The sound of a siren can unsettle even an experienced driver. For learners, the correct response needs to be practised as a decision-making process rather than a panicked command to pull over immediately.
Separate moving and stationary emergency vehicles
A police or emergency vehicle using its warning siren or red and/or blue flashing lights must be given a clear and uninterrupted passage. That is the core issue when an emergency vehicle is approaching or trying to pass.
A separate 25 km/h speed requirement applies within an emergency service speed zone around a stationary emergency services vehicle displaying flashing red or blue lights. The SA Government states that the emergency-zone restriction does not apply where a median strip separates your road from the zone on the other side. Drivers should slow well in advance and follow the precise road layout and applicable signs.
Breakdown and tow-truck protection: Since 19 May 2025, drivers must also slow to 25 km/h when passing a stationary breakdown services vehicle displaying flashing amber lights. The SA Government distinguishes these roadside assistance vehicles from other amber-light vehicles such as ordinary roadworks, farming or vegetation-control vehicles. Its guidance also states that this breakdown-vehicle 25 km/h rule does not apply when the stationary breakdown vehicle is on the opposite side of the road from you. Instructors must not teach that every flashing amber light automatically activates a 25 km/h speed zone.
These stationary-vehicle requirements are different from the duty to give way to an approaching emergency vehicle using its siren or warning lights.
Coach the learner to recognise the problem early
Ask students to listen and look for clues: sirens, reflected flashing lights, moving traffic making space and the location of the emergency vehicle. Identifying its likely path early provides time to choose a controlled response.
The student should check mirrors, scan adjacent lanes and the kerb, and avoid sudden braking or an abrupt lane change that creates a second hazard. Where necessary, stop in a safe, lawful position that leaves a clear route. A driver should not assume every location permits the same manoeuvre.
Do not turn yielding into a new danger
A common learner response is to change lanes without checking for a motorcycle or cyclist. Another is to stop in an intersection, leaving the emergency vehicle no useful path. Some learners accelerate unnecessarily, believing they must get away from the vehicle behind them.
Explain that the goal is a clear and predictable passage. It is not simply movement to one side, and it is never a reason to ignore surrounding road users.
Practise with scenarios before live traffic
Describe four settings: an ambulance approaching from behind on a two-lane road, an emergency vehicle approaching a congested intersection, a stationary emergency vehicle with red or blue lights, and a stationary breakdown vehicle with flashing amber lights. Ask the student what they can see, which rule applies and what safer options exist.
This exercise is especially useful before teaching busy urban roads, where space is limited and an unexpected decision can affect several road users at once.
Instructor debrief
After each discussion, ask: “What were the first signs? Which road users could be affected by your response? Did your plan make the emergency vehicle’s path clearer?” Reinforcing this reasoning helps the learner replace surprise with organised observation.
For instructors and training candidates: Explore DAA training and services. DAA provides training and preparation services; it is not the South Australian licensing regulator.
Official sources checked
- South Australian Government official guidance
- SA Government: 25 km/h emergency and breakdown services rule
- South Australian Government speed-limit guidance
- South Australian Government official guidance
Related starting material: Happy Driving School original guide / insights. This DAA article is newly written for instructor education, not a republication.
Educational material, reviewed against public guidance on 16 October 2026. Not legal advice or an official competency assessment. Check current legislation, DIT guidance and approved assessment instruments before publication or use in formal assessment.