If you’re driving across the country in Australia, you’ll definitely want to know about some of the major differences between road rules in different states – including uturn laws, laws about cell phone use, and more.
So, in this article, we’ll discuss a few of the differences between road rules across the country. Check them out now, and make sure you abide by the law whether you’re in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, or anywhere else in the country!
A recent change to road rules in NSW by the NSW government has changed how NSW road users must act when passing vehicles displaying flashing lights on the side of the road, such as emergency vehicles (police, ambulances, fire brigade, tow truck/breakdown assistance vehicles).
Now, when passing these stationary vehicles, drivers must slow down and move to an adjacent lane, if possible, to provide them with more space and to help prevent accidents.
In this article, the team at LTrent Driving School will take a look at this change to the road rules, its history, and what it means for NSW drivers. Let’s get started.
This road rule began with a 12-month trial, which began in September 2018. The original incarnation of the law required road users to slow down to 40 km/h when passing stationary emergency vehicles – no matter what the speed limit of the road was.
However, this raised concerns among motorists, who were concerned about the risks of slowing down so quickly on a high-speed road – such as a highway with a 110 km/h speed limit. For this reason, some modifications were made to the law after the initial trial period was concluded.
The final version of this change to the NSW road rules – which was enacted in September 2019 – requires motorists to slow down to 40 km/h when driving alongside stationary emergency vehicles on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or under.
When driving on roads with speed limits of 90 km/h or over, drivers do not have to slow down to 40 km/h. Instead, they are required to slow down safely to a “speed that is reasonable for the circumstances.”
This new law also requires motorists to maintain space between their vehicles and stationary emergency vehicles if it is safe to do so. For example, in a multi-lane road, drivers must move to the lane that is further away from the stopped vehicle, if it is safe and possible to do so.
This provides emergency services vehicles with more space, and decreases the risk of accidents. Note that neither of these rules is applicable if the emergency vehicle, tow truck or breakdown assistance vehicle is on the opposite side of a road that is divided by a median strip.
Make Sure To Take This New Rule Into Effect – Avoid Fines & Penalties!
According to NSW police, motorists who do not follow these rules will get 3 demerit points on their licence, and be fined $457. To avoid this, drivers must make sure that they take this law into account, and respond appropriately.
Want to learn more about NSW road laws? Whether you’re a learner driver or you already have your P1 or P2 licence, LTrent Driving School is here to help. We’re one of the leading driving schools in NSW, and we can help you learn everything you need to know about NSW road rules. Contact us on 02 8748 4500 or book now through the link below.
If you have your learner licence or learner permit and you are taking driving lessons at a driving school to learn more about road safety and prepare to earn your provisional licence, you may be wondering if driving lessons expire.
Can your driving practice expire? Will you need to re-do your driving lessons and logbook hours if your learner driver licence expires before you take the practical driving test?
We will explain everything you need to know about learner licence expiration, and whether or not the log book credits you earn from a driving school can expire.
If you’re disabled, you may be wondering if the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will cover the cost of driving lessons. In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not NDIS funding can be used to pay driving schools, and how your NDIS plan will work as you learn to drive. Let’s get started.
Whether you’re just earned your learner licence for the first time in New South Wales, or you’ve already gotten your provisional licence, driving lessons from a certified driving school like LTrent Driving School are a great idea.
With professional driving instruction, you can stay safer on the roads, and develop the driving skills you need to earn your full driver’s licence. Not convinced that you need help from a driving school? Here are a few reasons why driving lessons are a fantastic idea for any learner driver.
Whether you’re in Western Australia, South Australia or Victoria and Tasmania, it’s important to understand how to use a roundabout correctly. From approaching the roundabout, to using a multi-lane roundabout, choosing the correct lane – there’s a lot to know. And if you violate the rules, you could end up with demerit points on your licence.
In this blog, LTrent Driving School will discuss a few of the most important rules about using roundabouts in NSW and VIC.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle crashes in Australia. If you drive distracted and do not focus on the road, your risk of being involved in car accidents skyrockets. Despite this, though, recent studies suggest that Australian drivers are distracted up to 45% of the time that they’re driving!
So, in this article, the team at LTrent Driving School will discuss the top causes of driver distraction – and how you can make sure you stay focused. Avoid car crashes and practice safe driving by avoiding these common issues!
At LTrent Driving School, we’re dedicated to helping Aussie drivers with their L plates become more competent and confident behind the wheel. So, even if you are financially disadvantaged and don’t have the money to pay for a learner drivers course and professional instruction, we may be able to help.
Thanks to the NSW government, 1000 people can qualify to take the Safer Drivers Course each year for free. With professional driving lessons, you’ll be more confident when driving, and you can reduce road risks to yourself and others.
If you live in a large Australian city, you will inevitably share the road with cyclists – and people who are riding a bicycle have just as much right to the road as people who are driving cars.
In fact, while some Australian drivers may think that bicycle users must stay on shared paths, sidewalks or in bike lanes, this is not true. They have full rights to use an entire lane of the road.
You must share the road and follow appropriate road safety rules when driving around cyclists – including checking blind spots, safely passing bicycle riders, and avoiding bike lanes. To learn more about how to drive safely and how drivers and cyclists can share the road, read on and get some top tips from LTrent Driving School.
Tailgating is a dangerous driving habit. It’s a leading cause of rear end crashes on NSW roads. If you’ve ever been tailgated due to road rage – or tailgated another driver by following them at an unsafe distance – you may be wondering what the law says about tailgating in NSW. Is it against road rules and laws?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the details about tailgating laws in New South Wales, so that you can develop a better understanding of road safety. Let’s get started now.