Rural road test

When American blues rock band Canned Heat sang “Going up the country” at Woodstock in 1969, their lyrics didn’t include road safety advice. We can’t write timeless songs, but we can help you with country driving road rules. Read on to see if you know the rules next time you’re going up the country.

Words: Andrew Rasch Illustrations: Mart Sands

1. What’s the maximum legal speed when overtaking another vehicle in a 110km/h zone?

A. 130km/h

B. 120km/h

C. 110km/h

D. No more than 20km/h faster than the other vehicle

2. In this overtaking lane scenario, which vehicle needs to give way?

A. The red car (in the left lane)

B. The blue car (in the right lane)

3. When travelling slower than other traffic and approaching a slow-vehicle turnout, which of the following is the most accurate?

A. You must move into a slow-vehicle turnout but only if there are three or more vehicles behind you

B. It’s not illegal to drive past a slow-vehicle turnout when faster vehicles are behind you but it’s inconsiderate

C. You can use the slow-vehicle turnout to park and take a rest break

D. It’s illegal to drive past a slow-vehicle turnout when faster vehicles are behind you

4. You’re driving on a regional road and a kangaroo jumps onto the road 50m ahead of you. What should you do?

A. Brake as hard as you can and swerve to avoid hitting the kangaroo at all costs

B. Reduce your speed gradually and safely to prevent or reduce any potential impact

C. Drive off the road to the left to avoid any vehicles coming from the opposite direction

D. Duck your head and brace for impact

5. Which of the following best describes a vehicle’s gross combination mass (GCM)?

A. The weight of a vehicle and its passengers

B. The weight of a vehicle, excluding passengers

C. The maximum loaded weight of a vehicle and any trailer, or trailers, it’s towing

D. The maximum weight of a caravan and its contents

6. You’re driving at 100km/h on a country road. If you look away for three seconds, what distance have you covered in that time?

7. You’re towing a boat or caravan in a country town, looking for a car park. You see a row of vacant spaces; how many parks are you allowed to occupy?

A. None – you can’t park a long vehicle in a country town unless there are long-vehicle bays

B. The minimum number of bays needed to park the vehicle

C. As many as it specifies on your long-vehicle parking permit

D. None – you can only park a long vehicle in a designated rest area

8. You’re approaching a level crossing, and you see this sign. What must you do?

A. Stop if you see a train approaching

B. Stop, but only if you can’t cross the rail line before the train reaches the crossing

C. Come to a complete stop, check for trains, then only proceed when clear

D. Drive through the level crossing unless the level crossing lights are flashing

9. You’re heading to the Flinders Ranges to stay at an outback station. When you turn off the main highway with a 110km/h speed limit, you notice the unsealed road to the station passes through a non-built-up area. What’s the speed limit on this road?

10. During a long drive, you only need a rest break every four hours.

A. True

B. False

How did you go?

1–3: You’d better read the road rules and have another go.

4–6: Getting there but study some more road rules before you head out too far.

7–9: Well done. You’re ready to “Go up the country”, but with care.

9–10: Excellent! You could teach a country-driving course.

Do you have a question about country driving?

Email RAA's road-rule experts at motoringroadrules@raa.com.au or call 8202 4570.

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