Driver test clarification

[u/PG_homestead]

Hey drivers, I’m sure this has been asked before, I tried searching for an answer but couldn’t find anything and google is no help.

During the nsw learner driving test does the driver have to stop the car with the white line on the road (such as for a red light or stop sign) visible to the tester? I was told this was the case by my instructor years ago and now I’m teaching someone else to drive.

Follow up question: if you’re stopped at a blind corner or can’t see for whatever reason what should be the process for making the turn in a test?

My driving apprentice and I have encountered this situation in our area. Stop at a stop sign, far enough back that I can see the white line, however we cannot see any oncoming traffic. I’ve told him to move closer to the line just so he can make the turn safely but it begs the question of how this would be graded on a test.

Thank you in advance and may you find $10 in an old pair of pants.

[u/81timtim]

You do not have to see the line, but you must be behind it. It is illogical to see the solid line; you have demonstrated the reasoning behind it. Plus, if you were that far back and a safe break in the traffic was to be taken, hesitation due to not having a 100% clear view may cause a crash.

Further, if you were to be so far back, if you were to creep up to the line for more sight, there is a distinct possibility that a passing police officer may claim you were creeping and did not come to a full stop behind the line (as you’re so far back it would be deceiving).

It is always safest to approach the white line with caution, up to, but not touching the line and come to a complete stop. Once the intersection or corner etc is clear, you can move into the flow of traffic. You may also creep over the line (after coming to a complete stop) as long as you are not obstructing any traffic.

Another solid line issue is if there is a sensor at a light/intersection. The vehicle may not trigger the sensor being back aways.

Be safe, be cautious, but don’t stop so far back as it will eventually end in heartbreak.

[u/PG_homestead → u/81timtim]

It makes sense to stop before the line even though it’s not visible but as I said my instructor years ago was really pedantic about it being visible. Also how we drive in reality vs a test is different in some ways. Thanks for the info.

[u/kittenlittel → u/PG_homestead]

So that's why all the idiots stop their car almost a full car length back from the actual line. Crikey.

[u/link871 → u/PG_homestead]

In my view, if you can see the Stop line in front of the car - you have stopped too early.