Mythbusters & FAQ for Driving in NSW
It’s time we put to rest some of the common mistakes or misconceptions (like from internet search results) as part of an ongoing series of NSW DTA Updates for Driving Instructors and Learners.
All our Driving Instructors have heard incredible questions or comments about what Learners think is true as compared to what actually is true for road rules in NSW.
While learners are expected to learn and know all the essentials, the fact that there are 353 Road Rules 2014 in total* and over 200 pages to the Road User Handbook, clearly some things can be overlooked or misinterpreted.
Google search doesn’t always help. Bear in mind that road rules change state to state, and Google won’t always match a result to NSW. We’ve seen this time and again, where even Driving Instructors swear by a rule, only to find it may be a rule in Victoria but not in NSW.
Our Top Three Mythbusters to get you started
We’ve selected three common FAQs or myths here and will grow the list thanks to your input and contributions. See further on how to share your input.
*All content is accurate at time of publishing and for your guidance only. Refer to source for all citations: ROAD RULES 2014
1 – Give Way to the Right at a Roundabout
A widely held belief is the requirement to give way to the right at a roundabout. It’s not that simple! RULE 114 states “a driver entering a roundabout must give way to any vehicle in the roundabout.” A note for this rule is “give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.”
Driving Instructor and DTA Committe Member, Peter Short contributes further: “While on roundabouts, I get a little irritated when Instructors teach their students they only need to signal left to exit a roundabout on a double lane roundabout. Again not the case – ‘if practicable’ is the term used in the Road Rules – See Rule 118.”
Giving Way to the right is still in the rules (Rule 72) however only applies to an intersection which is NOT a roundabout nor a T-intersection AND does not have
- Traffic Lights
- Stop sign / stop line
- Give way sign / give way line
2 – You Must Stop for at least 3 seconds at a STOP sign.
Rule 67 – STOP and give way. There is and never has been a reference to a specific time to STOP at a Stop Sign/Line. The important thing is to look around for traffic. Once you’ve stopped, you are permitted to edge across the LINE to improve your view or vision if needed. You must give way to any vehicles. When it’s safe to cross you may proceed. .
3 – Can learner drivers drive for more than 2 hours in NSW?
Often when you look this up online, you may find results that say you are only permitted to drive a maximum of 2 hours per day when you are completing practice drives. However, once you start researching more into NSW rules, you’ll find that there are no laws in NSW that explicitly state this.
The Centre for Road Safety and Transport for NSW recommend ALL drivers should take a break after driving for 2 hours. This is part of their Stop – Revive – Survive campaign to reduce fatigue related crashes.
What’s your FAQ?
Share your questions, myths or misconceptions with us and we’ll help set you straight about current Road Rules NSW. Send a note to admin@nswdta.com.au or pop us a message or post on our Facebook page. We will reply and publish as many as possible.
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Get in touch
Need information on membership or driver training in your area?
Drop us an email: admin@nswdta.com.au
