Driver Knowledge Tests Menu

While driving, you come across aggressive, selfish or ignorant driving behaviour by another driver. You should: While driving, you come across aggressive, selfish or ignorant driving behaviour by another driver. You should:

  • A. Chase the car to tell the driver how to drive.

  • B. Stay calm and in control of your vehicle at all times.

  • C. Respond by using your horn and/or flashing your lights to let the driver know how you feel.

  •  
    The correct answer is B
     
    Correct. You are responsible for your own driving.
     
 
 
 
 

Fines and penalties for dangerous driving

There are quite heavy fines and even prison sentences for driving irresponsibly because the implications for others that are affected by your actions can be life-changing and serious.

Remember that you are the one in control of the car, not your passengers, and you have a responsibility to be safe on the roads. Don't give in to peer pressure; if you are driving safely and one of your passengers doesn't like the way you drive then they have the choice of alternative arrangements like public transport or a taxi. Also, you have the choice of how to react in a situation - don't let anyone else's actions make you angry. If you retaliate and cause an accident the fines and penalties can be steep. There are plenty of people in prison who are there because they made a rash decision while behind the wheel.

Here is a list of some of the more serious transgressions and the penalties you can expect. 

This is a list of some of the more serious offences:

Other driving offencesPenaltiesFirst offenceSecond or subsequent offence
Negligent driving where death is occasioned Maximum court-imposed fine $3,300 $5,500
  Maximum gaol term 18 months 2 years
  Disqualification - minimum 12 months 2 years
  Disqualification - maximum Unlimited Unlimited
  Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order 3 years 5 years
    
Negligent driving where grievous bodily harm is occasioned Maximum court-imposed fine $2,200 $3,300
  Maximum gaol term 9 months 12 months
  Disqualification - minimum 12 months 2 years
  Disqualification - maximum Unlimited Unlimited
  Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order 3 years 5 years
    
Furious driving; Reckless driving; Driving in a manner or at a speed dangerous Maximum court-imposed fine $2,200 $3,300
  Maximum gaol term 9 months 12 months
  Disqualification - minimum 12 months 2 years
  Disqualification - maximum Unlimited Unlimited
  Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order 3 years 5 years
    
Fail to stop and give assistance in an accident involving death or injury Maximum court-imposed fine $3,300 $5,500
  Maximum gaol term 18 months 2 years
  Disqualification - minimum 12 months 2 years
  Disqualification - maximum Unlimited Unlimited
  Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order 3 years 5 years
    
Other major offences mentioned in section 205 of the Road Transport Act 2013. Maximum court-imposed fine As in existing legislation As in existing legislation
  Maximum gaol term As in existing legislation As in existing legislation
  Disqualification - minimum 12 months 2 years
  Disqualification - maximum Unlimited Unlimited
  Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order 3 years 5 years

(Source: this page on Roads & Maritime's website).