1. 4 Rules and responsibilities
• Alcohol • Turning
• Drugs, medicine • Freeways
and driving
• Sharing the road safely
• The law about
seat belts • Parking
• Speed limits • Penalties
• Road signs • Legal responsibilities
• Road markings • Crash responsibilities
• Traffic controls • First aid after a crash
at intersections
• Test yourself questions
• Give Way rules
63

3. 4 Rules and responsibilities
So what are the rules of driving? The rules listed here are only a
There is more to driving than summary of some of the road rules
just knowing the road rules. motorists must know. For more
However, knowing the basic road information visit our homepage:
rules is essential. at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
You can also purchase a copy
As a car passenger, you should be
of Road Rules – Victoria, or the
watching drivers and traffic
relevant Acts and Regulations
patterns, noticing mistakes other
(see Resources to help you,
road users make.
page 175). Road law,
In the diagrams shown in this it’s more than
section, the vehicles are coloured what you
green and red. In all cases, the
know…it’s
red vehicle B must wait for the
how you use
green vehicle A.
it that is so
important
65

4. ALCOHOL The effects of
BLOOD ALCOHOL alcohol on driving
Learner and probationary CONCENTRATION (BAC)
is a measure of the Alcohol affected drivers:
drivers must not drive with
amount of alcohol you • feel overconfident resulting
any alcohol in their blood. have in your blood.
It is measured by the in risk taking on the road
This zero BAC also applies number of grams of • are often unaware of the level
to all restricted motorcycle alcohol in 100 millilitres
of blood. of their driving impairment
licence holders, drivers of
For example, a BAC • have slower reflexes and
taxis, buses and other of .05 means .05 grams muscle co-ordination making
large vehicles, professional or 50 milligrams of it less likely that the driver
alcohol in every will be able to stop or swerve
driving instructors and 100 millilitres of blood.
in an emergency
some full licence holders
• are less able to process
who have previously had information and make
a drink driving conviction. appropriate decisions as their
vision, hearing and brain are
All other full licence all adversely affected.
holders must be less than A driver who has been drinking
.05 BAC. struggles to accurately judge
speeds and distances and will
often fail to respond to potential
66

5. dangers in the traffic The risk of being involved in a Some of the factors that lead to
environment. The ability to crash increases dramatically if a different BAC include:
cope with more than one thing the driver has been drinking
• gender – a woman drinking
at a time is greatly reduced (for alcohol. The graph shows the
the same amount of alcohol
example, steer a course within a average relationship between
as a man of a similar size will
lane, respond to traffic signals the risk of having an accident
have a higher BAC
and avoid a pedestrian who and the amount of alcohol in
suddenly steps onto the road). the blood. For inexperienced • body size – a person of small
drivers the risk at any BAC build will have a higher BAC
What are the risks level will be even higher. than a larger person drinking
the same amount of alcohol
RISK OF ACCIDENTS
30 Factors affecting BAC
• food consumption – food
25
Alcohol affects different people slows down the absorption of
20
in different ways and can even alcohol so, if you have not
15
affect the same person on had a substantial meal before
10
different occasions in different drinking, you will reach a
5
0
ways. You can drink the same higher BAC more quickly
.02 .04 .06 .08 .10 .12 .14 .16
amount of alcohol on different
BAC (BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION) • rate of drinking and the types
days and have different BAC
RELATIVE CHANCE OF of alcohol consumed – the
readings each time.
CRASHING AT VARIOUS BACS quicker you drink and the
greater the alcoholic content
of the drink, the sooner you
will reach a higher BAC
67

6. • general health – if you are in amount of alcohol in your So work out your travel
poor health, your liver is less bloodstream or speed up the arrangements before you
effective in dealing with the processing of the alcohol by start drinking.
alcohol you drink your liver. The liver does this in
• Share a taxi with friends.
its own time.
• use of other drugs –
• Take public transport.
combining alcohol with It is important to
drugs increases the risk of remember that if you • Organise with a friend to take
motor vehicle crashes even HOT TIP have a lot to drink the turns driving. You and your
if the alcohol is consumed in night before, you are likely to still friend will need to agree not
small doses. have alcohol in your blood the to drink when driving.
next morning.
The effect of alcohol can also • Organise to stay the night.
exaggerate the mood you are If you are having a party, help
• Arrange to be picked up by a
in, and make you feel more your guests to avoid drinking
relative or friend who hasn’t
tired if you are already tired. and driving.
been drinking.
Only time reduces your
Public breath tester
BAC level How to avoid
drinking and driving You can measure your BAC
Your body takes time to get rid
level by using a public breath
of alcohol. No amount of coffee, • Plan ahead. It is more tester. These are located in
exercise, cold showers, fresh difficult to plan how to get some hotels and are useful to
air or vomiting will help. Whilst home if you have had alcohol determine your BAC level.
these may make you feel more to drink – remember, your You would need to do this a
alert, they don’t change the judgement will be impaired. number of times to get an idea
68

7. of what BAC your usual pattern You will be asked to blow into a permit driver or a full driver.
of drinking leads to, and how small device. It will immediately Learner and probationary
long it takes for your BAC to give an indication of the alcohol drivers who record a BAC
return to zero. Do not attempt in your blood – if any. If you reading between zero and .05
to do this if you are intending haven’t been drinking there is will have their permit or licence
to drive. no problem. If you have a suspended for at least one month.
positive result, you will be If you record a BAC of .05 or
If you drive after drinking
asked to do a second test on over you will lose your licence
your driving will suffer –
HOT TIP so remember, the safest
another breath testing for at least 6 months for a first
instrument. This reading will be offence. For a BAC higher than
BAC is zero even when you have a
used as evidence if you are over .10 the periods are longer. Heavy
full licence.
the legal limit. fines can also be imposed.
Breath testing procedures Drivers admitted to hospital
Police can request the driver of after any kind of road crash are
a vehicle to undergo a breath required to provide a breath REFUSING A BREATH
test at any time. There are test or allow a blood sample to TEST IS AN OFFENCE.
many breath testing stations or be taken. Your licence will be
cancelled and you will
booze buses patrolling Victorian be disqualified from
roads. You may also be stopped driving for at least
by police in other vehicles and Penalties 2 years if convicted.
asked to undergo a breath test. The penalties for exceeding the
Thousands of drivers are BAC laws are tough - regardless
randomly tested every week. of whether you are a learner
69

8. DRUGS, MEDICINE Illegal drugs consequences – for instance,
having to stop suddenly or to
AND DRIVING Illegal drugs such as ecstasy, respond to the actions of other
cannabis (marijuana) and vehicles or pedestrians. Your
Medicines and illegal drugs
that can affect safe driving heroin can affect your ability to ability to concentrate and
are detected in over 25% of safely control a vehicle. maintain attention, make
Victorian driver fatalities. Drugs like speed or ecstasy can decisions and to react to
In Victoria it is an offence make you feel as if you are a unexpected events is greatly
to drive a motor vehicle better driver. Unfortunately, as reduced. Important road signs
while impaired by a drug. In your confidence goes up, your may be missed.
2003, the law was driving skills go down, making
changed to also allow In an emergency situation, the
you a danger to yourself and risk of a crash is increased, and
police to undertake
everyone else on the road. your ability to avoid the crash is
roadside saliva testing of
It is extremely dangerous when reduced. Combining even small
drivers and riders, to
the effect wears off, as you are amounts of cannabis and
detect the presence of
speed (methamphetamine) likely to experience sudden, alcohol causes much greater
and THC, the active uncontrollable sleep. impairment than either one on
ingredient of cannabis, Some illegal drugs present its own.
which indicates recent special problems. Cannabis, for
cannabis use. Driving with example, can make you unable
these drugs in the blood or to respond quickly enough to
saliva is an offence and what other drivers are doing.
penalties (including licence
This can have serious
loss) will apply.
70

9. Medicines • some strong painkillers. How to reduce the risk of a
crash when on medication
Not everyone will experience If you’re out of
Many prescription medicines
and some medicines bought the effects of a drug in the • Do not use alcohol with
shape, your
over the counter from a same way. When you start your medicines.
using a new medicine which driving will be
pharmacist can impair your • Keep to the prescribed
driving and increase the risk of may affect your driving, it is as well
doses.
crashes by affecting your: best not to drive until you
understand and have • Do not treat yourself with
• mood experienced what effect it additional medicines or other
• concentration actually has on you. Most remedies. Always check with
medicines have no effect on your doctor or pharmacist.
• coordination, and safe driving. Your doctor or
• Do not use other people’s
• reaction time. pharmacist will be able to give
medicines.
you advice about this.
Some examples of prescription • Read the labels on all your
medications that can affect medicines and heed their
driving are: advice. Check with your
• sleeping tablets doctor or pharmacist if the
label on your medicine states
• muscle relaxants that the medicine may cause
• sedatives drowsiness.
• antihistamines (such as in hay
fever or cold and flu medicines)
71

10. If you are worried about THE LAW ABOUT are to do their job in a
the effect that your
HOT TIP medicine has on your
SEAT BELTS crash. You should never
driving, stop your driving – not put more than one person
Wearing a seat belt is the
your medicine! in a restraint.
most effective measure for
Stop driving and contact your
reducing serious injury in a Adult seat belts are not
doctor or pharmacist if your
medicine: crash. It is because seat designed to protect small
• affects your reflexes belts are so effective that bodies in a crash. Children
all drivers and passengers need restraints that
• affects your ability
to concentrate should wear a seat belt specifically fit their size
• makes you sleepy or drowsy or appropriate restraint and weight.
• gives you blurred or regardless of where they
It is illegal to travel in the
double vision. sit in the vehicle. This
load area of any vehicle
If you have to continue to use includes children and
(for example a van or station
medication that affects your pregnant women.
driving in some way, plan ahead wagon) unless using a
before you drive, or use Seat belts must be properly constructed seat
alternative transport such as and correctly fitting seat
securely fastened and
taxis or public transport, or call
on a friend to drive you. properly adjusted if they belt or child restraint.
72

11. Children children weigh 32 kg and are away from the dashboard as
recommended if children are possible.
Drivers must ensure that: using a lap only seat belt.
If a vehicle has air bags in other
• babies under one year old are positions, consult the vehicle
carried in an approved child Restraint Fitting owner’s manual for advice on
restraint, correctly installed Stations can help you positioning restraints.
and adjusted to fit the baby HOT TIP fit a child restraint.
More information about
• passengers under 16 years Phone 1300 360 745 choosing and using restraints
are properly restrained by for the nearest location. and Restraint Fitting Stations
a seat belt or by a child is available from VicRoads
restraint suitable for their Customer Service Centres
size and weight. Restraints and and the VicRoads web site:
Child restraint guidelines: air bags www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
• infant restraints are suitable A rearward facing restraint
for babies up to 9 or 12 kgs should not be used if the
restraint is in a position where
• child car seats are suitable
it will be hit by an exploding
for children 8 to 18 kgs
air bag.
• booster seats are suitable for
Children using forward facing
children between 14 to 26 kgs
car seats or boosters in the
• child harnesses can be used front seat of a vehicle should do
without a booster until so with the seat pushed as far
73

12. Pregnant women SPEED LIMITS Built-up areas
Seat belts protect both pregnant The speed limit in a built-up
Speed limit signs tell you area is 50 kilometres per hour
women and their unborn
babies. The belt will not harm the maximum speed you (km/h) unless signed
the baby if the lap part of the can drive in normal otherwise.
belt is below the bulge, the sash
conditions. You must
passes between the breasts and
the buckle is fastened down by always obey them by not
the hips. An unborn baby is exceeding the speed shown.
more at risk in a crash if a seat
belt is not worn.
Buckling up takes
seconds – serious A BUILT-UP AREA is
crashes take lives. where there are
buildings and/or
houses next to the
road or there is street
lighting at intervals
not over 100 metres
apart for a distance of
500 metres or more.
74

13. Speed limited areas School speed zones On roads
where the
There are other signs which Lower speed zones are being speed limit is
designate speed limits for whole introduced outside all Victorian 80 km/h or
areas (networks of roads) schools. above,
which have a sign on each road
40 km/h and
into the area. Permanent
60 km/h
40 km/h
static or electronic variable signs
zones outside
will be used to alert drivers to the
schools on
lower speed limit.
most
50 km/h Shared zones
roads.
Shared zones have a speed limit
of 10 km/h or as indicated on
the Shared Zone sign. In a
Time based
shared zone, drivers must give
Freeways and 40 km/h
way to pedestrians.
country roads zones outside
schools on
The speed limit on freeways and 60 km/h
outside built-up areas in Victoria and 70 km/h
is 100 km/h unless signs tell roads.
you otherwise. Some main
streets in rural town centres
have 50 km/h speed limits.
75

14. Safe speeds for Light or heavy traffic Green lights can
change to red
different needs If there is a lot of traffic, slow
down to the average speed of A green light may turn red
There is no one best speed.
everyone else and watch out for before you enter an intersection,
Speed limit signs tell you the
hazards. Pedestrians often weave so drive at a speed that will allow
maximum speed you must not
through cars stuck in peak hour you to stop.
drive beyond. You have to decide
‘crawls’.
what is a safe speed within the Country roads
specified limit. and animals
Here are some factors you Shops, parked cars and people
When you see animals –
should consider.
Where there are shops, there beware. They are unpredictable
are people and cars. Electronic and can wander or dart onto the
Unpredictable surfaces
variable signs at selected strip road. Farmers often move sheep
The risk of losing control of a shopping centres indicate or cattle and you need to slow
vehicle can increase as a result reduced speed limits at high risk down while you are passing (see
of deterioration in the road such times. Be alert. Children can run Sharing the road with animals,
as potholes, wheel ruts or out from between parked cars, page 133).
grooves, slippery surfaces and and parked cars can pull out
The time of the day
loose gravel. Always try to be from the kerb suddenly. Watch
aware of the road surface your speed, slow down and try It can be difficult to see the road
conditions and if necessary to anticipate what others may do. ahead when you are driving into
adjust your driving technique bright sunlight at dawn or dusk.
and speed according to the You will need to slow down.
conditions.
76

15. Wear sunglasses and use the sun Slippery roads Dirt roads
visor in your car.
Slippery roads can be caused by Dust from oncoming vehicles If the vehicle in
rain, mud, frost or ice. Not all may conceal unexpected
Weather conditions areas that are slippery when wet hazards, such as other vehicles, front of yours
Driving in heavy rain, frost or are signposted – watch out for a dip or corner. Dirt roads can
stops suddenly,
snow can be very dangerous – it others. Rain makes all roads become very slippery when wet
may be difficult to see and roads slippery. When rain first begins, or corrugated. Mud thrown onto and you are
may be slippery. You need to oil and dirt are washed to the windows can reduce visibility.
slow right down, or in some surface. Until further rain Slow down and drive at a speed travelling too fast
cases, pull over off the road and washes these away, skidding can appropriate for conditions
or too close –
wait for the conditions to occur. Slow down and always because road holding is reduced
improve. Take care when mist or keep your distance from the and stopping distances are you will not be
fog affects visibility. vehicle in front in poor greater.
conditions of any sort. able to avoid
You may need to use hazard Road edge
warning lights or rear fog lights a crash!
(see Driving in dangerous Road works If you need to move a wheel off
conditions or situations, page 119). the bitumen, such as when
At roadwork sites the number of
passing an oncoming vehicle on
lanes is often reduced to protect
Curving roads a narrow road, don’t panic,
road workers. Temporary speed
pulling the wheel quickly to get
Slow down before entering a limit signs are erected to guide
back on the road may lead to
curve or bend, then accelerate traffic through the work site at
over correction and potential loss
a little to drive out. It can be safe speeds. All drivers must
of control. Slow down, brake
dangerous to brake in a curve or obey the speed limits.
gently if needed, take your time
bend; you may lose control of and steer normally back onto the
your vehicle. bitumen when safe to do so.
77

16. How quickly do you ROAD SIGNS Regulatory signs
think you can stop? These signs tell you what you
Road signs are there to
Speed makes a big difference must or must not do. You are
to your ability to stop. If you provide information to help committing an offence if you
double your speed, you cover keep you and others safe disobey these signs. They are
almost 4 times the distance usually black and white,
on the road.
before you stop. sometimes with red indicating
danger or a restriction.
At 60 km/h you may
cover up to 67 metres
before you can stop.
At 100 km/h you may
cover up to 142 metres
before you can stop.
You must keep left
However, some regulatory
This makes a significant signs are black and yellow:
difference to your chance of
being involved in an accident.
Beware – pedestrians crossing
78

17. Follow these traffic signs Stop and Give Way signs Keep left unless overtaking
These are signs showing which These signs enable drivers to Where this sign is shown, or on
direction you must, or must get through intersections and multi-lane roads where the
not take. other places safely (see Giving speed limit is over 80 km/h,
way to vehicles at intersections, you must not drive in the right
page 95). lane unless overtaking another
vehicle, turning right, making a
U-turn, avoiding an obstruction,
or when traffic is congested.
You must not turn left
Hand held signs
Hand held signs are often used
at work sites. They may also be
found at school crossings.
You must not enter this road
Be prepared to obey the sign.
You must turn left You must stop
79

18. Warning signs Intersection Warning signs
These signs alert you of Intersection Warning signs are
possible danger ahead. They used to warn you of the type of
are usually yellow diamond intersection ahead, particularly
shapes with black words or when the intersection is
symbols. Take notice of the dangerous or difficult to see.
Sharp bends
advice these signs give. It
usually means slowing down.
An INTERSECTION is
Curves and bends signs where two or more roads
meet and where vehicles
Curves and bends signs tell you travelling on different
what to expect – from simple roads might collide.
curves, to winding sections and A winding section of road
sharp bends.
A normal bend
80

19. There are many types of Intersection control Changing road layout
intersections. warning signs
End of divided road
Cross-road intersection Traffic lights ahead
Two lanes are for
oncoming traffic
T-intersection Stop sign ahead
Staggered side road junction Roundabout ahead
81

20. Advisory speed signs Changing conditions Railway level crossings
Advisory speed signs are When approaching railway level
sometimes used with other crossings – slow down and be
warning signs. prepared to stop.
The advisory speed sign shows
the maximum speed that is safe
to drive in good conditions.
Hollow/dip in the road
Rail crossing ahead
Uncontrolled crossings ahead
Slippery when wet
Advisory speed sign used with
curve warning sign
Uncontrolled rail crossing on
Gravel road side road
82

21. Pedestrian signs Road work signs
These signs warn drivers of These are usually temporary
pedestrians crossing the road. signs warning drivers to slow
down and drive carefully
because there are road works Workers on the road ahead
ahead. Consider the safety of
road workers when
approaching road works.
Pedestrians crossing
Left lane ends, prepare to move You may proceed slowly
(merge) into another lane
Children crossing
Slow down and be
prepared to stop
83

22. Direction signs ROAD MARKINGS Centre of the
These standard green signs
road lines
It is important to be able
with white lettering are Many roads are painted with
common throughout the state.
to ‘read’ the white or
broken white lines and single
They give information such as yellow markings on the continuous lines in the centre of
road names, destinations along road. Road markings can the road.
a route and distances to the
destinations.
create regulatory
requirements which you
must obey and are there
to provide a safer driving
environment.
FIGURE 6
Single continuous lines
84

23. FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9
Broken white lines Double continuous white lines Double white lines with a
broken line closer to you
In Figures 6 and 7 you must You must always keep left of
keep left of the lines and drive these lines. Do not cross them You may cross these lines to
as close to the left side of the to overtake or to do any turn. overtake, or to enter or leave
road as you can. You may cross You must not park opposite the road, but only overtake if
these lines to enter or leave the double continuous lines. the road ahead is clear.
road, but only overtake if the
road ahead is clear.
85

24. Lane markings Broken white lines separate
lanes of traffic going in the
same direction. You may change
lanes if you signal, and if it is
safe to do so. Remember, you
must give way to any vehicle
already in that lane. You must
drive with your vehicle
completely within a lane.
FIGURE 10
FIGURE 11
Double white lines with a
continuous line closer to you Broken white lines
separating lanes
You must always keep to the
left of these lines. Do not cross
them to overtake or do any
turn. You must not park
opposite the continuous
line side.
86

25. Roads without Special purpose
marked lanes lanes
Where there are no lane Special purpose lanes include
markings, if there are two or bicycle lanes, bus lanes, transit
more lines of traffic travelling in lanes and tram lanes. Signs
the same direction, you may and/or road markings are used
change from one line of traffic to set aside lanes for special
to another if you signal, and if it vehicles. If specified on the
is safe to do so. However, you signs other vehicles may use
may only pass another vehicle these lanes. Drivers must keep
on the left side when it is out of these lanes during the
turning right. times marked on the signs or, if
FIGURE 12
no time is specified, at all times.
Overhead lane signals However, you may travel in
these lanes for up to 100 metres
If overhead lane signals are in
(up to 50 metres in a bicycle
use, travel in the lanes over
lane), only when necessary to
which there is a green or white
do so, to enter or leave the
arrow. You must stay out of
road, or to avoid an obstruction
lanes with a red X.
or turning vehicle.
Some examples of special
purpose lanes are shown
FIGURE 13
on page 88.
87

26. Tram lanes Bicycle lanes Transit lanes
For trams and public buses only. For cyclists only, and for
During times specified on
(See Sharing the road with parking unless prohibited by
the signs, transit lanes are
trams, page 127). signs. If you need to turn left
for buses, taxis, motorcycles,
Bus lanes from the road, you may drive
trams and vehicles carrying
along the bicycle lane for not
For buses and other vehicles two or more people (T2 sign),
more than 50 metres only if it is
as specified on a sign. or three or more people (T3 sign).
necessary to do so. You should
(See Sharing the road with
be courteous to cyclists. You
buses, page 130).
must give way to cyclists in a
bicycle lane, and only move into
a bicycle lane when it is safe to
do so.
You may drive in a
transit lane for no more
HOT TIP than 100 metres if it is
necessary to make a turn.
88

27. Traffic lane arrows Painted traffic
islands
Arrows are painted on the road
at some intersections. They tell Traffic islands are sometimes
you the direction traffic in each painted on the road before a
lane must go. If two directions right turning lane. You can
are shown, you may go either drive over the painted island
way. You must not go in a or stop to wait on it, as long as
direction other than that there are no double lines
indicated by the arrows. outlining the island on the left,
but you must give way to any
Arrows may also be applied to vehicle in a turning lane or
bicycle lanes. Sometimes a entering a turning lane from a
‘head start’ area is provided so marked lane (see Figure 15 on
that cyclists can be seen by page 90).
drivers when stopped at red
traffic lights.
FIGURE 14
89

28. Give Way line Stop line markings –
markings – with or without
with or without Stop signs
Give Way signs
FIGURE 15
Red vehicle B must give way to FIGURE 17
green vehicle A FIGURE 16
Red vehicle B must give way to
Red vehicle B must give way to green vehicle A
green vehicle A
(See Giving way to vehicles at
(See Giving way to vehicles at intersections, page 95).
intersections, page 95).
90

29. TRAFFIC Traffic lights
CONTROLS AT
INTERSECTIONS
Half of all crashes
happen at intersections. Green means you may enter
Stay alert and obey the the intersection, but only if you
intersection rules. do not block the intersection.
Red means you must STOP.
Do not enter the intersection.
Yellow means STOP unless
you are unable to do so safely.
91

30. Traffic lights with arrows Traffic lights for trams,
Traffic lights with arrows make buses and bicycles
turns easier. If the arrow Some traffic lights signal a
pointing in the direction you white T or B on a black
want to go is red, you must background. These are used
stop; if the arrow is green you for trams and buses at some
may proceed in the direction it intersections. Some traffic
is pointing if it is safe to do so. lights may have red, yellow
You may turn right and green bicycle lights for use
by bicycles. Other road users
must wait for the normal
green light.
You must not turn right
You may turn left
Tram may go. Bicycle may go.
You must wait. You must wait.
92

31. Pedestrian signals GIVE WAY RULES
Turning vehicles must always To GIVE WAY means
There will be many times that if there is a danger
give way to pedestrians who are
when you are driving that that your vehicle could
crossing the road they are collide with another
turning into (whether or not your path crosses that of vehicle, person or animal
there is a green ‘walking figure’ you must slow down and,
other road users. When this if necessary, stop to
facing the pedestrian).
happens, one or more of avoid a collision. If you
are stationary, you must
the people involved must remain stationary until
give way in order to avoid it is safe to proceed.
a collision.
Traffic control signs
Here are some everyday
Stop and Give Way signs are
driving situations when
used for safety control at many
intersections and other places. you will be required to
give way.
(See Giving way to vehicles at
intersections, page 95).
93

32. Giving Way to In slip lanes At children’s crossings
Pedestrians You must give way to any (See Sharing the road with
There are a number of driving pedestrians in a slip lane. pedestrians, page 121).
situations when you must give
way to pedestrians. On the footpath
A SLIP LANE is an area When entering the road from a
At pedestrian crossings of road for vehicles driveway or adjacent land, you
turning left that is
You must give way to any separated, at some point, must give way to pedestrians
pedestrian on a pedestrian from other parts of the on any footpath, path or nature
crossing, and you must not road by a painted island strip you cross to enter the
or traffic island. road. You must also give way to
overtake another vehicle
which has stopped at a bicycles or other vehicles on the
pedestrian crossing. footpath, path or nature strip.
This also applies when leaving
At intersections the road to enter a driveway or
When turning left or right at adjacent land.
any intersection (except a
roundabout), you must give
way to any pedestrians crossing
the road you are turning into.
FIGURE 18
94

33. In shared zones When making a U-turn Giving way to
In a shared zone shared by both You must give way to all vehicles at
vehicles and pedestrians, you pedestrians as well as vehicles intersections
must give way to pedestrians when making a U-turn.
(see Speed limits, page 74). Stop or Give Way signs or
At tram stops lines at an intersection
At Stop or Give Way signs or
After stopping at a Stop sign or
lines not at intersections When passing a stopped tram
line, or when facing a Give Way
you must give way to any
You must give way not only sign or line at an intersection,
pedestrians crossing between
to vehicles, but also to any you must give way to any
the tram and the left side of
pedestrian at or near the sign vehicle in, entering or
the road.
or line. This would include approaching the intersection
pedestrians as well as bicycles except:
crossing in front of you on a • a vehicle making a U-turn
shared path.
• a vehicle turning left using a
slip lane
• an oncoming vehicle turning
right if that vehicle is also
facing a Stop or Give Way
sign or line.
95

34. Giving way at
When the law refers intersections (except
to VEHICLES, this T-intersections or
includes not only roundabouts)
motor vehicles but
also horses and If there are no traffic lights or
bicycles.
signs or lines at an intersection,
The Give Way rules apply you must give way to any
equally for these smaller vehicle on your right.
vehicles.
You could be charged
just the same for In Figures 20 to 23,
failing to give way to red vehicle B must give way
a horse or a bicycle FIGURE 19 to green vehicle A
as for failing to give
way to a truck!
Red vehicle B must stop and
give way to green vehicle A,
which is not facing a Stop or
Give Way sign
96

35. If you are turning right at an
intersection without traffic
lights or signs or lines, you
must also give way to
oncoming vehicles going
straight ahead or turning left
(except if they are turning in a
slip lane) as well as any vehicle
on your right.
FIGURE 20 FIGURE 22
FIGURE 24
FIGURE 23
Red vehicle B must give way to
FIGURE 21 green vehicle A
97

36. Giving way at These diagrams show how to
T-intersections give way at T-intersections
without lights or signs, or when
traffic lights have failed or are
flashing yellow.
A T-INTERSECTION is
where two roads meet
and one of them ends.
FIGURE 27
T-intersections may not In Figures 25, 26 and 27,
always form a regular T the red vehicle B must
give way to green vehicle A
FIGURE 25
The Give Way rule is the same
for all T-intersections. When
you enter the continuing road
from the road that ends, you
must give way to vehicles
travelling along the continuing
road. FIGURE 26
98

37. FIGURE 28 FIGURE 29 FIGURE 30
When you turn right The red vehicle must give Some T-intersections are
from the continuing road way to the pedestrian modified so that the continuing
into the road that ends, road goes round a corner.
you must give way to The road that ends is marked
oncoming vehicles by a continuity line and
Give Way or Stop lines or signs.
In Figure 30, the red vehicle B
is leaving the continuing road to
enter the road that ends at the
intersection. The red vehicle B
must give way to the green
vehicle A.
99

38. Giving way at
roundabouts
When entering a roundabout,
you must give way to:
• all vehicles already in the
roundabout
• all trams entering, or
approaching the roundabout.
Take care to look out for
motorcyclists and cyclists
already in the roundabout who
may be harder to see.
FIGURE 31
A roundabout sign
Always give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.
In this diagram, the red B vehicles must give way to the green
A vehicles. Enter only when there is a safe gap in the traffic.
100

39. Giving way on
A ROUNDABOUT is divided roads
an intersection with When a two-way road is divided
a roundabout sign
at each entrance, a by a median strip, a Give Way
central island and or Stop sign applies to the
one or more marked whole of the intersection.
lanes, or lines of traffic,
all of which have
vehicles travelling in
the same direction. A MEDIAN STRIP is a
You must always keep dividing strip on the
to the left of the road designed to
central island. separate vehicles
travelling in opposite
directions.
FIGURE 32
Cyclists and animal riders The red vehicle B must give way
to the green vehicle A.
In a roundabout, cyclists and
animal riders have the option of
turning right from the left lane,
but they must give way to
drivers exiting the roundabout.
101

40. Turning from a Other driving
divided road situations when
When turning from a divided you are required
road, you must obey the signs to give way
on the road you are turning
from. Normally a vehicle in U-turn
the same position as the red When making a U-turn you
vehicle B could continue if it is must give way to all other
safe to do so. However in vehicles and pedestrians.
Figure 33 the red vehicle B is
facing a Stop Here On Red Entering the road
Signal sign, therefore it must
stop until that signal is green. Whenever you enter the road
If there is no sign, you must FIGURE 33 from a driveway or adjacent
give way to traffic when entering land, you must give way to all
a road from a break in the vehicles and pedestrians.
median strip after turning.
Entering the traffic stream
Whenever you enter the traffic
stream from a parked position,
or through a break in a median
strip, you must give way to all
vehicles travelling on the road.
102

41. Changing lanes Zip merging
Whenever you change lanes If you are on a road where
from one marked lane or line of there are no lines marked and
traffic to another, you must the road is such that two rows
give way to vehicles already in of vehicles must merge into
that lane or line of traffic. This one, you must give way to any
includes whenever you cross vehicle which has any part of its
over any broken line marked on vehicle ahead of yours. This is
the road which indicates that a called zip merging. Note: if
lane ends, for example when you cross any lines marked on
merging into freeway traffic. the road, then you are not zip
Make a headcheck merging but changing lanes,
whenever you are and must give way accordingly.
FIGURE 34
HOT TIP changing lanes or pulling
out from the kerb, but don’t take Red vehicle B must give way
your eyes off the road ahead for When two lanes of to the green vehicle A
traffic merge into one
more than a second.
and there are no lane
markings, this is
sometimes called
ZIP MERGING.
103

42. Police directions TURNING Making turns
You must always follow
instructions from a member of Plan your turns well in Signalling your moves
the Police Force or authorised advance. Move into the Always use your indicators to
person rather than any other let others know you are about
correct lane long before
traffic control signal or rule. to turn or change lanes.
you need to turn.
Remember, road users The signal must be given for
can make mistakes about
Use the indicators to long enough to warn others
HOT TIP who should give way. give other road users that you are about to change
Never assume the other driver has plenty of warning. lanes or direction. You must
seen you or will give way to you. signal for at least 5 seconds
Always make eye contact, and when moving from a stationary
proceed carefully. position at the side of the
road or from a median strip
parking area.
104

43. Making right turns Making left turns
FIGURE 36
FIGURE 35 Right turns on multi-lane roads FIGURE 37
On some multi-lane roads,
To make a right turn you must: arrows painted on the road will To make a left turn you must
show you if right turns may also approach the intersection as
• approach the intersection as close to the left side of the road
be made from other lanes.
close to the centre of the as possible, but keep clear of
road as possible If road markings indicate how a any bicycle lane.
turn is to be made, you must
• turn just right of the centre Where there is a slip lane, you
make a turn as indicated by the
of the intersection. must turn using the slip lane
road markings.
(see slip lane definition, page 94).
105

44. advisable that you stay in the Hook turns
same lane as you go from one
road to the other.
Hook Turn signs are
Exception to the found at some
turning rules intersections in Central
Melbourne. The signs
Trucks or vehicles over may be at the side of the
7.5 metres long displaying a road or hung from tram
Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle wires, so be alert in
sign may use more than one checking for these signs.
lane to turn (see Sharing the
FIGURE 38 road with trucks, page 131).
Left turns on multi-lane roads
For a multi-lane road, arrows
painted on the road will show
you if left turns may also be
made from other lanes. But
look out for cyclists on your Hook Turn sign
left who may be going A driver turning right at an
straight ahead. intersection with traffic lights
If road markings allow turns and a Hook Turn sign must
from more than one lane, it is FIGURE 39
turn right by making a hook
turn as shown in Figure 40.
106

45. To make a hook turn,
you must:
1 Approach and enter the
intersection from as near as
possible to the left.
Turn and continue 2 Move forward, keeping
Wait here until straight ahead
clear of any marked foot
the lights in
the street you crossing, until your vehicle
are entering is as near as possible to the
have changed far side of the road that you
to green are entering.
3 Remain at the position
reached under Step 2 until
You must be in the
the traffic lights on the
left lane to make
a hook turn. road you are entering
Indicate that you have changed to green.
are turning right
4 Turn right into the road and
continue straight ahead.
FIGURE 40
Doing a hook turn – turning right from the left lane
107

46. A cyclist may make
a hook turn at any
intersection – not
just at hook turn
intersections.
No U-turn sign
• at an intersection where
there is a No U-turn sign
U-turns FIGURE 41
When making a U-turn Where there is no median, it
you must: is advisable that the U-turn be
made from the left side of the
• have a clear view of traffic in
road. Remember to watch out
either direction
for traffic approaching from No Right Turn sign
• complete your U-turn without behind you.
disrupting other traffic • at a No Right Turn sign
You must not make a U-turn: unless there is a U-turn
• signal your intention for a
• over double lines or where Permitted sign.
reasonable time
there is a No U-turn sign,
• give way to all other vehicles (if the sign is not at an
and pedestrians. intersection continue on until
you reach an intersection
before you make a U-turn)
108

47. Turning and one way roads
FIGURE 42
FIGURE 44
FIGURE 43
Where there is a median, the
Turning into one-way roads
turn must be made from the Turning from one-way roads
right lane. When turning left or right from
When turning left or right from a two-way road into a one-way
a one-way road into a two-way road, it is advisable to turn into
road, you must turn from a the nearest lane.
position close to the side you
are turning towards.
109

48. Making turns at Turning left Turning right
roundabouts Approach in the left lane and Always approach the
A roundabout is considered to stay in that lane. roundabout in the right lane.
be a special type of intersection, Signal a left turn on your Drive close to the centre of the
so different rules apply. The approach to the roundabout and roundabout and follow the right
Give Way rules on page 100 keep the signal on until you lane as you leave.
explain what you must do when have left the roundabout.
entering the roundabout and Signal a right turn on your
who should give way. approach, and signal left, if
Going straight ahead
practical, just before the exit
Sometimes, roundabouts have Approach the roundabout in the you are turning into, keeping
more than one lane. You need left or right lane. the signal on until you have left
to follow these rules about the roundabout.
turning left or right or going Drive in the same lane through
straight ahead. the roundabout.
Decide before you enter Do not signal on your approach
the roundabout if you are to the roundabout, but if
HOT TIP going to turn right, left or practical, signal left as you exit.
go straight ahead.
Cyclists and animal
riders may make a right
turn from a left lane.
110

49. Where arrow(s) are
marked on the road
before or in a roundabout
you must drive in the
direction of the arrow(s).
Make sure you obey them.
FIGURE 45
111

50. FREEWAYS Entering a freeway Exiting a freeway
As freeway speeds are • Adjust your speed as you • Watch for signs that tell you
drive along the entry ramp that you are approaching an
often high and the traffic to match that of the exit ramp. Exit lanes are
is heavy, there are special freeway traffic. usually on the left.
rules that apply when • Clearly indicate your • Maintain your speed and
driving on a freeway. intentions. signal your intention to exit
well in advance.
• Where there is a large
enough gap, merge smoothly • Adjust your speed once you
with the freeway traffic. have entered the exit ramp.
If you miss your exit, continue
travelling on the freeway until
you reach the next exit. You
should not reverse on a freeway.
112

51. Overtaking lane Stopping Tollways
Be extra alert on freeways as You must not stop on a freeway
traffic travels at high speed. except in an emergency. If you
TOLLWAYS are sections
You must not drive in the must stop, move to the of road where the driver
right lane unless overtaking or emergency lane or shoulder must pay to use it.
unless all lanes are congested. of the road and put on your Signs are displayed to
This rule also applies to the hazard warning lights. advise drivers that they
will soon be entering
right lane used by all traffic, if
Variable speed zones the tollway.
the lane to the right of that is a
transit lane. Electronic variable signs on
freeways indicate reduced
speed limits at high risk times.
A TRANSIT LANE is
marked by a Transit Lane
sign, and may only be
used by public buses,
motorcycles, taxis or
Start tollway sign
where applicable, vehicles
carrying at least one You are entering a tolled section
or two other people.
of road.
113

52. SHARING THE Co-operative driving
ROAD SAFELY We all have places to get to and
want to arrive there safely. The
As a driver you share the best way to make this happen is
road with many other to co-operate and help each
other. It doesn’t really hurt or
people:
waste any time to let somebody
in from a side street, when the
• other drivers of cars,
traffic is crawling along.
vans, trucks, buses
Other simple strategies include:
Advance warning tollway and trams
• not blocking intersections
entrance sign
• pedestrians • always using your signals
You are about to enter the when turning or changing
tollway from a non-tollway road. lanes
If you do not want to enter the • motorcyclists
• not following too closely
tollway, take the next exit.
• cyclists. behind
• smoothly controlling your
speed rather than driving in
a fast start/stop manner
• changing lanes correctly
• slowing down when
approaching road work sites.
114

53. Remember that co-operation is Co-operative driving Keeping your cool
not just limited to other car helps you to be a when driving
drivers. You are also sharing HOT TIP ‘green driver’. There
Road rage is dangerous and Co-operate to
the road with pedestrians, is a relationship between driving
illegal. It involves people losing
cyclists, motorcyclists, trucks, style and the impact your keep your cool
their cool, perhaps in response
buses and trams. driving has on the environment.
to a mistake or action of and you’ll be
Drive smoothly and avoid fast
There are times and places another driver. You can avoid
start/stop driving – you’ll save a winner
when co-operation is essential. road rage easily.
fuel and pollute less (and save
These include places where:
money as well!). Even better leave • The fundamental rule is don’t
• two lanes have to merge the car at home and walk, ride retaliate – it’s never worth it!
your bike or use public transport!
• the left lane ends • If you make a mistake while
driving, acknowledge it.
• extra lanes exist just before
and after intersections • Don’t take the mistakes of
other drivers personally -
• overtaking lanes or divided
remember it’s a mistake not a
roads end
personal attack.
• cars are parked and there is
• Keep your cool and keep
not enough room for two
your distance!
vehicles to pass.
• Drive cooperatively and
In these places, the need
consider the other people on
for co-operative driving is at
the road!
its greatest.
115

54. Sharing the road with Signalling your moves Here are some of the ways you
other motorists Before turning or changing can signal your intentions.
lanes you must signal for 1 Using your indicators
Keeping to the left long enough to give sufficient
warning to other drivers and You must use your indicators
On multi-lane roads with a
pedestrians. In 60 km/h zones, when:
speed limit over 80 km/h, you
must keep out of the right lane it is best to signal for at least • turning to the right or left
unless you are: 30 metres or about the length
of two houses and driveways • changing lanes or line
• overtaking before turning or changing of traffic
• turning right lanes. • overtaking
• making a U-turn Check that your indicator • making U-turns
is off after you have made
• avoiding an obstruction, or HOT TIP your turn or lane change
• pulling into and out of
– it may not have turned off by parking spots
• traffic is congested.
itself. If it is left on, other drivers • leaving a continuing road
You must also keep out of the will think you intend to turn. which curves to the left
right lane where a Keep Left
Before moving from a stationary or right
Unless Overtaking sign applies.
position at the side of the road • leaving a roundabout
or a parking area in the middle (if practical)
of the road, you must signal for
at least five seconds. • moving to the left or right
from a stationary position.
116

55. Watch other vehicles’ indicators 2 Using your brake lights
and make sure they are doing
what is indicated. Sometimes an Every time your foot touches
The ability to
indicator has not cancelled from the brake pedal, your brake
the last turn, or has been put on lights glow, warning other blend in with
too early. Make sure you drivers you are slowing down.
traffic comes
indicate in such a way that your Likewise, you will need to slow
signal cannot be misleading. down when the brake lights on with experience
the vehicle in front of you are
and reflects
glowing red. So give lots of
warning by braking early and an awareness
Use indicators even slowing gradually.
if there is no-one else of what
around – it’s the 3 Making eye contact
person you cannot other drivers
see who can be the As well as watching out for
most dangerous. reasonably
indicators, you can get an idea
of what another person might expect
do by making eye contact.
FIGURE 46 To make sure another driver
knows you are there, try and
These vehicles are signalling
make eye contact, especially at
their moves, but could be heading
intersections. Look at other
for trouble as vehicle A’s signal
drivers, they may well be
could be misleading.
looking at you to see that you
know they are there!
117

56. 4 Using your headlights High-beam headlights Don’t be dazzled by high-beam
and tail lights Headlights on high-beam Look to the left side of the road
Headlights help you to see at enable you to see further. and drive towards the left of
night. Headlights and tail lights Because headlights on high your lane if a car with high-
help others to see you in poor beam may dazzle the oncoming beams on is approaching. If
light conditions. Your headlights driver’s eyes, you must ‘dip’ dazzled by the lights, slow
and tail lights must be on them to low-beam when another down and pull over until your
between sunset and sunrise. vehicle is within 200 metres. eyes recover.
They must also be on in You must also dip your head-
hazardous weather conditions lights when driving 200 metres
where there is reduced or less behind another vehicle.
visibility.
If the street lights are
on, your lights should
HOT TIP also be on.
FIGURE 47
118