Driving test questions that trip up even the most seasoned drivers

Learning the road rules and sitting the test for your Learner’s permit might have seemed like an impossible task at the time, but after years of driving, most drivers would assume they are across what they can and can't do on Australian roads.

However, a new study from EzLicence has found that some questions are proving difficult for learners, including some that may trip up even the most seasoned drivers.

By analysing thousands of practice theory tests, the Australian driving school online platform has revealed which topics learners find the hardest – and which could catch experienced drivers off guard.

Speed limits came in first, with 21.2 per cent getting questions about unsigned speed limits, various road types, and penalties for driving over the speed limit wrong.

Coming in second was vehicle equipment use, with about 20% of drivers tripped up by questions on headlights, fog lights, and indicators.

Night driving and visibility rounded out the top three, with nearly 19% of responses incorrect, highlighting gaps in understanding rules and risks in low-light conditions. 

Fourth place went to intersections and right of way (18.4%), followed by parking and stopping in fifth (17.1%) and vehicle positioning in sixth (15.8%).

The remaining spots in the top ten went to road markings, traffic lights, licence conditions and restrictions, and general hazard awareness.

While each state and territory has its own specific driving test reflecting its road rules, EzLicence’s marketing head Amanda Butler says the tests themselves don’t tend to change often.

“Most remain consistent for long periods of time,” she says.

“That stability helps learners build familiarity with the types of questions they’ll encounter on the real test.”

Despite this, learners struggle with different topics depending on the state they’re learning to drive in.

Across Australia, the toughest topics varied: night driving and visibility in NSW and WA, speed limits in SA and the ACT, hazards in Tasmania, and licence conditions and restrictions in Queensland.

Victoria recorded the highest incorrect rate overall, with 37% of answers on vehicle equipment use wrong.

Many of these difficulties come from applying road rules in real-world situations rather than simply memorising them. Questions on giving way, roundabouts, and stopping distances test both knowledge and judgment, while differences in state tests – from unique signage to local laws – mean some topics catch drivers out more than others.

While the data comes from learners, the reality is plenty of experienced drivers still speed, forget their lights, or skip indicators. So, it’s no surprise these questions could trip them up in a test – and that’s a serious problem, according to Butler.

“These aren’t just trivia questions – they’re the foundations of safe and lawful driving,” Butler says.

“Even experienced drivers can slip into bad habits or overlook less common rules, like those around vehicle equipment or towing.

“Not knowing the correct rule could mean a fine, demerit points, or putting yourself and others at risk.

“It’s a good reminder that road safety knowledge should evolve with experience, not fade over time.”

To help drivers test their knowledge, EzLicence has created an online tool with state-specific practice tests – including the five hardest questions – so you can see how you stack up.

“They can help identify knowledge gaps in just a few minutes,” Butler says.

And if the results indicate some gaps in your knowledge, being proactive is key.

“For those who want to refresh their skills behind the wheel, booking a lesson with an instructor is a simple and effective way to rebuild confidence and get up to speed with the latest rules.”

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