DKT NSW Fatigue and Distraction 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NSW law, how long must you drive before taking a rest break to manage fatigue on a long trip?
- Every 1 hour
- Every 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Every 3 hours
- Every 4 hours
Correct answer: Every 2 hours
NSW road safety guidelines recommend taking a rest break of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours to combat driver fatigue.
Question 2: Which of the following is the MOST effective way to deal with driver fatigue?
- Turning up the radio volume
- Opening the car window for fresh air
- Stopping and sleeping for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Drinking a caffeinated beverage
Correct answer: Stopping and sleeping for at least 15 minutes
The only truly effective remedy for fatigue is sleep; stopping and taking a short nap of at least 15 minutes is the safest option.
Question 3: In NSW, it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Which of the following IS permitted?
- Holding the phone to make a call
- Using the phone as a GPS while resting it on your lap
- Using a phone mounted in a cradle with Bluetooth audio (Correct answer)
- Texting at a red traffic light
Correct answer: Using a phone mounted in a cradle with Bluetooth audio
A phone mounted in a commercially designed holder and operated hands-free is permitted under NSW law.
Question 4: Microsleep episodes typically last how long?
- 1–2 seconds
- 2–30 seconds (Correct answer)
- 30–60 seconds
- 1–2 minutes
Correct answer: 2–30 seconds
Microsleep episodes last between 2 and 30 seconds, during which a driver is completely unaware and has no control of the vehicle.
Question 5: Which group of drivers is at the HIGHEST risk of fatigue-related crashes according to NSW road statistics?
- Drivers aged 30–45
- Young male drivers aged 17–25 (Correct answer)
- Retired drivers aged 65+
- Female drivers of any age
Correct answer: Young male drivers aged 17–25
Young male drivers aged 17–25 are disproportionately represented in fatigue-related crashes due to lifestyle factors and inexperience.
Question 6: A driver is feeling sleepy on a long highway trip. What should they do FIRST?
- Increase speed to reach the destination sooner
- Pull over safely and rest (Correct answer)
- Turn on the air conditioning
- Switch to the fast lane to stay alert
Correct answer: Pull over safely and rest
When feeling sleepy, a driver should immediately pull over in a safe location and rest, as continuing to drive while fatigued is dangerous and illegal.
Question 7: Under NSW law, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving can result in which penalty?
- A caution only for first offence
- A fine and demerit points (Correct answer)
- Licence suspension only
- A verbal warning from police
Correct answer: A fine and demerit points
In NSW, illegal mobile phone use attracts a substantial fine and demerit points, with increased penalties in school zones.
DKT NSW Fatigue and Distraction 1
Under NSW law, how long must you drive before taking a rest break to manage fatigue on a long trip?