Were you one to get nervous any time a teacher announced a surprise test in class? Well, if you’re someone who drives a lot, your road awareness should always be sharp!
That’s why we’re going to test you on updates to driving rules that were updated at the start of 2022, as well as a few elements to driving at this time of year as the days get shorter, that should make you a smart driver, just like our savvy AA members.
Get your pencil case out, sharpen those pencils and get your thinking hat on, as we see how much you can remember the changes to road rules that
True or False: All new cars sold in 2022 have a speed limiter installed.
We like to think that AA drivers are safe drivers, but that doesn’t mean others are the same. If you’ve been shopping around for a new car this car, does it have a speed limiter installed according to new EU rules?
Answer: False
Explainer: Remember when you used to hate trick questions? Well, this is (sort of) one of them. While it is true that the system is rolling out, it didn’t become mandated until July 2022, so anyone buying a new car before then shouldn’t have had to deal with it.
Having said that, most new cars already have speed-limiting technology built in. You might have purchased a car in the last few years and don’t even know a speed limiter was fitted.
True or false: Dipped Headlights will let you see about 30 metres
As we’re getting closer to those darker evenings, you’ll want to have your dipped headlights on a bit more to see better when driving. But do dipped headlights let you see as far as 30 metres away?
Answer: True
Explainer: On average, dipped headlights should let you see up to 30m away. That’s the equivalent of an imaginary seven cars ahead of you. That might not seem like much, but as the RSA points out in the Rules of the Road handbook: “Dipped lights will let you see for about 30 metres, and a car travelling at 100km/h will cover this distance in about a second.”
True or False: You need to have full headlights on when driving in special speed limit areas
Sticking with headlights and darker evenings, if you’re going to be driving in a special speed limit area, where the signs are telling you (for example) you need to be keeping it down to 20km/h, is it essential to have full headlights on so you can see people, and they can see you?
Answer: False
Explainer: Ever find yourself driving at night, and just a few seconds in, every single oncoming driver is flashing their lights at you? You most likely have those lights on full; a big no-no!
You should never have your headlights on full in special speed limit areas, anywhere there is good street lighting, or even if you’re parked temporarily on a side street.
True or False: You can use your horn freely from 6 am
We’ve all been woken up before the alarm goes off by a horn honking outside, but is it ok for the likes of a taxi or neighbour to be honking from 6 am?
Answer: False
Explainer: There are only two reasons someone should be using their horn; to warn someone of oncoming danger or to make other road users aware of your presence.
There is also an allowed time for using your horn in built-up areas: 7 am to 11:30 pm. So next time you hear someone honking outside those hours, you can tell them they don’t know the rules!
How did you stack up?
Now that the quiz is over, tally up those scores!
If you got 4 out of 4 correct, give yourself a big A*.
If you got 3 out of 4, a commendable effort but some work to do.
If you got 2 out 4, you’re scraping by and need to know better.
If you scored lower, you need to bone up on your road knowledge.
