Are you driving blind? Get your hand off it.

Research shows that being distracted when driving, such as by a mobile phone, increases the risk of a crash.
Simply taking your eyes off the road for longer than two seconds, doubles the risk of a crash.
A short lapse of concentration can have lifelong consequences.
See how far you travel when you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds:
Travel speed Metres travelled in 2 seconds
40 km/h 22.22
50 km/h 27.78
60 km/h 33.33
80 km/h 44.44
100 km/h 55.56

Overview
Our original Get your hand off it campaign has evolved to highlight the serious consequences of using your mobile phone illegally while driving, which could cost you or those you care about everything.

We – NSW RTA, have adapted the successful ‘Are you driving blind?’ mobile phone distraction campaign launched by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads in March, 2015.

The campaign also encourages drivers to know the rules about mobile phone use.

Dangerous problem
Crash data from 2010 to 2014 showed there were 236 crashes where hand-held mobile phone use by drivers was identified as a contributing factor. This included seven fatal crashes and 116 injury crashes. These crash numbers are considered to be under-reported because of the difficulty of finding evidence of illegal mobile phone use at crash scenes. This suggests the size of the problem could be much greater.

From July 2014 to June 2015, more than 35,300 fines were issued to drivers in NSW for using hand-held mobile phones, showing the problem is still prevalent.

Research shows that males and females aged 17-39 years have the highest rate of claimed use while driving, and the greatest involvement in crashes where hand-held mobile phone use is a factor.

Main messages
It’s not worth it. Get your hand off it
At 60 km/h if you look at your phone while driving for just two seconds, you travel 33 metres blind

29/11/201613/01/2022

NSW LICENCE RESTRICTIONS FOR LEARNERS

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
Your BAC must be zero. This means your (BAC) cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle.
Demerit points
Your licence will be suspended if you incur four or more demerit points.
Display of L signs
L signs must be clearly displayed on the front and back of the exterior of the vehicle.
Seatbelts
You must ensure all occupants are properly restrained by seatbelts or approved restraints.
Speed limit
You must not drive faster than 90 km/h and must observe the speed limit where it is
below 90 km/h.
Supervision
A person who has an appropriate Australian full licence (not a learner or provisional licence or an overseas licence) must sit next to you.
Towing
You must not tow a trailer or any other vehicle.
Location restrictions
You must not drive in Parramatta Park,
Centennial Park or Moore Park when in Sydney.
Mobile phone
You must not use any function of a mobile phone, including hands free or loudspeaker
devices when driving.
Licence class
You cannot learn to drive for a higher licence class.

SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION OF LEARNER LICENCE
A learner who commits driving offences may have their licence
cancelled by a court or suspended or cancelled by Roads & Maritime.
A learner licence can be suspended by Roads & Maritime for offences
such as:
• The learner drives without a supervising driver.
• The learner or passengers are not restrained by seatbelts or child
restraints, as appropriate.
• The learner drives with a passenger(s) in the boot or on the vehicle.

20/03/201613/01/2022

Seatbelts and child restraints NSW Australia

Seatbelts and child restraints NSW Australia
SEATBELTS
EVERYONE IN A VEHICLE MUST WEAR A SEATBELT
Everyone in a vehicle, the driver and all passengers, must wear a correctly fitted
and adjusted seatbelt when they are available. A passenger must move to a seat
with a seatbelt rather than sit in one without a seatbelt. If the vehicle does not have
seatbelts fitted, passengers must sit in the back if a seat is available. Passengers
under the age of 7 are not permitted to travel in the front seat without a child
restraint or seatbelt, even if the back seat is full.
It is illegal for a learner or provisional licence holder to drive when not wearing
a seatbelt or carry passengers who are not wearing a seatbelt or using a child
restraint. Learner or provisional licence holders cannot carry passengers if there
are not enough seatbelts.

It is illegal to drive with people in the boot or on the vehicle.

CHILD RESTRAINTS
There are legal requirements for children aged under 16 years to use a seat belt or
an approved child restraint. Drivers must ensure children are restrained in devices
suitable for their age and size. Children up to the age of 6 months must be secured
in an approved rearward facing restraint device. From 6 months up to 12 months a
child may be in either an approved rearward or forward facing restraint device.
Children from 12 months up to 4 years must be in an approved forward facing
child restraint. Children under 4 years must not be in the front row of a vehicle
with 2 or more rows of seats.
From 4 years to under 7 years, an approved child restraint or booster seat must be
used. Children from 4 to under 7 years can only sit in the front row of a vehicle
with 2 or more rows, when all other seats are occupied by passengers under 7 years
old.
Approved child restraints must be properly fastened, adjusted and anchored. All
child restraints should be fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Look in your car manual for the location of anchorage points for child restraints.

WHAT TYPE OF CHILD RESTRAINT TO USE
Child restraints are available in a range of styles to suit children of different sizes.
Restraints are available for children up to 32 kg and/or 10 years old. All child
restraints should be professionally fitted by an Authorised Safety Restraint Fitting
Station, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. When purchasing a
child restraint look for the sticker certifying the child restraint meets Australian
Standard AS1754. When a booster seat is used, it must be used with either an
approved lap and sash seatbelt or an approved child safety harness.
SEATBELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINTS IN TAXIS
Taxi drivers can be fined and given demerit points for every unrestrained passenger
they carry under 16 years of age. Unrestrained passengers aged 16 years and over
travelling in a taxi also receive a fine.
When travelling in taxis, a child under 12 months of age must use a suitable
child restraint. Taxis have anchorage points for your child restraint and some taxi
companies will supply a child restraint if you request one when booking a taxi by
phone. Approved restraints have the Standards Australia label.
EXEMPTIONS
Taxis: Currently, taxi drivers do not have to wear a seatbelt although they are
strongly advised to do so for their own safety.
Medical conditions: In rare circumstances an adult or child may obtain a doctor’s
certificate to say they cannot wear a seatbelt because of a medical condition or
body shape. This certificate must
• be dated and issued on the practitioner’s letterhead
• state the reason for which the exemption is requested
• state the date on which the exemption expires, an exemption should
not exceed one year from the date of the certifcate issued.
This certificate must be carried at all times while travelling unrestrained in a
vehicle, otherwise both driver and passenger will be fined and the driver will get
demerit points.
Reversing: A driver reversing a vehicle does not have to wear a seatbelt.
Tow Trucks: When an appropriate child restraint is not available for use in a tow
truck, a child under 1 year old is allowed to sit on the lap of another passenger
who is not in the front row of seats (if the tow truck has two or more rows of seats).

Seatbelts and child restraints NSW Australia

20/03/201613/01/2022

SPEED CAMERAS NSW Australia

SPEED CAMERAS NSW Australia
Speed camera support enforcement conducted by NSW Police. They are proven
to change driver behaviour and reduce road trauma.
There are four types of speed cameras used in NSW to encourage drivers to
comply with the speed limit – mobile, red-light speed, fixed and point -to point.
All speed cameras are regularly tested to ensure they are measuring speeds
accurately and fine revenue raised from speed cameras goes directly towards
improving road safety.
MOBILE SPEED CAMERAS
Mobile speed cameras are moved around the road network and are used statewide,
on all types of roads, at all times of day. Like police enforcement, the exact
location of mobile speed camera enforcement is unpredictable.
RED-LIGHT SPEED (SAFETY) CAMERAS
Red light speed cameras are capable of detecting both red light and speeding
offences and are used at high risk intersections. They improve safety by reducing
crashes caused by red-light running and speeding
FIXED SPEED CAMERAS
Fixed speed cameras are used at locations with a crash history or that are identified
as high risk – including blackspots, school zones, tunnels and motorways.
POINT-TO-POINT CAMERAS
Point-to-point speed cameras work by calculating a driver’s average speed between
two points. If the average speed is higher than the posted limit, a speeding
infringement may be issued.

20/03/201613/01/2022

SCHOOL BUSES in NSW

SCHOOL BUSES
Be particularly careful when passing stationary buses from 7am–9.30am and 2.30–
5pm. This is when children are travelling to and from school.
SCHOOL BUS LIGHTS
Buses use signs and orange flashing wigwag 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 are opened. They keep flashing for
about 30 seconds after the doors close and continue
even after the bus moves off. You must not drive past
the bus in the same direction at more than 40 km/h
while the lights are flashing as there may be children
crossing or about to cross the road.
SCHOOL BUS HEADLIGHTS
When buses are dropping off or picking up school children their headlights will
also flash. Be careful when approaching a bus with flashing headlights as there may
be children crossing or about to cross the road.

20/03/201613/01/2022

Basic driving techniques

Basic driving techniques
The key to good driving technique is smoothness, and the
secret to smoothness is good preparation.

DRIVING POSTURE
When you first get 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
and allows the safety features of the vehicle to operate effectively.

SEATBELTS
For seatbelts to work effectively they should be adjusted ‘low, flat and firm’.
• Low – placed below your hips to fully secure your body weight.
• Flat – no twists, turns or folds.
• Firm – about every 15 minutes when you drive pull the belt firm to remove any
slack.

AIRBAGS
Airbags are a supplementary restraining system (SRS) designed to be used in
conjunction with seatbelts. To get the most benefit from the driver’s airbag the
steering wheel should be adjusted low, facing the driver’s chest rather than the face.

BRAKING TECHNIQUE
Correct braking is done in two stages, first put light pressure on the brake pedal
and pause (set up the brakes), 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 may cause skidding and a loss of control,
particularly on wet or gravel roads.

STEERING TECHNIQUE

There are two main steering techniques, ‘push/pull’ and ‘hand over hand’.
Regardless of which method is used some general rules apply:
• Steering must be smooth and progressive.
• Reduce speed before steering and wait until the vehicle begins
to straighten before accelerating.
• When steering keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel and
thumbs along the rim.

ELECTRONIC DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEMS
ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS)
Antilock braking systems control braking force to prevent the tyres from skidding
under heavy braking or when braking in slippery conditions. Some ABS systems
cause the brake pedal to pulse or shudder when activated and although this may
feel disconcerting, braking effort must be maintained if the situation requires a
quick stop.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS (TCS)
Traction control systems stop the driving wheels spinning by reducing engine
power or temporarily applying the brakes. This allows the car to accelerate
smoothly, even on slippery surfaces.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Electronic stability control detects if a vehicle is not responding correctly to driver
steering input. The system selectively applies the brakes to individual wheels or
changing engine power, ESC helps the driver to maintain their intended direction.

EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSIST (EBA)
Emergency brake assist detects an emergency brake application. It provides
emergency braking assistance and automatically increases the force being applied
to the brakes to minimise the stopping distance.
It is also known as “Brake Assistto the brakes to minimise the stopping distance. It is also known as “Brake Assist
System” (BAS).

Electronic driver assist systems will not prevent a loss of control
or crash if the physical limits of the vehicle are exceeded.

11/03/201625/03/2016

Camber Driving School Review

Camber Driving School Review

After not being passing my test for 5 times and attending couple of different driving schools, I finally had my driving lesson with Cameron at Camber Driving School today. It was a 2 hour lesson, I was quite nervous but Cameron was very encouraging and calm we went through practising turns and crossing at junctions, parkings. After two hrs we went to rta and then finally i PASSED!!!!
Yayyy I would never have been able to do it without Cameron amazing guidance, he was always calm when I was panicking and gave me confidence in my own judgments.
Thank you so much Cameron.
Cheers
Anum Hammad

29/11/201513/01/2022

Driving In The Rain DRIVING SAFELY IN THE WET

Driving In The Rain

When the rain comes down, the roads can get crazy.

The streets are busier as more people drive to avoid the rain and the roads become slippery. There’s the water itself, but the rain also brings oil and other slippery muck to the surface.
It’s harder to see the road ahead, your windscreen becomes foggy and your brakes are less effective.
It’s no surprise that in the wet weather there are more prangs, but there are some simple things you can do to avoid getting into trouble.

Slow down
It seems obvious, but it’s always a good idea in wet weather to ease up on the gas.
You should also increase the distance between you and the cars ahead.
In normal conditions, it’s recommended that you leave a three second gap – in the wet, try to double this.

Take it easy
You need to take extra care in all aspects of your driving. Accelerate and steer smoothly. Avoid slamming on the brakes – apply steady pressure.

Look out
Make sure you can see and be seen. Turn on your lights and use your air conditioner and/or demister to keep your windows from fogging up.
In heavy rain, you’ll wish you had replaced those worn old windscreen wipers. Before that happens, check out whether you need new ones – they’re cheap to buy and easy to install.

Watch out
Keep an eye out for water on the road. Sometimes water can gather in dips or unseen potholes, creating deceptively deep pools.
Cars have been known to ‘aquaplane’ after hitting water like this (that is, ‘glide’ out of control across the road).
If you do come across water across the road, then cut your speed right back to 30 or 40km/h. After you’ve driven through, touch your brakes lightly to dry out the brake pads.
Obviously, if there’s water flowing across a road in a low-lying country area, for example, you should stop and check the depth before continuing (it shouldn’t be higher than the lowest point on the wheel rim).

Patience
The most important thing is to be patient. When it’s raining and chaotic, everyone’s in the same boat…

NSW Geared

29/11/201513/01/2022

NSW Some of the worst driver distractions:

Some of the worst driver distractions

NSW Police Traffic Services Commander, Chief Superintendent John Hartley, says there’s little doubt that distracted drivers can cause traffic problems and road crashes.

He explains that there are many distractions on the road, including more and more traffic.

Additionally, drivers now also have to contend with new or more affordable technologies like smart phones, MP3 players, GPS devices, and in-car DVDs, which can act as a distraction.

Here are some of the worst driver distractions:

Mobile phones (talking and texting)
Using a mobile while driving can increase the risk of a collision by four times, according to several studies. Sending a text message is even worse.

Learner and P1 drivers are not allowed to use ANY function of a phone (including hands-free) while driving.

P2 drivers may only use a mobile phone to make or receive a call, or use the audio player if the phone is secured in a fixed mounting. If you are a P2 driver, and your phone is not in a mounting, to answer your phone it must not require you to touch or manipulate the phone in any way.

All other functions such as texting, video messaging, online chatting, reading preview messages and emailing are not allowed. The new laws make it clear that a driver in a moving or stationary vehicle (unless parked) MUST NOT HOLD a phone in his or her hand other than to pass the phone to a passenger.

Adjusting vehicle settings
This is the most common bad driving habit because many people don’t realise it’s dangerous to fiddle with the radio, air-conditioning or windows while driving.

“Crashes often occur as a result of only a moment’s inattention,” says Commander Chief Superintendent John Hartley.

“While you’re changing the CD or skimming through songs on your mp3, your full attention isn’t on the road and [it is] placing you at risk of a crash.” The best idea is to make any adjustments before you set off or put your mp3 on shuffle before you begin your journey.

Passengers
Young drivers have a greater risk of crashing when they have friends in the car.

The stats also tell us that there’s more chance of causing a fatal crash when you have two or more friends in the car, especially male passengers. However, the risk is reduced when carrying an adult or a child, compared with carrying no passengers.

Eating, drinking and smoking
Aside from the obvious dangers of drink-driving, even sipping on a non-alcoholic drink takes your focus off the road.

An American study has found that eating a cheeseburger can be more distracting than talking on a mobile. And the risk of causing a crash is just one more reason not to smoke!

External distractions
As if there wasn’t enough happening inside the car, there are lots of distractions outside too. Make sure you look out for other drivers and pedestrians, while trying to block out the roadside billboards, shops and all sorts of unexpected or interesting things going on in the streets.

NSW Geared

29/11/201513/01/2022

NSW – DRIVERS HOLDING OVERSEAS LICENCE

DRIVERS HOLDING OVERSEAS LICENCE

If you have a current overseas licence and a permanent resident visa, you are
allowed to drive or ride in NSW on your current overseas licence for a maximum
of three months after arriving in Australia.
To drive with your current overseas licence during the three-month period, you must
not be disqualified from driving or riding and your licence must not be suspended or
cancelled.
You must obtain (not just apply for) a NSW licence within this three-month
period if you wish to continue to drive or ride.

Please note that if your overseas licence is not in English, you must also carry your
International Driving Permit or an English translation with your licence when
driving.

Getting a NSW licence

You must be aged 17 years or over to get a NSW driver licence. If you hold an
overseas licence to drive or ride (including a learner licence) and want to get a
NSW licence, you must go to a registry or service centre and:
• If your licence is in English, present your overseas licence.
• If your overseas licence is not written in English, provide:
– Your overseas licence and an official translation from the NSW Community
Relations Commission or the Commonwealth Department of Immigration
and Citizenship (DIAC).
– Where extra licence information is required (for example, about the first issue
date or the validity period of the licence or where the type of vehicle authorised
to be driven or ridden is not shown) a letter from a relevant consulate or
diplomatic office.
• If you cannot produce your overseas licence, provide:
– A letter from the overseas licence issuing authority confirming your licence
details and status, or,
– A letter from a relevant consulate or diplomatic office, based on information
received from the overseas licence issuing authority, confirming your licence
details and status.
Any letter provided to confirm licence details or status should be in English or
have an official English translation as described above.
Before you first attend the registry or service centre, you may wish to obtain a
letter from the driver licence issuing authority (on its letterhead), or from your
relevant consulate or diplomatic office, confirming your licence details, including
the first issue date.

You must also:
• Prove your NSW address.
• Prove your identity.
• Pass an eyesight test.
• Pass a knowledge test for each class of licence required.
• Pass a driving test for each class of licence required.
• Provide documents proving the first issue date of your licence, if it is not displayed on the licence.
If you fail the driving test, your visiting driver privileges will be withdrawn. To
continue driving in NSW you must then get a learner licence that will allow you to
drive (while supervised by a person who has an Australian full licence) and then go
for another driving test.

Recording overseas licences
Under Australian licensing laws only one licence can be used for driving in
Australia. Before a NSW licence will be issued, you must present your overseas
licence so that the details can be verified and recorded. Your overseas licence will
be returned to you unmarked.

Exemptions from tests
You may be exempt from some tests if:
• You have, within the last five years, held an Australian driver licence which can
be verified by the issuing authority, or,
• You hold a current New Zealand driver licence, or,
• You are applying for a Class C (car), or,
• Class R (rider) licence and you hold a current overseas rider licence, or one that
expired within the past five years, from a country recognised as having comparable
licensing standards to Australia.
Note: Roads & Maritime reserves the right to require a driving or riding test. A licence may
not be issued unless Roads & Maritime is satisfied that the overseas licence is valid.

What NSW licence you are eligible for
The length of time you have held an overseas car or rider licence will determine
the type of licence that you are eligible to hold.
• If you have held your overseas car or rider licence for less than
one year, you will only be eligible for a P1 licence.
• If you have held a car or rider licence for more than one year but less than
three years, you will only be eligible for a P2 licence.
• If you have held a driver or rider licence for more than three years,
you will be eligible for a full licence.
To apply for a class of licence other than one you already hold, you must pass the
appropriate knowledge test and driving test (taken in a vehicle of that class).

TEMPORARY OVERSEAS VISITING DRIVERS
From 18 April 2008, new licensing rules apply to visiting drivers who want to
obtain a NSW licence for the first time.
Information for visiting drivers can be found on our website or in the brochure
Guide for international drivers.

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