NRSW: Refreshing your Road Rule Knowledge
Published on 21 May 2026
Refreshing your road rule knowledge isn’t just for new drivers—it’s something every road user in New South Wales can benefit from. With rules evolving and road environments becoming busier, staying informed helps keep everyone safer.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) regularly updates guidance on road rules, signage, and safe driving practices. Their online resources and learner materials are useful not only for licence applicants but also for experienced drivers who may not have revisited the rules in years.
Community-based organisations also play an important role. Programs delivered by council Road Safety Officer, Steven Bloomfield often include workshops and information sessions that promote road safety awareness, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older drivers. Similarly, Community Transport services engage with passengers daily and reinforce safe road behaviours across diverse communities.
Professional driving instructors remain one of the most effective ways to refresh practical knowledge. Mr Bloomfield says; “A session with a qualified instructor can highlight changes in rules, correct bad habits, and rebuild confidence behind the wheel—especially after long breaks from driving.”
Early education also matters. Many early learning centres incorporate basic road safety into their programs, helping children understand pedestrian rules, crossings, and safe behaviours from a young age. This early exposure builds a foundation for lifelong road awareness.
Whether through official resources, community programs, or professional guidance, taking the time to revisit road rules is a simple step that contributes to safer roads for everyone in NSW.
Here are the top 10 misunderstood road rules in NSW:
- Merging: When lanes end, you must give way to any vehicle that is ahead of you, even if their lane has ended and yours has not.
- Keeping Left: On multi-lane roads with a speed limit of more than 80km/h, you must not drive in the right-hand lane unless overtaking, turning right, or traffic is congested.
- Roundabouts: Drivers must signal left when exiting a roundabout and signal right when entering if intending to go more than halfway around.
- Mobile Phones: Fully licensed drivers can only use a phone if it is in a fixed, commercial holder or via Bluetooth/voice command. Learners and P-platers are not permitted to use any phone function while driving.
- Yellow Traffic Lights: A yellow (amber) light means you must stop if you can do so safely, not speed up to beat it.
- Giving Way to Pedestrians: Drivers turning left or right at an intersection must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road they are entering.
- High-Beam Lights: It is illegal to use high-beam lights within 200m of a vehicle ahead or an oncoming vehicle.
- Fog Lights: Fog lights should only be used in fog, mist, or other hazardous conditions that restrict visibility.
- U-Turns: U-turns are illegal at traffic lights unless a "U-Turn Permitted" sign is displayed. They are also illegal across solid white lines.
- Safe Following Distances: Drivers are advised to maintain a minimum 3-second gap from the vehicle in front to ensure safety.
---ENDS---
Temora Shire Council Media Enquires
Corporate Communications Officer – Elise Hawthorn
E: communications@temora.nsw.gov.au
P: 6980 1127