Criminal and traffic offences
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 32 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- Not knowing the law is no excuse.
- Serious crimes include murder, assault, sexual assault, violence against people or property, armed robbery or theft, sex with children under the age of consent, dangerous driving, possessing illegal drugs and fraud.
- Domestic and family violence — behaviour or threats aiming to control a partner by causing fear (including hitting, isolating someone, threatening children or pets) — is against the law. Men or women who commit it can go to jail. If someone is in danger, contact the police.
- Traffic rules are controlled by state and territory governments. People can be fined or sent to prison for breaking traffic laws. You need a local driver’s licence and a registered car. Everybody travelling in a car must wear a seatbelt; babies and young children need an approved car seat.
- Illegal: driving after taking drugs or above the blood alcohol limit, and using a hand-held mobile device while driving.
Our Common Bond, p. 32
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. If you break an Australian law you did not know about, can you be charged?
- No, not knowing the law is a valid excuse
- No, you will be given a warning first
- Yes, not knowing the law is no excuse
Show answer
Answer: C. Yes, not knowing the law is no excuse
If you break an Australian law you did not know about, you could be charged, as not knowing the law is no excuse.
Our Common Bond, p. 32
2. Which of these is against the law while driving?
- Using a hand-held mobile device
- Listening to music on the car radio
- Driving with the windows down
Show answer
Answer: A. Using a hand-held mobile device
It is against the law to use a hand-held mobile device while driving.
Our Common Bond, p. 32
3. Which of these is illegal in Australia?
- Driving after taking illegal drugs
- Driving late at night
- Driving on a public holiday
Show answer
Answer: A. Driving after taking illegal drugs
Traffic laws are very strict. It is illegal to drive after taking drugs or if you are above the blood alcohol limit.
Our Common Bond, p. 32
Practise all 14 questions on this topic