Sharing the road in New South Wales

By the end of this topic you can

• You can give way to pedestrians in the situations the law requires.
• You can overtake bicycle riders at the legal minimum distance.
• You can stay out of truck and bus blind spots and give them room to turn.
• You can respond correctly to emergency vehicles and level crossings.
• You can react safely to animals on the road.

What you need to know and understand

• When passing a bicycle rider, leave at least 1 metre where the limit is 60 km/h or less, and 1.5 metres above 60 km/h.
• Give way to pedestrians at crossings, when turning, when U-turning, in shared zones and in driveways.
• Fully licensed motorcycle riders may lane filter below 30 km/h in slow or stopped traffic, but not in school zones or beside kerbs.
• When an emergency vehicle approaches with a siren or flashing lights, you must give way so it can pass.
• Stop at a level crossing when red lights flash, a boom gate is down or a Stop sign is present.
• Do not stop or park on a level crossing or within 20 metres of either side.
• Never swerve to avoid an animal. Brake in a controlled way.

People on foot and on bikes

Take extra care near schools, shops, transport stops, pubs and clubs. Children, older people and people affected by alcohol are more likely to step out. At children's crossings with red-orange flags, stop and wait until everyone has left the crossing.

Bicycle riders may ride two abreast, use the middle of a lane, ride in bus and transit lanes, and turn right from the left lane using a hook turn. Check your blind spot before turning left, and check mirrors before opening your door so you do not 'door' a rider. You may cross single or double lines to pass a bicycle if the view is clear and it is safe.

Motorcycles, trucks and buses

• Motorcycles are easily hidden behind other vehicles. Look twice before changing lanes or turning. Give them a full lane and the same space as a car when overtaking.
• Trucks and buses have large blind spots in front, beside and behind.
• Never cut in front of a heavy vehicle or pull into its path when the lights turn yellow.
• Long vehicles with a 'Do not overtake turning vehicle' sign may use more than one lane to turn. Stay behind them.
• Do not overtake a bus with a '40 when lights flash' sign at more than 40 km/h while its lights flash.

Trams, trains and emergency vehicles

In areas with light rail, do not drive in a tramway except to avoid an obstruction, and never move into the path of a tram. Obey 'T' signals and tram lane signs.

At level crossings, slow down, look and listen. Do not cross until lights stop flashing and booms are fully up, and do not enter unless your whole vehicle can clear the tracks. If one train passes, check another is not coming.

When an emergency vehicle approaches, move left, slow or stop out of its way. When passing one that is stopped with flashing lights, slow to 40 km/h on roads of 80 km/h or less.

Horses, livestock and wildlife

Pass horses slowly and widely, and never sound your horn or rev the engine near them. In the country, watch for kangaroos and stock, especially near waterholes and at sunrise and sunset. If an animal is on the road, brake firmly but in a controlled way and stay in your lane. If you hit an animal, stop only if it is safe. WIRES can help with injured native wildlife. A deeper guide on this site works through the whole Road User Handbook.

Common mistakes

• Squeezing past a bicycle rider in the same lane. Wait until you can leave at least the legal gap.
• Turning left without a head check for bicycles on your left.
• Sitting beside a truck in its blind spot. Drop back or pass it steadily.
• Swerving for a kangaroo, which can cause a roll-over or head-on crash.

Test yourself: Sharing the road in New South Wales

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• NSW Road User Handbook Study Guide