Who should sit in the rear of the vehicle to protect themselves?

Aceable Level 2, Chapter 1: Before the Drive

What is the name of the form your parent or guardian will need to fill out in order to prove your Texas residency?

ANSWER: Texas Residency Affidavit

Before driving, you should check for these things: obstructions behind the car, __________, and which direction your vehicle's wheels are turned.

ANSWER: Leaking fluids

How far away should you be from the steering wheel?

ANSWER: 10 to 12 inches

What is one thing you should always do before driving?

A.) Adjust your vehicle floor mats B.) Check under the hood C.) Check for ants crossing the road D.) Adjust your mirrors

Get the CORRECT Answer

Adjust your mirrors


Where should you place your hands on the steering wheel? A.) 6 o'clock B.) 10 and 2 o'clock C.) 12 o'clock D.) 9 and 3 o'clock

Get the CORRECT Answer

9 and 3 o'clock

Aceable Level 2, Chapter 2: The Precious Cargo

It's your _________ to keep both yourself and anyone in your car safe.

ANSWER: Responsibility

An example of an active restraint in a car is what?

An example of an active restraint in a car is _____ ANSWER: Seat belts

If you were in a car crash and weren't wearing your seat belt, you'd keep moving at the speed of the crash. True or false?

ANSWER: TRUE

Who should sit in the rear of the vehicle to protect themselves from airbag impact in case of a crash?

ANSWER: Passengers age 12 and under.

Kevin was driving his 6-year-old sister in the front seat when a police officer signals him to stop. What is a likely outcome?

ANSWER: He'll receive a ticket.

There are ______________ crash-related deaths in the US every year.

ANSWER: Over 40,000

55% of drivers ages 16-20 who were killed in a car crash were ___________.

Fifty-five percent of drivers ages 16-20 who were killed in a car crash were _______. ANSWER: Not wearing their seat belt. Aceable Level 2, Chapter 3: Call It Symbolic

Where do you find the gearshift lever in a vehicle with an automatic transmission?

A.) On the dashboard. B.) Under your seat. C.) On the center console or steering column. D.) In the glove compartment.

Get the CORRECT Answer

On the center console or steering column.


What does ABS stand for? A.) Automatic Backup System. B.) Muscular Stomach. C.) Automobile Brake Simulator. D.) Antilock Brake System.

Get the CORRECT Answer

Antilock Brake System.


In what situation will you need to use low gears? A.) When you need more power at a lower speed B.) When you need less power at a higher speed C.) When you need to fit your vehicle under low-hanging branches D.) When you need more power at a higher speed

Get the CORRECT Answer

When you need more power at a lower speed


Emma has her vehicle's gear on reverse while turning the wheel right. Which way will her vehicle go? ANSWER: Emma's vehicle will back out to the right.

The first option for slowing down is to release the gas pedal. True or false?

ANSWER: TRUE

The controls of the windshield wiper and windshield washer are usually located on ___.

A.) One switch. B.) The center console. C.) Over your head. D.) Two levers.

Get the CORRECT Answer

One switch


What can you use your light switch for? A.) The vehicle's high beams. B.) The vehicle's parking lights. C.) The vehicle's headlights. D.) All the choices are correct

Get the CORRECT Answer

All the choices are correct


To turn right, push the signal lever __ A.) Out B.) Down C.) In D.) Up

Get the CORRECT Answer

Up


What must you do when the temperature light on your dashboard comes on? ANSWER: Look for a safe place to stop and turn off your engine.

Alternator Warning Light

ANSWER: Light or gauge on the instrument panel warning that the battery is being drained.

If the oil pressure warning light appears, you know the engine oil is circulating at the proper pressure. True or false?

A.) True B.) False

Get the CORRECT Answer

FALSE


Parking Brake ANSWER: Keeps the vehicle in place when it is parked.

Why would the brake warning light come on when you press on the foot brake?

ANSWER: Your vehicle's brake system isn't working properly.

In what position should you be to properly adjust your rearview mirror?

A.) Slouching and looking straight ahead. B.) Standing outside your vehicle. C.) Sitting up straight and waving at friends. D.) Sitting up straight and looking straight ahead.

Get the CORRECT Answer

Sitting up straight and looking straight ahead.


To compensate for blind spots, quickly glance left and right over your shoulder and linger in the blind spots of other vehicles. True or false? A.) True B.) False

Get the CORRECT Answer

FALSE

Aceable Level 2, Chapter 4: Let's Get It Started

What should you check once you start your vehicle?

ANSWER: Any warning lights.

In the process of starting a car, which step happens first?

ANSWER: Put your right foot on the brake.

The area around your car that you cannot see is called _____________.

ANSWER: The vehicle's hidden operating space. Aceable Level 2, Chapter 5: Control Yourself

Novice drivers often _________ to decelerate.

ANSWER: Depend on the brakes too much.

To turn right, you pull the steering wheel down with your right hand. True or false?

A.) True B.) False

Get the CORRECT Answer

TRUE


Use the shuttle steering method to __________. ANSWER: Make a very sharp turn.

Before changing gears to reverse it is important to __________.

A.) Have a clear view of the front windshield. B.) Have a clear view of the rear window. C.) Have two hands on the steering wheel. D.) Let go of the brake.

Get the CORRECT Answer

Have a clear view of the rear window.


What should you always watch out for when turning right? A.) Trucks making wide left turns B.) A mother and her ducklings crossing the road C.) Bicyclists D.) Correct signal lights

Get the CORRECT Answer

Bicyclists


A two-point turn is ___________. A.) Making two left-hand turns B.) Making a left-hand turn C.) Making a U-turn on a roadway D.) Using a driveway in order to change directions

Get the CORRECT Answer

Using a driveway in order to change directions


A great way to prevent car break-ins is to _____. A.) Leave the engine running. B.) Hide your keys in the ignition. C.) Park your car in desolate areas. D.) Not leave valuables in your car.

Get the CORRECT Answer

Not leave valuables in your car.


Where do most crashes happen? A.) In parking lots B.) On highways C.) In rural areas D.) In driveways

Get the CORRECT Answer

In parking lots


In parking lots, yield the right of way to: In parking lots, yield the right-of-way to: ANSWER: all choices are correct

You should always stop your vehicle by pressing on the brake pedal as hard as you can. True or false?

A.) True B.) False

Get the CORRECT Answer

FALSE


How can you successfully multitask while driving a vehicle? ANSWER: Remaining calm and keeping your eyes on the road.

When parking uphill without a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?


ANSWER: Towards the outside of the road. At a 4-way stop, drivers _____ should go first. A.) Who are in the biggest vehicle. B.) Who are dancing. C.) Who arrived first. D.) Who are on the left.

Get the CORRECT Answer

Who arrived first.

  • By law, children must be restrained appropriately at all times when travelling in a car in Australia.
  • Make sure you choose the right restraint for your child and your vehicle.
  • Restraints need to be fitted and used correctly.
  • Travelling with children can be challenging, but there are things you can do to make the journey easier and safer.
  • Only move children to the next category of restraint once they are too big for their current restraint. 

The best way to prevent injuries to children in a crash is by taking care to correctly restrain them while travelling in a car. By law, all passengers must be restrained appropriately at all times when travelling in a car in Australia. Children should be restrained using the right child restraint for their age and size.

All child restraints must comply with the Australian Standard for child restraints (AS/NZS 1754). When fitted and used correctly, restraints are very effective in protecting children in the event of a crash. To find out the independent safety and ease-of-use rating of child restraints visit the Child Car Seats website.

Cars can quickly become very hot, so never leave a baby or child alone in a car, even in mild weather.

Never leave a child alone in a car

Leaving a child on their own, locked in a car on any day – even for a short period – can be fatal. The temperature inside a car can very quickly climb to dangerous levels . Children are more at risk from heat-related problems than adults because they can lose fluid very quickly and become dehydrated, leading to heat stroke and potentially death. Ambulance Victoria data shows that in the period between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018, Ambulance Victoria responded to 1,587 callouts for people locked in cars across Victoria, the majority being cases involving toddlers and babies.

In all states and territories in Australia, it is illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle for any length of time. In Victoria, it is illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005. The penalty for doing so is a fine of $4,030 or up to six months in jail, or both.

The Never leave kids in cars page has more information about child car safety.

Child restraints – rear and forward facing

When using child restraints:

  • Check the harness and top tether have no twists and are firm.
  • Make sure your child's arms are secured correctly by the harness and check the tension of the harness straps by fitting two fingers between the harness and the child.
  • Check the seatbelt and harness buckles are clicked into place properly.
  • If you are using an ISOFIX-compatible child restraint, make sure the ISOFIX attachments are correctly clicked into place.

Booster seats

When using booster seats:

  • Use the booster seatbelt guide to make sure the sash part of the seatbelt is positioned on your child's shoulder.
  • If there is a top tether strap, make sure it is correctly attached to the child restraint anchor location.
  • Make sure the seatbelt is firmly adjusted.
  • The lap part of the seatbelt should pass over the upper thighs and across the hips, not the stomach area.

Child restraints and the law

In Victoria, children under seven years of age must be restrained in an approved child restraint or approved booster seat when travelling in a motor vehicle.

Children over seven years of age and under 16 years must be restrained in a booster seat or adult seatbelt. For safety reasons, it is recommended to only transition children to the next category of restraint when they outgrow their current restraint.

The rules require that:

  • Children aged under six months must use an approved, properly fastened and adjusted rearward-facing child restraint.
  • Children aged between six months and seven years old must use a properly fastened and adjusted rearward-facing child restraint OR a forward-facing child restraint.
  • Children aged between four and seven years old must use a properly fastened and adjusted forward-facing child restraint OR booster seat.
  • Children aged between seven and 16 years old must use a booster seat with a properly fastened and adjusted lap or sash seatbelt or child safety harness, or a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt.

There are also laws for where children can sit in vehicles, specifically:

  • If a car has two or more rows of seats, then children under four years old must not travel in the front seat.
  • If all rear seats are being used by children under seven years old, children aged between four and seven years old may travel in the front seat, provided they use an approved booster seat. Because there are no child restraint anchorage points for the front seat, you will need to use a booster seat that does not have a top tether strap.

Kidsafe Victoria has more information on child restraint laws and the National Child Restraint Best Practice Guidelines .

Safety for babies in the car

For babies up to at least six months of age:

  • They must travel in a rearward-facing child restraint.
  • Every time you use the restraint, check that the harness is adjusted so that it fits the baby as snugly as possible and is not twisted.
  • Use the child restraint until your child has outgrown the restraint.
  • If you use a baby blanket, place it over the baby after you have secured the baby into the restraint.
  • Adjust the shoulder straps as the child grows – for rearward-facing restraints, always use the harness strap slot nearest the child’s shoulders but not below their shoulders.

Safety for toddlers in the car

For toddlers from approximately six months to at least four years:

  • Use a rearward-facing child restraint or forward-facing child restraint that is held in place by the adult seatbelt and the top tether strap. It is safest for your child to keep using their rearward-facing restraint until they outgrow the size limits of that restraint.
  • Every time you use the restraint, check that the seatbelt is firm and that the harness straps fit snugly and are not twisted.
  • Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to adjust the harness system and the shoulder straps as the child grows. For forward-facing restraints, always use the harness slot nearest to the child’s shoulders but no more than 2.5 cm below the shoulders.
  • Use the child restraint until your child has outgrown the restraint.
  • If your child outgrows the child restraint before four years of age, seek advice from VicRoads or Kidsafe Victoria to assess your child's restraint needs.

Safety for children in the car

Children approximately four years old to at least seven years old should use a forward-facing restraint or booster seat until they have outgrown it. An adult lap or sash seatbelt is designed for people who are a minimum height of 145 cm.

If your child is under seven years old and has outgrown their booster seat, it is recommended that you visit a professional child restraint fitting station (such as an RACV restraint fitting station ) for assessment. Be aware that:

  • There are booster seats available that are suitable for children up to approximately 10 years of age.
  • Booster cushions are not recommended, as they do not provide protection in a side impact crash.

The National Child Restraint Best Practice Guidelines , developed by Neuroscience Research Australia and Kidsafe, include a handy ‘5 step test’ to help determine when a child is ready to use an adult lap sash seatbelt.

Children 12 years of age and under are safest in the rear seat.

Options for children with disability or reduced mobility

Children with disability or reduced mobility may present challenges for safe motor vehicle travel. Allied health professionals (such as an occupational therapist) can work together with families to identify safe motor vehicle travel strategies, such as:

  • modifying a child restraint
  • recommending a child restraint accessory
  • prescribing a special purpose child restraint for children with disabilities.

Modifications to a child restraint must be undertaken on the advice of medical and allied health staff.

Some exemptions to child restraint laws may apply to children with a medical condition or physical disability. Seek advice from a health professional who can prescribe the best restraint for your child. Further advice can be obtained from the road authority in your state or territory , or from Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults (MACA) , tel. (03) 9134 2500.

Restraint hire schemes

Restraint hire schemes allow parents and carers of children to hire restraints for a specified time. Some hire schemes are operated by local councils and there are also several companies that hire out restraints. There is usually a bond and a fee for the hire of a restraint.

Travelling with children

Travelling with children can be challenging. Some tips to help provide an enjoyable time for everyone include:

  • Praise or reward good behaviour.
  • Explain to children that you can't go anywhere unless the seatbelts are all buckled.
  • Talk or sing with children, or play music to make the time pass more quickly.
  • Play fun games such as 'I spy'.
  • If travelling long distances by aeroplane or train, take your child restraint or booster seat with you.
  • If you have a toddler and a baby, take the baby out of the car safely before the toddler gets out.
  • Take regular breaks every two hours when driving to minimise the distress to passengers and driver fatigue.
  • Secure loose objects (toys and other items) in the car that could fly about and injure passengers during a crash or heavy braking. Pets should also be restrained.
  • Avoid heat stroke. It is extremely dangerous to leave children (or pets) in a car unattended, even for a short time. The temperature in the car can reach dangerously high temperatures in a short period of time.
  • Make sure children exit the car from the kerb side door, where possible.

Where to get help

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Who should sit in the rear of the vehicle to protect themselves?

Who should sit in the rear of the vehicle to protect themselves?

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Who should sit in the rear of the vehicle to protect themselves?

Who should sit in the rear of the vehicle to protect themselves?

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Who should sit in the rear of the vehicle to protect themselves?

Who should sit in the rear of the vehicle to protect themselves?

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.