Queensland · Your Keys to Driving in Queensland · chapter 5 · 14 min read

Signs, Signals & Speed Limits

• you fail a practical driving test in Queensland – the three months residency rule applies to you – see below.
• When the three months residency rule applies Under the three months residency rule, you can no longer drive on your interstate or foreign licence and must obtain a Queensland driver licence to continue driving in Queensland. This applies if:
• you are an Australian citizen and you have been residing in Queensland for three months
• you are not an Australian citizen, and: – before you took up residence in Queensland you were given a permanent visa or special category visa under the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth) – you have now been residing in Queensland for three months
• you are not an Australian citizen, and: – after you took up residence in Queensland you were given a permanent visa or special category visa under the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth) – you have now been residing in Queensland for three months since getting the visa.
• Permanent visa and special category visa A permanent visa and a special category visa allow you to stay indefinitely in Australia. A visa, such as a student visa, that allows you to stay in Australia for a limited time, or until a certain event happens or while you have a special status, is not a permanent visa or special category visa.
• If you need to drive in Queensland If your licence has expired or your authority to drive in Queensland has been withdrawn and you still need to drive, you may be eligible to be granted a Queensland driver licence – see Applying for a licence, page 17.
• Obtaining a Queensland driver licence If you hold an interstate licence and need to get a Queensland licence for the same class as your interstate licence, you will need to:
• show your interstate licence and supporting evidence of identity documents
• show evidence of your Queensland residence
• surrender your interstate licence
• pay a fee. You may also be required to show evidence that you are medically fit to drive safely. If you hold a foreign licence and need to get a Queensland licence for the same class as your foreign licence, you will need to:
• show your foreign licence and a recognised translation of the licence if it is not in English
• show supporting evidence of identity documents
• show evidence of your Queensland residence
• pay a fee. You may also be required to:
• show evidence that you are medically fit to drive safely
• pay the PrepL or road rules test fee and pass PrepL or the road rules test
• pay the practical driving test fee and pass the test
• have your photo and signature taken digitally. If you have genuine difficulty in understanding or speaking English, an approved interpreter may assist you while you take your road rules test. The Department of Transport and Main Roads may organise an interpreter for you. You must not continue to drive in Queensland on your interstate or foreign licence once you have been granted a Queensland driver licence. If any of the following happens, you will not be eligible to be granted a Queensland driver licence until the period of suspension or disqualification has ended:
• your licence has been suspended by the issuing authority
• you have been disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence by an Australian court
• your authority to drive in Queensland has been suspended because you have: – been convicted of driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit – not paid fines – accumulated too many demerit points. For more information about unpaid fines, contact the State Penalties Enforcement Registry on 1300 365 635 or visit www.sper.qld.gov.au. If your authority to drive in Queensland has been withdrawn because you have a medical condition that adversely affects your ability to drive safely, you will not be eligible for a Queensland driver licence until your doctor gives you a medical certificate stating that you are medically fit to drive – see Medical conditions and driving, page 21.

• Road rules
• Signs and signals
• Speed limits
• Making turns
• Roundabouts
• Indicating and signalling
• Giving way
• Road markings and positioning
• Hazardous localities
• Alcohol and drugs
• Heavy vehicles
• Other rules and responsibilities
• Rules for other road users

Signs and signals

Signs Traffic signs and signals are an essential part of the road traffic system. Paying attention to traffic signs helps you move around safely and efficiently. There are three common types of traffic signs:

• regulatory signs
• warning signs
• guide signs and information signs.

Regulatory signs You must obey the instructions on these signs.