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

30/11/201613/01/2022

NSW Mobile phone road rules 2016

Learner and provisional P1 (red Ps) drivers and motorcyclists

Learners and provisional P1 licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding.
This includes when waiting at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. You must be parked out of the line of traffic to use your phone in any way.

These laws encourage learner and P1 drivers and riders to concentrate on developing their vehicle control and hazard-perception skills.
Mobile phone use can distract novice drivers and riders from the driving task.

From 22 January 2016, learner and P1 drivers and riders penalised for illegally using a mobile phone (four demerit points) will exceed their demerit point threshold and face a three-month licence suspension.

Changes to help keep L and P plate drivers safer

From 1 December 2016, P2 licence holders will no longer be permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding. P2 licence holders will have the same restrictions as learner and P1 licence holders.

1. Can I hold and use my phone when waiting at traffic lights, or stuck in traffic?
No. It is illegal to hold and use your phone at any time while driving or riding. If you want to hold and use your phone your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic.

2. Can I use my mobile phone for calls if it is on loudspeaker and in my lap?
No. It is illegal to have your mobile phone touching any part of your body, other than to pass it to a passenger.

3. Can I have my mobile phone in my pocket if I’m using Bluetooth to make or receive a call?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence or a provisional P2 licence (green Ps).
You can use a mobile phone for calls if it does not require you to touch the phone in any way (e.g. via Bluetooth).
The rules allow your mobile phone to be in a pocket of your clothing.

No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.

4. Can I listen to music on my phone if it is in a cradle?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence or a provisional P2 licence (green Ps). You can use the audio playing function of a mobile phone as long as the phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road, or the phone can be operated without you touching any part of it, such as via Bluetooth.

No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.

5. Can I dial a number if my mobile phone is in a cradle?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence or a provisional P2 licence (green Ps). You can use a mobile phone for calls if it is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle. Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Consider if the call is urgent and the demands of the traffic before using your mobile.

No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.

From 1 December 2016, P2 licence holders will no longer be permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding. P2 licence holders will have the same restrictions as Learner and P1 licence holders.

6. Can I use the GPS function on my mobile phone?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence or a provisional P2 licence (green Ps). You can use a mobile phone as a driver’s aid, such as GPS, as long as it is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road. You cannot hold your phone to use the GPS function.

No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.

7. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone if I am a learner or provisional P1 licence holder?
Yes. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver’s view of the road. The device must not be placed in a location that will increase the likelihood of injury in a crash.

8. Can I send a text message if my mobile phone is secured in a cradle?
No. You cannot text at all while driving, whether or not your phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle.

9. What kind of cradle can I use for my mobile phone?
Your mobile phone must be in a mounting that is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose.

10. Where can I attach a cradle to my vehicle?
The mounting must be fixed to the vehicle in the manner intended by the manufacturer. It must not obscure your view of the road (in front and to the sides), and must not be placed in a location that will increase the likelihood of injury to you or a passenger in a crash.

09/09/201513/01/2022

NSW Driving Test – Vehicle Control

Your ability to control the vehicle is assessed by the way you handle the tasks involved.

OPERATING THE CONTROLS
Some of the driving tasks that the testing officer will observe and record are
listed here:
Adjust driver’s seat posture and steering column (if adjustable) to ensure you have good control of the vehicle.

Operate accelerator smoothly when accelerating and decelerating.

Operate brakes smoothly and effectively.

Coordinate clutch and gear lever to make smooth gear changes.

Select appropriate gear for the situation including when coming to a stop and parking the car.

Avoid over-revving on take off and gear changes.

Driver’s seat belt is correctly fastened, fitted and adjusted (low, flat and firm).

Apply a brake when starting the vehicle.

Prevent rolling back when starting on hills.

Use park brake correctly when preparing to secure the vehicle and ensure it is fully released when driving.

Steer with both hands on the steering wheel (except when using another control), using either ‘hand-over-hand’ or ‘pull-push’ method with hands on the outside of the steering wheel.

Use other controls such as indicators, windscreen wipers and demisters.

You must be confident in your use of all controls and be able to operate them without being distracted.

NSW Driving Test - Vehicle Control — NSW Driving Test – Vehicle Control

18/08/201513/01/2022

Driving Lesson testimonial from Deidre.

Driving Lesson testimonial from Deidre

TXT from Deidre 18/8/15.

Hi Cameron

I just want to thank you for taking a chance on me to help me 2 drive again.

Being disabled with above knee amputation is hard .

When you came today you made me feel so comfortable and I was no different than anyone else.

If you are disabled need driving lessons give Cameron a call.
Have a nice day Deidre.

Deidre lost her right leg, so driving a standard car on the streets of Sydney took a lot of guts.

Well done Deidre.

Cameron Lata, Camber Driving School, Sydney.

13/08/201513/01/2022

NSW Tips for new provisional drivers

Tips for new provisional drivers

The crash rate of learner drivers is actually very low, partly due
to the guidance provided by the supervising driver. However, as a
newly licensed provisional driver driving without this supervision,
the risk of crashing is significantly greater.
By imposing your own constraints and gaining support when needed you
can reduce some of the risks involved.
NIGHT DRIVING
Crash data shows that the risk of provisional drivers crashing is greater at
night, particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Avoid driving at these times if at all possible.

PASSENGER INFLUENCES
A relative or trusted friend can be very helpful in new and challenging
driving situations. However, some passengers can distract you and make it
harder to focus on driving.

For the first 12 months of provisional driving limit yourself to a maximum of one passenger.
From July 2007, all provisional P1 drivers under 25 have a passenger limit between 11pm and 5am.

DRIVING DISTRACTIONS
Distractions like adjusting a CD player or radio can divide your concentration
and result in a crash. If you have a passenger, get them to do the task. If you
are by yourself, wait until you are stopped before you divert your attention to
these activities. If you wish to use a mobile phone you must pull over to the
side of the road and turn the engine off.
As a provisional driver you are still limited to zero alcohol.
If you have had any drink or food containing alcohol you cannot drive.

06/08/201513/01/2022

NSW Driving Test. 2. Why You Might Fail Your Driving Test.

2. FAILING TO GIVE WAY WHEN NECESSARY
Examples of this fail item include:
Not giving way to any vehicle that has priority over you
at an intersection.
Not giving way to pedestrians at marked crossings
and intersections.
Not giving way if required when entering a traffic stream,
merging or lane changing.

3. COLLIDING WITH A VEHICLE, PEDESTRIAN OR OBjECT
This includes mounting or straddling (one wheel either side of) a traffic
dome and mounting the kerb or roundabout.
You will not fail if you touch the kerb face with your wheels.
4. PERFORMING AN ILLEGAL ACT OR MANOEUVRE
An illegal act or manoeuvre is anything contrary to the Road Rules where a
regulatory traffic sign, signal or road marking is not present. Examples of
this fail item include:
Unnecessarily driving on the wrong side of the road
on unmarked roads.
Turning from the incorrect position. For example,
starting a left turn from the right lane, or
When turning left or right in an arrowed lane,
you do not exit to a permissible lane.
Stopping on a pedestrian crossing or stop line
when giving way to pedestrians.
Not driving in the left lane when required to do so.
Making an unlawful U-Turn.
Not using the correct lane to turn at a roundabout.
Overtaking or passing a stationary vehicle at
a pedestrian crossing.
Entering a level crossing when unsafe to do so.
Not wearing a seatbelt.
Answering or using a mobile phone.

05/08/201513/01/2022

NSW Driving Test. 1. Why You Might Fail Your Driving Test.

WHY YOU MIGHT FAIL
This guide shows examples of what you must do to drive safely and pass
the test. However, some actions and behaviours are classed as fail items.
If you do something that gets a fail, your test will continue so that you
can be given a full assessment of your driving ability but you will not
pass the test.

Here is a list of all the fail items along with some examples of how they may
happen on a driving test.

Remember that this is only a guide and if you have any more questions you
should consult the Road Users’ Handbook available from your local registry.

Alternatively, the Road Users’ Handbook as well as the Road Rules can be
downloaded from Roads and Maritime website rms.nsw.gov.au

1. DISOBEYING TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS OR ROAD MARKINGS
Be sure you have a thorough understanding of the meaning of regulatory
signs, traffic signals and road markings. They tell you what road rules apply
in any specific situation. Examples of this fail item include:

Not stopping at a red traffic light.
This means that all of your vehicle must be behind the stop line.

Not stopping at a yellow traffic light when it is safe to do so.
You must stop at a yellow light unless sudden braking
might cause a crash.

Not stopping correctly at a stop line.
Your final stopped position must be within one metre
of the stop line and with no part of your car over the line.
Crossing a continuous centre line, lane line or
edge line unnecessarily.

Disobeying lane markings (transit lane, turn arrows etc).
Not obeying regulatory signs such as One Way, No Entry, No U-Turn,
Keep Clear and Keep Left.

05/08/201513/01/2022

NSW Logbook 20. Preparing for the driving test

Learning Goal

Make sure you are prepared to take your driving test.

Learning Content
Review each learning goal carefully to make sure you can achieve each one
Get a copy of The Guide to the Driving Test and familiarise yourself with the test requirments.
Book your driving test and make sure you have all of the relevant paper work you need
Make sure you have correctly filled out the log book and will have thr required hours by the time you do your test, including at least 20 hours night driving.

Facts and Tips
You can book your test in person at the RTA/RMS or call 13 22 13 or online.
Make sure your car is fully roadworthy – tyres, lights, mirrors etc before you present for your driving test.

Guide to the driving test

Also maybe check out my video page. Have a look at:

The Guide to the Driving Test.

05/08/201513/01/2022

NSW Logbook 19. City and motorway driving

Learning Goal
Gain experience driving in complex and busy city traffic and motorway environments

Learning Content
Driving in the city – busy commercial centres
Driving on motorways including –
Using tool booths, e-tags etc
Using on and off ramps
Driving in tunnels
Following direction signs
Electronic signs – variable speed limit signs
Low risk driving on freeways including increased following distance for speed and avoiding blindspots of other drivers

Facts and Tips
Learner drivers must not drive faster than 90 Km/h and must observe the speed limit where it is below 90 Km/h
Take advantage of situations like family holidays to get some experience driving on motorways

20/07/201513/01/2022

NSW Log Book 18. Country Driving

Learning Goal

Gain experience driving in rural environments

Learning Content

Sealed highways and country roads

Driving on various road surfaces { sealed and unsealed }

Road rules, signs and traffic marking not previously encountered, for example, narrow bridge, railway and stock crossings

Using overtaking lanes

Applying low risk driving in rural environments { managing speed, position, decisions and responding to hazards }

Driver fatigue

Sharing the road with heavy vehicles

Risk of encountering wildlife when driving at dawn or dusk

Facts and Tips
Take advantage of situations like family holidays to get some experience on country roads.
Remember to share the driving. As this is a new experience greater levels of fatigue may be experienced, so change drivers more often.