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Can you answer this roadworks question on a Learner Driver test?

Most drivers think they know how to handle every situation they may face on the road, but would this Driver Knowledge Test question about a common scenario involving roadworks leave you stumped?

The question refers to how you would act if you came across a roadworks zone where a traffic controller was directing motorists.

The Service NSW’s Driver Knowledge Test asks: "If you driving towards a roadworks zone and a traffic controller displays a stop sign, you must...?"

RMS question on roadworks.
The roadworks question as it appears on the RMS test. Source: Service NSW

It then lists three options to choose from which are:

A. Slow down and continue through the roadworks zone.

B. Stop and then proceed if you think it is safe.

C. Stop your vehicle and wait for directions from the traffic controller.

So, would you answer this question correctly?

Road rules take control

With a person controlling the traffic and access to the road limited due to roadworks, the only safe option to choose is option C – to stop and wait for directions from the traffic controller.

As they know what traffic is waiting at the other end of the roadworks zone, it is the only safe option for drivers to pursue when entering a work zone.

Furthermore, Rule 101 of the Australian Road Rules declares drivers must stop before a hand-held stop sign and only proceed when told to do so by the person controlling the traffic.

It’s a rule based on keeping everyone safe including road workers, pedestrians and drivers and is something that has been directly adopted into road rule laws across all Australian states.

A worker holds up stop sign at road works.
Drivers must stop if a handheld stop sign is shown. Source: Getty Images

Big fines for not stopping

Should anyone ignore instructions from the traffic controller and proceed through a works zone, they will be in for a nasty surprise from local police officers.

Authorities can hand down a multitude of penalties to offending drivers with both large fines and demerit points most likely to be dished out. Some of the notable penalties include:

NSW: Drivers in New South Wales will be in for a big surprise if NSW Police find them ignoring traffic controllers in roadworks as offenders will be given a $349 fine and have three points added to their licence.

VIC: In Victoria, anyone caught ignoring a hand-held stop sign in roadworks can face a combined penalty of three demerit points and a fine of $363 to add to their woes.

QLD: Drivers ought to be wary if Queensland Police catch them ignoring a hand-held stop sign in a roadworks zone as they could get slapped with a fine of $413 as well as three demerit points on their licence.

SA: There are big penalties for South Australian drivers that ignore a stop sign held by traffic controllers as SA Police will dish out a combined fine of $488 as well as three points on their licence.

WA: Anyone in Western Australia who ignores a hand-held stop sign will be in for a big surprise as police will hand out a fine worth six penalty units, equalling $300, and add three demerit points to their licence.

A man holds a slow sign at a roadwork site.
Drivers face three demerit points for ignoring a hand-held stop sing across Australian roads. Source: Getty Images

TAS: Tasmanian drivers will get hit with a fine of $216 and three demerit points should the local authorities catch them ignoring a hand-held stop sign.

ACT: The ACT has the highest penalties in Australia for anyone ignoring a hand-held stop sign as drivers could be hit with a fine of $491 as well three demerit points from police.

With such heavy penalties ready to be applied if someone ignores a hand-held stop sign, it pays dividends to always follow any directions given by traffic controllers in a roadworks zones.

It’s why these questions and road rules are designed to ensure that drivers always slow down and stop when necessary no matter how much experience they have sitting behind the wheel.

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