Navigating the road to getting a driver's license can be fraught with unexpected detours, as one Sydney resident discovered when they were turned away from their driving test for an obscure road rule violation.

The incident has sparked a conversation among Australians about the importance of understanding the nuances of road regulations, even those that might seem trivial at first glance.

The prospective driver took to social media to express their frustration after Service NSW refused to let them sit their driving test.

The reason was that their car's indicator lights were deemed 'not orange enough.'

Sydney driver turned away from test over 'not orange enough' blinkers. Credit: Reddit

This left the learner driver questioning the decision's fairness, especially since mechanics had never flagged them for this issue during routine services.

‘Is this reasonable?’ the learner asked.

‘We’ve had it serviced by multiple mechanics over the years, but no one's mentioned it. They also refused to refund me.’

The online community quickly weighed in, with many expressing surprise over enforcing such a rule.

Some sympathised with the driver, stating, ‘Yeah, that’s BS, mate, can’t get much more orange than that, can it?’

Others suggested they lodge a complaint, while others humorously recommended a 'blinker fluid top-up.'

When approached for comment, ServiceNSW did not discuss the individual case but emphasised the importance of ensuring a vehicle meets all standards before a driving test.

‘Before a driving test starts, the testing officer will ensure the applicant’s vehicle is suitable and safe for use,’ the spokesperson said.

‘There are several reasons a driving test can be terminated, including the applicant’s vehicle indicator lights not operating, being damaged, dirty, or discoloured.’

The uploaded footage of the incident showed a silver SUV with a blinking indicator light that appeared sufficiently orange and luminous to the average person.

However, the law in NSW is specific about vehicle requirements for driving tests.

The state government's website clearly states that a test will be terminated if any indicator offences, such as discoloured lights, cannot be rectified at the time of the test.

In similar news, calls are increasing for stricter regulations on older drivers in Victoria due to concerning accident statistics involving drivers over 65.

Disturbing figures show that older drivers were responsible for accidents resulting in 145 deaths and injurious to 7,080 over five years. You can read more about it here.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney prospective driver claimed they were turned away from their driving test because their car's blinkers weren't 'orange enough.'
• The incident sparked debate on social media, with some expressing shock and others suggesting that the rule should be known.
• ServiceNSW explained that a driving test could be terminated for reasons including indicator lights that do not operate or are discoloured.
• The NSW government stipulates that vehicles must meet safety standards, including maintaining properly functioning and coloured indicator lights for driving tests.

Have you or someone you know ever been caught off guard by a little-known road rule? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[Wandiwa]

Seems harsh on the L plater, however I'm betting there's more to this story, such as the 17yr old being cocky or impolite etc.

 

[Robbo3006]

I would bet that this was racially motivated. I've had problems with RMS in the past regarding race.

 

[NotNats]

If the car is legally registered then they should not be able to do this.
Australia you are becoming a very unfriendly place.
What they could have done was let them do the test but also issue a notice to the owner to get the lights updated. As this is not the Learners fault but the car owner.

 

[Marwill]

I have never heard of this road rule, but...….there are an awful lot of vehicles out there where the blinker lights just don't stand up to the question, they are in obscure places, they are barely seeable. Maybe all blinkers should be in the same places on all vehicles.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Do the authorities in NSW have nothing better to do than sit around dreaming up ridiculous laws.
As much as I would like to be nearer to my son, who moved to NSW about 18 months ago, the more I read about NSW the more I think I'll stay in good old WA.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

I would imaging if they are the original lights they might be faded, this might be the only reason for such a strange failure. If they were bought and are a generic brand that might be another. But does seem rather stupid to me.

 

[Rockyd]

How many times have you seen a car with the faded light problems, parts hanging off the car, lights & indicators that don't work at all & rust. The police should be checking on where the problem cars were passed for their rego check instead of only targeting the owner.

 

[Kman]

Absolutely ridiculous. His money should be refunded. Take it to ACCC or local member of parliament.

 

[Wilora]

The associated article states drivers over 65 were INVOLVED in accidents that killed 145 and injured 7080. It does not state they were responsible for the accidents.

 

[Kinchar]

Cop needs an eye test.

 

[Veggiepatch]

From the Australian Design Rules Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 6/00 – Direction Indicators) 2005.

Annex 5

COLOUR- OF AMBER LIGHTS:

TRICHROMATIC CO-ORDINATES

Limit towards yellow: y<0.429

Limit towards red: y>0.398

Limit towards white: z<0.007​

For checking these colorimetric characteristics, a source of light at a colour temperature of 2,856 K corresponding to illuminant A of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) shall be used in conformity with the Convention on Road Traffic (E/ CONF.56/16/Rev.1).

I highly doubt that the examiner had the correct chromatic testing equipment to make this determination. He or she just made an uniformed opinion!

 

[Veggiepatch]

Maybe all blinkers should be in the same places on all vehicles.

On the outside of their eyes.

Just like racehorses....

 

[Rob44]

Interesting to note that many turn indicators on modern cars use orange bulbs and a clear lense. In bright sunlight these can be difficult to recognise when flashing. Other modern blinkers are garishly bright and thus affect one's night vision, as do those bloody blue headlights the light from which one cannot see past.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Interesting to note that many turn indicators on modern cars use orange bulbs and a clear lense. In bright sunlight these can be difficult to recognise when flashing. Other modern blinkers are garishly bright and thus affect one's night vision, as do those bloody blue headlights the light from which one cannot see past.

You hit the nail in the head right there!

When I rode motorcycles, I fitted the maximum available wattage headlight globe and replaced to pissy horns with two from a Holden or Ford. Just to be seen and heard! Not entirely successful, may I add.

 

[David567]

My car has clear opaque lens with orange bulbs. Never been an issue as it's standard in a lot of cars. More revenue raising from the government no doubt.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Indicators not orange enough?..... Could that mean that the car is a lemon?

 

[Rob44]

You hit the nail in the head right there!

When I rode motorcycles, I fitted the maximum available wattage headlight globe and replaced to pissy horns with two from a Holden or Ford. Just to be seen and heard! Not entirely successful, may I add.

I recall doing (max wattage headlight bulb) that to 34 watt 6-volt Miller dynamo before coming back home at night from London. We went straight over the only traffic island without advertising hoarding on the Oxford by-pass which sprung out upon us in the dark too suddenly to swerve around. Josef Lucas' 60 watt 6-volt dynamos were far better. I could dazzle car drivers when riding with high beam; however in these days of bloody blue headlights at eye level on SUVs, my days of night bike-riding are over. Even the modern yellow headlights are overbright for need.

 

[Chris P Bacon]

I had a chat with a NSW highway patrol officer regarding some drivers using those blinding front low visibility/ fog lights in good conditions even during daylight hours.
These can be just as bad as an on-coming vehicle with high beam turned on.
According to him it is an offence and they conducted a blitz on this the previous long weekend.
Same fine as using your high beam.
If you wish to be seen and do not have day time running lights then use your headlights.

 

[Rob44]

I recall doing (max wattage headlight bulb) that to 34 watt 6-volt Miller dynamo before coming back home at night from London. We went straight over the only traffic island without advertising hoarding on the Oxford by-pass which sprung out upon us in the dark too suddenly to swerve around. Josef Lucas' 60 watt 6-volt dynamos were far better. I could dazzle car drivers when riding with high beam; however in these days of bloody blue headlights at eye level on SUVs, my days of night bike-riding are over. Even the modern yellow headlights are overbright for need.

As an afterthought, thanks to my misunderstanding of what wattage headlight globe I needed for that Miller dynamo my eyes had become well adapted to good night vision and I recall being dazzled by the street lights beyond that roundabout reflecting light off the very wet road, hence that roundabout emerged from the dark rather suddenly and all one could was go over the top so as to maintain stability on two wheels. At night contrast is all-important as our colour-vision photo-receptors become unused and we rely on sensing contrasts in terms of greys and black. With bright lights in the distance, greys and blacks become the same shade.