Road Users Handbook

MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRY (MVR)
Your guide to safely sharing the roads in the Northern Territory
August 2019
Road
Users’
Handbook
nt.gov.au
Road Users’ Handbook –

Your guide to safely sharing the roads
in the Northern Territory
Copyright © Motor Vehicle Registry
Published in Australia by the
Northern Territory Government
Fourth Edition August 2019
ISBN: 978-0-646-80432-3
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRY road users’ handbook i
Contents
DISCLAIMER VI LICENCES 2
Related publications..................................................... vii Obligations of licence holders....................................... 3
Introduction to the road rules..................................... viii The licensing system.................................................... 3
Important information.................................................... ix C class graduated licensing scheme............................ 4
Application forms..........................................................ix Licence classes............................................................. 5
Change of details..........................................................ix Medical fitness to hold a licence................................... 7
Privacy..........................................................................ix Organ donation............................................................. 8
Demerit points...............................................................ix How to obtain a class C learner licence........................ 8
Transferring an interstate licence...................................x Licence restrictions for class C learners..................... 12
Purchasing vehicles – third party interests....................x Learning to drive......................................................... 12
Purchasing a safer vehicle............................................xi L plate rules................................................................ 14
Photographs..................................................................xi How to obtain a class C provisional licence................ 15
You must carry your driver licence................................xi Licence restrictions for provisional
contents
class C drivers............................................................ 15
HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK 1 P plate rules................................................................ 16

ii nt.gov.au
ROAD SAFETY 18 Sharing the road with motorcycle riders...................... 38
Distractions................................................................. 19 Animals as vehicles – sharing the road safely............ 39
Mobile phones............................................................. 20 SAFE DRIVING 40

Television receivers and visual display units............... 20 Observation skills........................................................ 41
Speeding..................................................................... 20 Speed management skills........................................... 41
Driving on unsealed roads.......................................... 21 Crash avoidance space (road positioning).................. 41
Alcohol, drugs, medications and driving..................... 21 Crash patterns............................................................ 45
Fatigue........................................................................ 24 Hazardous situations.................................................... 46
Passenger safety........................................................ 25 Footwear..................................................................... 46
Night driving................................................................ 27 Driving at night............................................................ 46
Duty of care................................................................. 27 Lights.......................................................................... 46
If you are involved in a road crash.............................. 28 Driving in the rain........................................................ 47
If you witness or see a road crash.............................. 29 Animals and stock ...................................................... 47
First Aid and further assistance................................... 30 Breakdowns................................................................ 47
Sharing the road with pedestrians.............................. 30 Driver fatigue – long-range driving.............................. 48
Sharing the road with motorised wheelchairs............. 31 Four-wheel drive vehicles........................................... 49
Sharing the road with trucks and buses...................... 32 Overtaking lanes......................................................... 49
Sharing the road with cyclists..................................... 33 Driving with road trains and heavy vehicles................ 49
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRY road users’ handbook iii
Safe following distance: crash avoidance................... 51 Steering technique...................................................... 59
Single vehicle rollovers............................................... 51 Active driver assist systems........................................ 60
Skidding...................................................................... 51 Eco driving..................................................................... 61

Footbrake failure......................................................... 52
GENERAL ROAD RULES 62
Braking with anti-lock brakes...................................... 52
Speed limits................................................................ 63
Tyre blow out............................................................... 52
School buses.............................................................. 66
Shattered windscreen................................................. 52
Speed cameras........................................................... 66
Speed limits................................................................ 53
Safety cameras........................................................... 66
Towing caravans and trailers...................................... 54
Alcohol limits............................................................... 66
Road conditions.......................................................... 55
Drugs: legal and illegal................................................ 67
Bushfires and smoke.................................................. 56
Seatbelts and child restraints...................................... 68
Water on the road....................................................... 56
Police, fire and emergency services........................... 70
Bogged........................................................................ 57
Funeral processions or authorised processions......... 70
Basic driving techniques.............................................. 58
Intersections, give way and turning............................. 70
Driving posture............................................................ 58
contents
Priority for buses......................................................... 71
Seatbelts..................................................................... 59
Give way rules where there are no signs.................... 71
Airbags........................................................................ 59
Signalling (indicating).................................................. 75
Braking technique....................................................... 59
Turning........................................................................ 76
iv nt.gov.au
Median strips............................................................... 79 Warning triangles and safety vests for crashes

and breakdowns........................................................ 105
Traffic lights................................................................. 80
Stock signs................................................................ 105
One-way streets.......................................................... 81
Injured animals.......................................................... 106
U-turns........................................................................ 81
Variable message signs............................................ 107
Three-point turn.......................................................... 82
Temporary roadwork signs........................................ 108
Roundabouts............................................................... 83
Lanes.........................................................................110
Traffic lights................................................................. 85
Overtaking..................................................................114
Early warning signals – ‘Wig Wags’............................ 88
Overtaking cyclists.....................................................115
Red-light cameras....................................................... 88
Oversize vehicles.......................................................116
Cyclist and pederstrian signals................................... 89
Large, heavy turning vehicles....................................116
Road markings............................................................ 90
Bridges.......................................................................117
‘Keep clear’ pavement marking................................... 94
Parking.......................................................................118
Edge lines................................................................... 95
Lights and horns....................................................... 127
Audible lines................................................................ 96
Emergency vehicles.................................................. 129
Kerb lines.................................................................... 96
Railway level crossings............................................. 130
Cyclist and pedestrian crossing and refuges.............. 96
Towing....................................................................... 132
Traffic signs................................................................. 98
What to do after a crash............................................ 132
Warning signs........................................................... 100
Animals and vehicles................................................ 134
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRY road users’ handbook v
VEHICLE REGISTRATION 136 Drink driving.............................................................. 146
Vehicle registration and compulsory Driving without a licence........................................... 146

third party insurance................................................. 137 Fine defaults / unpaid fines....................................... 147
Driving an unregistered vehicle................................. 138
GLOSSARY 148
Vehicle inspections................................................... 138
Vehicle number plates............................................... 139 INDEX 156

Roadworthiness........................................................ 140 MVR offices and agencies.......................................... 162
Protrusions on the front of vehicles........................... 141 MVR contact centre.................................................. 162
Defect notices........................................................... 142 Main office locations................................................. 162
Before driving on the road (check)............................ 142 Feedback.................................................................. 162
PENALTIES 144
Traffic offences.......................................................... 145
Demerit points for traffic offences............................. 145
Speeding offences.................................................... 145
contents
Other serious driving offences.................................. 145
Negligent or dangerous driving

causing injury or death.............................................. 145
Hooning..................................................................... 146
vi nt.gov.au
disclaimer
This handbook is not intended to be used as a legal document. It is intended as a
guide only, and its aim is to set out, in simple form, the main legal requirements in
the Northern Territory that a driver is required to observe in everyday driving, as
well as other useful information for drivers.
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRY road users’ handbook vii
This handbook is not the law, but is a guide to some

of the laws relating to driving in the Northern Territory. Related publications
Be aware that: • Learner Drivers’ Guide
• The statements in this handbook are not precise • Motorcycle Riders’ Handbook
legal interpretations of the road traffic laws.
• Good Gear Guide for Motorcycle & Scooter Riders
• Any diagram, pictures or examples are included for
illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be • Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Handbook
definitive.
• Not every law is covered in this document.
• Laws are subject to change from time to time. The
information in this book is believed to be correct at
the time of original publication, but may not accurately
reflect the current law.
• This document only covers the Northern Territory
related publications
and while many laws and regulations are uniform
across Australia, some laws are different between
the jurisdictions. When driving/riding interstate please
familiarise yourself with other states’ road rules and
demerit point systems before you travel.
If you require a more detailed statement of the law,
Northern Territory legislation can be viewed on the
Northern Territory Government Internet site at:
dcm.nt.gov.au/legislation
The information in this publication is provided in good faith
and is believed to be accurate at the time of publication.
The Territory will not be liable for any loss sustained or
incurred by anyone relying on this information.
viii nt.gov.au
Introduction to the road rules

The Road Users’ Handbook is a plain English overview When driving interstate, please familiarise yourself with
of road and traffic legislation. It provides practical other states road rules and demerit point systems before
information on road rules as well as road safety tips, you travel.
low-risk driving techniques, vehicle registration and Remember, safe road use is a responsibility we all
penalties for driving offences. share, whether as drivers, motorcyclists, bicycle riders,
The handbook is essential reading for anyone learning to pedestrians or passengers.
drive, ride or upgrade a licence. Licence applicants may This publication is available for free on the
be asked questions in the Knowledge Test on any of the nt.gov.au website.
topics covered in this handbook. All sections should be
read carefully. It is also a good way for experienced drivers
to keep up to date with changes to road rules, and it is
informative for interstate or overseas visitors who want to
drive in the Northern Territory.
All road users in the Northern Territory are responsible for
their actions and are subject to the rules, regulations, fees
and charges as well as penalties that are outlined in the
following legislation:
• Motor Vehicles Act 1949
• Motor Vehicles Regulations 1977
• Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2008
• Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003
• Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations – Australian
Vehicle Standards Rule
• Traffic Act 1987
• Traffic Regulations – includes Schedule 3 – Australian
Road Rules 1999.
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRY road users’ handbook ix
Important information
Application forms Privacy
Application forms are available online at nt.gov.au and at The information you provide to MVR to obtain a
all MVR offices and agencies in urban areas and at police driver licence or register a vehicle is collected for
stations in remote communities. You can also complete the purpose of compliance with and enforcement of
and lodge them at these places. Northern Territory laws.
Locations and contact details of MVR offices and agencies The Registrar of Motor Vehicles is required to collect
are listed at the back of this book. personal information and does so in accordance with the
department’s privacy principles and guidelines.
Change of details For more information on privacy, see nt.gov.au or
visit one of the MVR offices or agencies listed at the
All licence holders and owners of registered vehicles must
important information
back of this book.
notify MVR within 14 days if any of the details recorded
against their licence or registration changes. Some
common examples are changes of name or address. Demerit points
The MVR must also be notified if a licence card or vehicle A demerit point scheme operates in the NT. All drivers are
number plates is lost, stolen, defaced or damaged, or if a subject to action against their licence if they reach their
vehicle is sold, disposed of or altered. demerit point threshold.
You can update your contact details online, over the phone A driver with a full (unconditional licence) has a threshold
or at any MVR office. of 12 points in three years.
For more information, phone the MVR information Learner and provisional drivers have a threshold of five
line on 1300 654 628 or visit the nt.gov.au website. points in one year.
If you reach your demerit point threshold, your licence
could be suspended.
Go online at nt.gov.au to view your demerit point tally.
x nt.gov.au
To check your current demerit point tally online you will In most cases, the same licence classes and conditions
need to have: will apply between Australian states and territories;
• your Northern Territory licence number – found on the however, there may be individual cases where items such
front right-hand side of your licence card as provisional requirements or other licence conditions are
not identical in all jurisdictions. In these cases, NT rules
• your current licence card number – on the back of will be applied when you transfer your licence.
your licence card in the bottom left-hand corner
Any demerit points accrued in other jurisdictions could
• your MVR Customer ID number – this can be found also affect your NT licence.
on the top right-hand side of your Driver Licence
Renewal Notice. If you are unable to find your MVR
Customer ID number you can phone the MVR contact
Purchasing vehicles – third party interests
centre on 1300 654 628 during business hours. Before you purchase a vehicle it is recommended that you
For more information about the NT Demerit Point Scheme find out if there is any third party interest in it.
call 1300 654 628, attend an MVR office or police station The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an
(in remote areas) or visit nt.gov.au. Australian Government initiative where a third party (banks
and financial institutions) can record a financial interest
Transferring an interstate licence against personal property, such as motor vehicles.
Drivers visiting from other Australian jurisdictions are The PPSR also provides current vehicle registration
considered NT residents after living in the Northern details and notes if the vehicle has been recorded as
Territory for three months and must transfer their interstate stolen or written off.
licence to an NT licence. To check the third party interests registered against
Exclusion from insurance or benefits reductions may apply a motor vehicle, visit the PPSR database at
if you are deemed a resident of the territory and have not www.ppsr.gov.au and conduct a motor vehicle search
transferred your interstate licence. by serial number (VIN or chassis).
If your interstate licence is current, transferring your

licence can be done at no cost. Any time remaining on
the interstate licence will be transferred to your new NT
licence, provided that the remaining time on your interstate
licence is not a longer period than you could have an NT
licence issued for.
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRY road users’ handbook xi
Purchasing a safer vehicle You must carry your driver licence

Before you purchase a vehicle, it is important you consider You must carry your current licence with you at all times
the level of safety it can provide in the unfortunate event of when driving or riding. A person occupying the front
a crash as well as its ability, through technology, to avoid passenger seat while supervising a learner driver must
a crash. also carry their current full licence.
ANCAP safety ratings are determined based on a series Failure to produce your licence on demand is an offence.
of internationally recognised crash tests and assessment
of safety features and technologies. Vehicles tested by
ANCAP are awarded an ANCAP safety rating of
between 1 to 5 stars (1 star providing poor protection,
5 stars providing good protection) indicating the level
of safety they provide in the event of a crash. Collision
avoidance technologies also form part of the overall
safety rating assessment.
important information
ANCAP recommends vehicles which have the maximum
5 star ANCAP safety rating.
ANCAP safety ratings are available for a wide range of
makes and models. Check the ANCAP safety rating of
your next vehicle at www.ancap.com.au.
Photographs
When you are issued with a NT driver licence, your
photograph will be digitally stored by MVR. The stored
image can be used for renewals of your licence for up to
10 years, as long as your appearance does not change
significantly during this time. Your photograph will need
updating every 10 years.
xii nt.gov.au
how to use
this handbook
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRY road users’ handbook 1
Section 1 – How to use this handbook

Learner drivers and riders must read this handbook • Section 6 – Vehicle registration: a brief explanation
section 1. how to use this handbook

thoroughly to be able to get a learner licence. Licence of vehicle requirements to register a vehicle.
applicants may be asked questions in the Driver • Section 7 – Penalties: an overview of the penalties
Knowledge Test on any of the topics covered in this for traffic offences.
handbook. All sections should be read carefully.
• Section 8 – Glossary: definitions of terms used in
Other road users can refer to the handbook to check the handbook.
current road rules or to refresh their understanding about
road safety and safe driving techniques. • Section 9 – Index: an alphabetical list of names and
subjects with page references.
You will see references to both drivers of motor vehicles
and riders of motorcycles and to driving and riding. For the • MVR offices and agencies: a list of Motor Vehicle
purposes of this handbook, the terms ‘driver’ and ‘driving’ Registry (MVR) offices and contact information.
also refer to motorcycle riders and to riding a motorcycle.
To make it easy to find what you are looking for, the
handbook has been divided into the following sections:
• Section 2 – Licences: overviews licensing
requirements for people to obtain a licence to drive
or ride on NT roads. Also useful for drivers planning
to upgrade a licence to drive a different vehicle, such
as a truck.
• Section 3 – Road safety: important information for all
road users on how to behave on the road to prevent
crashes.
• Section 4 – Safe driving: safe driving techniques and
behaviours and important information for all drivers.
• Section 5 – General road rules: a comprehensive
coverage of the main rules governing our roads.
2 nt.gov.au
If you’re going to
drink, don’t drive.
towardszero.nt.gov.au
licences
WHO’S YOUR SOBER BOB?
Sober Bob is someone willing to get you home safely: a mate, bus driver, taxi driver,
mum, brother, girlfriend or uncle. Sober Bob is about planning how you get home
before you go out. Remember to ask yourself, ‘Who’s Your Sober Bob?’.
Your responsibilities are clearly stated throughout this • show the skills necessary to drive safely
handbook, and it is expected that you will use any vehicle • obey the laws and drive responsibly
that you operate with safety, efficiency, courtesy and
common sense at all times. • pay a licence fee, which goes towards the administration
of the licensing system
Having a driver’s licence will increase your opportunities
for employment and recreational activities and can also • show that they understand the community’s concerns to
give you independence. However, do not forget that reduce the impact of traffic on the environment and to
it will also bring increased responsibilities. If you lose use the road system efficiently.
your licence by failing to meet your responsibilities, the The contract between you as a driver and the
consequences could be serious and many opportunities community can be broken by traffic offences that
will disappear. cause inconvenience, costs or suffering to others.
These offences carry penalties such as fines, licence
Obligations of licence holders cancellation, disqualification or suspension. In extreme
cases, the offence could lead to a prison sentence.
Think of your licence as a ‘contract’ or an agreement
between you as a driver and the rest of the community.
The Motor Vehicle Registry and the Northern Territory The licensing system
Police administer this contract.
section 2. licences
The Northern Territory licensing system helps to make
Your licence is also an important identity document and travel on our roads safer for all road users. It provides
should be kept safe at all times. Do not abuse your licence rules and conditions for licence holders and penalties
or allow it to be misused. There are heavy fines if you for drivers who do not meet their responsibilities. The
fraudulently alter or use a licence, if you lend a licence licensing system also ensures that licence holders have
to another person, or if you allow a licence to be used by the required knowledge and skills to safely operate the
another person. vehicle they are licensed to drive or ride.
Northern Territory roads are provided for drivers to use if To drive on public roads in the NT you must be licensed
they meet certain conditions. and have the correct licence class for the type of vehicle
you are driving.
Drivers must:
• show that they understand the road rules, most of which
are written in this handbook in plain English
4 nt.gov.au
To legally drive on public roads in the NT:

• you must have the right class of licence for the vehicle If you have been in the NT for more than
you are operating
three months and wish to continue to
• you must hold a current NT licence if you are an
NT resident
drive, you must apply for an NT licence.
• you must hold a current interstate licence if you are
visiting from interstate When your licence is checked
• if you are visiting from overseas, you must hold a Police can check your licence at any time, and they will
current licence from your country, and if your licence also check that you have the correct licence when:
is not in English you must also carry an International
Driving Permit or an official English translation of your • you are involved in a crash, whether you were at fault
overseas licence. or not
You cannot drive on public roads in the NT if you have: • you have been stopped because you committed a
traffic offence
• a licence that is expired
• you have been stopped for a random breath test either
• a licence that has been cancelled or suspended by a stationary breath testing unit or by a mobile breath
• had your driving privileges withdrawn in the testing unit.
Northern Territory
• been disqualified from driving by a court of law in C class graduated licensing scheme
Australia or overseas. The Northern Territory has a graduated licensing scheme
for new drivers. The scheme prepares inexperienced
drivers for a lifetime of safe and efficient driving.
Heavy penalties apply for driving a New drivers are required to pass both the learner and
provisional licence testing stages before obtaining a
vehicle without a licence. full licence.
A new driver will progress through four stages to obtain
a full licence.
Stage 1 If your licence is suspended or cancelled during your

provisional period, you will need to spend a longer time
with a provisional licence once your suspension is lifted,
or you will need to start the provisional period again if your
provisional licence is cancelled.
Pass the driver knowledge test to obtain a learner licence. At the end of your provisional period you can apply for a
full licence. Phone the MVR contact centre on 1300 654
Stage 2
628 or renew your licence online using MVR Quick Pay at
nt.gov.au (you may be eligible for a free 10 year licence).
Remember that learning to drive well requires lots of
experience that will only come with time and lots of
practice in different driving situations and conditions.
Practice driving, with supervision, for a minimum of six
consecutive months. Use every time you drive as an opportunity to learn, and
try to continue practicing with an experienced driver as
Stage 3 often as you can.
Licence classes
section 2. licences
DRIVING
TEST
The NT has different licence classes for the various types
of motor vehicles that use Northern Territory roads.
Pass the driving test to obtain a provisional licence.
To be allowed to drive or ride you must hold the correct
Stage 4 licence class for that vehicle.
The list below shows the type of vehicle you can drive
FULL under each class of licence.
LICENCE
Rider (R)
If you are under 25 years old, you will need to hold your • Any motorcycle or motor tricycle.
provisional licence for at least two years before you can
upgrade to a full licence. If you are 25 or older, your
provisional licence needs to be held for at least one year.
6 nt.gov.au
Car (C) Medium Rigid (MR)

• A vehicle that is no more than 4.5t Gross Vehicle Mass • A vehicle that has two axles and is more than 8t (GVM).
(GVM) • Can tow a trailer of no more than 9t (GVM).
• Holders of a C class licence may also drive some civil • Holders of an MR class licence can also drive any
construction and agricultural vehicles. vehicle allowed by an LR or C class licence.
Light Rigid (LR)

Heavy Rigid (HR)
• A vehicle that is more than 4.5t (GVM) but no more than
8t (GVM). • A rigid vehicle that has three or more axles, more than
8t (GVM).
• Can tow a trailer of no more than 9t (GVM).
• Can tow a trailer of no more than 9t (GVM).
• Holders of an LR class licence can also drive any
vehicle allowed by a C class licence • Can drive articulated buses.
. • Holders of an HR class licence can also drive any

vehicle allowed by an MR, LR or C class licence.
Heavy Combination (HC) Medical fitness to hold a licence

• A prime mover attached to a semi-trailer (plus any All drivers and riders must be medically fit to drive a
unladen converter dolly). motor vehicle and are subject to personal and legal
• A rigid vehicle towing a trailer of more than 9t (GVM). responsibilities and liabilities.
• Holders of a HC class licence can also drive any vehicle In reality, very few conditions prevent the issuing of a
allowed by a HR, MR, LR or C class licence. driver licence.
Northern Territory laws require all drivers or intending
drivers to notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles if they
have any medical condition (including disability, mental
illness or eyesight) that could affect their ability to safely
and legally drive motor vehicles. Health professionals
Multi Combination (MC) are also required to notify the Registrar if they believe
a patient's medical condition could affect their ability to
• Any B-double or road train.
drive a motor vehicle.
• Holders of a MC class licence can also drive any vehicle
The MVR is responsible for issuing, renewing, suspending
allowed by a HC, HR, MR, LR or C class licence.
or cancelling a person’s licence (including a conditional
section 2. licences
licence), and decisions are based on a full consideration of
relevant factors relating to health and driving performance.
If you have any questions about medical fitness to hold
a licence, please contact the MVR on 1300 654 628 or
consult your health professional for advice.
A medical condition does not necessarily

mean that you cannot be licensed.
8 nt.gov.au
Drivers with medical conditions Organ donation

When you apply for a licence, you must state whether your The place to register your intention to be an organ donor
medical condition could affect your driving. Depending on is the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR).
the condition, you may need to have an assessment of
your ‘fitness to drive’ carried out by a health professional. Organ donor information is available at www.
humanservices.gov.au or call 1800 777 203 for a
Certain medical conditions could require that you complete registration brochure.
an on-road driving assessment with an Occupational
Therapist who will assess your ability to drive in relation to If you would like more information before making
your medical condition. your choice, please contact Donate Life NT (the
organ donation agency for the Northern Territory) at
Many drivers with medical conditions find that they are www.donatelife.gov.au or phone 08 8922 8349.
allowed to drive, with conditions applied. For example,
it is quite common for some drivers’ licences to have a
condition that they must wear glasses while driving or How to obtain a class C learner licence
that they can only drive automatic vehicles. To obtain a class C learner licence in the NT you
can either:
Driving and dementia
• pass a Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) at an MVR outlet
The gradual and permanent loss of mental functions
caused by dementia will, over time, reduce a driver’s • or, enrol in the DriveSafe NT program.
ability to drive safely. In the early stages of this
Applying for a learner licence
condition, doctors, family and friends should discuss
alternative methods of transport for drivers showing You will need to lodge an application for a learner
signs of dementia. licence (Form L1) and satisfy the Evidence of Identity
and Evidence of Residency (EOI and EOR) requirements
Each person with dementia will have a different pattern
before attempting a Driver Knowledge Test for the
and timing of their reduced ability to drive as their
first time.
condition progresses, and some people may not need
to stop driving immediately. Individual assessment and
regular review are important, even though it is difficult
to predict the point at which a person will no longer be
capable of driving safely.
To apply for a learner licence you must: in the DriveSafe NT program your DKT will be completed
• be at least 16 years of age during that course.
• provide evidence of your identity (prove who you are) To prepare for the DKT you should study this handbook
carefully; all the information you need to pass the test is
• provide evidence of your residency (prove that you live covered in it.
in the NT)
You can test your knowledge of the road rules by taking
• pass an eyesight test the practice DKT on the website at nt.gov.au
• complete all the relevant sections and any additional When studying this guide, be careful not to skip any
requirements of the application form (Form L1). sections. All the information in this guide is relevant to you.
Details of the evidence of identity and residency
Where to go for the Driver Knowledge Test
requirements can be found at any MVR office or
on the website at nt.gov.au A DKT can be taken at any MVR office in urban areas or
at police stations in remote locations.
Once you have submitted your application for a learner
licence and had your photo taken, these details will be A DKT can be started up to one hour before closing at
recorded in the MVR database. most MVR offices. In remote locations, contact the police
station to arrange a suitable time to take a DKT.
section 2. licences
Renewal of a learner licence
On the day you go for the DKT, you need to provide a
If your learner licence is nearing expiry and you are not completed Licence Application Form (Form L1) and show
ready to sit the driving test to obtain a provisional licence acceptable evidence of your identity and residency. If your
you can re-sit the theory test to renew your learner licence identity documents do not meet MVR requirements, you
for another two years. If you wait until after your learner cannot attempt the DKT.
licence has expired to re-sit the theory test, you will also
need to wait another six consecutive months before you
can sit the driving test.
Driver Knowledge Test
The first step to getting a class C learner licence is
passing a Driver Knowledge Test (DKT).
You can attempt a DKT at MVR outlets in urban areas and
police stations in remote communities. If you have enrolled
10 nt.gov.au
How the Driver Knowledge Test works Applicants requiring assistance

The DKT consists of 30 questions, randomly selected from Special needs
a question bank of approximately 300. If you have special needs, such as a physical or mental
During the test you are not allowed to: impairment, you or your representative should discuss
• receive any assistance your needs for taking the test with the MVR before booking
a DKT. This allows time for the necessary arrangements
• refer to any resource materials that would help you to be made for you on the day of the test.
to pass the test (such as this handbook, other books,
notes, websites, mobile phones etc) Difficulty reading and writing English
• use a mobile phone or other communication device If you have difficulty reading or writing in English, you
can choose to attempt a verbal (spoken) test, with
• speak or signal to any other person (except the registry or without an interpreter. You can book a verbal test
officer when necessary) through any MVR outlet in urban areas.
• leave the test area. An interpreting service is provided by Interpreting and
People caught cheating will fail the test immediately and Translating Service NT (ITSNT).
be banned from taking another DKT for two weeks. If you are not an Australian resident or citizen, you may
need to pay a fee directly to ITSNT for this service.
Unsuccessful Driver Knowledge Test
Arrangements for verbal testing services can be made by
If you do not pass the DKT, you can try again as many
calling 1300 654 628.
times as you need to in order to pass it.
The next time you attempt a DKT you will be given a
different set of questions to answer.
You should only re-attempt the test when you are ready.
To check if you are ready, test your knowledge by taking
the practice Driver Knowledge Test on the website
at nt.gov.au
DriveSafe NT DriveSafe NT has been designed so that all elements of

the program can be completed over six-months in line
DriveSafe NT is a driver education and licensing program
with the current minimum learner licence period. However,
across the Northern Territory.
participants can take up to two years to complete the
DriveSafe NT equips Territorians with essential knowledge program.
of road rules, safe driving practices and attitudes.
If you already hold a current learner licence, you can still
It provides access to professional, modern driver training, enrol in DriveSafe NT.
supervising drivers and works towards being safer on our
For more information visit www.drivesafe.nt.gov.au, call
roads.
1800 121 411 or email drivesafeinfo.dipl@nt.gov.au
DriveSafe NT gives participants various subsidies
towards gaining their learner licence and progressing to a
provisional licence, including:
• course materials
• classroom based theory education
• licence fees
• test fees
section 2. licences
• subsidised driving lesson e-vouchers
• St John Ambulance NT online first aid course –
first@scene
• access to online tools to track and manage progress
Enrolment fees apply.
12 nt.gov.au
Licence restrictions for class C learners • Speed limit: You must not drive faster than 80 km/h
at any time, regardless of the sign posted speed limit,
As well as complying with all road rules and traffic laws, and you must observe the speed limit where it is below
there are some additional requirements for class C learner 80 km/h.
licence holders:
• Supervision: A person who has a full Australian licence
• Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC/BrAC): (not a learner or provisional licence or an overseas
Your BAC/BrAC must be zero. This means you must licence) must sit next to you at all times.
not have any alcohol in your system when you drive
a vehicle.
• Demerit points: Your licence will be suspended if you You are allowed to tow a trailer on a
incur five or more demerit points within 12 months.
• Displaying L plates: L plates must be clearly displayed
class C learner licence.
on the front and back of the vehicle. If towing a trailer,
an L plate must also be displayed on the back of
the trailer.
Learning to drive
• Licence: You must carry your learner licence at all times
while driving. Driving lessons
• Licence class: You can only learn to drive the type of How you are taught to drive is extremely important. For
vehicle allowed by your licence class. that reason, some lessons with a professional driving
instructor who is aware of modern driving practices and
• Mobile phone: You must not use any function of a
training techniques could be helpful.
mobile phone while driving, including hands-free or
loudspeaker options. All professional driving instructors in the NT that provide
driver training in return for payment must be registered.
• Seatbelts: You must make sure all people in the vehicle
Driving instructors are bound by the Conditions of
are wearing seatbelts or approved restraints.
Registration and the Code of Practice for Driving
Instructors in the Northern Territory.
For your own peace of mind, important factors in selecting Although there is no minimum number of supervised
a driving instructor include making sure the instructor driving hours required before a learner can get their
holds Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance provisional licence in the NT, learners are encouraged
and is fully qualified to provide the training you seek. to get as much practice as they can before moving on to
It is important that you find a driving instructor you are driving unsupervised.
comfortable learning with. If for any reason you are not
comfortable with your chosen driving instructor, you can
change instructors.
Learner drivers with 50 or more hours of
Supervised driving practice
supervised driving practice reduce their
While you are a learner driver, it is strongly recommended
that you get as much supervised driving practice as risk of crashing once they are on their
possible before going out on the road solo. Ps by about one third.
Even if you are having professional driving lessons you
will benefit from supervised driving between your lessons.
Ask parents, relatives or friends who are fully licensed to
take you out to practice each new driving skill. That way,
section 2. licences
you can maximise the benefits from each paid lesson and
minimise the cost of getting your licence.
The supervising driver must obey the following rules at
all times while the learner is driving the vehicle (including
parking practice):
• hold a current full driver licence (not provisional)
• be seated immediately next to the learner
• fully supervise the learner and take responsibility for the
learner’s actions—the licensed driver is deemed to be
the driver for most legal purposes.
14 nt.gov.au
L plate rules It is recommended that L plates are displayed vertically

on the vehicle—not facing upwards on the bonnet or boot.
150 mm Brackets for mounting L plates next to the number plate
can be purchased at most automotive supply stores.
Roof-mounted L plates do not replace the L plates that
must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle.
150 mm
Where an L plate is displayed in the window of the vehicle,
make sure that the angle of the window, any tinting or
louvers on the window or anything on the outside of the
vehicle (like spoilers or items in the tray of a ute) do not
obscure other road users clear view of the L plate.
L plates consist of a black letter ‘L’ against a yellow
L plates must not be displayed when the driver of the
background. The minimum size for L plates is shown in
vehicle is not a learner driver.
the diagram.
L plates must be displayed and clearly visible on the front
and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorcycles).
If you are towing a trailer, an L plate must also be
displayed on the back of the trailer.
The L plates must be easily seen by other road users and
must not block or obscure the driver’s view.
Appropriate placement of L plates on a car
How to obtain a class C provisional licence To attempt a practical driving test you must have:
To obtain a class C provisional licence (your ‘Ps’) you • held your learner licence for a continuous period of at
must successfully complete a practical driving test. This is least six months immediately prior to your test
a formal assessment to confirm your driving ability meets • your current NT learner licence with you
the minimum requirements to drive unsupervised. The • a registered and roadworthy vehicle of the correct
practical driving test is conducted by authorised examiners classification for the test.
or a police officer in remote areas.
Getting your provisional licence is based on your ability
to demonstrate consistent low risk driving techniques and If either the driver or a passenger
appropriate use of the ‘system of vehicle control’. That
means you must demonstrate:
of the vehicle does not have a working
• good observation skills
seatbelt, the test cannot be conducted.
• good speed management
You must present your practical test sheet and learner
• good road positioning
licence to the MVR to upgrade your licence to a
• maintenance of good crash avoidance space to the front, provisional before your learner licence expires.
section 2. licences
rear and sides of the vehicle, including when stopped
• hazard perception skills Licence restrictions for provisional
• certain low-speed manoeuvres
class C drivers
Further information about the driving test can be found In the Northern Territory, a provisional licence is for two
in the ‘Learner Drivers Guide’ and ‘A Guide to the Driving years (one year if you are 25 or older).
Test’. Both publications are available online at nt.gov.au. If at any time during your provisional period your licence
You must attempt your practical driving test at a location is cancelled, the full provisional period starts all over
nearest to your usual place of residence. In special again on reissue. If your provisional licence is suspended,
circumstances, you can ask for an exemption from this the period of suspension will be added onto your
requirement if you can demonstrate an alternative location provisional licence period.
within the Northern Territory; for example, if you are In some cases, the courts could order an additional
studying or employed full time away from home. provisional period when the licence holder is convicted of
certain traffic offences.
16 nt.gov.au
As well as complying with all road rules and traffic laws, P plate rules
there are additional conditions for provisional class C
150 mm
licence holders:
• Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC/BrAC):
Your BAC must be zero. This means you must not have
150 mm
any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle.
• Demerit points: Your licence will be suspended if you
incur five or more demerit points within 12 months.
• Displaying P plates: P plates must be clearly displayed
on the front and rear of the vehicle. The letter ‘P’ must
not be hidden. If towing a trailer, a P plate must also be A P plate consists of a red letter ‘P’ against a white
displayed on the back of the trailer. background. The minimum size for P plates is shown in
the diagram.
• Licence: You must carry your provisional licence at all
times while driving. P plates must be displayed and clearly visible at the front
and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorcycles).
• Mobile phone: You must not use any function of a
mobile phone or other communication device while The P plates must be easily seen by other road users and
driving, including hands-free or loudspeaker options. must not block or obstruct the driver’s view.
• Seatbelts: You must make sure all people in the vehicle It is recommended that P plates are displayed vertically
are wearing seatbelts or approved restraints. on the vehicle—not facing upwards on the bonnet or boot.
Brackets for mounting P plates next to the number plate
• Speed limit: You must not drive faster than 100 km/h, can be purchased at most automotive supply stores.
regardless of the sign posted speed limit, and you must
observe the speed where it is below 100 km/h. Where a P plate is displayed in the window of the vehicle,
make sure that the angle of the window, any tinting or
• Supervising a learner: You must not supervise a louvers on the window or anything on the outside of the
learner driver.
You are allowed to tow a trailer when on a provisional licence.

For information about how to obtain your class R motorcycle riders licence, refer to the
Motorcycle Riders' Handbook.
vehicle (like spoilers or items in the tray of a ute) do not If you want to drive a manual vehicle unaccompanied
obscure other road users clear view of the P plate. before the 12-month period is up you must pass the
If you are towing a trailer, a P plate must also be displayed driving test in a manual vehicle with a foot-operated clutch.
on the back of the trailer. Z BAC/BrAC (zero Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration)
P plates must not be displayed when the driver of the condition
vehicle is not a provisional driver. After completing your provisional period, you must
continue to observe the zero Blood/Breath Alcohol
Concentration (BAC/BrAC) requirements for a further
12 months or until you turn 25, whichever is sooner.
section 2. licences
Appropriate placement of P Plates on a car
If you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle

If you pass your driving test in a vehicle with automatic
transmission, you can only drive an automatic vehicle
during the first 12 months of your provisional licence. You
can drive a manual vehicle during this first 12 months if
you are supervised by a full licence holder.
18 nt.gov.au
road safety
KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE USE THE RIGHT CHILD RESTRAINT
Children under 7 years must be restrained in an approved child restraint or booster
seat whenever they are travelling in a car.
Always use the right child car restraint appropriate for your child’s age and size.
Northern Territory road users are three times more likely • Are you capable of driving in unusual or hazardous
to suffer an injury or fatality on our roads than any other conditions, such as off-road?
state or territory in Australia. In the 10 years from 2007 to • Is your vehicle roadworthy and registered?
2017, an average of 46 people died and 537 people were
seriously injured each year on Northern Territory roads. • Have you checked the road conditions?
A road ‘accident’ is never an accident. It is the result of the • For longer journeys, do you have a trip plan and have
combination of road user, road environment, risk factors you thought about how you will manage fatigue?
and decisions made that result in a crash that, in turn, Do a self-assessment each time you drive and if you are
results in trauma. not fit to drive, don’t!
Crashes are not uncontrollable events but have definite
causes and, by implication, can be avoided; 90% of all Distractions
road crashes are the result of driver behaviours, not the
vehicle or environment. Driving or riding is a complex task that requires the use
and coordination of many skills. There is much more to
Key factors that contribute to crashes and the severity driving or riding than being able to make a vehicle go, stop
section 3. road safety

of crashes include vehicle safety, roads and roadsides, or turn a corner.
vehicle speeds and road user behaviour (usually seatbelts,
alcohol and fatigue). It is important to stay focussed while driving and avoid
becoming distracted. If you become distracted while
Are you the safest driver that you can be? driving you could cause a crash.
Ask yourself the following questions: Distractions can include talking with passengers, using a
mobile phone, tuning the radio or changing CDs, listening
• Do you have a current and valid drivers licence for the
to music, smoking, eating or drinking, shaving, applying
type of vehicle you will be driving?
cosmetics or reading a map. Drivers can also become
• Do you have any medical condition or are you taking distracted by events happening outside the car.
any medication that could affect your ability to operate
a vehicle?
• Are you familiar with the vehicle you will be driving?
• Have you had any alcohol or taken any substances that
could affect your driving?
20 nt.gov.au
Mobile phones are less than ideal, for example, rain, heavy traffic or at
night, you could be speeding even if you’re driving at or
Drivers can only use a mobile phone while driving to make or below the sign posted speed limit.
receive an audio phone call or as a drivers aid (e.g. using your
phone for navigation). This is only permitted if the phone: There is no such thing as ‘safe speeding’. Some people
think that exceeding the speed limit by 5 to 10 km/h is
• is secured in a commercially designed mount fixed to the ‘acceptable’ speeding. This is a dangerous way to think.
vehicle, or Research has shown that even a small increase in speed
• can be operated by the driver without touching any part can greatly increase the risk of a crash.
of the phone.
5 km/h faster means 32 km/h on impact
Other similar communications that require you to touch
your phone, including emails, text messages, video Two cars are travelling on a road with a speed limit of 60
calls, video messages are not permitted. You can use a km/h. One car is travelling at 65 km/h and the other 60 km/h.
hand-held mobile phone while your vehicle is parked in a A truck unexpectedly appears across the road 38 metres
designated parking place. ahead and both drivers apply the brakes at the same point.
Learner and provisional licence holders are not permitted The vehicle travelling at 65 km/h will hit the truck at
to use a mobile phone in any form while driving. This 32 km/h and will likely suffer extensive damage. The
includes hands-free or loudspeaker options and texting. slower vehicle will be travelling at 5 km/h on impact and
will suffer much less severe damage.
Television receivers and visual display units
You must not drive a vehicle that has a television or visual
display unit operating and visible to you or drivers of other
vehicles. This does not apply to a driver’s aid in a secure
mounting, such as vehicle systems equipment, dispatch
system, ticket issuing machine, navigational system or rear
view screens linked to reversing cameras.
Speeding
A B
Speeding is travelling at a speed greater than the sign

The green car (car A) was travelling at 60 km/h, the speed limit, and
posted speed limit. You can also be speeding if you are hits the truck at 5 km/h. The blue car (car B) was travelling at
travelling too fast for the driving conditions. If conditions 65 km/h and hits the truck at 32 km/h
Speed limit signs

Speed limit signs show the maximum speed you are For more information on specific speed
allowed to drive in good conditions. You must not go faster limits, see Section 5 General Road Rules.
than the speed limit, but you can drive slower if you wish.
Driving needlessly slower than the sign posted speed limit
and conditions can be just as dangerous as speeding and
is an offence. Alcohol, drugs, medications and driving
Slow down in poor conditions Alcohol, drugs and medications can significantly affect
your driving skills and increase your risk of having a crash.
Driving conditions vary and can change quickly, so it is
important to slow down when road, weather and light It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol
conditions are poor. These conditions also include: or drugs, including some over-the-counter and
prescription medicines.
• road surfaces that are affected by gravel, oil, sand, ice,
mud or water There is a great similarity between the drinking driver
and the ‘drugged’ driver. Both are usually not aware of

• the time of day, the light, at night and in fog any impairment to their driving skills, alertness, capability,
• crests or curves and when vision is limited. vision or reactions.
On rural and outback roads and highways, look out for As a driver, you need to be alert and able to concentrate
stock and wildlife that can, and do, wander onto the road. on what you are doing so that you can react to whatever
is happening on the road around you.
Driving on unsealed roads When your doctor prescribes a drug you should ask
Take extra care when driving on unsealed roads (dirt and whether it could affect your driving.
gravel). Vehicles take longer to stop and are harder to Read the label on prescription medication and over-the-
control on unsealed roads. In these conditions, all vehicles counter products to check that they do not contain alcohol
are at risk of skidding, sliding or rolling over. (also known as ethanol) or a warning about possible
Dust on unsealed roads can severely reduce visibility and effects on your driving ability.
hide ruts and potholes. Putting your headlights on will help
other vehicles to see you through the dust.
Maintain a low speed because the road conditions can
change quickly and without warning.
22 nt.gov.au
How alcohol affects driving skills • Confidence up, judgement down, leading you to
believe you are OK to drive. You might take risks that
No one can drink alcohol without it affecting their ability to
you would not normally take. This can be extremely
drive a vehicle or ride a motorcycle or bicycle. You do not
dangerous because you may not be aware of how much
have to be drunk to be dangerous on the road. Although
your skills have deteriorated.
you might feel or look all right, your driving ability will be
affected if you have been drinking alcohol. Some people might show these effects after drinking only
small amounts of alcohol; others might display little or
Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, where it
no change in their appearance or behaviour. Regardless
travels to all parts of the body, including the brain. When
of this, no one can drink alcohol without it affecting their
it reaches the brain, alcohol acts like an anaesthetic. It
ability to drive in some way.
slows down and gradually dulls parts of the brain that are
needed for driving. Once alcohol is in the bloodstream, its Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
effects on the brain cannot be stopped or controlled.
The level of alcohol in your blood can be measured. This
The only thing that will reduce a person’s blood alcohol measure is called Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), and
concentration is time. it is measured by analysing a sample of blood or by using
a breath analysing instrument (‘breathalyser’) to measure
Effects of alcohol include:
the level of alcohol in the breath.
• Slower reaction time to triggers requiring action (e.g.
The results are expressed as a ratio of the mass of alcohol
a car approaching from a side street, traffic lights
(in grams) per volume (100 millilitres) of blood. In other
changing or people crossing the road).
words, a BAC of 0.05 means that there is 0.05 of a gram
• Poor judgment about your speed and the speed of of alcohol in each 100 millilitres of your blood.
other vehicles and in judging distances (e.g. other cars
might seem further away than they really are). Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC)
• Observation skills, such as visual attention and Just like BAC, the level of alcohol in your breath can
hearing, are reduced. After drinking alcohol, drivers be measured. The measure is called Breath Alcohol
tend to focus on the road straight ahead and ignore what Concentration (BrAC) and is measured by analyzing a
is happening in their side vision (e.g. they won’t hear sample of your breath.
or see things like cars approaching from side streets or The results are expressed as a ratio of the mass of alcohol
people crossing the road). (in grams) per volume (210 litres) of exhaled breath. In
• Poor coordination when trying to do more than one other words a BrAC of 0.05 means that there is 0.05 of a
thing at a time, especially in an emergency. gram of alcohol in each 210 litres of breath.
How to calculate your alcohol level is broken down by the liver. As a general rule, it takes
There are a number of reasons why it is difficult to have the liver about one hour to dispose of the alcohol in one
a general rule to determine a person’s blood alcohol level standard drink. This means that the BAC/BrAC drops
without testing. by about 0.015 per hour. While this amount differs
from person to person, a BAC/BrAC of 0.05 will take
People register different blood alcohol concentrations approximately three to four hours to reach zero.
depending on:
There is nothing you can do to make the liver work any
• their body size and shape faster – only time will help you to sober up. Nothing can
• whether they are male or female speed up this process. It is a myth that black coffee, a cold
shower, exercise, fresh air, vomiting or home remedies will
• how quickly they drank the alcohol
make a person more sober.
• how quickly their body gets rid of the alcohol
What is a standard drink?
• if they have eaten any food.
A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol; the amount
One person drinking a set amount of alcohol can also an average healthy liver can break down in one hour.

reach a different BAC/BrAC on different occasions.
Cans, bottles and casks state on the label how many
As a guide, males drinking more than two standard drinks standard drinks they contain.
in the first hour could cause their BAC/BrAC to go over
0.05, and only one standard drink per hour after that Care should be taken when drinking because glass
will keep it above 0.05. For females, any more than one and container sizes vary and, therefore, the number of
standard drink per hour could cause their BAC/BrAC to standard drinks can vary.
go over 0.05. Mixing alcohol with other drugs
Remember that the estimated BAC/BrAC for a standard The worst thing you can do when using any type of drug,
drink is only a rough guide. The effect of one standard including prescription and illegal drugs, is drink alcohol.
drink on someone’s BAC/BrAC will vary from individual
to individual. Many drugs will have a different and often worse effect
on your ability to drive if you take or use them and drink
How quickly does your BAC/BrAC fall? alcohol at the same time. The effects of combining drugs
Approximately 10% of the alcohol passes out of the body, and alcohol vary depending on a person’s physical
unchanged, through breath, urine and sweat. condition, activity level, the type of drug and the amount of
alcohol and drug consumed.
Most of the alcohol in the bloodstream (more than 90%)
24 nt.gov.au
When alcohol is combined with drugs, the effects can be There is nothing that will reduce the effectiveness of breath
completely unpredictable and dangerous. testing by these devices. Some people try to lower their BAC/
BrAC reading by ‘covering up’ the smell of alcohol on their
When can you be breath tested? breath (by using breath fresheners, smoking or eating mints).
The police can breath test drivers at any time. Police can However, this does not change the amount of alcohol in their
also test drivers who: breath and their BAC/BrAC will not be reduced.
• have been involved in a crash
• have committed certain traffic offences
Fatigue
• approach a random breath testing station Fatigue is a term used to describe the feeling of being
sleepy, tired or exhausted. It can lead to impaired
• behave in a way that indicates a driving impairment. judgement, slower reaction times and decreased ability to
Generally, the police will first require the driver to blow control a vehicle.
into a breath screening device, often referred to as a This is your body’s way of telling you that you need to stop
breathalyser, which will indicate if alcohol is present. and rest or sleep. The best way to avoid driver fatigue is
If you have a positive reading, or if it appears that you to make sure you have plenty of sleep before you set off.
are obviously affected by alcohol, you will be required to The only way to treat driver fatigue once you have already
submit to a formal alcohol evidentiary test. You may also started driving is to stop and rest until you are refreshed.
be requested to provide a blood sample for further testing. Driver fatigue can be just as dangerous as drink driving or
If you refuse the tests or are over the legal BAC/BrAC limit excessive speeding.
you could be charged with: Although it is difficult to identify and measure fatigue in
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) fatal crashes, it is widely believed that fatigue is under-
recorded as a factor in road fatalities.
• exceeding the legal BAC/BrAC limit
• refusing a breath/blood test. Facts about fatigue
Fatigue fact 1: Fatigue is generally associated with the
How does the breath test work? hours when you would normally be asleep. The risk of
If there is any alcohol in the bloodstream, a small amount having a fatal fatigue crash is four times greater between
passes through the lining of the lungs into the breath and the hours of 10pm and 6am because this is when your
is exhaled. As this bears a fixed relationship to the amount body is programmed to sleep. Your core temperature falls
of alcohol in the blood, the BAC/BrAC can be easily and your blood pressure drops so that at night and, to
calculated by taking and measuring a breath sample. some extent, during the afternoon, your ability to perform
tasks can be severely impaired. This includes your ability the effects of fatigue are as dangerous as the effects
to drive. Your circadian rhythms (natural sleep pattern) of alcohol on your driving. As you drive, watch for early
cause this type of fatigue and there is nothing you can do warning signs of driver fatigue:
to stop it. If you drive at night or early in the morning, your • yawning
risk of driver fatigue is increased.
• poor concentration
Fatigue fact 2: The average person needs about
eight hours of sleep each night to function normally. • tired or sore eyes
Teenagers need even more. When you reduce the • restlessness
number of hours you sleep at night you start to accumulate
• drowsiness
what is called a ‘sleep debt’. The only way to treat your
sleep debt is by sleeping. • slow reactions
Fatigue fact 3: Fatigue is caused by how long you have • boredom
been awake. It is estimated that the risk of crashing after • feeling irritable
being awake for 17 hours is equivalent to having a BAC/
BrAC of 0.05. After 24 hours it is equivalent to a BAC/ • making fewer and larger steering corrections

BrAC of 0.10, which increases your risk of having a • missing road signs
crash by 10 times.
• having difficulty staying in the lane
Fatigue fact 4: You have a high risk of suffering from
• not remembering the last few kilometres or minutes
fatigue after you wake up when you are still feeling groggy.
of driving.
This is called ‘sleep inertia’ and generally lasts between
15 and 30 minutes. Wait until you have overcome sleep If you notice these signs, it is time to Stop. Revive. Survive.
inertia before you drive. Regular breaks every two hours will help avoid fatigue.
Fatigue fact 5: The risk of driver fatigue increases with
the amount of time you have spent driving. To reduce Passenger safety
fatigue you should aim to stop for 15 minutes every two
hours. But remember, the only cure for fatigue is a good Passengers can be a positive influence in your vehicle
night’s sleep. by helping you to identify hazards and risky situations.
They can change CDs or act as a navigator when you are
Signs of driver fatigue travelling somewhere new.
Driver fatigue severely impairs your concentration and
judgement-it slows your reaction time. In fact, some of
26 nt.gov.au
Two or more passengers, however, could have a negative

influence and affect your driving. The noise and behaviour It is illegal to ride in the back of utilities
of passengers can distract you from the task of driving.
Some passengers might encourage you to take risks like and trucks or in the boot of a vehicle.
speeding or breaking road rules and try to pressure you
into high-risk behaviour.
It is your responsibility to drive safely and to obey the road Overcrowding is dangerous
rules. This could mean limiting the number of passengers It is dangerous and illegal to have too many people in your
you carry to make sure you stay in control. You could also vehicle, such as people sitting on the floor or on other
discuss your expectations with your passengers before people’s laps.
you set off.
The number of passengers in a vehicle cannot be more
Keeping inside the vehicle than the number of seatbelts in the vehicle.
All occupants of a vehicle must keep all parts of their body All passengers must be seated and wearing seatbelts or
inside the vehicle at all times. The only person allowed to other approved restraints.
extend an arm out of the window is the driver and only if
they need to give a hand signal to change direction, stop Seatbelts
or slow down. Drivers are responsible to make sure all passengers
You should only use hand signals if your indicators are not are properly restrained in a seatbelt or approved child
working, not clearly visible or your vehicle does not have restraint. There are fines and demerit points for a driver
indicator lights. who is not wearing a seatbelt or who does not ensure that
passengers use seatbelts where available.
Do not drive if:
Passengers aged 16 years and over who do not use a
• any part of a passenger’s body is outside the vehicle seatbelt will also be fined.
• there are passengers in or on a trailer, including a Child restraints
caravan or boat
Child restraints help to prevent serious injury and death to
• any part of your body is outside the vehicle, unless you children involved in a crash.
are giving a hand signal to change direction, stop or to
slow down. All children under the age of seven are required to travel in
a Standards Australia-approved child restraint suitable for
their age and size. It is mandatory when carrying a child in beam as soon as you see an approaching vehicle so you
a vehicle to have the correct restraint for the child. do not dazzle the driver.
See section 5 General Road Rules for the legal If the light of an approaching vehicle dazzles you, slow
requirements on child restraints. down and look at the edge of the road until your eyes
have adjusted or the vehicle has passed. If a vehicle
approaches you from behind with their high-beam
lights on, you can adjust your internal mirrors to avoid
A booster seat must be used with a lap being dazzled.
and sash seatbelt or an approved child
safety harness. Duty of care
No matter what the circumstances, the responsibility of
each road user is to avoid crashing or causing a crash.
Night driving A road user can be held accountable for a crash even if a
road rule was not broken.

When driving at night you need to be able to see and to
be seen clearly by others. Compared with daylight driving, The traffic laws and regulations are designed to ensure
visibility at night is extremely limited. Even with the best that the traffic moves in an orderly and safe manner.
street lighting combined with the most efficient headlights; People (road users) must not walk, drive or ride (a motor
your ability to see at night is significantly reduced. vehicle, bicycle or animal):
Before driving at night, make sure you have: • without due care
• good lights • without consideration for other persons.
• clean windows. If you are involved in a court proceeding, it is your
Isolated patches of light and then dark areas will strain responsibility to show that you took every reasonable
your eyes and cause them to constantly adjust, which care to avoid a crash or that you were proceeding in a
makes it difficult to see. reasonable manner.
In poorly lit areas, always reduce your speed and maintain All road users have a duty of care. We share the roads,
a careful look out for both pedestrians and cyclists. we share the safety.
If there is no street lighting and no other vehicles close by
then you can use your high beam. You must change to low
28 nt.gov.au
If you are involved in a road crash Give the required particulars to other people
If you are involved in a crash that causes injury to a Give your name and address, the registration number and
person or animal or that results in damage to property, you any other information necessary to identify the vehicle
must take the following action: you were driving/riding, and the name and address of the
owner of the vehicle if it is not yours, to:
Stop immediately
• any police officer
It is against the law to fail to stop after a crash. Penalties
• any other driver/rider
can include licence disqualification and prison.
• any injured person
See if anyone is injured
• the owner of any damaged property
A person involved in a crash must stop and render all
possible assistance, and, if necessary and possible, • any representative of these people.
get a message to Police, Fire and Emergency Services Obtain all details of the crash
(call 000).
Including:
Prevent further crashes
• estimated speeds of all vehicles
• Unless it is necessary to avoid further injury (like danger
• road and weather conditions
of fire, explosion, traffic or burns from hot pavement), do
not move seriously injured or unconscious people until • description of the damage and injuries
trained help arrives. • diagrams of positions and directions of vehicles
• Note or mark the position of your vehicle on the • the names and addresses of witnesses.
roadway, then move it clear of traffic if you can.
Report the crash to police:
• Ask bystanders to warn approaching vehicles.
• if any person is killed or injured
• Personal safety: do not stand on the roadway. Always
move to the footpath or to a place of safety. • if damage to any property (including an animal)
is caused
• if, for any reason, you do not give the required
particulars to other people
• if another driver’s/rider’s particulars are not given to you.
Reports to the police must be made as soon as possible Important things to remember if you are first on the
and, only in exceptional circumstances (such as having to scene of a crash:
go to hospital), not later than 24 hours after the crash:
• Do not remove a person from a vehicle unless they
• You must give the same information to the police as you are in immediate danger (e.g. if there is risk of explosion
have to give to other people involved, as well as the or fire).
date, time and place of the crash.
• Check injured people’s breathing and, if necessary,
• The police will also ask for details of other people and clear their airway by clearing any obstructions and
property involved. draining any fluid from their mouth and gently tilting
• The police are entitled to ask you questions about the their head back.
positions and speeds of vehicles before and at the time • Control bleeding by applying direct pressure on the
of collision, you are required to answer these questions wound (use a clean cloth or clothing, if possible).
unless doing so would incriminate you of any offence.
• Remember the possibility of spinal injuries; keep the
patient as still as possible.
If you witness or see a road crash

• Keep the patient as comfortable as possible (provide
During your lifetime as a driver it is likely that you will shade, warm blanket etc) until medical assistance
see crashes happen or be first to arrive on the scene of arrives.
a crash. Your actions on these occasions are vital - you • Call 000 for emergency services assistance.
might be able to save a life, prevent further injury, phone
for help or provide valuable assistance as a witness.
While there is no legal requirement to stop unless you are
involved in the crash, all drivers should lend assistance as
responsible citizens and road users.
If the situation is clearly in hand, keep going at a safe
speed. Do not stop or slow down to have a look; this is
extremely dangerous! People that stop at crashes or
slow down unnecessarily can add to the congestion,
get in the way of others providing assistance or cause
another crash.
30 nt.gov.au
First Aid and further assistance Sharing the road with pedestrians
Early intervention can save lives and lessen the impact As a driver, you are legally required to give way to
of injuries. pedestrians at crossings and when entering or leaving a
That makes First Aid skills valuable in road crash driveway. However, you should always be prepared to stop
situations, as well as if someone is involved in an for pedestrians.
accident elsewhere. Particularly vulnerable pedestrians are:
First Aid courses are available from the Northern Territory • the elderly
branches of both St John Ambulance and the Red Cross.
• children
St John Ambulance NT has also developed First@Scene,
an online First Aid course specifically to teach the skills • pedestrians affected by alcohol or drugs.
required to apply First Aid at the scene of a crash. Remember to drive slowly and be prepared to stop:
You can learn the basic skills and test your First Aid • at and near pedestrian crossings or traffic lights
knowledge at www.firstatscene.com.au
• wherever you see children walking, playing or riding bikes
While you must stop if you are involved in a crash, if you
come upon a crash and do not wish to stop and help • when entering or leaving a driveway
hasn’t already arrived, phone 000. • near clubs, hotels and restaurants
• near shopping centres and other busy places
• near schools, particularly when children are arriving
or leaving
• where there are parked cars or stopped buses,
especially school buses
• at intersections where pedestrians cross
• where special events are being held
• when visibility is poor, such as in rain, fog, at night or
dawn or dusk
• when approaching a stationary bus and passengers are
getting off or crossing the road
• when pedestrians cross the road away from pedestrian Pedestrians must use footpaths and nature strips where
crossings they are provided. Where this is not possible, keep to
• when pedestrians gather in large crowds. the side of the road and walk in the direction that faces
oncoming traffic.
Safety tips for pedestrians:
• before crossing the road – stop, look, listen and think Sharing the road with motorised
• never assume that an approaching vehicle will stop
wheelchairs
for you A person using a motorised wheelchair that cannot travel
• avoid crossing between parked cars or in front of buses over 10 km/h is defined as a pedestrian.
• cross at pedestrian crossings or traffic lights if possible Drivers should be aware that motorised wheelchairs have
the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians.
• keep to the left side on shared bicycle/pedestrian paths
Motorised wheelchairs can be difficult to see because they
• do not block out all surrounding sounds with head/ ear are generally below the height of an average pedestrian.
phones Although they can move faster than pedestrians, they are

• do not use a mobile phone when crossing a road much slower than other motorised vehicles using the road.
As a driver, you should allow for these differences and
• wear light or bright coloured clothing at night or in
take extra care.
reduced visibility conditions
• children up to eight years old should hold an adult’s
hand on the footpath, in the car park or when crossing
the road
• children up to 10 years old should be supervised in
the traffic environment and hold an adult’s hand when
crossing the road
• if you have been drinking, arrange a Sober Bob rather
than walking
• do not cause a traffic hazard or unreasonably obstruct
the path of a road user or other pedestrian.
32 nt.gov.au
Sharing the road with trucks and buses Turning trucks and buses sometimes take up more than
one lane at corners or on roundabouts. Make sure you
Trucks and buses are usually much larger than a standard give them enough room to turn; do not assume they can
vehicle. They are longer, heavier and more powerful. To stay completely in their lane.
share the roads with them safely, keep the following basic
principles in mind. Safety tips:
• do not pull in front of trucks when coming up to
Allow more room for heavy vehicles to stop traffic lights
Heavy vehicles need a long distance to stop. If you • do not overtake them when they are turning
are approaching an intersection or other hazard where
you could be required to stop, and a truck or bus is • do not drive in the blind spot of heavy vehicles
approaching, do not pull into their lane because it might (refer image below).
not have enough room to stop safely. • allow more room for trucks and buses to turn.
Blind spot area
Blind spot area
Crashes involving buses and trucks are more likely to cause serious injury or death, so take particular care around these vehicles.
B
C
Sharing the road with cyclists you are travelling, the more your tail wind will affect the
cyclist when you pass them.
Bicycles are classed as vehicles and, therefore, cyclists
have the same rights and responsibilities as all other road Where the road or lane is damaged or narrow, cyclists may
users. They deserve the same respect and courtesy. need to come into the road lane to ride safely. Be prepared
to slow down and allow the cyclist to travel away from the
Importantly, cyclists are vulnerable road users, so when kerb. Only overtake the cyclist when safe to do so.
driving, always keep a look out for them.
Cyclists are permitted to use the right lane to turn right or
When getting out of your vehicle, always check your rear perform a U-turn at a roundabout.
view and side mirrors to avoid opening your door into a
cyclist. It is an offence to cause a hazard to other road users Remember, you must leave at least 1 metre when passing a
by carelessly opening a car door or leaving it open, and you cyclist and 1.5 metres if you are travelling faster than 60 km/h.
could be responsible for any injury or damage caused. Safety tips:
Cyclists are allowed to ride side by side (up to two • Never assume a cyclist is travelling slowly.
abreast) on the road, so please be patient and overtake
• Do not cut in front of cyclists.

only when safe to do so.
• Do not turn in front of a cyclist travelling on the road
Cyclists cannot stop as fast as other vehicles, so never cut
shoulder.
in front of a bicycle or turn in front of a cyclist travelling on
the road shoulder. • Check for cyclists in blind spots, at corners, driveways
and intersections.
It is an offence to cut in front of cyclists at intersections. Do
not overtake a cyclist if you are planning to turn left at an • When exiting your vehicle, use your left hand to open
intersection close by. Be patient and wait until the cyclist is the door; this will force you to scan for cyclists.
safely out of the intersection. • Always allow cyclists room to move and only overtake
them when safe to do so.
Wider the rider
• Dip your lights when approaching or overtaking a cyclist
When travelling 60km/h or less, you must leave a minimum at night.
of one metre passing distance when overtaking a cyclist.
• Be aware of young cyclists, who can be unpredictable
When travelling over 60km/h, you must leave a minimum and lack road sense. Be especially careful around
of one and half metres passing distance when overtaking schools in the early mornings and afternoons.
a cyclist. If two cyclists are riding side by side, overtake
• Be patient; consider the cyclists safety and your duty of
the cyclists as you would a car. Remember that the faster
care to avoid crashing.
34 nt.gov.au
Be patient; consider the cyclists’ safety and your duty of care to avoid crashing.
1m
A driver may pass or overtake a bicycle when it is safe

to do so and if the motorist has a clear view of the Cyclists under the age of 17 must wear
approaching traffic.
Only when passing or overtaking a bicycle can motorists:
a helmet at all times.
• drive on or over continuous lines, or
The helmet must meet Australian Standard AS/NZS 2063.
• drive on a painted island
The helmet must be properly fitted and fastened. This rule
does not apply if the cyclist is aged 17 or over and riding
on a public place or path that is separated from the road.
However, it is always recommended that cyclists wear a
helmet when riding in the Territory.
Additional road rules for cyclists • ride the bicycle the way it has been designed to
be ridden
Just like drivers of a motor vehicle, cyclists need a sound
understanding of the road rules and must ride in a manner • ensure all passengers sit on a seat designed for them
that other road users will be expecting. • not carry more people than the bicycle is designed
to carry
When riding a bicycle, you are required to abide by all
the rules and regulations that govern the drivers of other • signal when turning right or merging into the right lane
vehicles. • give way to pedestrians and other vehicles when
Cyclists must ensure they have: entering a road
• stop and give way to any vehicle exiting a roundabout
• a correctly fitted, fastened and approved helmet on their
head, including passengers, at all times when riding • always use the on-road bike lane when riding on the
on the road (in the Northern Territory, this rule does not road and there is one available
apply if the cyclist is aged 17 or over and is riding on a • not ride alongside more than one other cyclist on a road,
public place or path that is separated from the road. except to overtake other cyclists when safe to do so

However, it is always recommended that cyclists wear a
• keep to the left when using a footpath or shared
helmet when riding in the Territory)
pedestrian / bicycle path and give way to pedestrians
• at least one effective brake on their bicycle
• not be towed by another vehicle
• a working bell or horn on their bicycle
• not ride within two metres of the rear of a moving motor
• a red reflector on the rear of their bicycle vehicle continuously for more than 200 metres
• a white reflector visible for at least 50 metres from the • not lead an animal on a bicycle from a leash or any
front of their bicycle. other kind of leading device.
Cyclists must: Cyclists may ride slowly across a road at a children’s
crossing, pedestrian crossing or marked foot crossing
• maintain control of the bicycle at all times while giving way to pedestrians.
• ride on the left side of the road Cyclists may ride across a signalised crossing only if
• ride in a predictable and considerate manner the crossing is showing a green bicycle and/or green
• ride with at least one hand on the handlebars pedestrian crossing light.
Blind spot area
36 nt.gov.au
Blindoffspot
It is an offence to ride with both hands the area
handlebars
or feet off the pedals, or to carry any load that prevents You are vulnerable when riding a bicycle
you from having control.
You must ride as near as possible to the far left side of the
on the road-take care and watch out
road. It is illegal and dangerous to ride on the right-hand for vehicles.
side of the road into oncoming traffic.
Cyclists can turn right at an intersection by making a hook
turn unless there is a sign to say that it is prohibited.
B
C
At night or in hazardous weather conditions, cyclists

must ride with: When riding a recumbent bicycle
• a white light that can be seen from at least 200 metres it is recommended that you use a
from the front of the bicycle
high-visibility flag on a pole to improve
• a red light visible for at least 200 metres from the rear
of the bicycle your visibility to other road users,
• a red reflector that is visible for at least 50 metres from cyclists and pedestrians.
the rear of the bicycle.
Shared Paths, Bicycle Paths and Bicycle Lanes Where a shared path crosses a road at a signalised
intersection, bicycle crossing lights can be installed to
All paths in the Northern Territory are shared
assist bike riders to cross the road in the same way
between pedestrians and bicycles unless a sign
that pedestrian lights assist pedestrians. Cyclists may
indicates otherwise.
ride across the crossing when the bicycle light is green.
When riding on a shared path you must keep to the Vehicles turning through the crossing must give way
left, unless it is not possible to do so, and give way to to cyclists using the crossing (when the bicycle light is
any pedestrian. green) in the same way that vehicles must give way to
When on a shared path and approaching someone from pedestrians when the pedestrian light is green.
behind, slow down and sound your bell or horn to let them
know you are passing.
When cycling on the road, you must use the bicycle

lane when there is one available. A bicycle lane can be
ONLY identifed by a road marking or a sign.
Shared path sign Bicycle only sign
You must not ride on a road or path if a ‘no bicycles’ sign

or road marking applies.
LANE
Bicycle lane sign
No bicycles sign
38 nt.gov.au
Sharing the road with motorcycle riders Safety tips for sharing the road with motorcyclists:
Like cyclists, motorcycle riders do not have a car around • Never drive in the same lane as a rider.
them to protect them from the impact of a crash, and they • When overtaking a rider, allow the same amount of
are also less stable than a car because they only have space as you would when overtaking a car.
two wheels. • Do not cut in front of a rider (they cannot stop as fast
Motorcycle riders are more likely to be killed in a road as a car).
crash than people in a car, so drive carefully around them. • Allow extra space while driving near motorcycles
because riders may need to slow down to avoid hazards
Motorcyclists are most at risk: such as flying debris, oil slicks or pot holes that a car
• on busy city roads – at intersections and when could drive through.
changing lanes • Look for motorcycle riders before you turn onto a road
• on rural and outback roads and highways – when riding because they won’t be as clearly visible as a car.
through bends. • Motorcycles can be easily hidden behind a truck or car,
so check your side and rear view mirrors and the blind
spot by looking over your shoulder before merging or
changing lanes.
• Dip your lights when approaching or overtaking a rider
at night.
Lane filtering
Motorcycle riders with an unrestricted class R licence
may safely lane filter between stationary or slow moving
traffic travelling in the same direction, provided they do not
exceed 30 km/h and it is safe to do so.
Always be on the lookout for motorcycle

riders; they are smaller than cars and
harder to see.
Animals as vehicles – sharing the There are some specific road rules in relation to animals:
road safely • You (or your passengers) must not lead an animal while
driving a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle.
An animal-drawn vehicle or an animal that is being
ridden is considered to be a vehicle under the road rules. At multi-lane roundabouts, riders of animals can turn right
A person riding an animal is considered a rider and, for or do a U-turn from the left lane, but they must give way to
most road rules, the term driver includes riders. any vehicle leaving the roundabout.
When animals are ridden or animal-drawn vehicles are • Riders of animals must give way to pedestrians on a
driven on the road or a road-related area, they must obey footpath or nature strip.
the same road rules as drivers of vehicles. • Riders must not ride alongside more than one other
Watch out for ridden, driven or led horses. rider, unless they are overtaking other riders or
droving stock.
When you come across horse traffic, remember:
• You must not ride an animal or drive an animal-drawn
• Horses can be unpredictable, so slow down and give vehicle on a clearway in the hours when stopping
them plenty of room.

is prohibited.
• Never sound your horn, rev your engine or pass a horse
at high speed.
• Slow down or stop if a rider looks to be having difficulty
with a horse.
40 nt.gov.au
safe driving
BE ALERT. BE SEEN. BE SAFE
Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users. Protect yourself by wearing the correct
safety gear and make sure you can be seen by other drivers. As a driver you share
the road, it is vital for you to stay alert and be aware of motorcycles.
Observation skills When you see potential hazards, slow down and
prepare to stop. Examples of potential hazards are when
The key to good observation skills is ‘scanning’. pedestrians are close to the road or when other vehicles
Scanning is keeping your eyes moving, and checking for could turn in front of you.
hazards in one area for a couple of seconds and then Slow down on wet or gravel roads where it will take longer
moving your eyes to another area. for your vehicle to stop.
When scanning, look: Your brakes should be your first line of defence against
road hazards. Avoid the impulse to swerve, because you
• in the distance
could lose control of the vehicle.
• at the road surface
When you need to brake, apply gentle pressure to the
• to your left and right brake pedal to start with. This will activate your rear brake
• regularly at your mirrors and instruments. lights and warn other drivers about your intention to slow
down or stop.
section 4. safe driving

Crash avoidance space (road positioning)
Tip: Look at the drivers of cars
A low-risk driver maintains what is called a ‘crash
approaching you rather than at the car avoidance space’ around the vehicle at all times. Crash
itself, because you will notice if they are avoidance space is simply the clear space needed around
a vehicle to reduce or avoid the risk of a crash.
distracted and can drive accordingly.
The crash avoidance space is managed by the driver
adjusting the vehicle’s speed and position on the road.
Speed management skills

Low-risk drivers drive at a speed that is within the speed Always check your mirrors before
limit and that will allow them to react and completely stop,
if necessary, within the clear distance ahead. If you cannot making any change to your speed
see at least five seconds ahead, you must slow down. or position.
42 nt.gov.au
Front Crash Avoidance Space As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes an object
at the side of the road, such as a power pole, tree or sign,
To determine the crash avoidance space to the front of
start a three-second count of ‘one thousand and one, one
the vehicle, you need to take into account two key factors:
thousand and two, one thousand and three’.
reaction time and response time.
There should be three seconds before the front of your
Reaction time is the time you as the driver needs to:
vehicle reaches the same object.
• see the information (the hazard)
• recognise what the information means
3 seconds
• decide on a response
• activate that response.
A driver who is fit, concentrating and alert and not
distracted or affected by alcohol, drugs or fatigue will still
require about 1.5 seconds to react to a hazard.
Response time is the time required to take action to avoid
the hazard. Generally, at least 1.5 seconds is needed to Potential for something to move into the crash avoidance space
respond.
The three-second gap can also be used in situations
In most situations, braking should be the only response. where there is potential for something to move into your
Swerving is rarely appropriate because it can result in crash avoidance space. For example, when a car in an
a more severe crash, such as a head-on collision if the adjacent street could fail to give way and pull out in front
driver swerves into the oncoming traffic. of you.
Therefore, you need a total of three seconds crash A safe, low-risk driver, experienced in maintaining a three-
avoidance space – a three-second gap between your second following distance, is able to mentally judge a three-
vehicle and the one you are following – to react and second crash avoidance space in front of their vehicle.
respond to a situation in front of you. You will need even If there is a chance that a hazard will enter your crash
longer in poor conditions, like in rain or darkness. avoidance space, reduce your speed to create a buffer.
How to calculate your crash avoidance space It is necessary to maintain the crash avoidance space for
all potentially hazardous situations, including blind corners
To calculate a three-second crash avoidance space when
and crests.
following another vehicle, use this basic technique:
Road positioning (buffering) it might be safer to stop closer to the vehicle in front,
such as when stopped in a turning lane to prevent
Position your vehicle on the road to increase the crash
blocking the flow of traffic in continuing lanes and avoid
avoidance space around all sides of your vehicle and
rear-end collisions.
reduce the risk of a crash (referred to as ‘buffering’).
Buffering is a simple concept that really just means moving Crash avoidance space when entering traffic
away from hazards.
When deciding when to enter or cross a line of traffic,
Buffering could include: such as when pulling into traffic or at an intersection, a
• using the left or second lane rather than the right lane to safe driver will not impact on the crash avoidance space of
reduce the risk from oncoming vehicles other road users.
• moving to the left of your lane at the crest of a hill to This means that when entering a line of traffic you should
create extra space between you and any vehicles or make sure there is enough space for you to enter the line
hazards that you might not be able to see on the other of traffic and accelerate to reach the speed of the rest of
side of the hill the traffic without other road users needing to adjust their
crash avoidance space.

• moving away from parked cars to avoid pedestrians and
doors opening
• moving to the right lane when passing hazards on the
left side of your vehicle.
Crash avoidance space when stopped
When you are stopped it is important to leave a crash
avoidance space between vehicles. Making sure that there
is a clear space between vehicles will reduce the risk of a
crash from being pushed forward into the vehicle in front
or from the vehicle in front rolling backwards. Crash avoidance space when entering traffic – turning left into flow
of traffic
Stop in a position behind other vehicles that allows you
enough space to steer around the vehicle in front if you
need to. This will not always be practical. In some cases
44 nt.gov.au
When turning left:

• Approach the intersection as far left as possible.
On roads marked with lanes, this means from the left
lane, or any marked left-turn lane. On unmarked roads
this means from as close to the left edge of the road
as possible.
• Make the turn staying as far left as possible. On roads
marked with lanes, do not change lanes within the
Crash avoidance space when entering traffic – merging intersection.
When turning right:
• Approach the intersection as close to the centre line
of the road as possible on unmarked and single-lane
roads. Approach in the marked right-turn lane on multi-
lane roads.
• While waiting to turn right across traffic, the wheels of
your vehicle should be kept straight. This will help stop
you being pushed into oncoming traffic if another vehicle
crashes into the rear of your vehicle.
Crash avoidance space when entering traffic – pulling out of car park
• Make the turn by steering to the right of an imaginary
centre of the intersection, or, if lane lines are marked,
Crash avoidance space at intersections
stay within the lane.
When approaching and making a turn at an intersection
• As you exit you must keep to the left of the centre of the
you must maintain your crash avoidance space and make
road, or within the same lane if lanes are marked.
sure your vehicle does not impact on the crash avoidance
space of others. This can be done by positioning your
vehicle correctly on the approach and when travelling
through an intersection.
Crash patterns 3. Colliding with another vehicle coming from the

opposite direction
Crash patterns for learner and newly licensed drivers
are different from those of experienced drivers. However,
most crashes fall within five main crash types.
Many of these types of crashes can be prevented if
the driver maintains the crash avoidance space and a
safe speed.
The five most common crashes are:
1. Colliding with the rear of another vehicle 4.Running off the road on a straight section and hitting an
object or parked vehicle

2. Colliding with the side of another vehicle
5. Running off the road on a curve or bend and hitting an
object or parked vehicle
46 nt.gov.au
Hazardous situations
Northern Territory roads range from good quality all-weather sealed roads to dirt
tracks. Distances between towns are large and there are many driving hazards and
conditions that are unique to the Territory.
Hazardous situations can arise at any time. Always be Keep your windscreen and headlights clean.
aware of what is in front of you, behind you and beside Be alert for pedestrians and animals that could be hidden
you. Use your rear view and side mirrors regularly to in roadside darkness or that could unexpectedly cross in
check what other road users are doing. front of your vehicle.
Always make sure that you and your passengers are Do not drive with the interior light on. Move the car off the
wearing seatbelts and that they are properly fastened. road and stop if you need to read maps or do anything
else with the interior light on.
Footwear Stop and rest if you feel drowsy or tired.
It is recommended that you wear enclosed footwear when
driving. Thongs and other footwear without an enclosed Lights
heel are not considered safe because they can interfere
with the operation of the foot pedals. It is a legal requirement to have your headlights switched
on when driving between sunset and sunrise and when
It is strongly recommended that enclosed footwear is worn weather conditions make it necessary.
when riding a motorcycle or moped.
High beam can be used on any road, but you must
dip your headlights to low beam when an approaching
Driving at night vehicle is within 200 metres, or when the other vehicle’s
At night time, including dusk and dawn, many serious headlights dip, whichever is sooner. You should always dip
crashes occur because of limited visibility and fatigue. your headlights when following another vehicle.
It is important to adjust your driving to night time Dip your lights before negotiating a crest or curve.
conditions. Your driving speed at night should be adjusted If your headlights are in a dipped position but you continue
to the range of your headlights. Drive so that you can stop to receive a ’dip your lights’ signal from approaching
well within the distance you can see.
drivers, you should have your lights checked. Badly Animals and stock
adjusted headlights can dazzle other motorists and can
lead to crashes. Many roads in the NT are not fenced, so you could
encounter large and small animals on the road, including
Do not look directly at oncoming headlights. Direct your birds, cattle, kangaroos, pigs and camels.
eyes to the left-hand side of the road and drive well to
the left. Beware of large birds and other wildlife feeding on road
kill; slow down and sound the horn if necessary.
If dazzled, you should slow down and, if you need to,
stop to regain your sight. Never swerve to avoid animals when travelling at speed;
this is a common cause of single-vehicle rollover crashes.
Instead, maintain straight and steady steering while using
Driving in the rain emergency braking procedures to slow down.
Rain makes it harder to see and harder to stop because Whenever possible, avoid driving at dawn, dusk and
the roads are more slippery than usual. after dark. This is when nocturnal animals and birds are
Water, oil and grime on the road also make the surface on the move.

very slippery. Wet conditions offer less grip for your tyres
and make braking more difficult. Breakdowns
When driving or riding in wet weather conditions: Slow down when approaching a vehicle that appears to be
• turn on your headlights; this makes you more visible to broken down; there could be someone trying to repair it or
other road users seeking help.
• slow down If your vehicle breaks down on the road:
• at least double the following distance between your • switch on the hazard lights or use some other device
vehicle and the one in front such as warning triangles, to warn other motorists of
• apply your brakes gently when you need to. Jamming on the hazard
the brakes could cause the vehicle to skid dangerously • get any passengers out of and away from the vehicle
• in heavy rain, it could be safer to move to the side of • push your vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe
the road, stop, switch on your hazard lights and wait out to do so
the downpour. • avoid working or standing on the traffic side of
your vehicle.
48 nt.gov.au
Driver fatigue – long-range driving

Driving long distances in high temperatures can
cause fatigue – one of the most common causes of
serious crashes.
Avoid driving for more than 10 hours a day.
Use rest areas and commercial facilities located at
regular intervals along major roads. Rest areas are located
every 80 to 120 km along major roads and are designed
for road users to stop and rest when tired.
Unless signposted, rest areas are not camping areas
and road users cannot stay in a rest area for longer than
24 hours.
Truck parking bays are for trucks and other heavy
vehicles – avoid using them if you are not travelling in a
heavy vehicle.
Stop and rest at least every two hours.

Four-wheel drive vehicles Driving with road trains and

Four-wheel drive vehicles are designed for both on and heavy vehicles
off-road conditions, which means they handle differently Unlike most other states and territories in Australia,
to a standard car. Four-wheel drives often have a higher the Northern Territory relies heavily on triple road
centre of gravity and can also be more affected by wind trains that can weigh in excess of 115 tonnes as a major
caused by other vehicles. form of transport. Road trains are used extensively
When travelling on unsealed roads it is recommended that between southern capital cities, Darwin and other parts
you engage four-wheel drive. of the Territory.
Make sure that you are familiar with how to drive the Road trains can travel at speeds of up to 100 km/hour,
vehicle and know when and how to use the various and can be up to 53.5 metres long.
accessories and features (such as locking front hubs and As a road user in the Northern Territory it is important that
engaging four-wheel drive). you are aware of how to safely use the roads with road
If you are travelling off the major roads, seek advice about trains and other heavy vehicles.

local conditions, make sure your vehicle is suited to the Stopping safely
terrain, make sure you have adequate equipment, water
and other provisions and tell someone where you are Do not cut in front of road trains or heavy vehicles when
going and when you will return. they are slowing down. They need more road space than
a smaller vehicle to slow down and stop. Be patient and
keep everyone safe.
Overtaking lanes
Overtaking lanes give drivers the opportunity to pass Do not overtake a turning vehicle
slower-moving vehicles. Road trains and other heavy vehicles need extra room
When driving on a road with overtaking lanes, you must when turning, so you need to be patient. Do not move into
always use the left lane unless you are overtaking. At the the blind spots to the left of the road train cabin or drive
end of the overtaking lane indicate clearly if you have to directly behind the trailer. If you cannot see the vehicle’s
move into the other lane, giving way to any overtaking mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
vehicle in the other lane.
When changing lanes at any time you must give other
road users sufficient warning by indicating clearly and give
way to any vehicles already in the other lane.
50 nt.gov.au
Roundabouts and traffic lights Overtake with care

Stay clear when behind a road train or heavy vehicle at Stay well back when behind a road train or heavy vehicle.
roundabouts and traffic lights. Road trains and heavy If preparing to pass it, be certain you can see enough
vehicles often make wide turns and sometimes need the clear road space ahead. When overtaking, indicate, move
entire road to manoeuvre. To reduce traffic disruptions, out and pass quickly but sensibly. Do not move back to
road train and heavy vehicle drivers often slow down your lane until you see both of the road train or heavy
significantly to avoid having to come to a complete stop. vehicle’s headlights in your mirrors, and do not slow down.
Only overtake when you are confident you can safely do
Road positioning so. Remember, road trains are very long and take longer
Like most heavy vehicles, a road train often uses the to overtake.
entire lane, so avoid travelling close to the centre line.
Stay to the left side in your lane to give yourself ample Single lane and unsealed roads
space, particularly if you are towing something. Park well When approaching an oncoming road train or heavy
clear of the roadway and use your parking lights during vehicle on a single-lane, sealed road, slow down,
times of low visibility. Be sure to use your hazard lights if gradually move off the road and drive slowly on the edge
you are in a hazardous position. of the road. On unsealed roads, slow down and safely
move to the left as far as possible. Keep your distance
Lights at night when travelling behind road trains and heavy vehicles on
Dip your lights when travelling behind a road train or heavy unsealed roads to allow enough visibility. Where dust or
vehicle, and always check your headlight alignment if your rain obscures vision, turn on your lights to help let other
vehicle is heavily loaded or towing a caravan or trailer. drivers know you are there.
Being overtaken
When being overtaken by a road train or heavy vehicle,
maintain your speed and do not move off the road. Only
slow down once the road train or heavy vehicle moves
out to pass you. When the road train or heavy vehicle has
passed, flash your headlights to let the driver know that it
is safe to move back in. If travelling with others, especially
if you are towing a caravan, leave enough space between
vehicles so that other drivers can overtake if necessary.
Safe following distance: crash avoidance Skidding

The recommended rule for ensuring a safe following Skidding can be caused by one or more of the following:
distance is to use the time lapse formula to set up a crash • excessive speed
avoidance space of approximately three seconds.
• sudden or excessive braking
Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed point on the road,
such as a road marking, tree or sign, then count the • harsh or excessive acceleration
seconds until the front of your car passes the same object. • a sudden or unplanned change of direction (such as
Reciting ‘one thousand and one’, ‘one thousand and swerving to avoid a hazard on the road).
two, one thousand and three’ is a good way to estimate
Factors that increase the risk of skidding are:
seconds. If you reach the object within two seconds you
are probably following too closely. This method applies at • oil or grease on the road surface
any speed. • painted line markings
If the road is wet or slippery, you should double the crash • loose, wet or slippery surfaces

avoidance space to at least six seconds.
• bald or excessively worn tyres
The driver of a long vehicle (longer than 7.5 metres,
including vehicles towing caravans) must not follow behind • faulty brakes.
another long vehicle at a distance closer than 200 metres. The risk of skidding also increases with wet surfaces
and on roads with a shifting surface, such as gravel.
Single vehicle rollovers Always reduce your speed in these situations.
Rollover crashes are a major cause of road fatalities in the Bald or worn tyres are also a major factor in skidding.
Northern Territory. These often occur when a vehicle drifts Make sure your tyres have a tread that is at least 1.5 mm
off the edge of the sealed road and the driver overcorrects. deep and that they are correctly inflated – over,- or
under-inflated tyres reduce grip on the road and can
If you do drift off the edge of the road, let the vehicle contribute to a skid.
gradually slow down, keeping the wheels straight and,
without braking, ease the car back on to the road.
52 nt.gov.au
Preventing skids can be as easy as ABC: Tyre blow out

• Accelerate smoothly If a front tyre suddenly deflates (blows out), the vehicle will
• Brake smoothly probably pull towards the side with the blown tyre. If it is a
• Corner smoothly. rear tyre, the rear of the vehicle will tend to weave.
If your tyre blows out:
Footbrake failure • do not brake suddenly
If the brake pedal sinks to the floor: • try not to overreact by over correcting with the steering
• push the brake pedal several times to see if enough • keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
pressure can be raised to temporarily operate the • brake gently to stop, keeping the car straight.
brakes
• if this doesn’t help, ease the handbrake on (with Shattered windscreen
the release button held in), increasing the pressure
gradually (sudden pressure can lock the back wheels Most modern vehicles are fitted with laminated glass,
and cause a skid) which means the windscreen will usually only crack
under impact and the driver’s vision will not be
• change to a lower gear (or ratio, if driving an automatic) seriously impaired.
• use the horn and flash the headlights to warn If the windscreen is only cracked, leave it in place and
other drivers. drive at a reduced speed with all windows wound up.
If all the glass shatters and you cannot see, slow down,
Braking with anti-lock brakes wind down your window so you can see and gently put
If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), do your foot on the brake to warn following traffic that you are
not pump the brakes when stopping in an emergency. about to stop. Come to a stop slowly and carefully. Stop as
close to the left side of the road as you safely can.
Anti-lock brakes help to prevent your vehicle from
skidding. In an emergency, keep the brake pedal pressed When you have stopped, close the demister vents and
down and steer away from danger. cover any external air inlet vents with paper or clothing.
This stops pieces of glass getting into the vents. Wrap a
thick piece of cloth around your hand or use a steering

wheel lock or other heavy object to punch out the rest of Where a 50 km/h (or other speed limit)
the windscreen. Try to avoid leaving glass on the road
surface because this could become a hazard for other default speed limit applies to a built-
motorists. Wind up all other windows to reduce discomfort up area, a sign is placed on each road
and continue at a slower speed to avoid blowing out the
rear window due to a build-up of pressure inside the car. approaching that locality.
Speed limits
A 110 km/h default speed limit applies on all rural roads
All Northern Territory roads have a speed limit. Always be and highways, unless otherwise sign posted.
alert and drive at a speed within the limit and that suits
the road, your vehicle, your driving experience and the A 130 km/h speed limit applies where sign posted on
weather conditions. sections of the Stuart, Barkly, Arnhem and Victoria
highways.
You should always drive at a speed that allows you to stop

for any hazards you could encounter on the road.
In built-up areas, a default speed limit

of 60 km/h applies unless the town has
gazetted a lower default limit. Many
communities across the NT have chosen
to gazette a default speed limit of
50 km/h or less.
54 nt.gov.au
Towing caravans and trailers Secure your load
Make sure your car and caravan or trailer are well Every year Australians are injured and killed in crashes
maintained and meet all legal and safety requirements. caused by unrestrained loads. Our roads are also
Pay particular attention to tyre pressure and tread, brake littered with plant material, plastic bags and other rubbish
system, lights and the coupling. for this reason.
Make sure that your load is evenly distributed and that the Crashes occur when:
caravan/trailer and car are not overloaded. • heavy objects fall from vehicles onto other vehicles
NT law says you must leave at least 200 metres between or pedestrians
vehicles over 7.5 metres in length (which includes cars • drivers swerve to avoid falling or fallen items
towing caravans and trailers) so that other vehicles, from vehicles
including road trains, are able to overtake.
• spillage on roads from lost loads causes vehicles to
When towing a caravan or trailer, pull over and stop skid and lose control
regularly to let following traffic overtake.
• unrestrained loads crash into vehicle cabins during
emergency braking
• vehicles overturn because of loads shifting
while cornering.
Whether you are towing a trailer or loading up a ute or Unsealed roads and dirt tracks can often have
truck, check your load is properly secured before you corrugations:- a series of regular bumps or ripples with
leave. shorts spacings in the road surface.
• Make sure your tarp is big enough to cover the load. Always be cautious when driving on corrugations and
• Do not cover your lights or number plates. slow down when rounding curves as speed may cause
loss of traction and control of your vehicle or trailer, and
• Limit the overhang from your load – keep as much of significantly increase your braking distance.
your load as possible within the trailer or tray.
Two-wheel drive vehicles can be driven on most gravel
• Do not overload the vehicle; make two trips if necessary. roads, while a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended
• Tie your load down securely. for dirt roads. In the wet season, some gravel roads will
require a four-wheel drive vehicle, especially at creek
• Remove or secure loose items that could blow away or
crossings and flood ways.
bounce out.
Dust on unsealed roads could obscure your vision and
More information on how to secure your load is available
conceal ruts and potholes; slow down or pull off the road

in the Load Restraint Guide at www.ntc.gov.au.
and stop until the dust settles. Leaving your headlights
on will help other vehicles see you through the dust.
Road conditions Slow down on corrugated surfaces as they can cause the
Sealed roads are accessible by all vehicle types and are vehicle’s wheels to bounce and lose traction. Watch for
generally well maintained and signposted. approaching vehicles throwing up stones that could break
your windscreen.
The edges on some sealed roads may be soft, so take
care if you leave the bitumen. Reduce speed before
nearing the road edge and be cautious of edge drop offs,
‘washaways’ and loose stones.
Unsealed road surfaces can vary from gravel roads to
graded natural surface (dirt) roads. Take extra care when
driving on unsealed roads with loose or shifting surfaces,
which is more hazardous than driving on bitumen
roads because controlling the vehicle and braking is
more difficult.
56 nt.gov.au
Bushfires and smoke • fast flowing water can make your car float. If in doubt do
not cross
In the dry season (between May and October) bushfires
are a common occurrence in the Northern Territory. • be alert for crocodiles as they inhabit many waterways
Bushfires can generate dense smoke that will reduce your in the north
visibility. When approaching a bushfire or driving through • wait until the water level drops.
smoke, slow down and switch your headlights on. Never Never attempt to cross a flooded road where there
overtake when driving through smoke and do not stop are ‘road closed’ signs or other traffic controls in place
unnecessarily as there may be another vehicle behind indicating that the road is impassable.
you. Stay to the left hand side of the road and be alert for
animals and hazards. If attempting to cross and you cannot see the line
markings or the road, use roadside markers and guide
posts to help you stay on track.
Water on the road After going through water, always check the brakes are
working properly. If water has reached the brakes they
Some roads in the Northern Territory are prone to flooding.
might not be as effective as usual. An easy way to dry
If you come across a flooded road:
out brakes is to drive for a short distance with your foot
• check the depth pressing gently on the brake.
• do not drive through water at speed- fast flowing water
can be like hitting wet concrete
• be aware that if you cannot see the road surface,
obstructions may be present or wash outs may have
occurred. If in doubt do not cross
Bogged
If your vehicle becomes stuck (bogged) in mud or sand,
try the following:
• engage 4WD if you haven’t already (don’t forget to lock
your hubs if need be)
• try reversing out
• let some air out of your tyres and try to drive out.
Remember once you’re out, pump your tyres back up
using your air compressor
• place sticks, bushes or other material under your tyres
and then try to drive out
• wait with your vehicle for another vehicle to come along

and pull you out using a snatch strap or load rated rope.
Do not use the tow ball as an anchor point.
If you are still bogged, stay with your vehicle until
help arrives.
On unsealed roads, slow down and drive

with more care than usual.
58 nt.gov.au
Basic driving techniques

The key to good driving technique is smoothness, and the secret to smoothness
is good preparation.
The steering wheel should be adjusted low, facing the

driver’s chest rather than the face.
Adjust the head restraint for your height. See owner’s
manual.
Keep your arms bent; thumbs should be on the rim of
the steering wheel.
Keep your knees slightly bent.
Have the seat fairly upright to fully support your back

and shoulders.
Sit deep in the seat with your backside against the back
of the seat.
Driving posture
When you first get in a car, take the time
to adjust the seat and controls to suit your
height and build. Correct driving posture
reduces fatigue, improves your control of
the vehicle and allows the safety features
of the vehicle to operate effectively.
Brace your body

using your left foot
Seatbelts Steering technique

For seatbelts to work effectively they should be adjusted There are two main steering techniques: ‘push/pull’ and
‘low, flat and firm’. ‘hand over hand’.
• Low – placed below your hips to fully secure your With the push/pull technique, one hand pulls the steering
body weight. wheel into the other hand. The right hand stays on the
• Flat – no twists, turns or folds. right half of the steering wheel; the left hand stays on the
left half.
• Firm – when you drive, pull the belt firm regularly to
remove any slack. With the hand over hand technique, the hands are
continually crossing over on top of the steering wheel.
Airbags Regardless of which steering technique you use, some

general rules apply:
Airbags are a supplementary restraining system (SRS)
• steering must be smooth and progressive
designed to be used in conjunction with seatbelts. To get

the most benefit from the driver’s airbag, the steering • keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel
wheel should be adjusted low, facing the driver’s chest and thumbs along the rim
rather than the face. • use your hands to slow down and guide the wheel when
it automatically returns to the centre position after a turn
Braking technique • reduce speed before steering and wait until the vehicle
Correct braking is done in two stages. First, put light begins to straighten before accelerating.
pressure on the brake pedal and pause (set up the
brakes), and then progressively apply the necessary
braking pressure (squeeze).
Two-stage braking (set up and squeeze) improves braking
effectiveness, reduces the likelihood of skidding and
provides better control.
Harsh or excessive braking pressure can cause skidding
and a loss of control, particularly on wet or gravel roads.
60 nt.gov.au
Active driver assist systems Electronic stability control (ESC)

Electronic stability control becomes active when sideways
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) slipping occurs. The ESC selectively applies the brakes to
Anti-lock braking systems control braking force to prevent individual wheels or changing engine power and helps the
the tyres from skidding under heavy braking or when driver to maintain their intended direction.
braking in slippery conditions. Some ABS cause the brake
pedal to pulse or shudder when activated, and although Emergency braking assist (EBA)
this may feel disconcerting, braking effort must be Emergency braking assist systems, also known as
maintained if the situation requires a quick stop. Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), provide drivers with
braking support during emergency situations. There are
Traction control system (TCS) many different brake assist systems. Some systems warn
Traction control systems stop the driving wheels spinning drivers of impending collisions, while more advanced
by reducing engine power or temporarily applying the systems automatically apply the brakes at maximum
brakes. This allows the vehicle to accelerate smoothly, efficiency when required.
even on slippery surfaces.
Eco driving
Driving in an eco-friendly way not only helps the environment by reducing fuel
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but it can help you save money.
Eco driving tips
• Only fill your petrol tank to the first click. This will • Do not warm up the engine before starting off.
allow for expansion of the fuel and reduce emissions. Modern vehicles do not need warming up, except in
• Use air conditioning only when necessary. Air cold climates and after long periods of non-use. Gentle
conditioning is most efficient when you are travelling driving is enough to warm up the engine.
above 60 km/h. • Maintain your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is

• Check the tyre pressure frequently. Under-inflated regularly serviced and has the correct amount of engine
tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption. oil and coolant.
• Turn the engine off when you are stopped for • Do not over rev your engine. When driving a manual
lengthy periods. vehicle, change gears at a lower engine speed (revs) to
avoid labouring the engine. When driving an automatic
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle. car use the correct pressure on accelerator to avoid
Remove objects such as roof racks and bike racks when over-revving on take-off.
not in use and do not leave heavy items, like golf clubs,
permanently in your vehicle. • Maintain a steady speed. Smooth acceleration and
deceleration will decrease fuel consumption.
• Do not speed. Stick to the speed limit because higher
speeds increase fuel consumption.
62 nt.gov.au
general road rules

SAFELY SHARING OUR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Road trains are big, heavy and can be over 50 metres long. They will always
take longer to stop so don't cut in front of them when they are braking.
Be patient and don’t compromise on safety.
Speed limits Maximum speed limit
Speed limit signs tell you the maximum speed you are You must not drive at a speed that exceeds the maximum
allowed to drive in good conditions. Where there is no speed shown on a speed limit sign for the section of road
posted speed limit sign, default speed limits apply. on which you are travelling. If in doubt, slow down.
No matter what the sign posted speed limit, you must not
Default speed limits drive at a speed that is careless, reckless or that could
In the NT, there are different default speed limits endanger other people.
depending on where you are driving.
Drive at a speed to suit:
section 5. general road rules

In built-up areas a default speed limit of 60 km/h applies,
unless the town has gazetted a lower default speed limit. • the traffic conditions
Many towns and communities across the NT have chosen • the type and condition of the road
to gazette a default speed limit of 50 km/h or less.
• the weather conditions
Where a 50 km/h (or other speed limit) default speed limit
• the capabilities of your vehicle
applies to a built-up area, a sign is placed on each road
approaching that locality. • your own driving ability.
The default speed limit outside built-up areas is 110 km/h; The maximum speed limit of 130 km/h applies on some
however, other speed limits apply in some areas. sections of the Barkly, Stuart, Victoria and Arnhem
highways as indicated.
Always look for and obey speed limit Drivers with speed restrictions
signs. Learner licence holders are restricted to a maximum

speed of 80 km/h.
Provisional licence holders are restricted to a maximum
speed of 100 km/h.
64 nt.gov.au
Drivers of heavy vehicles, such as buses of more than Areas without speed signs
five tonnes GVM or other heavy vehicles of more than
Some roads do not have speed signs, such as unsealed
12 tonnes GVM, must not exceed 100 km/h.
roads and roads in remote areas. In these areas you
Vehicles travelling under permit conditions can also have should drive to the conditions but not exceed the default
a maximum speed limit imposed. speed limit that would apply for the area or type of road.
Speed limit signs
There are two types of speed limit signs: regulatory and
advisory speed signs.
Regulatory speed limit signs have a white
background with the speed limit shown inside
a red circle. This is the maximum speed that
you are allowed to do on the section of road. End speed limit sign 60
It is illegal to drive faster than the posted
speed limit. Local traffic areas
Advisory speed signs have a A local traffic area is an area of local streets that has a
yellow background. These signs speed limit of 40 km/h. The lower speed limit provides
show the recommended maximum greater safety for all road users and lower noise levels for
speed in good driving conditions people living in the area. Look out for cyclists, pedestrians
for the average car. and children.
Advisory speed signs are often
placed before curves, bends
and crests.
AREA
Local traffic zone sign 40
Shared traffic zone School zone

A shared traffic zone is usually a street where pedestrians, A school zone is the area around a school with a
cyclists and other vehicles can share the road safely. maximum speed limit of 40 km/h. Between the school
These zones often have a speed limit of 10 km/h. Be sure zone and end school zone signs you must obey the school
to keep to the speed limit for the safety of all road users. zone speed limit.
When driving in a shared traffic zone you must give way to The school zone limit only applies on gazetted school
all pedestrians. days and during the times shown on the sign.

7 5
AM - PM
DAYS
Shared zone sign 10 School zone sign 40 End school zone sign 60
Work site
Where a road work speed limit sign is displayed, the
speed limit is enforceable and must be obeyed.
When approaching road works, pay attention to all signs
and obey reduced speed signs.
Road Work sign 40

66 nt.gov.au
School buses Safety cameras

Be particularly careful when passing stationary buses from Safety cameras use digital technology and are often
7am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 5pm. This is when children capable of detecting both speeding and red-light offences.
are travelling to and from school and there is likely to be Speed and red-light cameras are active across the
children around the bus. Northern Territory. These cameras are in addition to
School bus lights mobile speed camera vans that operate across the
Northern Territory.
Buses use signs and flashing orange lights to warn you
that they are picking up or setting down school children.
The lights begin to flash when the bus stops and the doors
Alcohol limits
are opened. They keep flashing for about 30 seconds after The laws in the NT limit the amount of alcohol you can
the doors close and continue even after the bus moves off. consume if you are driving a vehicle.
It is recommended that you do not drive faster than 40 Legal limits
km/h when flashing lights are displaying because there
could be children crossing or about to cross the road. Your blood/breath alcohol concentration (BAC/BrAC)
must be under the limit shown in the table on the following
If the bus displays a speed limit sign between the flashing page. Heavy penalties apply for driving with a BAC/BrAC
lights, you must not drive past the bus in the same on or over the limit. For more information, please see
direction at more than the speed shown on the sign while ‘Alcohol, drugs, medications and driving’ in section 3 of
the lights are flashing. Once you have passed the bus, the this handbook.
usual speed limit for that section of road applies.
BAC/BrAC limits
Speed cameras People with a zero BAC/BrAC requirement must not have
any alcohol in their blood at the time they try to start the
Fixed speed cameras are an effective and efficient means
engine, set the vehicle in motion or drive the vehicle.
of enforcement and a deterrent to speeding on specific
high-risk lengths of road. As a learner and provisional driver, you must not drive
after you have consumed any alcoholic drinks or food
containing alcohol.
The following table shows the BAC/BrAC limits for all
licence classes. You must stay below the limit for your
class of licence.
Licence classification Zero Under Drugs: legal and illegal

0.05 It is illegal to drive, attempt to drive or instruct a learner
Learner licence while affected by drugs.
Provisional licence Drug testing

Police can arrest you if they suspect you are driving while
Full licence (car or rider) on Z condition impaired by drugs. You will be subject to a roadside drug
saliva test and you can be taken to a hospital to give
Full licence (car or rider)
samples of blood and urine for drug testing.

Public passenger vehicle drivers In the event of a crash where someone is admitted to
(bus, taxi) hospital, blood samples are taken, which can be tested
Coach or heavy vehicle (over for drugs.
15 tonnes GVM or GCM) drivers
Medicines and over-the-counter drugs
Dangerous goods vehicle driver
Many prescription and some over-the-counter medicines
Fully licensed drivers from interstate can affect your ability to drive and could make you unfit
and overseas to drive. As a driver, they can affect your concentration,
mood, coordination and reactions.
Do not drive while taking medicines with a warning
label that tells you not to drive, and do not drive if
any medication has an effect on your ability to control
a vehicle.
68 nt.gov.au
Some medicines that can affect driving include: There are also laws about where children can sit in
• pain killers the vehicle:
• medicines for blood pressure, nausea, allergies, • Children under four years of age must not be in the
inflammations and fungal infections front row of a vehicle with two or more rows of seats.
• tranquillisers, sedatives and sleeping pills • Children from four to under seven years of age can
• diet pills only sit in the front row of a vehicle with two or more
rows when all other seats are occupied by children of a
• cold and flu medicines. lesser age in an approved child restraint.
Seatbelts and child restraints The ages specified above are a guide for the safety of
your child. If your child is too small for a restraint specified
Everyone in a vehicle-the driver and all passengers-must for their age, they should be kept in their current restraint
wear a correctly fitted and adjusted seatbelt. A passenger for as long as necessary.
must move to a seat with a seatbelt rather than sit in one
If your child is too large for a restraint specified for their
without a seatbelt.
age, they should move to the next level of restraint.
Child restraints
Approved child restraints must be properly fastened,
All children under seven years of age must be secured in adjusted and anchored. All child restraints should be fitted
an approved child restraint or booster seat when travelling in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
in a vehicle. The type of the restraint depends on the age
Look in your car manual for the location of anchorage
of the child:
points for child restraints.
• Babies under six months of age must be restrained in
a rear-facing restraint (baby capsule).
• Children between six months and under four years
of age must be restrained in a rear-facing or forward- A booster seat must be used with a
facing restraint.
• Children from four years to under seven years of
lap and sash seatbelt or an approved
age must be restrained in a forward-facing restraint or child safety harness.
booster seat.
• Children seven years of age and over must be
restrained in an adult seatbelt or a booster seat.
What type of child restraint to use? Seatbelts and child restraints in commercial passenger
Child restraints are available in a range of styles to suit vehicles (taxis, minibuses)
children of different sizes. Drivers of commercial passenger vehicles can be
Restraints are available for children up to 32 kg and/or fined and given demerit points for every unrestrained
10 years old. All child restraints should be fitted according passenger they carry under 16 years of age. Unrestrained
to the manufacturer’s instructions. When buying a child passengers aged 16 years and over travelling in a taxi will
restraint, look for the sticker certifying the child restraint also receive a fine.
meets Australian Standard AS1754. Taxi drivers and drivers carrying passengers for hire or
reward (commercial vehicle operators) do not have to

provide child restraints. However, they must ensure that:
• passengers occupy individual seating positions and are
appropriately restrained
• an approved child restraint is used if available
• passengers do not occupy the same seating position as
another passenger
• no passenger under four years of age sits in the front seat.
A child between four years and seven years of age should
only sit in the front row if all the other seats in the row or
rows behind the front row are occupied by passengers
who are also under seven years old.
All taxis and commercial passenger vehicles should have
an anchorage point that can be used to fit a child restraint;
Never put the seatbelt around both however, not all taxis will have a child restraint, so you
yourself and a child on your lap. may need to provide your own.
The child could be easily crushed,

even during heavy braking.
70 nt.gov.au
Exemptions Funeral processions or authorised

A driver reversing a vehicle does not have to wear a processions
seatbelt. A seatbelt must be used as soon as the vehicle
When driving you must not negligently or wilfully interfere
is put in forward gear.
with, or interrupt, the free passage along the road of any
Children under one year of age, travelling in commercial funeral cortege or authorised procession.
passenger vehicles can be nursed on the lap of a
You must not interfere with any vehicle or person
passenger over 16 years of age, if there is no child
apparently forming part of the funeral or procession.
restraint available. If a person is over one year of age they
must be in a seatbelt or a child restraint.
Intersections, give way and turning
Police, fire and emergency services It is very important that you approach an intersection
at a speed that lets you give way to any vehicles in or
When you hear a siren or see the flashing blue or red
approaching the intersection.
lights of an emergency vehicle (such as a police, fire
or ambulance vehicle) you must give way. This means Do not get caught in the middle of the intersection when
get out of the way so the emergency vehicle has a clear the lights change. You must stay on the approach side
passage through traffic. of the intersection until you see a space in your lane on
Generally, if you hear a siren or see the flashing lights, pull the other side of the intersection that is big enough for
over to the left until the emergency vehicle passes. your vehicle.
If you are pursued by a police vehicle, you must

immediately pull over and stop in the nearest safe location.
Police directions
Prepare to be stopped if you see:
• the police
• a police vehicle
• red/blue flashing lights
• the police using signs.
Police often give hand signal directions at intersections
and attend many incidents on the road. You must always Keep intersections clear at all times
obey any direction you are given from a police officer.
Priority for buses Give way rules where there are no signs
In speed zones of 70 km/h and under, a bus that displays ‘Give way to the right’ rule
a Give Way sign and signals that it is going to pull out
from its stopping place, has priority over other traffic The give way to the right rule applies when you are
travelling in the left lane or left line of traffic. approaching an uncontrolled intersection and there is
traffic approaching the intersection from your right.
Giving way to a bus Some crossroads have no traffic lights or signs. Generally,
When driving or riding on a length of road in the left lane if you are turning across another vehicle’s path, you must
or the left line of traffic, you must give way to a bus: give way (the ‘give way to the right’ rule).

• in speed zones of 70 km/h or below When turning at an intersection, you (car ‘A’ diagrams on
• if the bus displays a ‘give way to buses’ sign next page) must give way to:
• if the indicator lights of the bus are operating • oncoming vehicles going straight ahead (diagram 1)
• if the bus is about to enter or proceed in the lane or line • oncoming vehicles turning left (diagram 2)
of traffic. • any vehicle approaching on your right (diagram 3).
The driver of the bus is allowed to enter the lane or line of If you and an oncoming vehicle are turning right at an
traffic only if it is safe to do so. intersection, both cars should pass in front of each other
(diagram 4).
If other drivers do not give way to you, do not force them
or yourself into a dangerous situation.
You must also give way to any pedestrians at or near the
intersection on the road you are entering.
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Diagram 1. Car A must give way to car B Diagram 3. Car A must give way to car B
Diagram 2. Car A must give way to car B Diagram 4. Turning vehicles pass in front of each other
Stop signs and stop lines A stop sign or a stop line means you must give way
to all vehicles travelling in, entering or approaching the
Stop signs and stop lines (continuous line that crosses
intersection, whether vehicles are turning left or right, or
the road at the stop sign) are used at intersections to
going straight ahead.
control traffic.
You must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road
When you come to a stop sign, you must stop
into which you are turning.
completely before reaching the line and as close as
possible to the stop (continuous) line. Where there is Giving way at a stop sign means the driver must remain
no stop line, stop before reaching, and as close as stopped until it is safe to proceed.
possible to, the intersection.

Stop sign
Car A must give way to car B

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Give way signs and give way lines T-intersections

Give way signs and give way lines At T-intersections, the vehicle travelling on
(broken line) are used at intersections the road that ends (the terminating road)
to control traffic. When you come to a must give way to any pedestrians crossing
give way sign, you must slow down and or vehicles travelling on the road that
prepare to stop if necessary. Give way sign continues, unless otherwise signposted. T-intersection
sign
A give way sign or line means you
must give way to all vehicles travelling in, entering or
approaching the intersection, whether they are turning left
or right, or going straight ahead. You must give way to any
pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.
Giving way at a give way sign means the driver must
slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.
Where a stop or give way sign has been removed,
the line marked across the road has the same meaning
as the sign. Car A must give way to car B
This diagram (below) shows a T-intersection where the

continuing road (which is marked with broken white lines)
goes around a corner. Car B must signal to leave the
continuing road and enter the terminating road.
Car B must give way to car A

Car B must give way to car A
Signalling (indicating) Giving a signal does not mean that other road users must
give way to you or that you can change direction without
Signalling is communicating with other road users using taking care and giving way.
your vehicle’s indicators (or ‘blinkers’). You should signal
early enough to allow other road users to see your signal Make sure your indicator is turned off after each turn or
and act on it if required. lane change.
You must signal to let others know what you plan to do. If your indicators are not working, not clearly visible or
Give plenty of warning by signalling before you turn left your vehicle does not have indicator lights, you must give
or right or change lanes. a hand signal when turning right or stopping.

You are turning right. You are stopping or slowing down.
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Turning Right turns
Plan your turns early so that you are in the correct part of When turning right:
the road and have enough time to signal where you want • signal right
to turn.
• move as close to the centre line as possible
Left turns
• when turning on a multi-lane road, turn right from the
You must make a left turn from the left side of the road. right lane or a lane with an arrow pointing right. Turn
right only when it is safe
When turning left:
• in marked lanes, you must stay in the same lane as you
• signal left go from one road to another
• move close to the left side of the road • you must give way to pedestrians crossing the road into
• keep to the left side of the road you are entering which you are turning.
• use a slip lane where one is provided.
When driving on a multi-lane road, you must turn left
from the left lane or from a lane with a pavement arrow
pointing left.
Remember: When turning left or right

you must give way to any pedestrians
crossing the road into which you are
turning.

1. Left car can turn left into left lane or continue straight ahead.
2. Middle car can continue straight ahead or turn right in to middle lane.
3. Right car can only turn in to right lane.
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Plan ahead
You need to think ahead to stay in the same lane as you drive from one road to another. The diagram below shows a
situation that calls for planning ahead.
Car A needs to turn left into the road marked X. It is best to make the first right turn from the left lane to make it easy for
the next turn left into road X.
Car A and car B turning right with car A turning left after the first right turn
Follow the instruction of any road markings that show how the turn must be made. If there are no road markings, you
must make a right turn by passing as near as possible to the right of the centre of the intersection.
Median strips
When making a right turn through a divided road with a
median strip, you must:
• wait for a suitable gap in the oncoming traffic
• drive as far as you can into the central dividing part of
the road and stop until it is safe to continue
• make sure you obey all give way or stop signs or
traffic lights.

Before moving from a stopped position
you must signal for at least five seconds, In this diagram the green car gives way as the blue cars on the
checking mirrors and blind spots. main road have right of way. The blue cars must still give way to
any vehicles approaching from their left along the main road before
completing their U-Turn or right hand turn
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Traffic lights
When turning right at traffic lights:
• enter the intersection as shown in the diagram below, unless a sign indicates otherwise or there is a red right turn
arrow displayed at the traffic lights
• wait until oncoming traffic clears or breaks and then turn safely.
If the lights change to yellow or red while you are in the middle of the intersection, you are allowed to continue to turn
right. You must turn as soon as it is safe to do so. While you are waiting to turn, be sure your front wheels and car are
straight and not blocking the oncoming traffic.
Blue car enters the intersection to turn right

One-way streets
When turning right into a one-way street, you must turn as close as possible to the right side of the road you are entering.
When turning right from a one-way street, you must turn from as close as possible to the right side of the road.

Turning from a one-way street
U-turns You must start your U-turn from the lane nearest to the
centre of the road or, if there are no lane markings, the left
Take extra care when making U-turns because they can of the centre of the road.
be dangerous.
Before starting the U-turn you must make sure it is safe:
U-turns cannot be made: check mirrors and blind spots and that you have a clear
• where there is a ‘no U-turn’ sign view of any approaching traffic.
• across any single unbroken (continuous) line or double You must not start your U-turn unless you can make the
centre lines, whether or not one line is broken turn without obstructing traffic.
• at traffic lights, unless you see a ‘U-turn permitted’ sign Give way to all vehicles and pedestrians and signal before
at the intersection. you start to turn.
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Three-point turn
Three-point turns are used when a road is not wide enough to do a U-turn.
1 2 3
Because it takes longer to do a three-point turn, in heavy traffic or on busy roads it is often safer to turn around by driving
around the block instead.
Before starting a three-point or U-turn, signal, check mirrors and blind spots.
After completing the turn, signal and check mirrors and blind spots, before re-joining the traffic.
Roundabouts Making turns and giving way at roundabouts
Many intersections have a central roundabout. Please refer to the roundabout diagram on the
Roundabouts manage the traffic flow in roads with either following page.
a single lane or multiple lanes. Approaching a roundabout: vehicles entering a
roundabout must give way to any vehicle already in the
Signs identifying roundabouts roundabout.
These are the signs that are associated with roundabouts. Giving way at a roundabout: means the driver must slow
down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.

Turning left: you must approach the roundabout in the
left lane, signal left, stay in the left lane and exit into the
left lane.
Going straight ahead: do not signal when approaching
the roundabout. You can approach the roundabout from
There is a roundabout ahead Give way to vehicles on either left or right lanes (unless there are road markings
the roundabout with other instructions), drive in the same lane through the
roundabout and exit in the same lane.
Turning right: you must approach in the right lane, signal
right, stay in the right lane and exit into the right lane.
Do not drive on the central island of
Making a U-turn: when you use the roundabout to make
a roundabout unless the size of your a U-turn you must approach in the right lane, signal right,
vehicle means that you cannot avoid the stay in the right lane and exit into the right lane.
wheels crossing the central kerb. Exiting a roundabout: where practical you must signal
left when leaving the roundabout. The use of the left
indicator to leave a roundabout should occur just before
exiting the roundabout.
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Roundabouts and cyclists

Cyclists are allowed to turn right
from the left-hand lane. When
passing each exit, the rider must
give way to any vehicle leaving
the roundabout from that exit.
The rules for slowing down,
giving way and signalling
when approaching and exiting
at roundabouts are the same
for single lane and multi-lane
roundabouts.
Cars entering and exiting a four-lane roundabout

Traffic lights
You can proceed through the intersection or turn, if it is
safe to do so, unless:
Red means stop.
• a sign or signal such as a no right turn sign or a no Wait behind the stop line.
entry sign prohibits that movement
Do not go through the intersection.
• the intersection or the road beyond the intersection
is blocked.

If turning right, enter past the stop line and proceed as far
as possible without impacting on oncoming vehicles. Wait
within the intersection until it is safe to complete the turn. Yellow (amber) means stop.
You can only enter the intersection if you are so
You must give way to:
close that sudden braking might cause a crash.
• other vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection,
including turning traffic
• pedestrians if you are turning to the right or left
• vehicles from the opposite direction, if you are
turning right.
Green means proceed through the
Flashing yellow circle or arrow intersection carefully.
You can proceed with caution, obeying the ‘give way

to the right’ rule or the T intersection rule, whichever is
appropriate.
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Turning traffic lights Signs at traffic lights

Some traffic lights have arrows to control traffic turning No right or left turn
right or left. If you are in a turning lane, the arrows will
tell you when you can go or stop in the same way as a Standard or illuminated signs show when either a right
standard traffic light does. or left turn is prohibited. There are some areas that have
allowances for certain times of the day when you can and
cannot turn.
Where a time period (e.g. 7am to 10am) is displayed on or
Green arrow means you can only turn in that near the sign, it shows when the sign applies. If there is no
direction—you must not go straight ahead. time period, the sign applies at all times.
Red arrow means you must wait behind the stop

line until the arrow turns green, even if there is no
traffic on the road.

No left turn No right turn
Yellow (amber) means stop. You can enter the

intersection only if you are so close that sudden
braking might cause a crash.

Illuminated no left turn Illuminated no right turn
Illuminated signs are regulatory signs that apply when the

sign is illuminated and are used during peak traffic periods.
Left turn permitted on red light U-turns

You can turn left on a red light after stopping where You must not make a U-turn at an intersection with traffic
a ‘left turn on red permitted after stopping’ sign is lights unless there is a ‘U-turn permitted’ sign.
displayed. When turning left you must give way to all traffic
approaching from the right.
LEFT
TURN

ON RED
PERMITTED
AFTER
STOPPING No U-turn Illuminated no U-turn
Illuminated signs are regulatory signs that apply

Left turn on red light is only allowed at intersections where
the sign has been placed.
when the sign is illuminated and are used during peak
traffic periods.
PERMITTED
U-turn allowed
When making a U-turn you must give way to all other

traffic and pedestrians and not unreasonably obstruct
traffic approaching from the front or behind.
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Early warning signals – ‘Wig Wags’ Red-light cameras

A ‘Wig Wag’ is an early warning sign with flashing lights to Red-light cameras are used to photograph vehicles that
prepare drivers to stop when approaching an intersection. go through a red light. A penalty notice (fine and demerit
Wig Wag signs are located before an intersection on either points) is then sent to the owner of the vehicle, who has
side of the road to warn drivers that the traffic lights ahead the option to:
will change from green to yellow or red. • pay the fine
It is important to slow down whenever you see the Wig • advise NT Police, in the form of a statutory declaration,
Wags flashing, even if the traffic lights ahead are green. of the name and address of the person driving the
vehicle at the time of the offence
• advise NT Police that they want to have the case heard
by a court.
If you are crossing the intersection as the light changes
to yellow and it is not safe to stop, do not panic. Continue
driving through the intersection. The camera only takes
a photograph if you cross the stop line after the light has
turned red. Traffic already in the intersection or entering on
a yellow light will not activate the red-light camera.
Wig Wag
Cyclist and pedestrian signals Cyclists can cross at an intersection where the traffic lights
are red, if there is a green bicycle light.
When making a turn at an intersection, you must give way
to cyclists and pedestrians on the road into which you are
turning.
Where the traffic at the intersection is controlled by traffic
lights, there could be signals for cyclists and pedestrians
that show them when to cross. Pedestrians must Pedestrians can
Pedestrians
A pedestrian must press the button to activate the lights and not start to cross. must not start start to cross.

must cross only when the green pedestrian light shows. to cross but can
finish crossing.
Pedestrians must not cross when the red pedestrian light
shows and must not start to cross when the red pedestrian
light starts flashing.
PEDESTRIANS
s PRESS BUTTON WALK
WAIT
FOR WALK SIGNAL
PEDESTRIANS
PRESS BUTTON
s
WALK WAIT
FOR WALK SIGNAL
Pedestrian crossing at traffic lights

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Road markings
Painted arrows You must signal that you are going to turn even if the lane
Arrows are painted on the road to tell you which direction you are in is only allowed to turn in one direction. When
must be taken by traffic in each lane. When more than one you turn, stay in the same lane as you move from one
direction is shown, you can go in the direction of either arrow. road to the other.
Dividing lines When overtaking a cyclist you must leave a minimum

distance of:
Unless a sign tells you otherwise, you can cross any type of
dividing line when turning right at an intersection. You can • 1 metre when passing a cyclists in a 60km/h or less
also turn to the right across a dividing line to park in angle speed zone or
parking on the opposite side of the road or to enter or leave • 1.5 metres when the speed limit is over 60km/h.
a property (e.g. home or shops) by the shortest route.

Broken white dividing lines: can be crossed to overtake if the road ahead is clear.
Double white lines with a broken line closer to you: you can cross the lines to overtake if the road ahead is clear.
Remember, you must leave a minimum distance of 1 metre when passing a cyclists in a 60km/h or less speed zone or 1.5 metres when the
speed limit is over 60km/h.
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Double white lines with an unbroken (continuous) line closer to you: you cannot overtake across these lines.
Single white unbroken (continuous) line: you cannot overtake across this line.
Double white unbroken (continuous) lines: you cannot overtake across these lines.
Painted islands
You must not drive on a section of painted road that is surrounded by double lines.
You can drive on a painted island that is surrounded by single continuous or broken lines for up to 50 metres to enter or
leave the road, or to enter a turning lane that begins immediately after the painted island.

You must not drive on areas surrounded by double lines.
When you enter a turning lane from a painted island, you must give way to any vehicle already in the turning lane or
entering the turning lane from another marked lane.
You must not stop on a painted island.
In some instances, such as giving way to emergency vehicles or when avoiding an obstruction, you can drive on a
painted island regardless of the type of lines around the island.
94 nt.gov.au
Car B must give way to car A (giving way to a vehicle already in the turning lane or entering from another marked lane).
‘Keep clear’ pavement marking

‘Keep clear’ pavement markings are used in certain
places, such as outside ambulance and fire station exits,
KEEP
to make sure vehicles are not obstructed when leaving
on an emergency call.
CLEAR
You must not stop between the lines marked across
the road.
‘Keep clear’ pavement markings are also used at some
T-intersections to prevent queuing across the intersection.
Edge lines You can drive on, across or outside edge lines for up to
100 metres only if you are:
Edge lines can be broken or unbroken (continuous) and
are marked to keep traffic away from soft road edges • stopping
and breakdown lanes. They also help you see where you • overtaking on the inside of vehicles turning right or, in a
are going. one-way street, overtaking vehicles turning left
• turning off or onto the road by the shortest route
• turning left or right at intersections
• driving a slow-moving vehicle.

96 nt.gov.au
Audible lines Cyclist and pedestrian crossings

Audible lines are lines composed of a series of raised and refuges
pieces of material that create a noise or vibration if driven You must share the road with cyclists and pedestrians.
on by a motor vehicle. Special markings on the road show where cyclists and
These lines are used to warn drivers who veer over the pedestrians have special rights.
line that they have travelled outside their lane. You must give way to cyclists and pedestrians crossing the
road into which you are turning.
Kerb lines You must give way to cyclists and pedestrians, even if
Yellow lines painted near the edge of the road show that there is no marked pedestrian crossing or intersection, if
there are stopping restrictions and tell you what rules there is any danger of colliding with them.
apply to that particular section of road. Pedestrian crossings
Broken yellow kerb line Pedestrian crossings allow people to cross the road safely.
A broken yellow kerb line is a ‘Clearway’ line. These crossings are usually marked by white stripes on
the road and are also known as zebra crossings.
You must not stop at the edge of the road between the
hours shown on the Clearway sign except in a medical or Some pedestrian crossings have zigzag lines marked on
similar emergency. the road before the crossing. Take extra care when you
see a zigzag line on the road because this means you
Buses, taxis and hire cars can only stop on broken yellow are approaching a crossing you may not be able to see
kerb lines to pick up or set down passengers. because of a curve, crest or dip in the road.
Unbroken (continuous) yellow kerb line You must not stop on or within 20 metres before or
An unbroken yellow kerb line is a ‘no stopping’ line. 10 metres after a pedestrian crossing.
You must not stop for any reason except a medical or Do not overtake any vehicle that is stopping or has
similar emergency. stopped at a crossing.
Pedestrian refuges
A pedestrian refuge is an island in the middle of the road.
The island allows pedestrians to cross the road in two
stages. When you are approaching a pedestrian refuge
you should always look out for pedestrians.

Do not overtake any vehicle that is stopping or has stopped at a crossing.
Pelican crossings Children’s crossings

A pelican crossing is a special kind of pedestrian crossing These crossings operate before, during and after school
controlled by traffic lights. hours on school days. They are highlighted by red flags
The traffic lights for drivers have a different colour with the words ‘children crossing’ on them.
sequence to other situations. When the flags are displayed you must slow down and
After the red light, the traffic lights for drivers start to flash stop before the stop line if a pedestrian is on or entering
yellow. At the same time, the pedestrians see a flashing the crossing. You must not proceed until all pedestrians
red ‘don’t walk’ sign. When the flashing yellow signal have left the crossing.
starts you can drive carefully through the crossing if there You must not stop on or within 20 metres before or
is no risk of hitting a pedestrian. 10 metres after a children’s crossing.
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Combined children’s and pedestrian crossing Traffic signs

Some pedestrian crossings are used as children’s Traffic signs warn you of possible dangers and provide
crossings at some times during the day. information. They tell you what the rules are and what the
When ‘children crossing’ flags are displayed, this means road conditions are like.
that the children’s crossing is operating and the rules for a
children’s crossing apply. Regulatory signs
When the flags are not displayed, the crossing operates Regulatory signs inform road users of traffic laws or
as a normal pedestrian crossing. regulations. It is illegal not to obey a regulatory sign.
Regulatory signs are normally placed at the point or
School Crossing Supervisors beginning of the section where the regulation applies.
As you approach a pedestrian crossing or children’s Some of the most common regulatory signs are shown
crossing where a School Crossing Supervisor is displaying in this handbook. Except for stop, give way and
a ‘Stop, children crossing’ sign, you must slow down roundabout signs, most regulatory signs are rectangles.
and stop.
Regulatory signs are usually black on a white background,
You can proceed when the School Crossing Supervisor no but they are sometimes other colours, like red. Some
longer displays the sign in your direction or has indicated it parking signs are green on white.
is safe for you to proceed.
If the road beyond a children’s crossing

or a pedestrian crossing is blocked you
should not drive onto the crossing.
Never overtake a vehicle that is stopped
at a crossing.
WRONG
WAY
GO BACK
Wrong way sign (turn around Keep left sign (keep to Keep right sign (keep to One way sign (only travel in the

and go back) the left of the sign) the right of the sign) direction shown by the arrow)
Two way sign (this road Right lane must turn right Left lane must turn left No entry sign (do not
now has two lanes of traffic sign (all traffic in the right sign (all traffic in the drive beyond this sign)
travelling in opposite directions) lane must turn right) left lane must turn left)
100 nt.gov.au
Warning signs
Warning signs or advisory signs are used to warn traffic of potentially hazardous conditions on or near the road.
Warning signs let road users know about conditions that might warrant extra care and that could call for a reduction in
speed to help keep the driver and other road users safe.
Warning signs are usually black on a yellow background and are mostly diamond shaped.
Pictures, diagrams and symbols are used to alert you to danger. Some of the more common signs are shown here.
Yellow diamond cross Yellow diamond ‘T’ Yellow diamond lane Yellow diamond side-on Yellow diamond arrow
sign (crossroads ahead) sign (the road you change sign (road ‘T’ sign (a side road sign (the road ahead
are travelling on ends; conditions will change meets the road you are curves to the right)
you must give way to ahead to two lanes of travelling on)
all traffic) oncoming traffic)
Yellow diamond Yellow diamond hook Yellow diamond bendy Yellow diamond ‘Y’ sign Yellow diamond
arrow sign (there is arrow sign (sharp bend arrow sign (winding (road divides ahead) merging sign (divided
a sharp right turn in to the left ahead) road ahead) road ends ahead)
the road ahead)
Yellow diamond Yellow diamond with red Yellow diamond with Yellow diamond with Yellow diamond with

bottle neck sign triangle sign (give way red hexagon sign arrow and walking walking people sign
(road narrows ahead) sign ahead) (stop sign ahead) legs sign (pedestrian (pedestrians might be
crossing ahead) crossing ahead)
Yellow diamond with Yellow diamond with Yellow diamond with a Yellow diamond with a Yellow diamond with
walking children sign the word ‘hospital’ bicycle sign (look out swerving car sign (road car on a hill sign
(children might be sign (hospital ahead- for cyclists) is slippery when wet) (steep descent ahead)
crossing ahead) drive carefully)
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Yellow diamond with a Yellow rectangle with Yellow diamond with Yellow diamond with Yellow diamond with
truck sign (beware of the words ‘traffic two parallel indented ‘narrow bridge’ sign the word ‘dip’ sign (the
slow moving vehicles hazard ahead’ sign lines sign (narrow bridge (narrow bridge) road ahead dips. A dip
entering traffic) (this sign is used where ahead, slow down and is a sudden slope down
there is a temporary be prepared to give way then up)
emergency situation, or stop)
such as an oil spill,
fallen tree or landslip,
on the road ahead)
Yellow diamond with a Yellow diamond with a Yellow diamond with Yellow diamond with Yellow diamond with
bump sign (there is a kangaroo sign (look out the word ‘crest’ sign the word ‘grid’ sign the word ‘causeway’
hump in the road ahead. for kangaroos) (as you approach the (a grid is ahead. A grid sign (a causeway is a
A hump is a sudden hill you might not be is a row of metal lengths raised road that has
slope up and then down) able to see a safe across the road used been built across a low
distance in front of instead of a gate to or wet place or a body
you, so drive carefully) contain livestock) of water)

Yellow diamond Yellow diamond
with a pole, cross with a train sign
and circle symbols (look out for trains)
(railway crossing
flashing signal ahead)
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Advisory signs
Advisory speed signs are sometimes used in combination
with other signs at certain places.
For example, a yellow diamond sign with arrow and speed
limit sign underneath shows the maximum speed that
is safe in good conditions (road bends to right. 55 km/h
maximum speed is recommended in good conditions).
Sometimes other signs are used
with warning signs to advise on
how long you should look out for
a particular hazard. These signs
are placed where a driver is likely
to come across that hazard on
the road or surrounding areas,
they also give an indication of
the distance that the hazard is
likely. For example a ‘Kangaroos
Next 40 km’ sign indicates that
there is an increased chance of
kangaroos being on or near the
road for approximately the next
40 kilometres.
Warning triangles and safety vests for It is suggested that you carry in your vehicle at least one
crashes and breakdowns high-visibility safety vest and wear it by the roadside when
attending a breakdown or crash scene, to aid in your
A warning triangle gives approaching traffic an advanced personal safety.
notice to a breakdown or crash ahead; you may see a
triangle placed on a curve or bend in the road before you
see the actual incident, so proceed with caution when you
Stock signs
first see the warning triangle. When you see any of the following signs you could be
Place the warning triangle 50 to 150 metres behind your approaching animals on or near the road.

vehicle either to the side of the road, or on the edge of a You must slow down or stop to avoid hitting them.
traffic lane. When walking to place the triangle, hold it in
front of you to alert drivers to the hazard. Hold it behind
you when you collect it and return to your vehicle.
For vehicles with a GVM over 12 tonnes in a speed zone
of less than 80 km/h a warning triangle must be displayed
in the following locations:
• 50-150 metres behind the vehicle or fallen load
• 50-150 metres in front of the vehicle or fallen load
• to the side of the vehicle
Yellow diamond sign with Yellow diamond sign
In speed zones 80 km/h and higher, the warning triangles image of cattle (stock with the words ‘stock
must be displayed in the following locations: could be crossing ahead) crossing’ (stock could
be crossing ahead)
• 200-250 metres behind the vehicle or fallen load
• 200-250 metres in front of the vehicle or fallen
• load to the side of the vehicle
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Injured animals There are volunteer organisations that care for injured
or orphaned animals and then release them back into
If you hit a domestic animal, contact the owner, police or the wild. They will collect the animal where possible, so
the RSPCA. If possible, injured domestic animals should if you find an injured animal, please call Wildcare NT.
be taken to the nearest vet or animal shelter. Alternatively, some local vets are affiliated with care
If you injure or kill a native or wild animal, try to remove it networks and you may be able to drop the animal off
from the road, but take care because some animals carry during business hours with no charge.
young in their pouches. For more information, visit www.wildcarent.org.au or
For help and advice on what to do, follow the basic phone your local vet.
information below and contact a vet or Wildcare NT, or the
local wildlife rescue service.
As a general guide:
• make sure it is safe to stop and get out of your vehicle
(you might need to walk back to the animal)
• approach any injured animal with extreme care; they
could be frightened and lash out or bite
• minimise noise, handling and stress
• keep pets and children away from wildlife
• do not offer food to wildlife, especially not cow’s milk
• move road kill at least 10 metres off the road
• check dead kangaroo and possum pouches for joeys
• contact your local wildlife rescue organisation
• remember, your safety always comes first.
Variable message signs

Variable message signs are large electronic signs placed
on the side of some roads.
They display messages to warn motorists of changes in
normal traffic conditions on the road ahead, such as fog,
crashes, road works, congestion and road closures.
These early warnings help ensure a safe and efficient
traffic flow.

108 nt.gov.au
Temporary roadwork signs

Temporary roadwork signs are used on roads to warn drivers and riders to slow down, look out for any hazards and be
prepared to stop. They also show the travel path through, around or past work sites.
Roadwork signs are usually rectangular and have a reflective background, black border and a symbol or words
explaining the hazard. They are usually red and black or yellow and black.
You must obey any signal from a traffic controller and give way to any worker.
Rectangular sign with Rectangular sign with Yellow rectangular Yellow rectangular Hand-held lollipop signs
an image of a person an image of a person sign with the words sign with the words marked ‘stop’ and ‘slow’
holding a sign (traffic digging (workers ahead) ‘roadwork ahead’ ‘end roadwork’ (these signs are held by
controller ahead, be (approaching roadwork, (end of roadwork) traffic controllers; you
prepared to stop) slow down and prepare must obey them)
to stop)

Red square sign with the Lit arrow sign on vehicle Mobile traffic signal Yellow sign with the Closed lane ahead
words ‘prepare to stop’ or at the side of the road device (temporary traffic words ‘no lines, do
(slow down and prepare (road hazard ahead, lights sometimes used not overtake unless
to stop) merge into another lane) on roadwork. The same safe’ (no lines are
rules apply for these as marked on the road,
normal traffic lights) take care if overtaking)
Speed limit signs at work zones are

enforceable and must be obeyed.
Yellow rectangular sign with 40 km/h speed limit for

cars and rocks (watch out for road work
loose stones)
110 nt.gov.au
Lanes
You should stay in the middle of the lane you are driving in. If there are no lanes marked on the road, drive near the left
side of the road.
Before changing lanes, signal in plenty of time to warn other road users and check for other vehicles by looking in your
mirrors and your blind spot (look over your shoulder).
You must give way to vehicles in the lane you are moving into.
Merging lanes
Sometimes the lane line ends before the lanes merge, as shown below. When merging in this situation, the vehicle that
is behind gives way to the vehicle ahead. Use caution when merging.
Car B gives way to car A

Where the lane you are driving in ends and you have to cross lane lines to merge with the traffic in another lane,
you must give way to all traffic in the lane you are merging into.

Car A gives way to car B
112 nt.gov.au
Slip lanes
Slip lanes are used to improve safety and traffic flow for vehicles turning left.
Unless there are signs to indicate parking, you should not stop in a slip lane.
Slip lanes can be marked by a painted island or traffic island. You must use a slip lane where one is provided.
Car A (in the slip lane) must give way to the vehicle turning right at the intersection
Median turning lanes MEDIAN

TURNING
Vehicles travelling in either direction can use a median turning lane to enter or leave the road at a driveway, LANE
property access or intersection.
Median turning lanes have signposts or markings on the road and are a shared part of the road.
Vehicles using median turning lanes must give way to all other vehicles.

Median turning lanes
114 nt.gov.au
Truck lanes You must overtake on the right unless:

Where a ‘trucks, use left lane’ sign • the vehicle you are overtaking is waiting to turn right
appears, trucks must use the left lane • the vehicle you are overtaking is stationary
until a sign indicates otherwise.
• both you and the other vehicle are travelling in marked
There is an identical sign for buses. lanes on a multi-lane road.
Any other vehicles can also use this lane. In these instances you can overtake on the left side if it
is safe.
Bicycle lanes When overtaking you must:
When a bicycle lane is marked on the • not go over the speed limit
road, cyclists must use it. • make sure the road ahead is clear and there is
Bicycle lanes can only be used by enough space ahead for you to overtake safely and
bicycles, but you can drive in these lanes return to the line of traffic (check side streets and other
for less than 50 metres to enter or leave LANE lanes to make sure nothing will enter this space while
the road at a driveway or intersection. you are overtaking)
• check mirrors
• signal each change in position long enough to give
Overtaking sufficient warning to others
Overtaking other vehicles can be dangerous because it • check blind spots for cyclists, motorcycles and other
can be difficult to judge the space and distance required to vehicles before changing your lane position
overtake safely. • pass the cyclist or vehicle with enough space to avoid a
Both single-lane and multi-lane overtaking manoeuvres collision (you should be able to see the cyclist or vehicle
involve risk and require extreme care. If you have any you have overtaken in your rear vision mirror before you
doubts, it is best not to overtake and to wait until it is safer. move in front of it)
• give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving to.
Overtaking cyclists You must not overtake:

• unless you have a clear view of any approaching traffic
When passing a cyclist you must leave a minimum and you can complete the manoeuvre safely (do not
passing distance of: commence an overtaking manoeuvre when approaching
• 1 metre when passing a cyclist in a 60km/h or less a crest, curve or any limited vision situation)
speed zone or • another vehicle that is stopping or has stopped at a
• 1.5 metres when the speed limit is over 60km/h pedestrian crossing, intersection or railway crossing
When you are passing a cyclist, if it is safe to do so you • across an unbroken (continuous) line, unless the line

can: closest to you is broken
• Drive to the right of the centre of the road • where a road narrows.
• Drive to the right of the dividing line On roads with a speed limit of more than 80 km/h, or a
• Drive on a dividing strip that is at the same level as the ‘keep left unless overtaking’ sign, you must drive in the
road left lane unless you want to overtake or turn right.
• Drive on or over continuous lines around a painted When being overtaken you must:
island • not increase your speed
• Straddle lanes • keep left and allow enough space for the overtaking
• Move across lanes vehicle to pass and move back into the lane
Drive not completely in a single line of traffic only if the • stay within your lane.
driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic and can
do so safely.
You must not overtake or pass other
vehicles on pedestrian or school
crossings.
116 nt.gov.au
Oversize vehicles Large, heavy turning vehicles

If you see this sign, the vehicle ahead is wider and/or Be careful of large, heavy vehicles displaying a ‘do not
longer than normal. overtake turning vehicle’ sign.
A long vehicle can use two lanes to turn left or right if it
displays this sign.
When a long vehicle is turning and displays this sign you
must not pass on the left if it is turning left or on the right if
Sometimes an oversize vehicle will be accompanied by it is turning right.
police or a pilot vehicle (vehicle with flashing lights) to You need to be careful of all large, heavy vehicles that
warn traffic that the load following is very wide or long. are turning. If you put your vehicle in the path of a turning
You must follow any directions given by police. You vehicle you could be crushed.
should also follow any reasonable directions given by the • Figure 1 – ‘do not overtake turning vehicle’ sign
occupants of the pilot vehicle, provided you do not break
• Figures 2 & 3 show examples of oversized vehicles
the law.
turning at an intersection.
When approaching an oncoming oversize vehicle you
should:
• be careful and reduce speed
• keep to the left of the centre line
• be prepared to move to the left side of the road
if necessary.
You should use extreme care when overtaking an
oversize vehicle.
When you overtake an oversize vehicle, you can briefly Figure 1
flash high beam immediately before starting the overtaking
manoeuvre. This sends a message to the driver of the
oversize vehicle that you are about to overtake them.
Bridges
Approach bridges with care because they are often
narrow. If you think two vehicles cannot fit on a narrow
bridge, give way to the other driver.
When you come to a bridge that is only wide enough for
two vehicles, slow down and drive carefully.
Sometimes you are not allowed to overtake a vehicle
going in the same direction or to pass a vehicle coming

towards you.
If there is a ‘give way’ sign you must give way to any
Figure 2
vehicle travelling in the opposite direction either on, or
approaching the bridge.
If there is a ‘no overtaking or passing’ sign you must not

overtake any vehicle travelling in the same direction.
Figure 3
118 nt.gov.au
Parking
Parking rules are designed to stop vehicles from parking where it could be dangerous or inconvenient for others.
Things to check when parking
Before getting out of your vehicle you must check your mirrors and blind spots for pedestrians, bicycles or other
vehicles.
Before leaving your parked vehicle you must make sure that:
• the parking brake is on
• the gears are engaged either in first gear if you are parking on a downhill slope, or reverse if you are parking on an
uphill slope. Automatic vehicles should be left in park.
If you are going more than three metres from your vehicle you must:
• take the key out of the ignition
• lock all doors and windows if there is no one in the vehicle.
Before opening your door on a roadway you must:
• make sure that you do not endanger road users or obstruct traffic.
General parking rules

You must not stop your vehicle (bring it to a stop and either stay with the vehicle or leave it parked) in the following
circumstances:
• double parked (in the road alongside a car that is parked)
• across a driveway
• on a median strip or traffic island
• in a clearway

• on footpaths and nature strips
• between ‘bus stop’, ‘bus zone’, ‘taxi stand’ or ‘taxi zone’ signs
• in a safety zone or within 10 metres before or after a safety zone
• within an intersection
• in a slip lane
• within 20 metres of an intersection with traffic lights, unless a sign allows you to park there
• within one metre of another vehicle parked in front or behind (does not apply when angle parking)
• within 10 metres of an intersection without traffic lights, unless a sign allows you to park there.
10 m
Remember, before opening your door, check your mirrors and blind spots
for pedestrians, bicycles or other vehicles.
120 nt.gov.au
• within three metres of any double centre lines

• within three metres of an Australia Post letter box unless dropping off or picking up passengers or mail
3m
3m
• within 20 metres before and 10 metres after a bus stop
10 m 20 m
• on or within 20 metres before and 10 metres after a children’s crossing or pedestrian crossing
10 m 20 m

• within 10 metres before and three metres after a marked foot crossing with traffic signals
• within one metre of a fire hydrant, fire hydrant indicator or fire plug indicator
• on a railway level crossing
• within 20 metres before and after a railway level crossing.
20 m 20 m
When you are parking on a hill or a curve outside a built up area, make sure that someone coming over the hill or around
the bend can see your car from at least 100 metres away.
122 nt.gov.au
Parallel parking
This is the usual way to park unless signs tell you otherwise.
You must park in the same direction as the adjacent traffic, parallel and as close as possible to the kerb.
You should be entirely within any marking lines and at least one metre from any other parked vehicle.
1m
Angle parking
Angle park at the kerb if indicated by signs or marking lines.
Park at an angle of 90 or 45 degrees unless a sign or road marking indicates differently.
Always park your vehicle in the same direction as shown on the sign. When a sign does not give a direction you must
park front to kerb.
Motorcycle parking
Never leave children in a parked vehicle. If your vehicle is not a motorcycle, you must not park
Children left in a car will very quickly between these signs. You can stop to drop off or pick up
passengers, only.
overheat, dehydrate and they could
even die.
A toddler can release the handbrake,
or set fire to things with the lighter.

Accessible parking
Do not leave your pets in a closed car;
Only vehicles driven by or carrying a current disabled
they can suffer or die just as a child can. parking permit can park in areas displaying a disabled
parking sign.
The disabled parking permit must be displayed in the
Parking restrictions parked vehicle.
Parking in clearways or no parking zones restricts the Disabled parking permit holders must comply with the
traffic flow and creates danger for other road users. You conditions of use of the permit.
must obey all parking signs.
P
ONLY
124 nt.gov.au
Motorcycles can angle park anywhere it is legal to park, even if a sign shows
parallel parking. Make sure that your motorcycle does not stick out further than any
parallel-parked vehicle.
Hourly parking No parking
These signs mean that in that area you can park at the You must not stop for more than two minutes in a
kerb for the time shown on the sign, between certain hours ‘no parking’ area.
and on particular days. You must remain in the vehicle or within three metres of
the vehicle.
S 7– 9 AM S 4 – 6 PM Hours of operation can apply to some signs. This means
1P 1P
MON – FRI MON – FRI
restrictions apply for those times only.
8AM– 5PM
METER
MON – FRI S P 1P LOADING

ZONE 9 AM– 4 PM
MON – FRI
Disabled parking permit holders are allowed to park for up
OTHER
TIMES
9MON
AM – 6 PM
– FRI
to five minutes in a no parking area.
1P S
SAT MOTOR
CYCLES 9 AM –1PM
ONLY SAT
9 12
AM
SAT
– NOON
No stopping or no standing Pay parking

These signs mean that you must not stop your vehicle at Parking signs show meter, ticket or coupon parking areas.
any point on the road or kerb in the area in the direction of You can park at the kerb for the length of time shown on
the arrow, unless there is a medical or other emergency. the sign, provided you pay the required charge.
Sometimes a ‘no stopping’ area is shown by a solid yellow You cannot park for longer than the length of time shown
edge line. on the sign.
Hours of operation can apply to some signs. This means
restrictions apply for those times only. Clearway

A clearway is used to improve traffic flow and safety during
peak periods.
CLEARWAY
3 6

MON – FRI
Arrester bed and safety ramp
You must not stop your vehicle at the kerb between these
Safety ramp and arrester bed areas are used by heavy
signs during the times shown, unless there is a medical
vehicles in cases of emergency, such as brake failure.
emergency. Buses, taxis and private hire cars can stop at
They are usually located where there are steep gradients.
the kerb to pick up or set down passengers.
Drivers must not drive on these areas unless necessary
for safety. A broken yellow edge line is also used to indicate
a clearway.
SAFETY RAMP
ARRESTER BED
126 nt.gov.au
Taxi zone Loading zone

This sign means that you are not Only drivers of vehicles principally
allowed to stop your vehicle in the constructed for carrying goods can
direction of the arrow or arrows unless park their vehicle in a loading zone.
it is a taxi. Some taxi zones have These vehicles can stop for up to 30
times shown on the sign. This means minutes if they are being loaded or
restrictions apply for those times only. unloaded.
When you hail a taxi, make sure you If you are driving any other sort of
are not in a ‘no stopping’ or a bus zone vehicle you can only stop to pick up
because taxis must not stop in these or set down passengers at the kerb.
places. Exceptions may apply to disabled
parking permit holders.
Hours of operation can apply to some
signs. This means restrictions apply for
Bus zone
those times only.
This sign means that you are not allowed
to stop your vehicle in the direction of the
arrow or arrows unless it is a bus.
Hours of operation can apply to some
those times only.
Works zone Lights and horns

A driver must not stop in a ‘works zone’ About a third of car crashes occur at night. Pedestrians,
unless the vehicle is actually involved in cyclists and motorcyclists are harder to see at night than
construction work in or near the zone. they are during the day.
Any vehicle can stop to pick up or set
At night or when driving in hazardous weather
down passengers.
conditions with reduced visibility, your vehicle must
Hours of operation can apply to some have clearly visible:
• headlights

those times only.
• tail lights
Truck zone • number plate lights
You must not park or stop at the kerb • clearance lights and side marker lights if these are fitted
during the hours shown on the sign to your vehicle.
unless driving a truck over 4.5 tonnes
GVM that is dropping off or picking up Headlights
goods. Any type of vehicle can stop to Even in the daytime, driving with your vehicle’s headlights
set down or pick up passengers at the turned on can improve the chance that other road users
kerb. will see you.
Hours of operation can apply to some Your headlights must be on when:
those times only. • driving between sunset and sunrise
• at any other time when there is not enough light to
be able to see a person wearing dark clothing from
100 metres away.
128 nt.gov.au
High beam
Use your headlights on high beam to see further ahead on any road, even if there are street lights.
You must dip your headlights to low beam:
200 m
• when a vehicle coming towards you is within 200 metres of your vehicle
200 m
• when driving 200 metres or less behind another vehicle.

When you overtake another vehicle, you can briefly flash high beam immediately before starting the overtaking manoeuvre.
Avoid lights that could dazzle
Do not use or allow any light fitted to your vehicle to dazzle another road user.
Avoid looking at the headlights of oncoming vehicles. If you are dazzled by glare or high beam lights, look to the left side
of the road and drive to the left of your lane, slow down or pull over until your eyes recover.
Parking lights Horns and other warning devices

Make sure that other road users can see your Your vehicle’s horn and other warning devices are for
parked vehicle. Leave your parking or hazard lights on warning other road users of a hazard. Your horn is not
if necessary. a way to greet other road users or for you to tell another
driver you do not like their driving. Never use your horn
Fog lights out of frustration with another driver.
Front and rear fog lights must only be used in fog or You must not use the horn or any other warning
rain, or when conditions such as smoke and dust limit device unless:
your vision.

• you need to warn other road users that your vehicle
It is a legal requirement that once conditions improve is approaching
and you can see more clearly, the front and rear fog lights
are switched off. • you need to warn animals to get off the road
If your vehicle is not fitted with fog lights you can use your • the horn is being used as part of an anti-theft or alcohol
headlights during the day in these conditions. interlock device fitted to your vehicle.
Hazard warning lights Emergency vehicles

Your vehicle’s hazard warning lights must not be used
In the Northern Territory, an emergency vehicle is a
unless the vehicle is:
vehicle that is the property of Police, Fire and Emergency
• stopped and obstructing the path of other vehicles Services, an ambulance, or an Australian Protective
or pedestrians Services vehicle.
• slow-moving and obstructing other road users Give way when you hear a siren or see the flashing blue
• stopped in an emergency lane or red lights of an emergency vehicle such as police, fire
or ambulance. The siren means you need to get out of
• driving in hazardous weather conditions the way so the emergency vehicle has a clear passage
• fitted with hazard lights as part of an anti-theft or alcohol through traffic.
interlock device.
It is an offence to obstruct an emergency vehicle with
the warning siren sounding or flashing red or red and
blue lights.
130 nt.gov.au
Drivers must give way to emergency vehicles, and they

must also drive with due care.
Use your indicators when giving way or pulling off the
road. This tells the driver of the emergency vehicle that
you know they are there.
Do not slam on your brakes or stop in front of an
emergency vehicle. Stopping suddenly could cause a RA
G
IL IN
crash. Keep driving until it is safe to pull over to the left. S SW
O AY
CR
Do not block an intersection. Blocking intersections,
even when attempting to give way to an emergency
vehicle, is dangerous.
Yellow diamond sign Red sign with the words
with black cross and ‘railway crossing’ crossed
Railway level crossings red triangle on top together
There are more than 200 level rail crossings in the

Northern Territory. Some crossings have boom gates and Gates, booms or lights
some have flashing lights.
At gates, booms, or flashing lights, only cross when
Trains stop very slowly, so it is important to obey the road signals have stopped flashing, and when the gates or
rules and give way to trains. booms are fully open.
A freight train travelling at 60 km/h can take up to 800
metres to stop, while a car takes 58 metres to stop.
Level crossings can be dangerous, especially when there
are no gates, booms or flashing lights.
When approaching a crossing, look and listen for trains.
Slow down to a speed that allows you to stop quickly.
Railway crossing with traffic lights ahead
Stop signals
Stop signals at railway crossings must be obeyed because Never try to cross a railway line where
trains are fast and heavy and cannot stop quickly. Check there is no crossing provided.
for trains even if the lights are not flashing.
When the traffic on the other side of the railway crossing Even four-wheel drives can get stuck
is stopped, stay behind the stop line until there is room for
you to get all the way across safely.
across the tracks, with disastrous
consequences.

Check for other trains
If you have stopped for a train, always check that
another one is not approaching the crossing before you
move off. You must not drive onto a level crossing while
a train is approaching.
You must stop at a crossing if:
Stop before crossing • there is a stop sign
Crossings without signals • there is a gate or boom across the road
Take extra care where there are no gates, booms or • red lights are flashing
flashing lights. Slow down, look and listen for trains in both • a railway employee signals you to do so
directions. There are usually warning signs placed ahead • you are carrying flammable, explosive or dangerous
of the crossings. goods. You must stop between three and 15 metres
before the crossing.
You must not drive onto a level crossing

while a train is approaching.
132 nt.gov.au
Towing
Towing a trailer or a caravan can be dangerous and
difficult and takes more knowledge and skill than
normal driving.
Rules for towing
• The trailer or caravan must be registered
and roadworthy.
• You must not tow more than one trailer or one
other vehicle.
• No-one is allowed to ride in a trailer or caravan while
it is being towed.
• Signal lights must be fitted to the trailer and be in
working order.
• Safety chains (breakaway chains) must securely attach
What to do after a crash
the trailer to the vehicle. If you are involved in a crash you must stop immediately
• When towing a caravan and driving on a road without and give as much help as possible to anyone involved in
street lights, you must drive at least 60 metres behind the crash.
heavy vehicles or other vehicles towing caravans, If anyone is injured or killed, you should call the police and
unless overtaking. ambulance – dial 000.
• Tow fittings on vehicles are rated for a particular weight. You should make the area as safe and as visible as
The trailer’s Gross Vehicle Mass (the weight) should not possible to other road users to make sure that another
exceed the rated towing limits of the vehicle (see your crash does not occur. This could be achieved by placing
vehicle manual or compliance plates for details of the another vehicle, warning triangles or lights at a safe
towing limit for your vehicle). distance from the scene of the crash to warn approaching
• If learner or provisional licence holders are driving you road users.
must display your L or P signs on the back of the trailer. Remove anything that falls from or out of crashed vehicles
• Loads must be secured (ref page 54). that could endanger the safety of others, such as debris or
broken glass.
If you need to clear debris from the road it is important that Regardless of damage, if you are asked to, you must
you ensure your personal safety at all times. provide the owner/driver of any other vehicle involved in
the crash with the following information:
Following a crash:
• your name, address and licence details
• switch off the ignition of the immobilised vehicle to
reduce the risk of fire • your vehicle registration number
• switch on hazard warning lights. • the name and address of the vehicle owner, if you do
not own it.
The police may attend and investigate crashes where:
You can ask the other driver(s) for similar information.

• a person is killed or injured
If you are involved in a crash with a truck carrying a
• a vehicle needs to be towed away
dangerous load:
• there is damage to property or animals
• call the police or fire brigade on 000
• a person fails to stop or exchange information
• do not touch spilled chemicals or breathe the fumes
• a driver is believed to be under the influence of alcohol or dust
or drugs.
• warn people away from the crash.
If police do not attend the crash scene, you must report An Emergency Procedures Guide will be in a holder
the crash as soon as possible within 24 hours (unless in attached to the truck driver’s door. Follow these
exceptional circumstances) where: procedures if it is safe to do so.
• you are in a crash and either your vehicle or another
Needing a tow truck
vehicle needs to be towed away
• there is damage to property or injured animals If you need the assistance of a tow truck after being
involved in a crash, you have the right to:
• you are unable to provide the details of the drivers,
vehicles and witnesses to the crash to the owner of any • decide where your vehicle will be towed
damaged property. • decide who will tow your vehicle.
You must give police that attend the crash scene details
of the crash, vehicles involved, your name, address and,
if known, information about any witnesses or the drivers of
other vehicles involved. You must always show police your
driver licence.
134 nt.gov.au
Animals and vehicles If you injure or kill a native or wild animal, try to remove it
from the road, but take care because some animals carry
There are things you should know about travelling with young in their pouches. For help and advice contact a vet
animals in vehicles and what to do following an incident or Wildcare NT, or the local wildlife rescue service.
with an animal.
Rules around animals
Animals on or near road areas are a common occurrence
in the Northern Territory. In most situations roaming A driver, motorcycle rider, bicycle rider or passenger
or grazing wildlife and livestock are not usually a high must not lead an animal, including by tethering, while the
risk to road users as long as caution is used. Slow vehicle is moving. Animals should be seated or housed
down and be prepared to stop for wildlife or livestock on and secured in appropriate areas of the vehicle.
or near the road. You must not transport a dog in or on a vehicle
Occasionally livestock or wildlife will be encountered (including in the back of a ute) unless the dog is restrained
in built-up areas where the risk to road users (and the or enclosed in a way that prevents the dog from interfering
animal) is much greater. If you see an animal that is likely with the driver or falling from the vehicle.
to cause a hazard to road users in a built up area contact Animals can be unpredictable, and it is recommended that
Police or the RSPCA. all animals travelling inside or on a vehicle are restrained
If you see an animal on the road (alive or dead), do not to prevent distraction to the driver.
swerve violently to avoid the animal. This can cause you
to lose control of your vehicle or to hit oncoming traffic.
Stop, if you can do so safely, or slow down and steer
around the animal in a controlled manner. You must not drive with an animal in
If you cannot avoid the animal safely you might have to your lap.
hit it to avoid injury or death to yourself and others.
If you hit an animal with an identification tag, contact A motorcycle rider must not ride with
the owner, Police or the RSPCA. If possible, injured an animal between the handlebars and
domestic animals should be taken to the nearest vet or
animal shelter.
the rider.
People aged 16-34 years are the most likely to be killed or seriously
injured in a speed related crash.

SPEEDING. THERE IS NO FUTURE IN IT.
136 nt.gov.au
vehicle
registration
NT REGO APP
NT REGO is the free official NT Government app for your smartphone/tablet helping
you check the registration of an NT registered vehicle, set renewal reminders and
securely manage your NT vehicle registration.
Vehicle registration and compulsory The scheme is funded by motor vehicle owners, who
third party insurance pay a compensation contribution when they register
their Northern Territory vehicle. It provides compensation
To make sure that compensation for victims of road trauma for medical and hospital care, rehabilitation services,
is available, all Australian jurisdictions require compulsory permanent impairment (loss of the use of a limb), loss
third party insurance (CTPI) cover for registered vehicles. of earning capacity benefits. In the event of a death, the
scheme will also contribute to the funeral expenses, pay
benefits to surviving spouse, dependent or orphaned
Compulsory third party insurance does children and, where appropriate, dependent parents.
section 6. vehicle registration

not cover damage to your vehicle or Benefits may be reduced if the injured person did not obey
certain traffic regulations. For example, a 25% reduction
damage to other people’s property in for not wearing a seat belt will apply, and zero loss of
the event of a crash, theft or fire. earning benefits or whole person impairment if driving an
unregistered vehicle or if your licence had expired, been
cancelled or suspended.
In the NT, when a vehicle is registered, the CTPI cover is No benefits are payable if you were using the vehicle
paid at the same time as the registration fee. The CTPI is unlawfully or without the consent of the owner, using
covered under Motor Accidents (Compensation) Act 1979 the vehicle in the commission of an indictable offence,
and is administered by the Motor Accidents Compensation escaping lawful apprehension or intending to inflict death
Commission (MACC) on behalf of the NT Government. or injury on yourself or others.
The no-fault scheme compensates all people injured in No compensation is payable if the injuries sustained are
a motor vehicle crash in the NT regardless of where they compensable under workers’ compensation legislation.
reside (NT, interstate or overseas) and regardless of If your NT-registered vehicle (regardless of who is driving
where their vehicle is registered (NT or interstate). the vehicle) is involved in a crash interstate and the NT
An injured person may include pedestrians, drivers, vehicle is deemed to be at fault, your CTPI cover will
passengers, motorcyclists and cyclists as long as their indemnify you. That means that if you or the driver of
injuries were caused by, or arising out of, the use of a the NT-registered vehicle is sued for personal injuries
motor vehicle. sustained by a third party, MACC will cover these costs.
138 nt.gov.au
If you or the driver of the NT-registered vehicle was Vehicle inspections

charged with a serious driving offence as a result of the
crash, MACC may have the right of recovery against the Registration renewal
driver for all monies paid to the injured third party.
The MVR sends a courtesy renewal notice to the last
For information about the Act, please visit known mailing address or nominated email address of the
www.ntmacc.com.au. owner approximately five weeks before registration expiry.
It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure that the
Driving an unregistered vehicle vehicle they are driving is registered.
It is an offence to stand or drive a motor vehicle on a If your registration renewal notice shows that the vehicle
road or road-related area if it is not registered. needs to be inspected, it must pass a roadworthiness
inspection before the registration can be renewed.
It is also an offence to cause or allow another person to
stand or drive an unregistered motor vehicle on a road or Roadworthiness inspections for registration renewal can
road-related area. There could be large fines and other be completed by an Authorised Inspector. After the vehicle
penalties for the driver and/or owner of the vehicle. passes the inspection your authorised inspector will
update your vehicles record online and/or provide you
If you are driving an unregistered vehicle and are with an inspection report to show that it has passed.
involved in a crash, you could be held personally liable
for compensation to any person injured as a result of If the vehicle fails the inspection you will get a copy of the
the crash. inspection report listing the faults that must be fixed. You
will not be able to renew the registration until the vehicle
passes an inspection.
There are severe penalties for driving an You do not need to attend an MVR office to renew your
vehicle registration. Once your authorised inspector has
unregistered vehicle. updated your roadworthiness inspection online, you can
complete your registration renewal via the NTREGO app
or via the nt.gov.au website. Alternatively, completed
inspection reports can be sent to MVR via fax or email,
and your registration renewal completed by calling
1300 654 628, going online or via the NTREGO app.
For a list of Authorised Inspectors, visit the MVR website
at nt.gov.au or call 1300 654 628.
Other inspections Number plates on the vehicle you drive or own:

Most vehicle inspections can be completed by an • must be issued by the registration authority (MVR)
Authorised Inspector. If you are unsure whether your • must be clearly readable-not dirty, faded or damaged
vehicle needs an inspection or who is authorised to
do the inspection, contact MVR on 1300 654 628 or • must have a light at the rear number plate so that it is
email mvr@nt.gov.au clearly visible at night
• must be able to be seen and read clearly from anywhere
Vehicle number plates within a 45-degree arc of the vehicle’s centreline, at a

distance of at least 20 metres (see diagrams below).
Northern Territory-issued number plates are required
on the front and back for cars, trucks and public Number plates must not be hidden by anything, such as a
vehicles (buses, taxis), and on the back only for tow bar or anything being carried in or on the vehicle.
motorcycles and trailers. If you carry bicycles on a bike rack that hides the rear
When the vehicle registration has expired, or the vehicle number plate in any way, you must either move the rear
registration is transferred interstate, the NT number number plate to a position where it can be clearly seen or
plates must be returned to the MVR. buy a bike rack number plate to attach to the bike rack.
A bike rack number plate has the same number as your
car’s number plates, and can be ordered from the MVR.
45º 45º
45º 45º
Number Number
Visible Visible plate visible plate visible
to 20 m to 20 m to 20 m to 20 m
45º 45º
Number plate Number plate
140 nt.gov.au
It is an offence to: Tyres

• alter number plates in any way Your vehicle’s tyres, including the spare tyre, must be in
• attach a number plate to any vehicle other than the good condition and have a tread at least 1.5 mm deep
plates issued by MVR across the entire tread surface.
• use a number plate cover that is not flat, clear or Keep the tyres inflated to the pressure recommended
untinted (number plate covers that have lines across by the manufacturer or they could overheat or wear
them are not considered to be clear). prematurely and fail. The sidewalls of the tyres should not
have any cracks or bumps.
If your tyres wear unevenly, there might be a problem with
Take special care with tow balls and bike the steering or suspension.
racks. Do not block any part of your Brakes
number plate – heavy penalties apply. The brakes on your vehicle must be working properly and
capable of stopping the vehicle in a reasonable distance if
you need to stop suddenly.
If your brakes are not working properly you might not be
Roadworthiness able to slow or stop the vehicle and you will put yourself
Before you drive you need to make sure that your vehicle and others in danger.
is roadworthy. A roadworthy vehicle is one that is safe to
Lights
drive and meets the standards required by law.
The lights on your vehicle help you to see the road and
The items below are just some of the things you should
areas around it. They also help other road users to see
check regularly; these are not the full requirements for all
you and know what you are planning to do.
vehicles. If you have any doubt about the rules that apply
to your vehicle, contact the MVR. The lights on your vehicle must be working properly at all
times, even if you are not driving in the dark.
Generally, all motor vehicles must be fitted with: Smoke and oil
• white headlamps at the front of the vehicle Your vehicle should not leak oil or put out excessive
• red stop lamps at the rear of the vehicle amounts of smoke.
• front and rear position lamps (parking lights) Oil leaks and blowing smoke could be hazardous to
other road users and could indicate a mechanical problem
• a number plate lamp with the vehicle.
• orange turn signal lamps (indicators).
Protrusions on the front of vehicles

Seatbelts
Seatbelts must be available for all passengers. They Some vehicles are fitted with accessories and equipment
should be securely fitted, and all components, including such as bull bars, spotlights, fishing rod holders and
retractors where fitted, must function correctly. bonnet scoops. If not designed and fitted correctly,
these types of accessories could interfere with the
Seatbelt webbing must be firmly secured to its end fittings driver’s vision or have sharp protrusions that could be
and must not be damaged, cut, knotted or frayed. dangerous for other road users.
Windows, windscreen and wipers A defect notice can be issued to a vehicle if its
The glazing (windows and windscreen) on your vehicle accessories or equipment are likely to be a source of
must be in good condition. Cracks, scratches and other danger to the public.
damage to the windows could stop you from being able
to see the road and other road users.
Your vehicle must have a windscreen wiper or other device
Fishing rod holders, spotlight mounts
for removing rain and other moisture from the windscreen and winches could be illegal protrusions
in front of the driver. The windscreen wiper must be able to
be operated from the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
on the front of your vehicle if not fitted
Any tinting on your vehicle’s windows must not prevent correctly.
you from being able to see out properly. There are
specific requirements for the level of tint that is allowed,
check the MVR website for more information at nt.gov.au
142 nt.gov.au
Defect notices Before driving on the road, check:

Police or a transport inspector can stop and inspect your • the registration is current
vehicle and give you a defect notice if the vehicle does • number plates are the ones that are recorded on the
not meet the roadworthiness standard required under vehicle’s registration
the Motor Vehicles Act 1949. For example, if your car
is too noisy, drips oil or blows too much smoke it will be • brakes are working
given a defect notice. • tyres are not worn
Infringement notices (fines or other penalties) can also • horn is working
be issued for seriously defective or missing equipment at
• seatbelts are in good working order
the same time as a defect notice is issued.
• system lights and indicators are working (do not drive
If your vehicle gets a defect notice, it must be repaired,
if there is a warning light on)
have a full roadworthy inspection by a police officer or
transport inspector and officially cleared. Sometimes you • windscreen and mirrors are clean
are not allowed to drive the vehicle at all until it has been • wipers and washers are working
repaired and the defect notice cleared. In this case you will
need to have the vehicle towed if it needs to be moved. • headlights and brake lights are working and are
clearly seen (you must not drive at night if your lights
It is an offence to drive a defective vehicle contrary to the are not working)
conditions on the defect notice, even if you are not the
person responsible for having it repaired. • steering wheel and driver’s seat is adjusted so that
you have a clear view of the road and can reach the
controls easily.
When looking for a new car that’s right for you, a good place to start
is with the ANCAP safety rating. Cars with 5-star ratings provide
much better protection in a crash than those with a lower rating.
www.ANCAP.com.au
Always make sure your vehicle is

roadworthy and registered.
A road worthy vehicle is one that is
safe to drive and meets the standards
required by law.

144 mvr.nt.gov.au
nt.gov.au
penalties
BE SAFE. BE TRAIN SMART
There are over 200 railway level crossings in the Northern Territory.
Trains can’t stop quickly so you need to be train smart.
Slow down, stop at level crossings and look both ways before proceeding.
Traffic offences term and disqualification from driving. Heavier penalties

apply for second or subsequent offences.
Penalties for traffic offences include fines;
These offences include:
disqualification from holding or applying for a licence;
licence cancellation, refusal or suspension; and, in • driving or attempting to drive under the influence of
extreme cases, imprisonment. alcohol or drugs
• driving or attempting to drive when your alcohol level is
Demerit points for traffic offences over the limit for your licence
If you break the traffic laws you can be fined. For certain • refusing to take a breath test
traffic offences you will also have demerit points recorded • not stopping after a crash in which someone was injured
against your licence. There is a limit to the number of or killed
points you can build up before your licence is suspended. • driving at a dangerous speed
You can check your current NT demerit points tally any • driving in a dangerous manner.
time at nt.gov.au
There are different limits for different types of licences. Negligent or dangerous driving causing
Make sure you understand the points limit for your licence. injury or death
section 7. penalties
Northern Territory law provides for serious charges to
Speeding offences
be laid against people driving a vehicle in a negligent or
Penalties for exceeding the speed limit include demerit dangerous manner that causes injury or death.
points, fines and licence suspension. Penalties increase
As the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash where
depending on how many kilometres over the speed limit
somebody is injured because of your negligent driving,
you are going.
you could be imprisoned, face a heavy fine and a period of
disqualification. If somebody is killed in such a crash you
Other serious driving offences could be imprisoned and face a higher fine.
If you are convicted of serious driving offences you can If you are driving a vehicle at a speed or in a manner that
be disqualified from driving by a court. The court decides is dangerous to the public, and you are involved in a crash
how long you should be disqualified and you could even that results in injury or death, the penalties can be severe.
be sent to prison.
Should somebody be injured as a result of your dangerous
These types of offences are heard in front of a magistrate driving, you could be imprisoned.
at a local court and penalties include a large fine, a prison
146 nt.gov.au
Hooning These charges could result in fines, demerit points,

cancellation or suspension of your licence and/or
The penalties for hooning are severe. imprisonment.
Hooning is: The drink driving penalties increase according to the
• taking part in unauthorised street races and speed trials level of alcohol detected in the driver’s blood and any
previous drink driving offences. Penalties are severe
• burnouts
and could include:
• damaging the surface of a road or public place.
• large fines that increase if a second offence is committed
If the police suspect you have been involved in hooning,
• immediate licence suspension
they can take possession of your vehicle on-the-spot for
up to 48 hours and you can be fined. • prison terms that increase when a second offence is
committed
If you are caught hooning again within two years of
the first offence, the court can impound your car for • a period of disqualification from driving, up to lifetime
between three and six months and you can receive a disqualification.
fine or 12 months’ imprisonment.
Alcohol Ignition Lock (AIL) program
A third offence within two years and the court can
An AIL is a breath testing device and prevents the vehicle
forfeit and dispose of your vehicle (destroy or sell
being started if the driver has been drinking. The AIL
your vehicle) and you can also receive a fine or
program will affect repeat drink drivers convicted of a
12 months’ imprisonment. relevant offence on a second or subsequent occasion.
For more information go to the nt.gov.au website.
Drink driving
Not complying with the BAC laws could lead to you being Driving without a licence
charged with a range of offences including:
The requirement for all drivers to carry their licence is to
• driving under the influence assist police with traffic enforcement. All drivers must
• exceeding the legal BAC limit carry their licence with them every time they drive.
• refusing a breath test Heavy penalties apply for driving without a licence.
If you fail to produce your licence when requested you
• refusing a blood test.
could be issued with an on-the-spot fine.
Larger penalties could apply if you are convicted of driving

while serving a non-driving period for being disqualified
from holding or obtaining a driver licence, or when your
licence has been cancelled, refused or suspended.
Penalties can apply for allowing an

unlicensed person to drive your vehicle.
Fine defaults / unpaid fines

If you do not pay a fine within the time allowed, the matter
will be referred to the Fines Recovery Unit (FRU).
The FRU manages all aspects of fine recovery including:
section 7. penalties
• taking payments
• making time-to-pay arrangements
• providing information to the public about the
enforcement when no other solution can be found.
These enforcement orders range from licence and
registration suspension through to civil enforcement and
community work orders.
If the outstanding fine amount is not paid, the MVR will
be advised by the FRU to suspend your licence and/or
refuse to do certain business with you until all fines have
been paid.
If your licence has been suspended for a fine default and
you pay the fine, the MVR will be advised by FRU to lift
the suspension.
148 nt.gov.au
glossary
Adjacent direction – coming from the left or right, across your path.
ANCAP – Australasian New Car Assessment Program, www.ancap.com.au
Angle parking – when a vehicle is parked at an angle and not parallel to the kerb, boundary or edge of the road.
The requirement is usually indicated by signs or road markings.
Amber – the yellow colour used for traffic lights.
Approaching – getting closer to, from any direction.
Approved bicycle helmet – a helmet that complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2063 – Pedal Cycle Helmets,
or as approved by the Registrar.
Approved child restraint – for a child under 12 months, an approved child restraint complies with Australian Standard
AS/NZA 1754:2000 – Child Restraint Systems for Use in Motor Vehicles.
Arterial road – a main road that carries a lot of traffic between suburbs or within cities or towns.
ATM – Aggregate Trailer Mass –the maximum loaded mass (or weight) transmitted to the ground via the axle or axles
of a trailer when the trailer is loaded and connected to a towing vehicle.
Axle – bar on which wheels rotate.
section 8. glossary
BAC – blood alcohol concentration given as grams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
BrAC – breath alcohol content given as grams of alcohol per 210 litres of exhaled breath.
Beam (lights) – angle and brightness of lights – (low or high).
Blind spots (see also head check) – area that is not seen in mirrors.
Black spot/black length – a place or length of road with a high rate of crashes.
Bicycle – a two or three-wheeled vehicle designed to be propelled by human power. Includes a powered cycle, but
does not include a wheelchair or wheeled recreational device, wheeled toy or any vehicle with an auxiliary motor capable
of generating a power output over 200 watts.
Boom – long pole used to block the road at a railway crossing.
Buffering – positioning your vehicle to create maximum space around you, away from hazards.
150 nt.gov.au
Built up area – in relation to a length of road, means an area in which there are buildings on land next to the road,
or there is street lighting, at intervals not over 100 metres for a distance of at least 500 metres or, if the road is shorter
than 500 metres, for the whole road.
Bystander – person present but not involved in an event.
Cancelled (licence) – you can no longer use your licence; that is, you can no longer drive.
Child restraint – specific seatbelts, seats or capsules that children under a certain age are required to use/wear
(e.g. baby restraints, child seats, child safety harnesses).
Clearway – a stretch of road along which stopping and parking are prohibited during certain times of day, such as morning
and afternoon peak periods. It is designated by signs with the times marked on them.
Colliding – crashing into.
Crash avoidance space – the space a driver needs to manage in order to prevent a potential crash.
Compliance plate – the plate that identifies a vehicle as being manufactured to safety standards applicable to the time
of manufacture.
Compulsory – necessary, required, must do.
Continuing road – at a T-intersection means the road on which the traffic route continues through the intersection.
It is not necessarily the top of the ‘T’ but will be designated by signs and road markings.
Covering the brake – where your right foot is off the accelerator and over the brake pedal without activating the brake.
See also ‘setting up the brake’.
Default speed limit – the speed limit where there are no speed limit signs.
Defined – explained.
Demerit (points) – there are different points limits for different types of licences (learner, provisional etc). Demerit points are
recorded against your licence for a range of traffic offences (e.g. speeding). If you get too many demerit points your licence
could be suspended.
Device – a piece of equipment.
Diabetes – disease that affects the body’s use of sugar.
Disability (driving) – physical condition that could affect your driving.
Disqualified (licence) – you are not allowed to hold or obtain a licence. You can no longer drive.
Dividing line – a road marking formed by a line or two parallel lines, either broken or continuous, designed to indicate the
parts of the road to be used by vehicles travelling in opposite directions.
Driver – a person who is driving, riding or in control of a vehicle.
Driving instructor – a person who instructs learner or provisional drivers (for money or reward) on how to drive.
Eco Driving – a style of driving to reduce fuel consumption and help the environment by reducing greenhouse
gas emissions.
Edge line – line marked along the road at or near the far left or right.
Emergency vehicle – a vehicle that is the property of Police, Fire and Emergency Services, an ambulance, or an Australian
Protective Services vehicle.
Endorsed – a statement placed on a document (e.g. a licence or registration papers).
Engine capacity – engine size, usually stated in litres or cubic centimetres (cc). One litre =1000 cc.
Epilepsy – a medical condition that can lead to a person having fits.
Exceed – go beyond – as with speed, to exceed the speed limit is to go faster than the speed limit.
Exempt – if you are exempt, a particular requirement does not apply to you (e.g. tests or fees).
section 8. glossary
Expired (licence) – the date on the licence is in the past and the licence is therefore no longer valid.
Explosive – something that is dangerous because it could blow up.
Fatal – something that results in death.
Fatigue – the experience of feeling sleepy, tired or exhausted. Fatigue affects both your body and your ability to
drive safely.
Field of vision – what you can see without moving your eyes or head.
Flammable – easily set on fire.
Flash high beam – to quickly switch the headlights from low beam to high beam and back.
Following distance – the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle travelling ahead of you in the same direction.
Following distance is also called ‘headway’.
Foot crossing – pedestrian crossing.
152 nt.gov.au
Full licence – a licence other than a learner or provisional licence.

Goods vehicle – a goods vehicle is one designed primarily for the carriage of goods.
Graduated licensing scheme – the licence stages required in order to gain a full licence.
Gross Combination Mass (GCM) – the maximum laden mass of a motor vehicle plus the laden weight of any trailer(s).
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) – the maximum loaded mass (or weight) permissible for the vehicle as specified by the vehicle
manufacturer on the identification plate or, if not specified, as determined by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and identified on
the registration certificate.
Hazard – any possible danger that might lead to a crash.
Hazard lights – flashing orange warning lights found on most vehicles.
Head check – looking over your shoulder to the left or right to make sure that there’s nothing in your blind spot.
Also known as ‘shoulder check’.
Heavy vehicle – a vehicle with a GVM greater than 4.5 tonnes.
Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Handbook – a publication that explains road rules that apply to heavy vehicles
(buses and trucks).
Intersection – an area where two or more roads meet. It includes an area where vehicles travelling on different roads might
collide and the area of any slip lane where roads meet.
Interstate (travel) – travel between jurisdictions; NT to WA for example.
International Driving Permit – a permit issued in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva
1949, for use in conjunction with a current driver licence.
Interpreter (knowledge test) – a person who understands more than one language and reads the English test questions
and then asks the applicant the same questions in another language.
Kerb – concrete edge of a road.
Knowledge test – the Driver Knowledge Test.
Lane – an area of road marked by continuous or broken lines, designed for use by a single line of vehicles.
Lane filtering – where a full/open unrestricted motorcycle licence holder rides between two lanes of stationary or slow
moving traffic at speeds that are less than 30 km/h and travelling in the same direction.
Law – rules set out by the government that must be followed.

Level crossing – where a road and a railway meet and cross each other at the same level, including an area adjacent to the
crossing that is denoted by painted cross-hatched road markings.
Licence class – there are different licences required for driving different vehicles of different sizes
(e.g. motorcycle, car etc).
Licence condition – things that affect a licence (e.g. must wear spectacles).
Licence type – kind of licence, such as learner, provisional, full.
Load – items carried on a vehicle from one place to another.
Microsleep – brief, unintended periods of loss of attention that can occur when a person is fatigued but trying to
stay awake.
Median strip – a section that divides lanes in a two-way street.
Minimum – least, smallest.
Motorcycle Rider’s Handbook – a publication that explains road rules that apply to motorcycles and riders.
Motorised wheelchairs – a three or four-wheeled mobility aid that cannot travel faster than 10 km/h. A user is defined
section 8. glossary
as a pedestrian.
Multi-laned road – a road with more than one lane in each direction. These roads sometimes have a median strip dividing
traffic travelling in each direction.
Must – a mandatory requirement.
MVR – Motor Vehicle Registry.
Transport Inspectors – Government personnel authorised to conduct vehicle inspections.
Oncoming (vehicle) – a vehicle approaching you from the front.
Organ donor – a person who wishes to donate their organs (liver, kidney, lungs etc) for transplant after they have died.
Overcrowding – having more occupants in a vehicle than available seats or seatbelts.
Overloaded (vehicle) – a vehicle carrying a load that is too big or heavy for the vehicle to carry it safely or legally.
Overseas – outside Australia.
154 nt.gov.au
Overtake – to pass a vehicle travelling in the same direction as you.

Parallel parking – parking with the whole length of the vehicle next to the kerb.
Pedestrian – a person who travels by foot (walker, runner for example). Also includes people in motorised and
non-motorised wheelchairs and people using wheeled recreational devices or toys.
Penalised – (penalty) punished for breaking a law by way of demerit points, fines, prison or vehicle confiscation.
Photo licence – MVR-issued driver licence.
Points – see demerit points.
Professional Driver – a motor vehicle driver whose primary work is to transport goods or, a bus, taxi or hire car driver.
Regulations – laws (see law).
Renew (licence) – to replace a licence that is no longer current.
Rev – to increase engine speed.
Revs – engine speed (measured in revolutions per minute, RPM).
Road – an area used by the public for the purpose of driving or riding motor vehicles.
Road-related area – includes an area that divides a road, a footpath, nature strip, cycleway and parking areas.
Road rage – a range of antisocial or aggressive behaviour by road users.
Route – way from one place to another.
Safety chains (trailer) – chains that catch a trailer in an emergency, if the tow connection breaks for example.
Safe gap – a gap in traffic that enables you to turn, overtake or cross an intersection without being involved in a collision or
endangering other road users. This means that no other road users should need to take evasive action to avoid your vehicle.
Scanning – constantly moving your eyes when driving so that you can detect hazards that could arise ahead, to the sides
and behind your vehicle.
Setting up the brake – where your right foot is off the accelerator and applying light pressure to the brake pedal.
Should – a recommendation, advice.
Shoulder – strip of land that runs down the side on an un-kerbed road.
Shoulder check – see head check.
Single-laned – a road with one lane running in each direction.

Slip lane – a separate lane for a vehicle turning left.
Spectacles – eye glasses or contact lenses.
Speeding – excessive or inappropriate speed, including not adjusting your speed to suit the conditions or speed limit.
Speed limit – the legal speed for any particular stretch of road, licence or vehicle.
Stationary – not moving.
Supervising driver – a person who holds a full Australian licence for the appropriate class of the vehicle and sits
beside the learner driver.
Suspended (licence) – you can no longer use your licence; that is, you can no longer drive.
Tow truck – a vehicle that is designed to tow another vehicle.
Towing – attaching and then pulling a trailer or vehicle behind a vehicle.
Traffic offences – actions that break the traffic law (see law).
Trailers – vehicles that do not have an engine and that are towed behind motor vehicles.
section 8. glossary
Translator – a person who understands more than one language and who rewrites a written document such as a
driver’s licence in English from another language (see interpreter).
Unattended (child) – a child left with no immediate, supervising, responsible adult.
Unladen – not loaded (see load).
U-turn – a complete change of direction, approximately an 180˚ turn.
Vehicle combination – vehicles joined together. An articulated vehicle can be a vehicle combination of a car and caravan for
example.
Wig Wag light – flashing orange lights used as an early warning when approaching traffic lights or flashing orange lights on
the rear of buses.
Work site – an area of road, bridge or road reserve that includes the work area(s) and any additional length of road or bridge
required for traffic control such as signs and barriers.
156 nt.gov.au
index
A C
Alcohol Cameras
Alcohol, drugs, medication and driving 21, 45 Red-light cameras 88
Alcohol limits 66 Reversing cameras 20
Alcohol Ignition Lock Program (AIL) 146 Speed cameras 66
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) 22, 66 Safety cameras 66
Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) 22, 66 Change of address ix
Drink driving 21, 146 Child restraints 26, 68, 69
How alcohol affects driving skills 22 In commercial passenger vehicles
Mixing alcohol with other drugs 23 (taxis, minibuses) 69
Zero BAC/BrAC 12, 16, 17, 66 Babies under six months 68
Animals Children between six months

and under four years 68
Animals and stock (cattle) 47
Children from four years to under
Animals as vehicles 39 seven years 68
section 9. index
Animals and vehicles 134 Children seven years and over 68
Injured animals 106 Crossings 30, 97, 98, 115
Anti-lock brakes 52, 60 Children’s crossings 97, 115
Combined children’s
B and pedestrian crossings 98
Bicycle riders Controlled crossings at traffic lights 97
Sharing the road with cyclists 27, 33, 91 (see also Pelican crossings)
Shared paths, bicycle paths Level crossings (Railway crossings) 130
and bicycle lanes 37, 114 Pedestrian crossings
Breakdowns 47, 105 (“zebra” crossings) 96,115
158 nt.gov.au
Pelican crossings 97 F
Railway crossings 130, 142 Fatigue 24, 48
School crossings (see also Children’s crossings) Following distances 42, 47, 51
Footbrake failure 52
D
Footpaths 28, 31, 35, 119
Defect notices 142
Footwear 46
Demerit points ix
Four-wheel-drive vehicles 49, 55, 131
Dividing lines 91
Driver licence G
Carrying your licence xi Give way
How to obtain a class C learner licence 8 At give way signs and lines 74
How to obtain a class C provisional licence 15 At pedestrian crossings
Licence photographs xi and children’s crossings 89
Medical fitness to hold a licence 7 At railway level crossings 130
Transferring an interstate licence x At roundabouts 35, 39, 83
Driving at night 27, 46, 50, 127 At stop signs and lines 73, 79
Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) 8, 9, 10 At T-intersections 74
DriveSafe NT 8, 9, 11 At traffic lights 85
Duty of Care 27 At median turning lanes 113
On bridges 117
E To buses 71
Emergency services 28, 70 To cyclists 37
Emergency vehicles 129 To emergency vehicles 70, 129
To oncoming traffic when turning right 71 L

To pedestrians 30, 35, 37, 76, 96 Lanes
To the right at intersections without lights, Bicycle lanes 114
signs or road markings 98, 100, 101, 108
Lane Filtering 38
When changing lanes 49, 110 Median turning lanes 113
When doing a U-turn 87 Merging 110
When entering a turning lane 93 Overtaking 49
When entering or leaving Slip lanes 112
a driveway 30, 113, 114
Truck lanes 114
When merging 110, 111 Learner licence 5, 8, 12
When turning left from a slip lane 112 Licence restrictions for class C learners 12
Where there are no signs 71 Drivers with speed restrictions 63
Alcohol limits 66
H Licence (See Driver licence)
Hazard lights, 47, 50, 129 Lights 27, 46, 50, 55, 66, 127, 128, 129, 140
section 9. index
Heavy Vehicles 32, 48, 49, 50, 116, 125, 132 Loading a vehicle or trailer 54, 55
Hooning 146
Horn 127,129
M
Medical fitness to hold a licence 7
I Mobile phones 12, 16, 19, 20
Interstate licence x Motor Accidents Compensation
Commission (MACC) 137
K
Keep left 99, 115
Keeping inside the vehicle 26
160 nt.gov.au
N Time limits 124

Night 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31, 33, 35, 38, Truck parking bays 48
46, 50, 127 Police, fire and emergency services
(see Emergency services)
Noise 26, 64, 96,106
Police directions 70
O Practical driving test 15
Obstruction 29, 56, 93 Privacy ix
Organ donation 8
R
Overcrowding 26
Rain 20, 30, 42, 47, 129, 141
Overtaking 33, 38, 50, 91, 95, 109, 114,
Red-light cameras (see Cameras)
115, 116, 117, 128, 132
Overtaking lanes 49 Road conditions 19, 21, 55, 98
Road crash 19, 28, 29, 30, 38
P Roundabouts 32, 33, 35, 39, 50, 83, 84
Parking 118
Angle parking 122 S
Clearways 123 Safe following distance 51
General parking rules 119 Seat belts (see also Child restraints) 12, 16,
Motorcycle 123 19, 26, 46, 59, 68, 69, 141, 142
No stopping or standing 125 Shattered windscreen 52
No parking 123 Signs
Parallel parking 122 Regulatory signs 86, 87, 98
Pedestrian or children’s crossing 121 Speed limit signs 21, 63, 64
Railway level crossing 121 Stop signs 73
Warning or advisory signs 88, 100 Traffic signals 50, 71, 80, 85, 86, 88, 89,
Single vehicle rollovers 47, 51 97, 109, 119, 129
Skidding 21, 51, 52, 59, 60 Turning 32, 43, 44, 49, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75,
Speed 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87,
Speed cameras (see Cameras) 89, 91, 93, 95, 96, 112, 113, 116
Speed limits 12, 16, 20, 21, 41, 53, 61, 63, Tyre blow out 52
64, 65, 66, 104, 109, 114, 115, 145
Built-up area 53, 63, 134
V
Learner licence 8, 12 Vehicles, keeping inside 26
Provisional licence 15, 16 Visibility 21, 27, 30, 31, 36, 46, 50, 56, 105, 127
School zone speed limits 65 Visual display units 20
Signals
W
Early warning signals – ‘Wig Wags’ 88
Wider the Rider 33
Pedestrian 89
Water on the road 56
Stop (railway) 130, 131
section 9. index
Crossings without signals (railway) 130, 131 Z
Zero BAC 12, 16, 66
T
Television receivers 20
Towing 12, 16, 50, 51, 54, 132
Traffic islands and painted islands 93, 112, 119
Traffic lights (see Traffic signals)
162 nt.gov.au
MVR offices and agencies

MVR contact centre Feedback
For all general enquiries or to make payment by phone, In the interest of all road users and to further improve
please call 1300 654 628 – 24 hours a day, this publication, the department wants your feedback.
7 days a week. When your feedback is received it is recorded and will be
To speak to an operator, call Monday to Friday, considered in the next review of this publication.
between 8am and 4pm. Please provide your feedback in the following format:
• title ‘Road Users Handbook – Feedback’
Website: nt.gov.au • reference to the relevant section
Email: mvr@nt.gov.au • feedback/suggestion
Post: GPO Box 530 Darwin NT 0801 Please consider the impact on all road users when making
a suggestion.
Main office locations Please send via post, email or fax to:
To find a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) office and office Manager Driver, Licensing
hours, please visit mvr.nt.gov.au or phone the MVR Motor Vehicle Registry
contact centre on 1300 654 628. Post: GPO Box 530 Darwin NT 0801
Email: MVR.Licence@nt.gov.au
For more information on road safety and programs, Fax: 08 8999 3103
please contact Road Safety on 8924 7019 or visit
the website at roadsafety.nt.gov.au. This publication is reviewed when there has been a
significant change to legislation or a number of changes
are required (on average a revision is conducted every
two to three years).
To check you have the most up-to-date version of this
publication, please visit the nt.gov.au website.
NOTES
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166 nt.gov.au

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MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRY (MVR)

Your guide to safely sharing the roads in the Northern Territory

Road Users’ Handbook –

Introduction to the road rules..................................... viii The licensing system.................................................... 3

Important information.................................................... ix C class graduated licensing scheme............................ 4

Application forms..........................................................ix Licence classes............................................................. 5

Change of details..........................................................ix Medical fitness to hold a licence................................... 7

Privacy..........................................................................ix Organ donation............................................................. 8

Demerit points...............................................................ix How to obtain a class C learner licence........................ 8

Transferring an interstate licence...................................x Licence restrictions for class C learners..................... 12

Purchasing vehicles – third party interests....................x Learning to drive......................................................... 12

Purchasing a safer vehicle............................................xi L plate rules................................................................ 14

Photographs..................................................................xi How to obtain a class C provisional licence................ 15

HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK 1 P plate rules................................................................ 16

ROAD SAFETY 18 Sharing the road with motorcycle riders...................... 38

Distractions................................................................. 19 Animals as vehicles – sharing the road safely............ 39

Mobile phones............................................................. 20 SAFE DRIVING 40

Safe following distance: crash avoidance................... 51 Steering technique...................................................... 59

Single vehicle rollovers............................................... 51 Active driver assist systems........................................ 60

Skidding...................................................................... 51 Eco driving..................................................................... 61

Median strips............................................................... 79 Warning triangles and safety vests for crashes

VEHICLE REGISTRATION 136 Drink driving.............................................................. 146

Vehicle registration and compulsory Driving without a licence........................................... 146

Vehicle number plates............................................... 139 INDEX 156

Protrusions on the front of vehicles........................... 141 MVR contact centre.................................................. 162

Defect notices........................................................... 142 Main office locations................................................. 162

Before driving on the road (check)............................ 142 Feedback.................................................................. 162

Demerit points for traffic offences............................. 145

Speeding offences.................................................... 145

Negligent or dangerous driving

This handbook is not the law, but is a guide to some

Introduction to the road rules

If your interstate licence is current, transferring your

Purchasing a safer vehicle You must carry your driver licence

Section 1 – How to use this handbook

section 1. how to use this handbook

To legally drive on public roads in the NT:

Stage 1 If your licence is suspended or cancelled during your

Car (C) Medium Rigid (MR)

Light Rigid (LR)

. • Holders of an HR class licence can also drive any

Heavy Combination (HC) Medical fitness to hold a licence

A medical condition does not necessarily

Drivers with medical conditions Organ donation

How the Driver Knowledge Test works Applicants requiring assistance

DriveSafe NT DriveSafe NT has been designed so that all elements of

L plate rules It is recommended that L plates are displayed vertically

You are allowed to tow a trailer when on a provisional licence.

If you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle

section 3. road safety

Speeding is travelling at a speed greater than the sign

Speed limit signs

section 3. road safety

section 3. road safety

section 3. road safety

Two or more passengers, however, could have a negative

section 3. road safety

section 3. road safety

section 3. road safety

Blind spot area