware of the
effects drugs can have on your driving ability. They can affect your vision, mood,
judgment, muscle control, refexes, coordination and level of alertness. This can
increase your risk of having a crash. If you combine drugs with alcohol, the risk is
even greater.





Common myth:
Walking when intoxicated is safe.
Truth:
Each year, around 17 intoxicated pedestrians are killed on Queensland roads.
97
Over-the-counter and prescribed medications









Always ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medication could impair your driving.
Avoid driving if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications
that could affect your driving ability.
Always ask for advice from your doctor or pharmacist if youre taking more than
one medication or want to change the amount you are taking.

Other drugs

Many other drugs (including illicit drugs such as cannabis, speed, ecstasy and
heroin) can affect your driving.
Never drive when youve consumed recreational or illicit drugs.

Mix at your own risk

Mixing drugs, or drugs and alcohol, can seriously affect your ability to drive safely.

If you are caught drug driving

If you drive while you are impaired by drugs, you may be charged. If you are
convicted, you face serious penalties and consequences:
Common myth:
If you can buy a medication without a prescription, or if you have been prescribed
a medicine, then it must be okay to drive after taking it.
Truth:
Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can reduce your ability to drive
safely. This can occur even if you take the recommended dosage.
your Queensland driver licence will be cancelled
you will be disqualifed from holding or obtaining a further Queensland driver
licence for a stated period
you will be fned and may be jailed as well.
If you crash while driving under the infuence of drugs, your comprehensive
insurance does not apply. You will have to pay for any damage.
Your CTP insurance may also be affected. See the Motor Accident Insurance Act
1994 by visiting the Offce of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website at
[Link].
98
Sample questions hazardous
localities, alcohol and drugs
Common myth:
Police cannot test drivers for drugs.
Truth:
Police offcers with reasonable cause to suspect that you are driving under
the infuence of drugs may arrest and detain you and require you to provide
specimens of blood and urine to test for drugs.

For more information, visit Safety at [Link].
1. What is the blood alcohol concentration limit for a driver with an open
licence? (See page 94)
A. 0.00.
B. Below 0.02.
C. Below 0.05.
D. Below 0.08.
2. What does this sign mean? (See page 90)
A. You must not travel any more than 60 km/h.
B. You can travel at the speed that normally applies
to the road it is only a warning sign suggesting
that you slow down.
C. You can travel at any speed it only applies to road
construction vehicles.
D. You can travel at any speed if you are driving to or from work.
3. What does this sign mean? (See page 91)
A. Left lane closed, right lane open.
B. Left lane opened, right lane closed.
C. Trucks must use right lane.
D. T-intersection ahead.
99
4. At a railway crossing, when the boom gates are down and the red lights are
fashing, you should: (See page 93)
A. drive on once the boom gates begin to rise
B. drive around the boom gates once the train has passed
C. drive around the boom gates if you can see that the
train is not close
D. wait until the red lights stop fashing before driving on.
5. Can a police offcer stop you and require you to undergo a random breath test
for alcohol when you are driving? (See page 94)
A. No.
B. Yes.
C. Only after a crash.
D. Only if you cannot walk in a straight line.
Heavy vehicles

Vehicle dimensions

Height 4 .3 m (except as specifed below)
4.6 m (vehicles built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs)
4.4 m (double-decker bus)
4.6 m (loaded height of a car carrier only when loaded with vehicles
on the top deck)
Length 12.5 m (rigid vehicles)
19 m (articulated vehicles and combination of rigid vehicle and trailer,
except for B-doubles and road trains)
Width 2.5 m
100
Long vehicles

Vehicles 7.5 m or more in length (which
would include a car towing a normal
caravan) showing the sign DO NOT
OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE can turn left
from, or partly from, the lane next to the
left lane.
From a one way street, the vehicles can turn
right from, or partly from, the lane next to
the right lane.


If driving a long vehicle:
you must drive at least 60 m behind any other long vehicle travelling in the
same direction as you, where there are no marked lanes and the road is outside
a built-up area
you must drive at least 200 m behind any other long vehicle travelling in the
same direction as you in a road train area.





Loading your vehicle

Drivers who fail to secure loads safely on a heavy vehicle risk injuring themselves
and other road users, as well as running up a large damages bill.
Incorrect positioning Correct positioning
101
Incorrect positioning
Correct positioning
These diagrams show examples of the incorrect and correct way of loading
a heavy vehicle.
The load of a heavy vehicle must not be more than the maximum number
of people or permitted maximum weight shown on the compliance plate.
If your vehicle has a GVM of more than 4.5 tonne, you must enter a weighbridge
checking station if the station is open.
All loading must be fastened safely and correctly. If you are carrying iron, timber,
piping or similar material, it should be fastened so it will not fap or sway. It should
be parallel with the sides of the vehicle as far as possible. If you are carrying a
loose bulk load such as gravel, it must be loaded or covered to prevent any particles
falling from the vehicle.
If you carry freight containers, you should be aware of the difference in the height
of some containers. The safest way to secure containers is by using twist locks or
similar devices that secure the four corners to the vehicle.
Load your vehicle so you have a good view of vehicles to the front and on both
sides and, using mirrors, behind.
If a load or equipment falls from your vehicle for any reason, you must remove
this from the road as soon as possible.
Queensland law requires all loads to be restrained to the performance standards
of the Load restraint guide. The guide outlines the safety principles that should be
followed to ensure the safe carriage of loads, and all heavy vehicle drivers should
have a copy. The guide can be purchased from The Government Bookshop by calling
07 3118 6900, or 1800 679 778 if you are outside Brisbane. The guide can also be
downloaded from the National Transport Commission website at [Link].
102
Parking restrictions for heavy and long vehicles

If you drive a heavy vehicle (GVM/GCM of 4.5 tonne or more) or a long vehicle
(7.5 m or more in length), you must not park for more than one hour in a built-up
area unless otherwise permitted to do so by signs, or you are actively dropping off or
picking up goods.
Your local government may make provision for you to park longer than this under
a local law.

Warning signs

If you are driving a vehicle that is required to display a sign with the words ROAD
TRAIN, LONG VEHICLE, OVERSIZE, OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD or SLOW VEHICLE because
of a condition of a guideline permit or authorisation, you must remove or cover any
signs that are no longer required.
For more information about vehicle dimensions, please refer to the Transport
Operations (Road Use Management Mass, Dimensions and Loading) Regulation
2005 by visiting the Offce of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website at
[Link].

Speed limiters
Heavy vehicles over 12 tonne GVM or buses over 5 tonne GVM are restricted to
travelling at a maximum speed of 100 km/h, regardless of any higher speed limit that
may be shown on road signs.
Speed limiters are compulsory for trucks over 12 tonne GVM, with engines up to
300 hp, built after 1 July 1991, and for higher horsepower engines built after
1 January 1991.
Buses over 14.5 tonne GVM or prime movers are to be ftted with speed limiters if
they were manufactured after 1987.
Buses over 5 tonne GVM and up to 14.5 tonne GVM have speed limiters ftted from
1 July 1991.
Any heavy vehicle found with a speed limiter set in excess of 115 km/h will be issued
a defect notice requiring them to comply with Australian Design Rule ADR 65/00.
The vehicle will not be allowed to operate on the road until all repairs have been
undertaken and cleared by Queensland Transport.

Transporting dangerous goods
Rules, procedures and guidelines govern the transport of dangerous goods.


103
They affect everyone involved in this transport, including:
consignors
prime contractors
vehicle owners
packers and loaders
drivers.
The laws and rules for the transport of dangerous goods by road are found in
the Transport Operations (Road Use Management Dangerous Goods) Regulation
1998 (the dangerous goods regulation) and the Australian dangerous goods
code - 6th edition (ADG Code). Not complying with these rules is an offence
and penalties apply.
A brief overview of this information is outlined in the booklet Transporting
dangerous goods Guide to new requirements, which is available at
[Link]/dangerousgoods. The booklet may be printed out for
reference. Every person associated with transporting dangerous goods should
familiarise themselves with this information. They are required by law to complete
appropriate instruction or training to perform their tasks safely.

What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods are substances or articles with hazardous properties, which may,
if handled incorrectly:
explode
burn
poison
pollute the environment
asphyxiate
make explosive mixtures
severely damage skin or corrode metal
become unstable if mixed with other products.
104
Explosives Flammable gases Non-fammable,
non-toxic gases
Toxic gases Flammable liquids Flammable solids
Spontaneously
combustible
Dangerous when wet Oxidising substances
Organic peroxides Toxic substances Infectious substances
Dangerous goods are allocated a class. The pictures and captions below show the
different classes of dangerous goods, and the diamond label for each class.
105
Radioactive substances Corrosives Miscellaneous
dangerous goods
Carrying dangerous goods

Vehicles transporting a placard load of dangerous goods must display, as a minimum,
the correct class diamonds (see above) at the front and rear of the vehicle.
A load of dangerous goods is a placard load if it contains:
dangerous goods in bulk (both the driver and the vehicle must be licensed to
carry dangerous goods in bulk)
packaged dangerous goods of particular classes in certain quantities (defned
in the ADG Code and the dangerous goods regulation).

Portable warning signs

A vehicle (including a combination of vehicle and trailer) either carrying a placard
load of dangerous goods or weighing more than 12 tonne must carry three portable
triangular, red, refectorised warning signs.
These signs must be displayed if the vehicle has broken down or has lost some or all
of its load, and the vehicle or load are not visible in all directions for 200 m.
The signs must be displayed as follows:
one triangle should be placed at
least 50 m but not more than
150 m in front of the vehicle
one triangle should be placed at
least 50 m but not more than
150 m to the rear of the vehicle
one triangle should be placed
to the side of the vehicle, or
fallen load, in a position that
gives suffcient warning to other
road users of the position of the
vehicle or fallen load.
The correct way to display warning signs if your heavy
vehicle has broken down outside a built-up area
106
The national logbook
All drivers of commercial buses (with a seating capacity of more than 12 adults,
including the driver) and heavy vehicles (with a vehicle mass of more than 12 tonne)
must record driving, working and rest times in the national logbook during any trip
that takes them further than 200 km from their driver base. The driver base is the
place from which you normally work and receive instructions.
The national logbook is available from any Queensland Transport customer service
centre, or any of the agencies listed on page 170.
When applying for a national logbook:
present your current driver licence, and logbook if you have one
complete an application form provided in the front of the logbook in the
presence of the issuing offcer
pay the application fee.
For further information, please contact Queensland Transport on 13 23 80 or visit
[Link]/heavyvehicles.

Actual driving hours
















Hours for a driver of a heavy vehicle
In any period of ... a heavy vehicle driver
must not drive/work for
more than ...
... and must have a rest
period of no less than ....
5 hours and
30 minutes
5 hours 30 minutes, either as one
continuous period or as two
periods of 15 consecutive
minutes each
24 hours (see Note 1) 14 hours (maximum 12
hours driving)
10 hours, including one
period of 6 consecutive
hours (see Note 2)
168 hours (7 days) 72 hours 96 hours, including one
period of 24 consecutive
hours (see Note 3)
107
Hours for a driver of a commercial bus
In any period of ... a heavy vehicle driver
must not drive/work for
more than ...
... and must have a rest
period of no less than ....
5 hours and
30 minutes
5 hours 30 minutes, either as one
continuous period or as two
periods of 15 consecutive
minutes each
24 hours
(see Note 1)
14 hours (maximum 12
hours driving)
10 hours, including one
period of 6 consecutive
hours (see Note 2)
168 hours (7 days) 72 hours 96 hours
672 hours (28 days) 288 hours 384 hours, including four
periods of 24 consecutive
hours (see Note 3)
Note 1: For enforcement purposes, the 24-hour period means any period of 24
hours, but is usually taken as the 24 hours up to the time of the interception. It does
not necessarily mean midnight to midnight.
Note 2: The continuous rest period must be taken away from the vehicle unless the
vehicle is ftted with an approved sleeper berth.
Note 3: Rest periods of 24 hours or more must be taken away from the vehicle.
108
Description Demerit
points
New
fne
Maximum
court fne
Failing to carry a log book or record the
required information in the logbook 3 $600 $4,500
Exceeding regulated total driving/work
hours (in a 24 hour period):
by up to 1 hour 0 $300 $1,500
by 1 to 2 hours 2 $300 $3,000
by more than 2 hours 3 $600 $4,500
Exceeding regulated continuous
driving/work hours:
by up to 1 hour 0 $300 $1,500
by 1 to 2 hours 2 $300 $3,000
by more than 2 hours 3 $600 $4,500
Failing to take a regulated continuous
rest break in a 24 hour period:
by up to 1 hour 0 $300 $1,500
by 1 to 2 hours 2 $300 $3,000
by more than 2 hours 3 $600 $4,500
Driving against a prohibition imposed
by a transport inspector for a prior
breach of the regulation up to 3 $1,500 $9,000
For further information, please go to [Link]/heavyvehicles.

Passenger transport

Passenger transport (or a public passenger service) is a service provided for
transporting members of the public for a fare or consideration, or in the course
of a trade or business, and includes a courtesy or community transport service.
Examples of passenger transport services are:
school buses
Demerit points and fnes for Fatigue Regulation offences
Demerit points for fatigue offences were introduced in Queensland on 1 March 2007.
The following table lists the offences and the demerit points that will be applied.
109
taxis and limousines
tourist services
charter bus services
scheduled bus services.
If you drive a vehicle that provides a passenger transport service to the public, you
are required to hold the appropriate class of driver licence for driving that type of
public passenger vehicle, and a Queensland Driver Authorisation.
The purpose of Driver Authorisation is to maximise public confdence in passenger
transport and to ensure the protection of children and other vulnerable members of
the community. This includes ensuring that drivers of public passenger vehicles:
are suitable people, having regard to their need to provide for the personal
safety of passengers and their property, and the public
conduct themselves reasonably with passengers and the public
are responsible drivers and capable of safely operating a public
passenger vehicle
are aware of their customer responsibilities
are accountable for complying with standards.
To apply for Driver Authorisation, you must have held a driver licence continuously
for at least three years. For tourist, transfer or charter bus services, you must have
held an Australian driver licence for two years of the three-year period.
In addition to the driver licence requirements, drivers of vehicles that provide a
passenger transport service must meet the requirements contained in the Transport
Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994, Transport Operations (Passenger
Transport) Regulation 1994 and Transport Operations (Passenger Transport)
Standard 2000 regarding traffc and criminal history checks and medical ftness.
For further information about Driver Authorisation, contact your nearest
Queensland Transport customer service centre or Passenger Transport Offce, or call
Queensland Transport on 13 23 80.
For more information about the legislation, visit the Offce of the Queensland
Parliamentary Counsel website at [Link].

School buses

School buses have fashing yellow warning lights ftted to the front and rear of the
bus. If you drive a school bus, you must fash its warning lights when children are
being picked up or set down.
You must also ensure the vehicles doors are closed while the bus is moving.
110
Sample questions heavy vehicles
1. Does a school bus have to operate fashing warning lights when picking up
and setting down passengers? (See page 109)
A. No.
B. Yes.
C. Yes when road conditions are bad.
2. What is the maximum speed allowed for a heavy vehicle over 12 tonne GVM?
(See page 102)
A. 60 km/h.
B. 10 km/h under the signed speed limit.
C. 100 km/h.
3. When travelling outside a built-up area (but not in a road train area), what is
the minimum distance to be maintained between long vehicles?
(See page 100)
A. 60 m.
B. 100 m.
C. 10 m for every 10 km/h you are travelling.
4. If you are driving a heavy or long vehicle, you must not park for more than
one hour in a built-up area unless: (See page 102)
A. no other vehicles are close by
B. it is after 5.00 pm and before 8.00 am
C. a sign permits it, or you are actively involved in loading or unloading.
5. What is the minimum rest period if you drive a heavy vehicle, and have
completed fve consecutive hours of driving? (See page 106)
A. Quarter of an hour.
B. Half an hour.
C. One hour.
D. Two hours.
111
Other rules and responsibilities

Use of lights
When you drive at night (between sunset and sunrise) or in hazardous weather
conditions, your vehicles headlights, rear lights and rear number plate light must
be switched on and clearly visible. You should turn your headlights on when you
cannot clearly see people or vehicles.
While you may drive with your headlights on high beam in a built-up area,
you must dip your headlights when:

an oncoming vehicle is within 200 m



you are within 200 m of the vehicle ahead.


You may only drive with rear fog lights on if you are in heavy fog or hazardous
weather conditions causing reduced visibility. If you are caught using fog lights
where conditions are not hazardous, or where visibility is not reduced, you can be
fned $30 and get 3 demerit points.










Following distance

You must drive at a suffcient distance behind another vehicle so that you can,
if necessary, stop safely to avoid a collision with the vehiclesee Safe following
distance, page 134.
Tips - Headlights
To see better at night, you may switch your headlights to high beam or drive
more slowly so that you have time to react to traffc conditions.
Wearing tinted glasses reduces your vision. Only wear tinted glasses at night
when an eye specialist has prescribed them for night driving.
Keep left and look to the side if oncoming lights dazzle you. If you are unable to
drive safely, slow down and stop until the other vehicle has passed.
112
Following other long vehicles

When towing a caravan or trailer, if your towing vehicle combined with the length
of the caravan or trailer is 7.5 m or longer, it is considered to be a long vehiclesee
Long vehicles, page 100. You must leave at least 60 m between your vehicle and
another vehicle 7.5 m or longer in front of you on single-lane roads outside built-up
areas.
If you tow a caravan in road train areas, leave at least 200 m between your vehicle
and another long vehicle. Vehicles towing caravans driving too close together make
it hard for other motorists to overtake safely.

Towlines

If you are towing a car with a towline, the towline must not be more than 6 m long.

Parking

Parking is regulated and enforced by local governments. Parking is also enforced by
the Queensland Police Service.

How to park

You must obey an offcial sign or line marking telling you how to park. If there is no
sign or line marking, park the left-side of your vehicle parallel to and as close to the
left side of the road as you can safely. This is called parallel parking.
If you are in a one-way street (not a divided road), you may park parallel to and
as close to the left or right side of the road as you can safely.
Where parking spaces are marked on the road, you must not take up more than
a single space, unless your vehicle is longer than the length of space.
You must not park closer than 1 m to any other vehicle in front of or behind
your vehicle.

Parking signs

Signs indicate where you can and cannot park. If these signs
show hours or days, directions given by the signs apply during
those hours and days. For example, this sign indicates you can
park on this section of road for no more than two hours between
7.00 am 6.30 pm Monday to Friday and 7.00 am 12 noon
Saturday, but that there are no restrictions at other times. These
signs may also state the types of vehicles which must not be
parked in an area, e.g. heavy vehicles may be restricted.
113
ZONE signs

This section is reserved for a particular kind of vehicle. Zones can
include bus, taxi or loading zones. Unless you drive that type of
vehicle with an appropriate permit or sticker, do not park here.





Certain vehicles (e.g. those belonging to local residents) may be excluded from a
signs parking restrictions. These exceptions will be shown on the sign.
The letter P alone means there is no time limit. You can park anytime for any length
of time. If there is a time limit, it is shown by the number in front of the P.

Regulated parking

Regulated parking means there is a limit to how long you can park
in this area. The time limit is shown by the number in front of the
P. For example, 2P means two hour parking. The sign may also show
the times and days when this time limit applies. Parking in this
area is free, except where there is a metered space. If certain hours
and days apply to the meters, you can park in this section for free
outside these times.

There are several different types of metered parking in Queensland, including:
single meterslocated at the front of individual parking bays
multi-bays, controlling up to four parking bayslocated on the footpath
central to all bays
pay and display, controlling up to ten parking bayscoupons are dispensed
from a machine located on the footpath near the bays, and must be displayed
on your vehicles dashboard.
To operate a meter or coupon dispenser, follow the instructions. You must insert
coins even if there are coins already in the meter.
Some metered parks become clearways during peak hours. Always check the traffc
signs before leaving your vehiclesee Clearway below.
114
CLEARWAY

Vehicles are not allowed to stop on this section of road, though
buses, taxis and limousines may pick up or set down passengers.
This sign usually applies in peak-hour traffcthe sign will show the
hours that it applies. If you park or stop in a clearway, you may be
fned and have your vehicle towed away.




Angle or centre parking


You may only angle or centre park where there is an offcial traffc sign permitting
NO PARKING

You are not allowed to park in this area at any time. You may stop
only to pick up or set down passengers or goods for a maximum
of two minutes, unless the sign allows a longer time. You must not
leave the vehicle unattended.




NO STOPPING

You must not stop your vehicle at any time where a NO STOPPING
sign is placed, except when obeying an offcial direction, e.g. a
traffc light, or if you have to stand or stop for safety.
115
it. Park at the angle shown by the road markings for the parking space. Park in the
direction stated on the parking sign.
When moving out of a centre parking area, you must enter and leave the parking
area by driving forward unless a traffc sign indicates otherwise.

Leaving your vehicle

When you open the car door, you must check that there is no one on the road,
such as a cyclist, close enough to hit your door.
Secure your vehicle before you leave it unattended if you are going to be more
than 3 m away. You must:
apply the parking brake
switch off the engine
remove the ignition key
lock the doors if possible.
However, if somebody over 16 years of age is staying in the vehicle, the doors do not
need to be locked and the ignition key may be left with them. Never leave children
younger than 16 years, or animals, unattended in a vehicle.

Disability parking

If you hold a current blue parking permit for people
with disabilities, which is issued by the Director-General
of Queensland Transport, you are permitted to park
continuously for twice the period indicated on the sign.
However, if your permit allows you to park for a longer
period, you may park in that area for the time period
indicated on your permit.
A red permit entitles a holder to access disabled parking spaces in off-street
carparks such as shopping centres. On-street parking privileges are not available
to red permit holders unless authorised by the council.
Check with your local council for details of any available parking concessions.
Queensland disability parking permits are recognised in other Australian states
and territories. You should check with the relevant authority for details of parking
concessions.
If you are caught misusing or parking illegally in a disabled parking space, you could
be fned up to $1,500.
116
Prohibited parking places

Unless there is an offcial sign saying you can, you must not park or stop:
on a road with a yellow edge line
less than 10 m from an intersection without traffc lights
less than 20 m from an intersection with traffc lights
less than 20 m before and 10 m after a childrens crossing or pedestrian crossing
less than 20 m before and 10 m after a bus stop
less than 20 m from a level crossing
on the crest of a hill or curve outside a built-up area unless the rear of the
vehicle is visible for at least 100 m
within 1 m of another parked car
where you would have less than 3 m of road between your car and the other
side of the road, or any continuous marked centre line or double lines
where you will be in the way of other vehicles
in a mail zone
in a special purpose lane other than a bicycle lane
between the centre of the road and another vehicle already parked (known
as double parking), except when centre parking
if your vehicle has a GVM of 4.5 tonne or more, or is 7.5 m or more in
length, you must not park it in a built-up area for more than one hour
unless otherwise signed, or if you are actively engaged in dropping off or
picking up goods
within 1 m of a fre hydrant or fre plug indicator
in an emergency lane on a motorway, unless this is necessary for safety
in a loading zone, except if you are setting down or picking up goods or
passengers, or if you are driving a motor vehicle displaying an appropriate
commercial vehicle identifcation label
in between signs that mark a bus zone.
117
Prohibited parking places
Yellow edge line
118
Seatbelts and child restraints

Everyone in a vehicle must wear a fastened seatbelt at all times.
The only exceptions are if:
you are reversing the vehicle
you are driving a taxi
you carry a medical certifcate that states you cannot wear a seatbelt for
medical reasons
you are required to get in and out of the vehicle frequently, while engaged
in door-to-door pick up or delivery of goods, and you drive at no more
than 25 km/h.
Under Queensland law, if you are the driver, you are responsible for ensuring that
every passenger under 16 years of age wears a correctly ftted child restraint or
seatbelt. Passengers 16 years or older who fail to wear a seatbelt will also be fned
and accumulate 3 demerit points.
For further information, see Correct seatbelt and child restraint use, page 142 and
Double demerit points, page 159.

Mobile phones

Using a hand-held mobile phone is illegal when driving, even when you are stopped
at traffc lights. This includes making and receiving calls and text messaging. You
must pull over and park in a safe place to make or receive a call.
If you are found using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, you will be given a
Also, ensure your vehicle is not blocking or partly blocking:
an intersection
a footpath
a pedestrian crossing
a traffc light-controlled crosswalk
a railway level crossing
a bicycle path
a driveway or property entrance, except for up to two minutes when you are
dropping off or picking up passengers or goods
vehicles moving from one road to another road, ferry, wharf or driveway
a tunnel or underpass.
You must ensure your vehicle is
not blocking or partly blocking
a driveway
119
ticket for this offence. Demerit points will be recorded against your traffc history
see Demerit points offences, page 161.

See Learning to drive, page 17, and Provisional licences, page 28 for special
conditions relating to learner drivers and provisional licence holders.
Tips - Mobile phones
You may use a hands-free mobile phone, CB radio or any other two-way radio
when driving. However, you must drive with extreme care and attention and not
allow yourself to be distracted.
Sample questions other rules and
responsibilities
1. As a driver, you must wear a seatbelt: (See page 118)
A. when travelling over 60 km/h
B. when the vehicle is moving or stationary in traffc, unless you are reversing
C. when the vehicle is parked
D. when convenient.
2 What does this sign mean? (See page 114)
A. You cannot stop for more than fve minutes to pick up or
drop off passengers.
B. You must not stop at any time.
C. You cannot stop during the times and days stated.
D. You can only stop during the times and days stated.

3. When towing a car with a towline, what is the maximum permissible length of the
towline? (See page 112)
A. 4 m.
B. 6 m.
C. 10 m.
D. 15 m.
120
Rules for other road users

Cyclists

A bicycle is a legal vehicle, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities
as any other driver on the road. However, there are also some road rules just
for cyclists.
As a cyclist, you are legally required to:
wear an Australian Standard 2063 (1996) bike helmet, correctly ftted and
fastenedit will reduce your chances of suffering head injuries in a crash
by 80%
ft your bike with a working bell, horn or similar warning device and at least
one effective brake
obey all traffc signs and lightssee Signs and signals, page 54
keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times
use hand signals when turning right
have a red refector at the rear of your bike, and have fashing or steady front
and rear lights ftted to your bike if riding at night
fasten any luggage safely and securely
not double anyone unless the bicycle is designed to carry more than one
person and each person wears a helmet
use a bike lane where provided, unless it is impractical to do so
4. You can use a mobile phone that is held in your hand when sitting in the
drivers seat: (See page 118)
A. at any time when you are driving an automatic vehicle
B. at any time when the phone call is less than fve minutes long
C. when you are stopped at traffc lights or stopped in traffc
D. only when your vehicle is parked.
5. Are you permitted to drive with your lights on high beam in a built-up area?
(See page 111)
A. Yes, but not within 200 m of another vehicle.
B. Yes, but not within 100 m of another vehicle.
C. No.
121
dismount and walk your bike across a pedestrian crossing, childrens crossing
or marked foot crossing
give way to pedestrians on footpaths and shared use pathskeep to the left
never ride on that part of a separated footpath designed for pedestrians.
People can ride bicycles on roads and footpaths unless otherwise signed. Local
governments may make local laws prohibiting the use of bicycles on specifc
footpaths within the local government area. These footpaths must be identifed by
NO BICYCLE signs.
When riding on roads, you must ride as near as possible to the far left side of the
road, especially when there are no marked lanes. Always maintain a distance of 2 m
between you and the rear of a motor vehicle when following the motor vehicle for
over 200 m.
Two cyclists may legally ride beside each other as long as they are not more than
1.5 m apart.
If necessary, another cyclist can overtake these cyclists. On a multi-lane road or a road
with two or more lines of traffc travelling in the same direction, you can occupy a lane
and travel in the right-hand lane where necessary (for example, to make a right turn).
As a cyclist, you can:
ride in bus lanes and transit lanes
overtake a vehicle on the left unless the vehicle is turning left
travel in the left lane of a multi-lane roundabout if leaving more than
halfway around a roundabout, but must give way to vehicles exiting from
the roundabout.

Penalties

If you are 17 years of age or older and disobey any road rule while riding a bicycle,
you may be given an infringement notice by a police offcer. While you may be
required to pay a fne for disobeying a road rule, you cannot accumulate any demerit
points because they dont apply to bicycle offences.
You may be arrested for drink riding if the level of alcohol in your blood or breath
is over the high alcohol limitsee Drink driving, page 93.
If you are under 17 years of age, you may receive a number of cautions before
being fned.

Optional hook turn by a bicycle rider

You may turn right at an intersection on your bicycle using a hook turn unless
prohibited by a NO HOOK TURN BY BICYCLES sign.
122
Stop if it is safe to do so
Do not ride past the yellow traffc light unless
you are so close to the yellow traffc light
when it changes from green to yellow that you
cant stop safely.
If you face a fashing yellow traffc light or
arrow, this is a warning to use caution near the
traffc light when you enter the road, and to
follow the general give way rules.
Go
Ride past the green traffc light if you can do
it safely.
Obeying traffc lights

Stop
Do not ride past the red traffc light. You
can cross the road if another traffc light
you are facing shows a green WALK, walking
pedestrian or bicycle symbol. However, you
must dismount and walk across the pedestrian
crossingdo not ride across the pedestrian
crossing.
To make the turn:
1. Approach and enter the intersection from as near as
practicable to the far left side of the road you are leaving.
2. Move forward until you are as near as practicable
to the far side of the road you are entering. Keep as
near as possible to the far left side of the intersection.
Keep clear of any marked foot crossings. Keep clear
of any driver turning left from the intersection.
3. If there are traffc lights, wait until you are facing a green light before
moving forward.
4. If there are no traffc lights on the intersection, give way to approaching
drivers on the road you have just left, then move forward.
123
Motorised bicycles

A motorised bicycle is a bicycle with a motor of 200 watts output or less.
You do not require a licence to ride a motorised bicycle with a motor of 200 watts
output or less, and they are exempt from registration and CTP insurance.
Motorised bicycles fall under the same road rules as bicycles and have the same
rights and responsibilities as a bicycle.

Pedestrians

We are all pedestrians at some time. Pedestrians include people:
walking
using wheelchairs (including registered motorised wheelchairs)
on rollerblades, skateboards, rollerskates and other wheeled recreational devices.

Staying safe

Always cross at the safest possible pointat a crossing, lights, refuge or where
you can see drivers and they can see you.
When crossing a road, STOP, LOOK for traffc, LISTEN for approaching cars and
WAIT until there is a safe break in traffc before crossing.
Obey traffc signals.
Cross the road by the most direct route.
Allow yourself enough time to cross the road.
Always walk on the footpath. If there isnt one, walk on the left- or right-hand
side of the road, as close to the edge as possible.
Tips - Cyclists
To stay safe, you should:
check your bikes tyres and brakes regularly
be courteous to motorists and ride in a predictable manner so that road users
know what you are doing
be seen. Light coloured clothing can make you more visible to motorists.
At night, use lights and refectors on your bike and wear refective
clothing or refective wrist and ankle bands to attract motorists attention.
124









Motorised wheelchairs

If you are using a motorised wheelchair, extra rules apply to you.
Use footpaths at all times or, if there is no footpath, travel as close as possible
to the left- or right-hand side of the road. (Note: Be aware that your smaller
size and slower speeds often make you less visible in traffc.)
Cross the road by the most direct route.
Travel no faster than 10 km/h.
Pay attention to others safety.
Motorised wheelchairs can be registered to an individual or an organisation. For more
information about registering, see How to register a motorised wheelchair, page 169.

Rollerblades, skateboards and other wheeled recreational devices

If you are using rollerblades, rollerskates, a skateboard or other wheeled recreational
devices, extra rules apply to you. These rules also apply to children under 12 years of
age using a wheeled toy such as a pedal car, scooter or tricycle.
Do not travel on main roads (a road with a white line or median strip).
Give way to cyclists on a footpath, bicycle path or separated path.
Keep to the far left side when travelling on a road, shared path or footpath.
Give way to pedestrians on a footpath or shared path.
Local council laws may affect wheeled recreational devices. Check the by-laws
in the local area.
Tips - Pedestrians
Take care if walking after drinking alcohol, for more informationsee
Drink walking, page 96.
You should always keep to the left when walking on a footpath.
Cross the road with a group, if possible. A group or a pair is more visible
than one person.
Dont expect drivers to see you at night. Carry or wear something light in
colour and cross under a street light if there are no marked crossings,
crosswalks or signals.
Do not travel on a dedicated bicycle path, or on that part of a separated
path designated for bicycles, unless you are in or pushing a wheelchair, or
you are using a wheeled recreational devicesee Rollerblades, skateboards
and other wheeled recreational devices below.
125
For more information about the responsibilities of road users, see the Road user
code of behaviour at [Link]/pedestrian.

Powered wheeled recreational devices

Powered wheeled recreational device means a wheeled recreational device, including
motorised foot scooters, to which a motor of 200 watts output or less is attached.
You do not require a licence to ride a motorised foot scooter with a power output of
200 watts or less, and they are exempt from registration and CTP insurance.
If you are using a motorised foot scooter special rules apply to you.
You must wear an Australian Standard 2063 (1996) bicycle helmet or
Australian Standard A1698 (1988) motorbike helmet.
You cannot ride a motorised foot scooter on a main road (a road with
a white line or median strip).
You can only ride on the footpath with the power turned off.

Pedestrians obeying trafc lights
Stop
If you face a red DONT WALK or
illuminated red pedestrian symbol,
do not cross the road.
Walk
If you face a green WALK or
illuminated green pedestrian
symbol, start to cross the road with
care.
Caution
If you face a fashing red DONT WALK or fashing red illuminated pedestrian signal,
complete the crossing if you have starteddo not start to cross the road.
126
127
Safe road use

Sharing with other road users
Stopping
Hazards
Driver fatigue
Correct seatbelt and child restraint use
4WD driving
Towing a trailer or caravan
What to do at a crash
128
Sharing with other road users


Emergency vehicles

Police, fre and ambulance vehicles are emergency vehicles.
If an emergency vehicle is coming towards you and is sounding an alarm or showing
fashing red or blue lights, you must do everything you can to give way to the emergency
vehiclesee Giving way to emergency vehicles, page 77.
Do not drive onto the wrong side of the road or drive through a red traffc light or arrow
to get out of the way of the emergency vehicle.
You should:
slow down
move left to give the vehicle a clear run down the middle of the road. If you cannot
move left safely, stay where you are and let the emergency vehicle overtake you
not move your vehicle suddenly or make an illegal turn
not drive into the path of the emergency vehicle.

Emergency vehicles at intersections

Emergency vehicles often stop or slow down when they enter intersections to check if they
can pass through safely. You must give way to, and not drive into the path of, an
emergency vehicle that is sounding an alarm or showing fashing red or blue lights, even
if you are facing a green traffc light or arrow and the emergency vehicle appears to have
stopped or slowed down.
Watch out for emergency vehicles coming towards you by looking ahead and in your rear
vision mirrors regularly.

Heavy vehicles

You can share the road with heavy vehicles more safely by following a few simple tip.

Overtaking a heavy vehicle

Allow suffcient time to overtake.
Stay back at the recommended minimum following distance, without crossing
the centre line, when preparing to overtakesee Safe following distance, page 134.
When it is safe to overtake, indicate, accelerate and overtake quickly, without
exceeding the speed limit. Changing down a gear may give you enough engine
power to get past.
After overtaking, maintain your speed because slowing down too soon will force
the heavy vehicle to brake.
129
Do not overtake a heavy vehicle at an intersection when it is turning unless it is
safe to do so.

Sharing the road safely with heavy vehicles

Do not cut in front of a heavy vehicle because you will reduce the drivers
braking distance.
Maintain a consistent speed when a heavy vehicle overtakes you.
If you are behind a heavy vehicle and you cannot see the driver in its side mirrors,
the driver cannot see you.
Do not tailgate a heavy vehicle, you cannot see what is ahead of it and you wont
be able to react in time.
Remember that heavy vehicles accelerate slowly.
When a heavy vehicle is turning, keep back from the intersection because the
heavy vehicle needs more road space to turn than other vehicles.
Give way to buses displaying this sign (left) when
required to do sosee Giving way, page 77.
Heavy vehicles that show the sign DO NOT OVERTAKE
TURNING VEHICLE are allowed to take up more than
one lane to turnsee Overtaking, page 86.
If you are towing a caravan or trailer and a heavy
vehicle wants to pass you, do not speed up. Allow the
heavy vehicle to maintain speed and pass safely.

Pilot vehicles

If a heavy vehicle is wider than 3.5 m, a pilot or escort vehicle will precede or follow it
along the road. A pilot vehicle has yellow fashing lights and an OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD
sign on its roof. An escort vehicle has yellow fashing lights and yellow/white wig wag
lights and an OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD sign on its roof. In general, the bigger the vehicle
and its load, the more pilot or escort vehicles it will have.
When you see a pilot or escort vehicle approaching with its warning lights fashing:
slow down
move over if necessary
respond to gestures by the driver of an escort vehicle
give way to the oversize vehicle.
If you are following an oversize vehicle, wait until the rear pilot vehicle operator signals
you can overtake. Pass both pilot or escort vehicles and the oversize vehicle in one
manoeuvre within the speed limit.
Performance guidelines for pilot and escort vehicles and drivers are available from
the [Link].
130
You can also get these guidelines, along with the Critical areas and roads in
Queensland map, by contacting The Government Bookshop on 07 3118 6900 or
1800 679 778 if you are outside Brisbane.

Motorbikes

Motorbike riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle drivers. Apply
the same road rules, such as giving way, when you share the road with motorbikes.

Sharing the road safely with motorbikes

Always scan the traffc for motorbikesfront, rear, left, rightespecially when
changing lanes and at intersections.
Use your lights in poor visibilityit helps motorbike riders see you.
Check your blind spot for motorbikeslook in mirrors and over your shoulder.
Be aware that motorbikes can accelerate quickly.
Avoid dropping oil and debris on the road, its hazardous to all road users.
Motorbike riders have a right to take up an entire lane. You must overtake a motor
bike as you would overtake any other vehicle.
Give motorbikes plenty of roomin good driving conditions, keep a two second gap
between you and the vehicle ahead. For more information about maintaining a safe
following distancesee Safe following distance, page 134.


Cyclists

Cyclists are road users, sharing the same rights as larger vehicles and deserving the
same respect and courtesy. However, some motorists fail to obey the road rules or apply
common sense when sharing the road with cyclists.
Remember, every person riding a bicycle means one less car on the road, which means
reduced traffc and pollution.
The give way rules apply to cyclists. You must give way to cyclists at intersections,
just as you would give way to a carsee Giving way, page 74.
Cyclists can legally ride on any part of the laneleave them enough room and
only over take when you can do it safely.
Common myth
Motorbike riders must ride single fle.
Truth
Two motorbike riders may ride side-by-side in one marked lane.
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Leave a safe distance between your vehicle and a cyclist when passing
or overtaking.
Check for cyclists at intersections.
Signal your intentions by indicating when required so cyclists can react.
Check your blind spot for cyclistslook in mirrors and over your shoulder.
Check for cyclists before opening your car door.
Do not sound your horn at cyclistsit may startle them and make them fall.
Anyone can legally cycle on the footpath, so look for cyclists when entering
or leaving a driveway.







Pedestrians
Always be aware of pedestrians. Pedestrians include people:
walking
using wheelchairs (including registered motorised wheelchairs)
on rollerblades, skateboards, rollerskates and other wheeled recreational devices.
Sharing the road safely with pedestrians
When driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle, you must give way to pedestrians
when theyre crossing at pedestrian crossings, childrens crossings or marked
foot crossingssee Giving way to pedestrians, page 78.
When you are turning at an intersection, you must give way to pedestrians
crossing the road you are turning into.
You must give way to pedestrians in shared zones.
Allow disabled or elderly pedestrians longer to cross the road.
Lower your speed at night and be alert for people suddenly walking out on
the road, especially around where alcohol may be served.
Take care driving in areas where there are children, especially near schools
and play grounds. Watch out for children running out onto the road.
Common myth
Cyclists must ride single fle.
Truth
Two cyclists may legally ride beside each other on the road.
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Schools

School zones









You can identify school zones by signs near the school. Speed limits are lower in school
zones on school days, generally in the morning and the afternoon. Lower speed limits
reduce the risk of death or injury to school children using the roads at these times.
Speeds and times depend on the area, so you must always check the sign carefully.
For more information about speed limits in school zones, see Variable speed zones, page 65.

Crossings at schools

There are two types of school crossings:
single or dual childrens school crossings with CHILDREN
CROSSING fags
zebra or pedestrian-activated signal crossings.
Some childrens crossings are supervised by Queensland Transport
crossing supervisors. Childrens crossings are temporary, and are only in
operation at certain times of the day when the fags are displayed. This
is usually for an hour in the morning and half an hour in the afternoon.
A supervisor will step onto the road and display the STOP sign.
Common myth
School zones apply every day.
Truth
School zones do not apply on weekends, public holidays or during
school holidays. You should always refer to the sign for hours
of operation.
Common myth
At traffc lights, drivers who are turning on a green light do not have to give way to
people crossing at a pedestrian crossing.
Truth
Drivers turning must give way to pedestrians crossing the road that they are entering,
even when the driver is facing a green traffc light or arrow.
If you see another vehicle stop or slow down near a pedestrian or childrens
school crossing or crosswalk, prepare to stop because pedestrians may be crossing.
133 133
You must wait until the pedestrians have crossed the road and the crossing supervisor
has returned to the footpath.
If you come to an unsupervised childrens crossing, you must stop before the stop
line and wait while any pedestrian is on or entering the crossing. You must not
begin to accelerate until all pedestrians are safely on the footpath on either side of
the road. If a vehicle has stopped to give way to pedestrians at a crossing, do not
overtake the vehicle while it is stationary.

School buses

Transporting children safely in school buses is part of school life.
Buses used only or primarily for taking children to or from school display either
the words SCHOOL BUS or an image of two children. The signs have black letters or
images on a yellow background.
School buses have fashing yellow warning lights ftted to the front and rear of the
bus. The driver of a school bus must fash its warning lights when children are being
picked up or set down.
You should slow down when approaching a school bus, especially when the yellow
lights are fashing, and pass with care. Watch for children who may run across the
road from in front of or behind the bus.
Sample questions - sharing with other
road users
1. If you are turning at an intersection, must you give way to pedestrians that are
crossing the road you are turning into? (See page 131)
A. Yes.
B. Only if the pedestrians are under 16 years of age.
C. Only if the pedestrians are over 16 years of age.
D. No.
2. Which one of the following statements is true? (See page 132)
A. The speed limit in school zones does not apply if there are no
children around.
B. The speed limit in school zones only applies to children from
within that school zone.
C. The speed limit in school zones applies on week days only.
D. The speed limit in school zones applies on offcial school days during
designated times.
134
3. An emergency vehicle is sounding its siren and quickly approaching your
vehicle from behind. You must: (See page 128)
A. immediately turn on your vehicles hazard lights
B. immediately sound your horn to warn other vehicles of the approaching
emergency vehicle
C. immediately accelerate
D. give way by either pulling over to the side of the road or moving into
another lane to let the emergency vehicle pass.
4. You may be faced with this sign, held by a school crossing supervisor, as you
approach a school crossing. What should you do? (See page 132)
A. Slow down until all pedestrians are clear of your vehicle.
B. Stop and remain stopped until the supervisor has returned to
the footpath.
C. Stop and remain stopped for children only.
5. You are at an intersection without signs, road markings or traffc lights. A
cyclist is approaching from your right. Which one of the following statements
is true? (See page 130)
A. The cyclist must slow down so you can continue.
B. The cyclist must give way to you.
C. You must give way to the cyclist.
D. If you wave the cyclist on, you should wait for it to pass, otherwise the cyclist
must wait for you.
Stopping

Safe following distance
If you drive too close to the vehicle in front of you, what will you do if they brake
suddenly? You are likely to crash. Keep far enough back so that you can stop in time.
How far should you travel behind?
A car should drive at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front in ideal
conditions.
A heavy vehicle should drive at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front.
A vehicle towing a trailer or caravan should allow two seconds, plus one second
for each 3 m of trailer.
Double this following distance in poor conditions.
Use the time-lapse method to keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front.
135
Time-lapse method

1. Pick a mark on the road or an object close to the left-hand side of the road,
such as a power or light pole.
2. When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the object, count one thousand
one, one thousand two (this takes about two seconds). If the conditions
are bad, count one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one
thousand four (this takes about four seconds).
3. If the front of your vehicle passes the object before you fnish counting, you
are too close, so drop back.

Braking

How quickly could you stop your vehicle in an emergency? The time for you to see
and react (reaction distance) plus the time for you to apply the brakes to stop your
vehicle (braking distance) may not be enough to avoid a crash.
Reaction distance + Braking distance = Total stopping distance

Total stopping distance

The faster you go, the further you travel before you stop. The graph shows how
much quicker you stop if you travel at lower speeds.
By the time a car travelling at 50 km/h has stopped, a car braking from 60 km/h
would still be travelling at about 40 km/h. If you hit a pedestrian at this speed,
they have an almost 60% chance of being killed.
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136
Your vehicles stopping distance is also affected by:
your reaction time (average of 1.5 seconds)
your experience and age
average deceleration of your car
physical condition of your car
braking capacity of your car
condition of the tyres
nature of the road
weather conditions
your behaviour at the time of the incident.
Your stopping distance will increase when the road is wet, muddy, slippery, has a loose
surface or if you are travelling downhill, so always ensure you drive for the conditions.
Note: If your vehicle is ftted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), you should refer
to the owners handbook to familiarise yourself with how the system operates.

Hazards

Approaching hazards

A hazard can be a physical feature or a situation such as an intersection, roundabout,
or pedestrians or animals near a roadway.
Young drivers do not detect hazards as well as experienced drivers. That is why the
hazard perception test is being introduced for drivers under 25 years of age.
Young drivers also react more slowly to avoid a hazard. However, if you follow the
system of vehicle control, you will always be in the correct position on the road,
travelling at the correct speed and in the correct gear so you can deal with any
hazard safely.
As a driver you should:
recognise the hazard (scan continuously)
know what action to take (system of vehicle control)
act in time (give other drivers behind you ample warning).

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System of vehicle control
Use this system when approaching any traffc situation:
1. Identify the hazard (e.g. intersection,
pedestrian).
2. Ask, Is my position on the road
correct for the hazard ahead?
3. Mirrors and signalscheck the rear
vision mirrors to see where other
vehicles are. If you need to
indicate, do it now.
4. Approaching speedcheck your
speed is appropriate. Reduce or
increase your speed as necessary.
5. Gears and mirrorsif you change
speed, you may need to change
gears. Check the rear vision mirrors
again to see what other vehicles
are doing.
6. Evasive actionjust before you come
to the hazard, check to see if it is still
safe to drive in the way and direction
you planned. Ask, Do I have to take
some action? This may mean stopping,
slowing down or sounding the horn.
7. After passing the hazard, resume the
appropriate speed.
Hazardous situations

A hazardous driving situation includes brake failure, animals or debris on the road,
tyre blowouts, skidding or aquaplaning.
In a hazardous situation, apply the system of vehicle control described above.

Skidding

To prevent a skid, follow the ABC plan:
Accelerate smoothly
Brake smoothly
Corner smoothly.
138
Skidding is caused by one or a combination of these factors:
driving too fast for the circumstances
too much acceleration
sudden or too much braking or faulty brakes
loose or wet road surface
turning the steering wheel too much so that the wheels lose traction or the
vehicle skids.
Wet surfaces and gravel roads increase the risk of a skid. When you are driving in
these conditions, reduce your speed and allow the tyres to grip the road. Tyres with
inadequate tread may also skid or aquaplane in wet conditions.
Always ensure your tyres have a tread depth of at least 1.5 mm across the full width
of the tyre.

Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning is where there is a build-up of water between the road surface and the
tyres, causing them to lose contact with the road surface.
To prevent aquaplaning:
dont use cruise control
dont alter coursemaintain your steering position
ease off your accelerator.

Bad weather (e.g. rain, fog, dust)

Only use your hazard lights if you are driving in hazardous weather conditions and you
are driving slowly and likely to obstruct other vehicles, or your vehicle is stopped and is
obstructing the path of other vehicles or pedestrians.
When driving in bad weather:
keep your windscreen and all lights clean
turn your headlights on when you cannot clearly see people or vehicles
keep headlights on low beamin fog you can see better on low beam than
high beam
during the day, you may drive in fog or other hazardous weather conditions
without your headlights on if you turn on your front fog lights (if ftted)
you may only drive with rear fog lights on if you are in heavy fog or hazardous
weather conditions causing reduced visibility
139
use your air conditioner or demister to keep the windscreen clear
slow downremember the signed speed limit is the maximum safe speed for
good conditions
double your following distance to allow for longer reaction time and
subsequent greater stopping distancesee Safe following distance, page 134.
After driving through deep water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake for a short
distance. This helps the brakes dry out.

Tyre blowouts

If a tyre does blow out, your vehicle will pull to the side of the damage for a front tyre
and sway to the sides for a rear tyre.
If this happens:
grip the steering wheel frmly
do not press on the footbrake and do not apply the handbrake
do not take your foot off the accelerator
provide some additional power through the accelerator to continue momentum
compensate for the pull by counter steering.
Once the vehicle is under control:
ease off the accelerator and let the vehicle slow down gradually
look for a safe place to pull over and stop.

Animals at night

Animals can be hypnotised by the glare of your headlights. If an animal is on
the road:
slow down, apply the system of vehicle control
be prepared to brake
fash your headlights
sound your horn (if necessary)
keep control of the vehicle and do not swerve.
Also, watch for animals on the side of the road because they may cross the road
without warning.

140
Footbrake failure

The Australian Design Rules require modern cars to be ftted with a dual braking
system. If either the front or rear braking system fails and you are having trouble
stopping the car due to reduced braking effciency, you may need to:
ease the handbrake on and increase the pressure graduallysudden pressure may
lock the rear wheels and cause a skid
change to a lower gear
use your horn and fash your headlights to warn other drivers.

Car stalls in a dangerous situation

If your car stalls in a dangerous situation (e.g. at a railway level crossing), switch on
your hazard lights. Try to restart the engine. If this fails, get help and try to push your
vehicle clear.

Shattered windscreen

If your windscreen shatters and you cannot see:
slow down and look out the drivers window
brake slowly and, if safe, pull off to the side of the road
fll the demister vents with paper or cloth (this stops pieces of glass getting
into the vents)
wrap a piece of cloth around your hand or use the wheel brace to punch out the
whole windscreen from the inside
wind up the other windows
drive at a slower speed.
If the windscreen is only cracked and there is no obvious danger, leave it in place and
drive at a reduced speed with all windows wound up. Replace your windscreen as soon
as possible.
Driver fatigue

Fatigue is a hidden killerit creeps up on drivers who ignore their bodys warning
signs. Driving while tired is a factor in one in six crashes that result in serious injury or
death. Driving without sleep for 17 hours is the same as driving with a blood alcohol
concentration of 0.05. Driving without sleep for 24 hours is the same as driving with a
blood alcohol concentration of 0.10.
141
Peak times for fatigue crashes are 2.00 pm 4.00 pm and 10.00 pm 6.00 am,
when the body is in its natural sleep period.
Whether you travel long or short distances, stay alert at all times.

How to avoid driving tired on long trips

Take regular breaksat least 15 minutes every two hours is recommended.
Pull into rest areas, tourist spots and Driver Reviver sites when you
cansee next page.
Avoid drinking alcohol before and during the trip.
Check with your doctor if any medications youre taking affect your
driving ability.
Eat properlynot too little, not too much. Big meals can make you drowsy.
Get plenty of sleep before your tripnot getting enough quality sleep before
your trip is dangerous.
Dont drive for more than 810 hours in a day. If driving a heavy vehicle,
demerit points and fnes apply if you commit a fatigue offencesee Demerit
points and fnes for Fatigue Regulation offences, page 108.
Get fresh air in the car and during breaks.
Share the driving.
Plan aheadarrange stops and rest overnight.
Check for warning signs of tirednesssee below.
As soon as you feel tired, stop and rest.

How to avoid driving tired on short trips

If you feel tired before you start, consider not driving.
Ask someone to drive you home or pick you up.
Collect your car later when you are not tired.

Warning signs

Be honest with yourself. Do not keep driving if you show these signs of tiredness:
your car wanders across the road
fumbling gear changes
day dreaming
142
unintentional increases or decreases in speed
dim or fuzzy vision
sore or heavy eyes.

Driver Reviver sites

Driver Reviver sites operate along major Queensland highways
during busy holiday periods. You can rest while enjoying free
Bushells tea, coffee and refreshments.
For operating times, visit the Safety section at
[Link].

Correct seatbelt and child restraint use

A seatbelt is your defence against serious injury or death in a crash. Without a seatbelt,
youre 5.5 times more likely to die if youre involved in a crash. You never know when a
crash will happen, so why take the risk?

Wearing seatbelts

Always wear your seatbelt correctly. An incorrectly worn seatbelt could cause neck,
chest or abdominal injuries in a crash.
Wear your belt with the buckle low on the hip, the sash running from the
shoulder across the chest and above the stomach, and the lap part sitting
across the pelvis and hips.
Pregnant women must wear the seatbelt with the lap part sitting over the
thighs, across the pelvis and below the unborn child, and the sash above the
stomach and between the breasts.
Check the seatbelt is not twisted, frayed or loose.
Everyone in the car must have their own seatbeltdo not share a seatbelt.
Replace the entire seatbelt assembly if the vehicle is involved in a severe crash.




143
Child restraints

A child could easily be killed or injured in a crash if they are not in a correctly ftted,
Australian Standards approved restraint.
Children need different restraints as they grow. The weight of the child is the most
important factor in determining the correct restraint. Age is only a guide.
Use this guide to choose the appropriate restraint for a child.
Childs weight Childs age (approx) Type of restraint
Up to 9 kg 06 months Baby capsule
818 kg 6 months4 years Child car seat/forward
facing convertible
1426 kg 27 years Child harness with booster
seat or booster seat with
adult lap/sash belt
1432 kg 27 years Child harness (without
booster seat)
Approx 26 kg From about 7 years Adult lap/sash belt

No restraint will work properly or prevent injury unless it is ftted in
accordance with the manufacturers directions.
Children are generally safer in a vehicle when they sit in the back seat.
For more information about child restraints, visit the Safety section at
[Link] or phone 13 23 80.

4WD driving

Driving a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, on- or off-road, takes different skills
than the skills you need to drive a two-wheel drive vehicle. Drive off-road without
learning the skills and you could cause damage to your vehicle and put yourself and
your passengers in danger.
Engaging 4WD does not give your vehicle super grip, it just creates more traction.
You might still slip or skid.
Before you drive off-road, check your vehicle and equipment. Help may not be
nearby when you need it. Check your tyres, engine and transmission fuid levels,
and recovery equipment. Secure all loose equipment.
144
Driving on slopes

Drive straight up or down a slope to reduce the chance of the vehicle rolling over. 4WD
vehicles are often top heavy compared with conventional cars.
In slippery conditions, use the foot brake little, if at all, to keep your grip on the road.
Accelerate lightly if your vehicle slips sideways driving down a slope.

Driving on sand

Your vehicle can lose traction on sand. Keep up your momentum and avoid spinning
your wheels. In loose sand, improve traction by slightly defating your tyres to increase
the amount of tyre you drive on (tyre imprint).
Do not lower the air pressure too muchcheck tyre manufacturers recommendations.
Avoid sharp turns.
Drive slowly.
Re-infate the tyres before you drive again on a hard surface, such as wet sand
or bitumen.

Towing a trailer or caravan

Towing a trailer or caravan requires extra concentration and skill. You should gain
experience before trying to tow at high speed or in confned spaces.

Before you start

Ensure your vehicle and trailer or caravan are safe to drive or tow. Check:
tyres and tyre pressure
wheel bearings and suspension
brakesan effcient braking system is needed for all trailers with a loaded
weight of more than 750 kg
trailer coupling, including lights and safety chaincouplings must be strong
enough to take the weight of a fully loaded trailer and must be marked with the
manufacturers name or trademark and the rated capacity
safety chains should be short enough to stop the front of the trailer hitting the
ground if the couplings break
loadingdistribute the bulk of it over the axles.
145
Check the manufacturers towing rating for your vehicle to ensure it can legally tow
the weight of the trailer or caravan.

How to tow safely

When turning, allow additional space for the extra length and width
of the trailer.
Steer smoothly to avoid swaying, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Allow for a greater stopping distance and look ahead for any changes in
road or traffc conditions.
Avoid braking unnecessarily even if the trailer begins to sway or snake.
Continue at a steady speed or accelerate slightly until the swaying stops.
Keep leftdont hold up traffc unnecessarily.
See Long vehicles, page 100, Parking restrictions for heavy and long vehicles,
page 102, Following other long vehicles, page 112, and Towlines, page 112 for road
rules specifc to towing trailers and caravans.

Restraining your load

As a driver, you have a legal responsibility to your passengers, other road users and
yourself to ensure that all loads carried by your vehicle are securely restrained.
This is how you carry loads safely.
1. Choose a suitable vehicle to carry the load.
2. Position the load correctly, ensuring the load does not affect the vehicles
stability, steering or braking performance.
3. If your load is light material, e.g. bark chips or leaves, secure it properly.
This may mean covering your load with a tarpaulin.
4. Use suitable restraints that are strong enough and in good condition.
5. Provide adequate load restraint to prevent movement of the load.
6. Drive carefullybe prepared for changes in the vehicles stability, steering
and braking capacity.
7. If your load overhangs at the front, back or sides, check the overhang
is legal.
Further information about carrying loads is available in the Load restraint guide.
The guide can be purchased from The Government Bookshop by calling
07 3118 6900, or 1800 679 778 if you are outside Brisbane. The guide can also be
downloaded from the National Transport Commission website at [Link].
146
What to do at a crash

What to do

You must stop if you are involved in a crash.
You must report a crash to the police immediately if:
a vehicle involved needs to be towed away
any driver involved in the crash does not give his or her particulars to any other
drivers involved in the crash
any person involved is killed or injured
the crash causes $2,500 or more damage to property.
If the crash cannot be reported immediately, it must be reported within 24 hours of the
crash occurring.

Minor crash

Even if the crash doesnt require police to attend, you must still exchange details with
people involved in the crash or anyone with a good reason for wanting your details.
Give your name and address, the vehicle owners name and address (if you are not the
owner) and the vehicles details (e.g. registration number, description of vehicle). Leave
a note (securely attached to the vehicle) with these details if a vehicle without a driver
is damaged.

A crash resulting in injury

If you are involved in a crash or are the frst at the scene of a crash, stop your vehicle in
a safe area near the crash scene without causing more of a hazard.
For safety, follow these three steps.
1. Make the crash scene safe
- Switch on vehicle hazard warning lights.
- Turn off the ignition in all the vehicles involved.
- Carefully and with common sense, get people to warn other drivers.
If available, use safety vests.
- If available, safely place portable warning trianglessee Portable warning
signs, page 105.

147
- Light up the crash site with vehicle headlights on low beamdo not dazzle
oncoming traffc.
- Keep clear of fallen power lines.
- Do not smokethere might be spilt petrol.
2. See who is injured
- Look in the vehicle/s, count the number of injured and check their injuries.
- Look around the scene for victims who may have left their vehicles.
- Do not move the injured unless necessary.
3. Send for help
- Call 000 for emergency services, or 112 on mobile phones (if 000 is
unsuccessful). If you are in an isolated area, send someone to get help
or stop a passerby. Do not leave the injured alone unless there is
no alternative.
- Tell emergency services:
the exact location of the crash site (use landmarks if necessary)
whether ambulance, police, fre or tow trucks are needed
the number of injured and types of injuries
whether anyone is trapped in their vehicle
whether power lines are down.

Tow trucks

There are laws governing tow truck operators, and it is important you know your
rights when having your vehicle towed.
However Queenslands tow truck regulations only apply to towing at crashes and
seizures in regulated areas. So if your car has broken down, it is up to you to discuss
the price with the operator and where your vehicle is being towed to. Most major
populated areas of Queensland are regulated areas. For a full list, see the Tow Truck
Regulation 1999.
Tow truck operators must be licensed by Queensland Transport to tow any vehicle
from a crash or police seizure. The operators name, business address and telephone
number must be clearly marked on their vehicle.

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Organising your vehicle to be towed
The accredited tow truck driver (or assistant) is the only person who is allowed
to approach you or your agent (if you are injured and unable to make your own
decisions, another person who is with you may act on your behalf) about
towing your vehicle from the crash.
The driver (or assistant) must show you their certifcate, even if you do not
ask to see it.
You or your agent must sign a towing authority form before your vehicle can be
towed from the crash.
Make sure the towing authority form is fully completed before you sign it. The
form should include full details of the cost of the tow, the cost of any storage and
the address of where you want the vehicle to be towed.
A police offcer or Queensland Transport authorised offcer may sign the towing
authority form if you or your agent cannot sign the form. In this case, the tow
truck operator must inform Queensland Transport where your vehicle was towed
within seven days.
A tow truck operator must not charge more than $244.50 (inc. GST) for a standard
tow. A standard tow includes:
- loading and moving the vehicle to a place of storage (includes the frst 50 km
from the incident sceneup to $4.95 per km may be charged for each 1 km
over 50 km)
- up to 60 minutes working time (after the towing authority form
has been signed)
- cleaning the scene of the incident
- storing the vehicle for up to 72 hours.
The services provided by the tow truck operator are detailed on the towing
authority form under the heading Fee details. You may negotiate the price at
the crash site.
If your vehicle is covered by comprehensive insurance, your insurance
company may pay for the towing of the vehicle from the crash, but confrm
this with your insurance company.
Once your vehicle is in storage, it cannot be moved again without your permission.
The tow truck operator must not charge you to view your vehicle during
business hours when it is held at the storage yard, or to move your vehicle near
the entrance of the yard for collection.
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The tow truck operator must do an inventory of all property in your vehicle
and keep the property in storage for you.
If there is any dispute about towing your vehicle from a crash, call the Tow Truck
Hotline on 1300 130 808.
For more information about tow truck legislation, see the Tow Truck Act 1973
and the Tow Truck Regulation 1999 by visiting the Offce of the Queensland
Parliamentary Counsel website at [Link].
Look out!
There are children about
Look out for children walking, riding bicycles and
getting out of vehicles. Always slow down around
schools. Read the school zone signs and be aware that
lower speeds are required at certain times of the day.
Remember, children can be unpredictable, s0 - look out!
Offences and penalties

Enforcement
Licence suspensions
Unlicensed driving
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152
Random Road Watch

You can expect to see police on the road at anytime, anywhere.
Random Road Watch is a police traffc enforcement program that encourages good
driving behaviour through widespread, random deployment of police resources.
Police offcers in marked vehicles enforce road rules at random times at random
roadside sites across Queensland. The system ensures 100% of the road network
is covered.
The system works on the basis that if police traffc enforcement is seen at irregular
times and in unexpected places, people generally drive more safely.
Random Road Watch, operating since 1991, has helped reduce road casualties,
saving the community and individuals from the impacts of road trauma.
Police offcers are out on the roads to ensure people obey the road rules. So drive
safely and obey the road rules at all times.

Speed cameras
Speed-related crashes cost
the community around $1.1
billion a year through increased
hospital and health care costs,
lost workplace productivity and
the use of emergency services.
But the greatest cost is the
trauma suffered by victims and
their families.
To reduce the incidence of
speed-related crashes and to
deter motorists from speeding,
speed cameras were introduced on Queensland roads in May 1997. Queensland
Transport statistics and independent surveys reveal they have been successful in
this task.
Queensland speed cameras can be easily seen and identifed by drivers. Vehicles
operating a speed camera may be varied in colour and type, but they are clearly
marked and a sign is placed by the side of the road advising motorists that they
have passed a speed camera.
Speed cameras are only operated at sites which have been approved following a
strict selection procedure which considers:
Enforcement
the sites history of crashes
validated complaints about high-risk speeding behaviour
workplace health and safety issues for road workers and police offcers
operating speed cameras
that the speed limit for the road has been set in compliance with the states
speed control guidelines.
Using a radar device, a speed camera measures the speeds of all vehicles and
automatically photographs any exceeding the speed limit. The photograph, with
recorded time, date, location and vehicle speed, is examined by trained adjudicators
before a Photographic detection device offence notice is sent to the registered
vehicle operator. The registered vehicle operator may then examine the notice and
either pay the fne or complete a statutory declaration nominating the driver of the
vehicle at the time of the offence.
Payment of speed camera offences can be made by credit card online at
[Link] or by phoning 13 23 90. Alternatively, use BPAY or pay by
cash or cheque at Australia Post or Queensland Transport customer service centres.
Under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, all money
collected for speed camera detected offences in excess of the administrative costs
of collection must be used to fund road safety education and awareness programs,
road accident injury rehabilitation programs and safety improvement to state-
controlled roads.
For more information about speed limits, see Speed limits, page 64.

Red light cameras











Crashes caused by red light running are usually serious, and result in high costs to
the community. The aim of the red light camera program is to reduce the number of
these crashes.
Red light cameras are installed at intersections which have a history of crashes
caused by red light running. The cameras operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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A red light camera is activated when the traffc light turns red. Any vehicle which
crosses the stop line and enters the intersection after the lights have turned red will
be photographed. After a vehicle is photographed, a second photograph is taken one
second later. The second photograph is used to check whether the vehicle continued
through the intersection or stopped just past the stop line.
After the photograph is examined by trained adjudicators, the registered vehicle
operator will receive a Photographic detection device offence notice. The registered
operator may then examine the notice and either pay the fne or complete a
statutory declaration nominating the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offence.
Payment of red light camera offences can be made by credit card at Services
online at [Link] or by phoning 13 23 90. Alternatively, use
BPAY or pay by cash or cheque at Australia Post or Queensland Transport customer
service centres.
Under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, all money
collected for red light camera detected offences in excess of the administrative costs
of collection must be used to fund road safety education and awareness programs,
road accident injury rehabilitation programs and safety improvement to state-
controlled roads. For more information, see Traffc lights, page 61.

Random breath testing

Random breath testing helps reduce the number of drink driving crashes by
deterring motorists from driving when over their alcohol limit, and detecting drivers
who do. Police regularly conduct random breath testing, and as a driver, you should
expect to be intercepted for a random breath test at any time.
If you are to be breath tested, a police offcer will ask you to provide a preliminary
breath test by blowing into a roadside breath testing device.
If you are over your alcohol limit for your age, the type of licence you hold or the
type of vehicle that you are driving, you will be detained and taken for further
breath or blood testing at the offcers discretion. If it is confrmed that you are over
your alcohol limit, you will be charged with the offence of drink driving.
Refusing to take the roadside breath test is an offence, and you will be detained
and taken for a further breath or blood test. If you again refuse to take this breath
or blood test, you will be charged with a second offence of refusing to supply the
specimen. The court may deal with your refusal to take the breath test (other than
the roadside breath test) or a blood test in the same manner as if you were found to
be over the high alcohol limit.
If you are over the general blood alcohol concentration (0.05) but under the high
blood alcohol concentration (0.15) your driver licence will be automatically suspended
for 24 hours from the time your alcohol level is confrmed. When this suspension
period has ended, you may resume driving until your case is decided by a court.
155
If your blood alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than 0.15, or:
you fail to provide a specimen of breath or blood
you are charged with a low level drink driving offence while an earlier such
charge is still pending
you are charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle while adversely
affected by a high level of alcohol
your licence will be immediately suspended until your case is dealt with by the court.
If convicted of drink driving, or failing to provide a specimen of breath (other than
a roadside test) or blood, you will be fned and disqualifed from holding or
obtaining a driver licence for a stated period.
For more information about drink driving laws and how to avoid drink driving, see
Drink driving, page 93.

Transport inspectors

Transport inspectors play a major role in ensuring the safety of drivers and
protecting our road infrastructure and environment.
Transport inspectors:
educate heavy vehicle drivers and transport operators about regulations
audit and monitor the operations of approved inspection stations and
approved people
check vehicles are registered, insured, and meet safety requirements, and
issue defect notices and on-the-spot fnes where appropriate
test vehicles pollution levels
monitor and enforce the regulations relating to driving practices and operating
procedures of heavy vehicles, including tow trucks and buses
check loads are correctly secured and that vehicles are not overloaded
help investigate heavy vehicle crashes.
Transport inspectors authority

Transport inspectors have broad powers relating to intercepting and examining
vehicles and you must assist them.
You must pull over when a transport inspector indicates for you to stop. An inspector
in a patrol vehicle can also stop you by activating the patrol vehicles magenta lights
or electronic horn.
156
Transport inspectors will identify themselves and tell you why they have stopped
you. They may ask you for your licence or logbook or any other documents that
assist them. You must allow them to examine your vehicle.
Transport inspectors can issue substantial on-the-spot fnes for a range of offences.
They can also report other matters for court action.
Licence suspensions

Immediate suspension

Your driver licence will be immediately suspended if you have:
been charged with driving with a high blood alcohol concentration (0.15
or higher)

failed to provide police with a specimen of breath or blood when requested

been charged with a low level drink driving offence while an earlier such charge is
still pending

been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle while above your
permitted alcohol limit.
Your licence will remain suspended until the charge is dealt with in court.
However, you may be able to apply for a court order to continue to drive after being
immediately suspended. You will need to complete a Section 79E order application
(F4395) and lodge it with the Magistrates Court within 21 days after the date of
suspension. There are restrictions on who is eligible for a section 79E order. To be
eligible, you will need to hold a Queensland open licence when you were suspended
and not have been convicted for drink driving or dangerous driving in the last
fve years.
You will need to satisfy a court that you are a ft and proper person to drive, who
will not impose a risk on other road users, and that your inability to drive will cause
extreme fnancial or severe and unusual hardship to either yourself or your family.
If you are successful, you must take the court order to a Queensland Transport
customer service centre. An X4 code will be placed on your licence, which will
indicate that you are restricted to driving during particular times and for particular
purposes, and a fee will be charged.
If you are charged with a further drink driving offence while driving under a section
79E order, your licence will again be immediately suspended.

Speed suspension

If you are caught driving at a speed more than 40 km/h over the speed limit,
you will generally be given an infringement notice for the offence. As soon as
you pay the fne or have been dealt with by a court, you will be sent a Notice of
driver licence suspension for speeding offence, stating that your licence has been
suspended for six months from a stated date. In addition, 8 demerit points will be
recorded against your traffc history for this offence. If these points cause you to
gain too many demerit points, you will also be dealt with under the demerit
points scheme.

Accumulation of demerit points Queensland licence holders

If you commit a demerit points offence, you will generally be given an infringement
notice for the offence. As soon as you pay the fne or have been dealt with by a
court, the number of demerit points that are set for the offence are then recorded
against your traffc history. These points are taken to have been allocated on the
day the offence was committed. Demerit points offences committed anywhere in
Australia may be recorded on your traffc history.
If you gain too many demerit points you will be sent an Accumulation of demerit
points notice to choose, requiring you to choose between having your driver licence
suspended for a specifed period or agreeing to continue driving under a period of
good behaviour for one year.
The number of demerit points varies according to the type of offence. For more
information, see Demerit points offences, page 161.

Learner licences

If you accumulate 4 or more demerit points in a one-year period while you hold
your learner licence, you will be sent an Accumulation of demerit points notice to
choose. You will have the choice between:
a three-month driving suspension
a good driving behaviour period for one year.

Provisional licences

If you accumulate 4 or more demerit points in a one-year period while you hold
your provisional licence, you will be sent an Accumulation of demerit points
notice to choose. You will have the choice between:
a three-month driving suspension
a good driving behaviour period for one year.
If you are a P1 or P2 driver, on returning from disqualifcation, you will return
to a P1 or P2 probationary licence, and will be required to complete any
remaining period of your P1 or P2 licence, or a minimum of one year, on this
probationary licence.
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158
If you held a provisional licence issued before 1 July 2007, on returning from
disqualifcation, you will return to a probationary licence, and will be required to
complete any remaining period of your provisional licence, or a minimum of one
year, on this probationary licence.
You may also have a one-year late night driving restriction imposed on your
licencesee Late night driving restrictions below.
If your licence is suspended or cancelled during the provisional licence period, this
time will not contribute to the minimum period you must hold that licence.

Open licence

You may receive a warning letter when you gain at least 7 demerit points in a three-
year period.
If 12 or more demerit points are recorded against your traffc history in a three-year
period, you will be sent an Accumulation of demerit points notice to choose. The
notice will require you to choose between having your open licence suspended for a
specifc period or agreeing to continue driving under a period of good behaviour for
one year.

Open licence suspension periods
Demerit points 12 to 15 16 to 19 20 or more
Suspension periods 3 months 4 months 5 months

If you are disqualifed from holding a licence, on return from disqualifcation you
will return to a probationary licence for at least one year. You may also have a one-
year late night driving restriction imposed on your licencesee Late night driving
restrictions below.

Driving under a good behaviour period for one year

If you choose to continue driving under a period of good driving behaviour for one
year, you may keep your current licence provided that you do not gain more than
1 demerit point during the one-year period. If you gain 2 or more demerit points
during this period, your licence will be suspended for double the suspension period
that would have applied had you taken the licence suspension in the frst place.

Late night driving restrictions

If you are a provisional licence holder under 25 who accrues excessive demerit
points or commits a high speed offence that results in:
a suspension period
a good driving behaviour period
you will be prohibited from driving between the hours of 11.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m.
for at least one year.
This restriction will begin the day after your suspension period has been
successfully completed, or on the day you nominate to begin your good driving
behaviour period.
If you are a provisional or open licence holder under 25 who commits an offence
that results in a court ordered disqualifcation, you will also be prohibited from
driving between the hours of 11.00 pm and 5.00 am for at least one year.
This restriction will begin the day you reapply for your licence after you have
successfully completed the disqualifcation period, or the day after your restricted
licence order has been served.
Any time that your licence is suspended, cancelled or expired will not contribute to
the minimum one-year period.

Double demerit points

Recidivist drivers and riders

If you are a driver or rider who speeds more than 20 km/h above the speed limit
more than once within a 12 month period, you will accumulate double the amount
of demerit points (based on the second offence) in relation to the following
speeding offence brackets:
21-30 km/h above the speed limit4 demerit points will be doubled to 8
demerit points
31-40 km/h above the speed limit6 demerit points will be doubled to 12
demerit points
41 km/h or more above the speed limit8 demerit points will be doubled to 16
demerit points.
The 12 month period starts from the date of the frst offence committed, and will
not end until a clear 12 months has passed from the date of the last speeding
offence.

Seatbelts, child restraints and helmets
Double demerit points are recorded on your traffc history for every additional
driver-related seatbelt, child restraint or motorbike rider helmet offence committed
within one year of a previous offence, in relation to the following offences:
driver of a vehicle failing to wear a seatbelt when driving a vehicle ftted with
a seatbelt for the driver3 demerit points will be doubled to 6 demerit points
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160
driver of a vehicle failing to ensure that a passenger under 16 wears a seatbelt
or child restraint (without excuse)3 demerit points will be doubled to 6
demerit points
rider of a motorbike failing to wear a motorbike helmet3 demerit points will
be doubled to 6 demerit points
rider of a motorbike failing to ensure a passenger wears a motorbike helmet3
demerit points will be doubled to 6 demerit points.
The 12 month period starts from the date of the frst offence committed, and will
not end until a clear 12 months has passed from the date of the last offence.
The double demerit points scheme operates across the whole of the year and will
not involve doubling of fnes. For more information, see Demerit points
offences below.

Appeals against suspension of Queensland licence

You may only appeal against the suspension of your Queensland driver licence if
the suspension of your licence will cause extreme hardship to you or your family by
depriving you of the means of earning a living, and:
you gained 2 or more demerit points while driving under a period of good
behaviour for one year
your licence has been suspended for six months for driving more than 40 km/h
over the speed limit.
You only have 21 days from the start of the suspension period to lodge the appeal
with the Magistrates Court in the district where you reside.

Accumulation of demerit points interstate and foreign
licence holders

If you commit any demerit points offence, you will be given an infringement notice
for the offence. As soon as you pay the fne or have been dealt with by a court, the
number of demerit points that are set for the offence are then recorded against
your traffc history. If you gain too many demerit points, you will be sent a notice
from Queensland Transport advising you that your authority to drive in Queensland
on your interstate or foreign driver licence is suspended for a specifed period.
The length of the suspension period will depend on the type of licence you were
holding when the demerit points offence was committed and the number of
demerit points you gained during the period.
You cannot appeal against the suspension of your authority to drive in Queensland.

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Demerit points offences
Offence Points
Speedingmore than 40 km/h over the speed limit
8*
Speedingmore than 30 km/h but not more than 40 km/h over the speed limit
6
Speedingmore than 20 km/h but not more than 30 km/h over the speed limit
4
Speedingat least 13 km/h but not more than 20 km/h over the speed limit 3
Driver using hand-held mobile phone while driving 3
Careless driving 3
Disobeying certain red traffc light signals 3
Disobeying emergency traffc signs 3
Disobeying stop or give way signs and certain other traffc control devices 3
Failing to give way, other than by disobeying a traffc sign 3
Failing to keep left of two continuous dividing lines 3
Failing to wear helmet, seatbelt or restraint 3
Drive with passenger < 16 years who fails to wear seatbelt or restraint 3
Passenger 16 years or older who fails to wear seatbelt 3
Drive vehicle with person in or on parts of a motor vehicle not designed for
passengers or goods, or in open part of a motor vehicle designed for the carriage
of goods
3
Drive with person in a trailer being towed 3
Exceed carrying capacity of vehicle (for example, by number of people in vehicle) 3
Improper turn (U-turn, left or right turn) 3
Using vehicle not in safe condition 3
Disobeying traffc lane arrows in roundabout 3
Operating television receivers and visual display units other than in a parked
vehicle
3
Failing to keep left in any other case 2
Failing to give proper change of direction signal 2
Improper overtaking, passing or driving to right of centre of road 2
Improper turn (other than U-turn, left or right turn) 2
Increasing speed when being overtaken 2
Placing or dropping injurious matter on roads 2
Unnecessary noise or smoke from vehicle 2
Speedingless than 13 km/h over the speed limit 1
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Following too closely 1
Failing to dip headlights 1
Failing to have lights lit 1
Improper vehicle equipment, construction or loading 1
Dazzling road users with any light ftted to or in vehicle 1
Learner driving while unaccompanied by licensed driver or while not under
direction of licensed driver
1

* You will also be suspended from driving for six monthssee Speed suspension,
page 156.
Double demerit points apply when you speed more than 20 km/h above the
speed limit more than once within a 12 month periodsee Recidivist drivers and
riders, page 159.
Note: The list of offences in this table is not exhaustiveit shows only the most
common offences. For further current information about new and existing offences,
demerit points, suspensions, cancellations or appeals, visit
[Link]/licensing or your nearest Queensland Transport customer
service centre, or contact Queensland Transport on 13 23 80.

Unlicensed driving


Driving while disqualifed by a court

You will be disqualifed from holding or obtaining a driver licence for a stated period
by an order of an Australian court if you have been convicted of:
a drink or drug driving offence
a dangerous driving offence
committing a criminal offence involving the driving of a motor vehicle.
If you are found driving a motor vehicle while you are still disqualifed from
holding or obtaining a driver licence because of this order, you will be charged with
disqualifed driving.
If the court fnds you guilty of disqualifed driving, the court must further disqualify
you from holding or obtaining a driver licence for a period of at least two years up
to a maximum period of fve years. You may also be given a fne of up to $4,500, and
you could be jailed for up to 18 months.

163
Driving while your Queensland driver licence or your
authority to drive is suspended

Your Queensland driver licence or your authority to drive in Queensland under your
non-Queensland driver licence will be suspended for a stated period if you have:
not paid any fnes imposed on you by a court
gained too many demerit points on your traffc historysee Licence suspensions,
page 156
been convicted of driving more than 40 km/h over the speed limitsee Speed
suspension, page 156
committed an offence that is subject to an immediate suspension until the
charge is dealt with by a courtsee Immediate suspension, page 156.
If you are found driving a motor vehicle while your driver licence or your authority
to drive in Queensland under your non-Queensland driver licence is suspended
because of any of the above reasons, you will be charged with unlicensed driving.
If the court fnds you guilty of the unlicensed driving offence, the court must
disqualify you from holding or obtaining a driver licence for a period of at least one
month to a maximum period of six months. You may also be given a fne of up to
$3,000, and you could be jailed for up to one year.

Driving after your authority to drive is withdrawn

Your authority to drive in Queensland on your non-Queensland driver licence is
withdrawn if:
it is proven that you have a mental or physical incapacity that adversely affects
your ability to drive safely
the three months residency rule applies to yousee When the three months
residency rule applies, page 49.
If you are found driving a motor vehicle when your authority to drive has been
withdrawn because of any of the above reasons, you may be given an infringement
notice, or be dealt with by a court, for unlicensed driving.
The penalty for driving when your authority to drive has been withdrawn because
of the three months residency rule is currently $150. If your authority to drive has
been withdrawn because of a medical reason, the penalty is currently $300.
If the matter is dealt with by a court, and you are found guilty of the unlicensed
driving offence, you may be fned up to $3,000, and you could be jailed for up to
one year.

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Driving when you do not hold a driver licence

You are taken to not hold a driver licence if:
your driver licence has expired
you have not renewed your licence
you have voluntarily surrendered your driver licence
your Queensland driver licence has been suspended or cancelled because you
have a mental or physical incapacity that adversely affects your ability to
drive safely
you do not hold the class of licence for the vehicle you are found driving
you have never held a driver licence
after completing a period of disqualifcation, you do not obtain a further driver
licence before starting to drive again.
If you are found driving a motor vehicle and you do not hold a driver licence
because of any of the above reasons, you may be given an infringement notice for
the offence, or be dealt with by a court, for unlicensed driving.
The penalties for driving when you do not hold a driver licence presently range from
$115 to $335, depending on the reason why you did not hold a driver licence when
the offence was committed.
If the matter is dealt with by a court, and you are found guilty of the unlicensed
driving offence, you may be fned up to $3,000, and you could be jailed for up to
one year.
For more information about court imposed fnes, contact the State Penalties
Enforcement Registry on 1300 365 635 or view their website [Link].
Your vehicle

Buying a used vehicle
Registering your vehicle
Insuring your vehicle
Looking after your vehicle
165
Safety certifcate

If you buy a used vehicle (car, motorbike, caravan or trailer) that is registered, it
must have a current safety certifcate displayed in a conspicuous place. You do not
need a certifcate for a trailer with an aggregate trailer mass that doesnt exceed 750 kg.
A safety certifcate offers consumers protectionbuyers can be sure the vehicle
is safe to drive because it has undergone a basic safety inspection before being
offered for sale.
A safety certifcate covers basic safety functions such as:
tyres
brakes
steering
suspension
body rust or damage
windscreen
lights.
However, a safety certifcate does not mean the vehicle is in top condition. Before
you buy a used vehicle, its always wise to have a qualifed independent mechanic
check out the vehicles engine, gearbox, differential and other equipment.
A safety certifcate can only be issued by inspection stationsservice stations,
garages or workshopswhich have been approved to conduct vehicle inspections.
A safety certifcate must be displayed on a registered vehicle from the time it is
offered for sale. If the certifcate is not displayed, it is likely the vehicle has not been
checked and you should not purchase it.
A safety certifcate used by dealers must not have been issued more than three
months or 1,000 km prior to sale. For private sellers, the safety certifcate must not
have been issued more than two months or 2,000 km prior to sale.

Vehicle history check

Consider purchasing a vehicle information certifcate (Vcheck) to:
ensure you are paying for the right vehicle
obtain details of the vehicles history, including whether the vehicle has been
Buying a used vehicle
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167
Visit Services online at [Link] or ask your car dealership for
a Vcheck.

Buyers checklist

The vehicle has a safety certifcate.
The safety certifcate is displayed on the vehicle.
The issuing approved inspection stations name is on it.
The safety certifcate is still valid.
An independent mechanic has inspected the vehicle.
The seller has a registration certifcate in their namealthough this is not proof
of legal ownership.
Consider purchasing a vehicle information certifcate (Vcheck) to establish the
vehicles history (may include a Register of encumbered vehicles [REVS] check).
Obtain a REVS certifcate to ensure there is no money owing on the vehicle,
and it is not recorded as stolen or as a written-off vehicle. For enquiries, contact
SmartService Queensland on 131 304, or 1300 658 030 if you are outside Brisbane.

Registering your vehicle


A vehicle must be registered before you can use it on the road, including driving
and parking. Registration fees help fund the development and maintenance
of the road network. Registration includes the cost of compulsory third party
(CTP) insurance, which provides indemnity for you against personal injury claims
following a crash.
The person in whose name a vehicle is registered is the registered operator. This
person is responsible for its operation on the road. The registered operator must be a
person or other legal entity. If the vehicle is a heavy vehicle, the person must be 18
years or older. Queensland Transport will currently allow two individual registered
operators to be recorded. However, further transactions for this vehicle may be
authorised by either operator. Registration is not proof of legal ownership.
You can only register a vehicle in Queensland if its garage address (where it is based
or from where it regularly operates) is in Queensland. You must provide evidence
of a Queensland garage address when registering a vehicle. You must notify any
change of address within 14 days.
If you have a vehicle registered in another state and you are living in Queensland,
you must register the vehicle in Queensland within 14 days of Queensland
becoming the vehicles garage address.
How to register a motor vehicle

Complete a Vehicle registration application form, available at a Queensland
Transport customer service centre, any of the agencies listed on page 170, or
from [Link]/registration.
Choose an authorised insurer and obtain a CTP insurance certifcateyou do not
need the certifcate for trailers or caravans if they are being towed by a vehicle
registered in Queensland, as they are covered by the registered towing vehicle.
If the vehicle is currently registered interstate, you do not need to arrange
insurance. Instead, you can nominate an insurance company when you lodge
your application for Queensland registration and pay the insurance premium to
Queensland Transport, which will forward it on to your nominated insurer.
The completed form and CTP insurance certifcate cover you to take the vehicle
on the road for the purpose of registering the vehicle without the need for an
unregistered vehicle permitsee opposite
Check the application form to see if you need a safety certifcate or certifcate
of inspection. To obtain the safety certifcate, take your vehicle to an approved
inspection station for an inspection. You must carry your completed Vehicle
registration application form and the CTP insurance certifcate. You must
present the original of the safety certifcate or certifcate of inspection (if
required) to Queensland Transport.
If your vehicle is fuelled by gas or has gas appliances, you must present the
relevant gas certifcate from an authorised gas installer, unless exempt. For used
vehicles, the issue date of the certifcate must not be more than three months
before the lodgment date of registration.
Go to a Queensland Transport customer service centre or any of the agencies listed
on page 170 to register the vehicle. You will need the following to register
your vehicle:
- a completed Vehicle registration application form
- a CTP insurance certifcate
- a safety certifcate or a certifcate of inspection (if applicable)
- a gas certifcate (if applicable)
- personal identifcationsee Evidence of identity, page 11
- evidence of the vehicles origin (i.e. previous registration certifcate)
- evidence of the Queensland garage address
- payment for the registrationcall 13 23 80 or visit [Link]
for the exact cost. You will need to pay duty unless you qualify for one of the
exemption categories listed on the application form.
168
169
If registering a company or business vehicle, you will need to provide a
certifcate of company or business registration. If registering a business vehicle,
identifcation of either a principal or the company behind the business is
required. If someone is representing you, they must show personal identifcation
and written authority to act on behalf of you or the company.
If driving or towing your unregistered vehicle on the road, you will need an
unregistered vehicle permit. Permits can be issued for up to seven days. You must
frst obtain the appropriate CTP insurance certifcate from your CTP insurer for
the required number of days. Present this certifcate at a Queensland Transport
customer service centre or any of the agencies listed on page 170, with your
application for an unregistered vehicle permit. If your vehicle has number plates,
you must return them before you get the permit. An unregistered vehicle permit
will only be issued if the vehicle is in safe condition. Please note, you must not
carry a load or use the vehicle for other purposes while your vehicle is under
a permit.
If you have bought a new vehicle, the motor vehicle dealer will register it before
you take delivery. You will need to show personal identifcation, verify and sign the
completed registration application form and pay the fees to the dealer.

How to register a motorised wheelchair

To be eligible to register a motorised wheelchair with free CTP insurance, you
must provide a current doctors certifcate stating that, due to severe movement
impairment, you need to use a motorised wheelchair for assisted travel. You
must also provide a statement declaring that the wheelchair will be solely used
by the registered operator. For more information about these rules for motorised
wheelchairs, see Motorised wheelchairs, page 124.
Motorised wheelchairs can be registered or transferred to an eligible individual
or organisation.

Transferring registration

If you have acquired a registered, second-hand vehicle you will need to transfer the
registration to your name within 14 days.
Lodge a completed Vehicle registration transfer form at a Queensland Transport
customer service centre or any of the agencies listed on page 170. The acquirer
(buyer) and disposer (seller) must sign both parts of the completed application
form. The disposer must keep the completed Part B Notice of disposal section of
the transfer form until the registration is transferred out of their name.
Supply the original copy of the safety certifcate or certifcate of inspection. You
do not need a certifcate for a trailer with an aggregate trailer mass that doesnt
exceed 750 kg.
Provide a gas certifcate (if applicable).
Show personal identifcationsee Evidence of identity, page 11.
Pay a transfer fee and duty if applicable.
If the disposer reasonably believes the acquirer has not lodged part A of the
Vehicle registration transfer application within 14 days, they may lodge part B
(Notice of disposal) of the transfer application.

Renewing registration

You will need to renew your registration. A renewal notice will be sent to you about
fve weeks before your registration expiry date. Notify Queensland Transport when
you change address so the renewal notice reaches you.
If you do not receive a renewal notice, you are still responsible for paying the
registration fee and CTP insurance by the expiry date. If you do not renew your
registration by the expiry date, your registration lapses and a reinstatement fee will
be payable.
You can pay your registration using any one of these convenient options.
On the internetgo to Services online at [Link].
BPAYan effcient and easy way to pay your renewal notice over
the phone. All you need is a BPAY access PIN. Call your bank for
details.
By mailsend your cheque or money order to GPO Box 2211,
Brisbane QLD 4001.
Australia Postpay in person by cash, cheque or EFTPOS.
Other agencies (Queensland government agencies, Magistrates
Court offces or police remitting stations in areas where there is no
Queensland Transport offce).
Queensland Transport customer service centrespay in person by cash, cheque or
money order or by EFTPOS (All major credit cards accepted).
For more information about registration, including transfers of personalised plates,
concessional registrations and taxis and limousines, visit [Link],
contact your nearest Queensland Transport customer service centre, or call 13 23 80.

Insuring your vehicle

There are different kinds of insurance for your vehicle.
Compulsory third party insurance (CTP) is levied with your registration. It is an
170
offence to drive an unregistered vehicle with no CTP overage. CTP insurance covers
vehicle owners and drivers for personal injury claims against them if the use of the
vehicle causes injury to another person.
Third party property damage insurance covers you if you cause damage to other
peoples property, but does not cover loss of, or repairs to, your own vehicle or property.
Fire, theft and third party property insurance protects you against damage to other
peoples property, as well as covering your own vehicle for damage caused by fre
or theft.
Comprehensive insurance gives full cover to your vehicle for property damage,
but does not cover injuries to people. Comprehensive insurance protects you
against damage to other peoples property, as well as covering your vehicle for
property damage.
Your vehicle must be safe and registered at all times while using the road. If
you make any structural changes to your vehicle, theyll need to be approved by
Queensland Transport offcers or an agent. Your insurance policy may not cover you
if you modify your vehicle without approval and it is involved in a crash.
If you cause a crash with the level of alcohol in your blood or breath over your
alcohol limit, the insurer will pay all CTP insurance claims, however the insurer has
the right to recover the cost from you.
For more information, contact your insurance company.

Looking after your vehicle
If you look after your vehicle, youll cut fuel costs, improve your safety by
minimising engine wear and tear, and help reduce your vehicles pollution levels.
Maintaining your car will also improve its re-sale value.

Try these tips:

Service your vehicle as specifed in the manufacturers handbook.
Only fll your petrol tank to the frst click as petrol pumped in after this point is
ejected into the overfow unit and wasted when the petrol heats and expands as
the car is in use.
Drive smoothly without heavy acceleration.
Remove unnecessary weight from the boot and roof racks.



171
In between services, a weekly inspection of your car is recommended.
You should check:
engine oil and transmission fuid (if your car is ftted with automatic transmission)
that brake and clutch fuid reservoirs are between the minimum and
maximum levels
fan belt
water and radiator hoses
battery
windscreen washers, wipers and wiper blades
that you have a car jack
pressures of the tyres including the spare wheel
wheels for damage, and the wheel nuts
external lights
external damage to the vehicle
horn
steering
handbrake
footbrake and clutch pedal
internal lights and instruments
seatbelts.
A Queensland Transport inspector may pull over your vehicle anywhere, anytime in
south-east Queensland to test your vehicles pollution levels. Your vehicle will be
given a GOOD, FAIR or POOR pollution rating.
If your vehicle produces visible smoke for more than 10 seconds, anyone may report
it to the Smoky Vehicle Hotline (13 20 19), resulting in a requirement to fx the
problem. To report vehicles to the hotline you need the location, time and date of
the sighting, the vehicle type, colour and make, registration number, and the name
and address of the person reporting (to be kept confdential).
For more information about Aircare, Queensland Transports program for promoting
clean air practices, visit [Link]/enviroment.
172
Organ donation
173
Organ donation
Being a donor

Your decision about organ and tissue donor
intention is no longer recorded on driver
licences in Queensland. Instead, Australia now
has the single national Australian Organ
Donor Register.
This register is now the only place for you to
record your legal decision to donate organs
and tissue for transplantation. The register
allows you to specify what you would like
to donate.
How to record your consent
on the register

You can record your donor consent on the
national register by completing and returning
an Australian Organ Donor Register form. Use
the reply paid envelope attached to the form
to send your consent to the national register.
Call the Australian Organ Donor Register on
1800 777 203 for a brochure and form, or pick
one up from Queensland Transport customer
service centres, Medicare offces, QGAP offces
or your local police station if located in a rural area. Visit the Health Insurance
Commission website [Link] for more organ donor information.
Once you have registered it is important to tell your family and friends about
your decision.
Remember:
anyone can be an organ and tissue donor regardless of age
donated organs and tissues include kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, eye
tissue, bone tissue, skin and heart valves
you can change your mind at anytime and remove your name from the register
discuss your decision with family and friends.
174
175
Accidents, see Crashes
Accredited driver training, 19
Alcohol, 9396
- limits, 94
- see also Blood alcohol concentration
- see also Random breath testing
Animals at night, 139
Appeals against licence suspension, 160
Applying for a licence, 1117
Aquaplaning, 138
Authority to learn, 7
Bad weather, 138
Bicycles, lanes, 84, 120
- overtaking, 86
- see also Cyclists
Blood alcohol concentration, 34, 94, 154155
- heavy vehicles, 94
- learner licence, 1718
- open licence, 33
- probationary licence, 34
- provisional licence, 2930
Braking, 135
Breath testing, random, 94, 154155
Built-up areas, speed limits in, 64
Buses, 65
- giving way to, 77, 129
- lanes, 83
- see also School buses
Buying a used vehicle, 166167
buyers checklist, 167
Caravans, 129
see also Towing a caravan or trailer
Child restraints, 118, 142-143
Compulsory logbook, learner drivers, 6, 11, 17, 19
- see also Supervised on-road
driving experience
Crashes, 5, 6, 146149
- towing after, 147149
- while under the infuence, 95
Crossings, pedestrian, 79, 131
- school, 132
CTP insurance, 95, 167, 170
Cyclists, 120, 130
- helmets, 120
- optional hook turns by, 121
- sharing the road with, 130
Dangerous goods, transport of, 102105
Dangerous situations, car stall in, 140
- see also Hazards
Demerit points, 6, 19, 31, 33, 49, 157162
Disqualifed driving, 162
Index
Drink driving, 34, 9395
- see also Alcohol
- see also Blood alcohol concentration
- see also Random breath testing
- see also Standard drinks
Drink walking, 96
Driver fatigue, 108, 140
- see also Heavy vehicles
Driver licence, 4
- applying for a, 1117
- demerit points, 6, 19, 31, 33, 49, 157162
- details, change of, 48
- documents required for application for, 1114
- driving in Queensland (interstate/foreign), 4851
- foreign, 4851
- heavy vehicles, 4447
- interstate, 4851
- learner, 1722
- minimum periods, 10, 43
- motorbike, 6, 3544
- open, 33
- probationary, 33
- provisional, 2832
- QSAFE practical driving test for, 4, 5, 6, 18,
19, 2228
- restricted, 4, 34
- suspension of, 6, 19, 31, 156157
- upgrading of, 9, 33
- written road rules test, 5, 10, 11, 1617
Driver reviver, 141, 142
- see also Driver fatigue
Driving hours, heavy vehicles, 106108
Driving schools, driver trainers, see Accredited
driver training
Drugs and driving, 9698
Emergency vehicles, 77, 128
Evidence of identity, 10, 1114
Evidence of residential address, 11, 1314
Eyesight test, 10, 11, 14
Fatigue, driver, 140
- heavy vehicles, 106108
Fog, driving in, 138
Following distance, 111
- see also Safe following distance
Footbrake failure, 140
Foreign licences, 4851, 160
4WD driving, 143144
Give way signs, 54, 74
Giving way, 7481
- at give way signs, 75
- at pedestrian crossings, 79
- at railway level crossings, 80, 9293
- at stop signs, 75
- at Tintersections, 78
- entering or leaving a road, 80
- from parked position, 80
- from a slip lane, 77
- multiple vehicles at intersections, 80
- reversing, 78
- to buses, 77
- to emergency vehicles, 77
- to horses, 80
- to pedestrians, 7879, 131132
- to the right, 76
- turning right, 79
- Uturns, 76
- when merging, 76
Good driving behaviour period, 19, 32, 33, 158
Graduated licensing system, 4, 5, 6, 28
Hazardous localities, 89
- see also Roadwork sites
- see also Railway level crossings
Hazardous situations, 137140
Hazard perception test, 5, 6, 29
Hazards, 136140
- system of vehicle control, 137
- see also Hazardous localities
Headlights, see Lights
Heavy vehicles, 4447, 65, 99110, 128130
- dangerous goods on, 102105
- dimensions of, 99
- driver licence application, 4447
- driving hours, 106108
- fatigue, 106108
- loading of, 100101
- log books, 106107
- parking restrictions for, 102
- passenger transport, 108109
- pilot vehicles for, 129
176
- QSAFE practical driving test for, 4447
- school buses, 109, 133
- sharing road with, 128130
- speed limiters on, 102
- warning signs for, 102, 105
Helmets, bicycles, 120, 125
- double demerit points, 159
- motorbikes, 38, 42, 125
High-powered vehicles, 6, 23, 29, 30
Immediate suspension, 121
Indicating and signalling, 7172
- hand signals, 72
Insurance of vehicle, 95, 170171
Interstate licences, 4851, 160
Keeping left, 84
Lanes, 8284
- arrows, 83
- dividing lines or centre lines, 82
- edge lines, 83
- lane lines, 82
- markings, 82
- special purpose (bus, transit, bicycle), 8384
exemptions for driving in, 84
Late night restrictions, 6, 17, 19, 158
Lawful directions, obeying, 62
Learner driver, 1722, 157
Learner licence, 4, 5, 6, 11, 1722, 157
Leaving your vehicle, 115
Licence, see Driver licence
Licence classes, codes and conditions, 710
- classes, 79
- codes/conditions, 910
Lights, 111
Lines, see Lanes and markings
Load restraining, 100101, 145
Logbook, see Compulsory logbook, learner drivers
see National logbook, heavy vehicles
Long vehicles, 86, 100, 112
Looking after your vehicle, 171172
L plates, 6, 17, 18, 19, 23, 36, 40
Medical conditions affecting driving, 15, 49, 51
Merging, giving way when, 76
Minimum periods, 10, 43
Mobile phones, use of, 6, 17, 20, 28, 31, 118
Mopeds, 36
Motorbikes, 7, 8, 3544, 130
- additional road rules for, 4142
- Australia Post using footpaths, 43
- classes, 78, 35
- clothing requirements, 37
- helmets, 38, 42, 125
- learner licence application/conditions,
6, 3536
- moped rules, 36
- parking, 42
- passengers, rules for carrying, 4142
- QRIDE, 35, 4041
- QSAFE practical driving test for, 3540
- sharing the road with, 130
- written road rules test, 16
Motorised bicycles, 123
Motorised wheelchairs, 124, 169
Motorway/highway driving, 87
Name and address, change, 48
National logbook, heavy vehicles, 106107
Night, driving at, 6, 17, 19
- see also Late night driving restrictions
NonQueensland (interstate/foreign) licence,
11, 4851, 160
Open licence, 4, 5, 6, 7, 33, 158
Organ donation, 174
Oversize vehicles, see Heavy vehicles
Overtaking, 8486
- bicycles, 86
- heavy vehicles, 128
- long vehicles, 86
- on the left, 85
- on the right, 84
- signs (no overtaking or passing), 55, 86
P1 licence, see Provisional licence
177
P2 licence, see Provisional licence
Parking, 112118
- angle or centre, 114
- disability, 115
- heavy and long vehicles, 102
- leaving vehicle when, 115
- prohibited places for, 116117
- regulated, 113
- signs for, 112113
- zones, 113
Passenger transport, 108109
Pedestrians, 123125, 131132
- crossings, 79, 131
- sharing the road with, 131132
Peer passenger restrictions, 29, 31
Pilot vehicles, heavy vehicles, 129
Police offcer, obeying directions by, 62
P plates, 6, 23, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34
Practical driving test, see Q-SAFE
Practice test questions, 17
- see also Sample questions
Probationary licence, 4, 5, 7, 3334
Provisional licence, 4, 5, 6, 7, 2832, 34, 157
QRIDE training and competency-based assessment,
35, 4041
QSAFE practical driving test, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 2228
- failing, 28
- heavy vehicles, 17, 4447
- learner driver, 16, 2228
- motorbikes, 16, 3540
Railway level crossing, 57, 9293
Rain, driving in, 138
Random breath testing, 94, 154155
Random Road Watch, 152
Recidivist drivers and riders, 159
Red light cameras, 153
Registering a vehicle, 167170
Registration, renewing, 170
- transferring, 169
Renewing a licence, 47
Restraining loads, 145
Restricted licence, 4, 34, 94
Reversing, 78
REVS (Register of encumbered vehicles), 167
Road positioning, see Lanes
- see also Keeping left
- see also Overtaking
- see also Motorway/highway driving
Road rules, 53125
Road rules, written test, 5, 10, 11, 1617
Road signs, 5463
Roadwork sites, 8992
- signs for, 8992
Roadworthy certifcate, see Safety certifcate
Rollerblades, 125
- see also Pedestrians
Roundabouts, 6971
Safe following distance, 111, 134
Safety certifcate, 166
Sample questions
- giving way, 81
- hazardous localities, alcohol and drugs, 98
- heavy vehicles, 110
- learner licences, 21
- motorbikes, 43
- other rules and responsibilities, 119
- provisional licences, 32
- road positioning, 88
- sharing with other road users, 133
- signs and signals, 63
- speed limits, 66
- turns, roundabouts and signalling, 73
School buses, 109, 133
School crossings, 132
School zones, 65, 132
Seat belts, 118, 142
- double demerit points, 159
- see also Child restraints
Servicing of vehicle, 171172
178
Signs, 5463
- clearway, 114
- dangerous goods, 104105
- give way, 54, 74
- guide and information, 59
- hazard markers, 59
- no overtaking or passing, 55, 86
- no parking, 114
- no stopping, 114
- parking, 112113
- railway level crossings, 57, 93
- regulated parking, 113
- regulatory, 5455
- roadwork site, 8992
- roundabout, 54, 69
- speed limit, 56, 64
- stop, 54, 75
- warning, 57, 65, 102, 105
Skateboards, 125
- see also Pedestrians
Skidding, 137
Smoke, vehicle, 172
Special purpose lanes, 8384
Speed cameras, 152153
Speed limits, 6466, 92
- double demerit points, 159
- roadworks, 92
- speed zones, 64
Speed suspension, 156
Stalling of car, 148
Standard drinks, 95
Stopping, 134
Stop signs, 54, 75
Supervised on-road driving experience,
5, 6, 17, 18, 19
Suspension of licence, 6, 19, 31, 156
System of vehicle control, 137
Test, eyesight, 10, 14
- failure in, 16, 128
- heavy vehicle, 16, 4447
- loss of fee in, 24
- motorbike, 17, 3540
- vehicle for, 22, 37, 45
- written road rules, 5, 10, 11, 1617
- see also Q-SAFE
Third party insurance, 171
Three month residency rule, 49, 163
Time-lapse method, 135
Towlines, 112
Tow trucks, 147149
Towing a trailer or caravan, 129, 144145
- following other long vehicles, 112
Traffc lights, 6162
- cyclists obeying, 122
- pedestrians obeying, 125
Trailers, 144
Transport inspectors, 155
Travelling interstate or overseas, 48
Turns, 6768
- across painted traffc islands, 68
- at unmarked intersections, 68
- left, 67
- right, 67
- Uturns, 68, 76, 87
Tyre blowouts, 139
Unlicensed driving, 162164
Upgrading a licence, 9, 33
Used car, buying, 166
U-turns, 68, 76, 87
Vehicle history check, 166
Vehicle maintenance, 171172
Weather, driving in bad, 138
Wheeled recreational devices, 125
Windscreen shattering, 140
Zone signs, 56, 65, 113
179 179
Notes
180
181 181
182
183 183