Practice test
Vehicle Controls practice test
41 South African learner's licence questions on vehicle controls. Free, no signup, answers and explanations included.
What does ABS stand for, and what does it do?
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All 41 vehicle controls questions
Read through them at your own pace, or use the quiz above to test yourself under exam conditions. Every answer includes a plain-English explanation.
Vehicle Controls (41 questions)
1. What is the primary purpose of the clutch pedal in a manual vehicle?
- A. To accelerate the vehicle
- B. To brake the vehicle
- C. To engage or disengage the engine from the gearbox when changing gear
- D. To start the engine
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C. To engage or disengage the engine from the gearbox when changing gear
The clutch disconnects the engine from the gearbox so you can change gears smoothly without damaging the transmission.
Open this question on its own page →2. What does ABS stand for, and what does it do?
- A. Automatic Brake Sensor - applies brakes for you
- B. Anti-lock Braking System - prevents the wheels locking during hard braking
- C. Advanced Brake Stabiliser - improves cornering
- D. Active Battery Saver - charges the battery
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B. Anti-lock Braking System - prevents the wheels locking during hard braking
ABS prevents the wheels from locking under hard braking, allowing you to steer while braking.
Open this question on its own page →3. What is the primary purpose of the handbrake (parking brake)?
- A. Emergency stops at speed
- B. Holding the vehicle stationary when parked
- C. Slowing the vehicle on a hill
- D. Replacing the foot brake when worn
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B. Holding the vehicle stationary when parked
The handbrake's main job is to keep the vehicle stationary once parked, usually by acting on the rear wheels.
Open this question on its own page →4. What does the speedometer show?
- A. Engine RPM
- B. Speed of the vehicle
- C. Fuel level
- D. Engine temperature
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B. Speed of the vehicle
The speedometer shows the current speed of the vehicle, in km/h in South Africa.
Open this question on its own page →5. What does the tachometer (rev counter) show?
- A. Speed of the vehicle
- B. Engine revolutions per minute (RPM)
- C. Distance travelled
- D. Battery voltage
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B. Engine revolutions per minute (RPM)
The tachometer shows engine RPM - useful for selecting the right gear in a manual.
Open this question on its own page →6. What should you do if the engine warning light comes on while driving?
- A. Ignore it
- B. Stop safely as soon as possible and check the vehicle
- C. Increase speed to clear it
- D. Switch off the ignition immediately
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B. Stop safely as soon as possible and check the vehicle
An engine warning light means a fault has been detected. Pull off safely and have the vehicle checked.
Open this question on its own page →7. What is the purpose of using your mirrors before changing lanes?
- A. To check your hair
- B. To check for traffic behind and beside you
- C. To signal to other drivers
- D. To clean the glass
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B. To check for traffic behind and beside you
Mirrors let you see traffic behind and to the side. Always check mirrors, signal, then check the blind spot.
Open this question on its own page →8. What is engine braking?
- A. Slamming the brake pedal
- B. Slowing the vehicle by easing off the accelerator and using lower gears
- C. Stopping the engine to slow down
- D. Using the handbrake on a moving vehicle
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B. Slowing the vehicle by easing off the accelerator and using lower gears
Engine braking uses the engine and lower gears to slow the vehicle - useful on long downhills to save brake pads.
Open this question on its own page →9. When the fuel warning light comes on, approximately how much fuel is usually left?
- A. None - the tank is empty
- B. About 10-15% - enough to find a filling station, not a long detour
- C. Half a tank
- D. It depends on the speed
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B. About 10-15% - enough to find a filling station, not a long detour
The fuel light typically indicates 10-15% remaining - enough for a short distance to find fuel, but don't gamble.
Open this question on its own page →10. How often should you check your tyre pressure?
- A. Once a year
- B. Only when the tyre looks flat
- C. At least once a month and before long trips
- D. Never - modern tyres don't need it
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C. At least once a month and before long trips
Tyre pressure should be checked at least monthly, and always before a long trip. Correct pressure is on the inside of the driver's door.
Open this question on its own page →11. What should you do if you have a tyre burst at high speed?
- A. Slam on the brakes
- B. Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and slow down gradually
- C. Swerve into the next lane
- D. Switch off the engine immediately
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B. Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and slow down gradually
Hold the wheel firmly, take your foot off the accelerator, and let the car slow down. Hard braking causes loss of control.
Open this question on its own page →12. The red oil-can warning light comes on while you are driving. What should you do?
- A. Note it and book a service soon
- B. Stop safely as soon as possible and switch off the engine - do not drive further
- C. Top up the oil while driving
- D. Drive slowly to the nearest garage
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B. Stop safely as soon as possible and switch off the engine - do not drive further
A red oil pressure light means critically low oil pressure. Driving even a few hundred metres can destroy the engine. Stop immediately and switch off.
Open this question on its own page →13. In a manual vehicle, from left to right, what are the three pedals?
- A. Brake, Clutch, Accelerator
- B. Clutch, Accelerator, Brake
- C. Clutch, Brake, Accelerator
- D. Accelerator, Brake, Clutch
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C. Clutch, Brake, Accelerator
The pedals are always Clutch (left), Brake (middle), Accelerator (right) in any manual vehicle - remember C-B-A from left to right.
Open this question on its own page →14. When should you use your hazard lights (double indicator)?
- A. Whenever you park, even briefly
- B. To warn other road users that your vehicle is a temporary hazard - e.g. broken down or making an emergency stop
- C. In heavy rain to increase visibility
- D. When driving slowly in traffic
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B. To warn other road users that your vehicle is a temporary hazard - e.g. broken down or making an emergency stop
Hazard lights signal that your vehicle is a temporary obstruction - use them when broken down, during an emergency stop, or when your vehicle is a hazard on the road. They do not give permission to park illegally.
Open this question on its own page →15. Your temperature gauge needle enters the red zone. What is the correct action?
- A. Turn up the heater fan to cool the engine
- B. Switch off the air conditioning to reduce load
- C. Pull over safely and switch off the engine immediately - the engine is overheating
- D. Speed up to increase airflow through the radiator
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C. Pull over safely and switch off the engine immediately - the engine is overheating
An overheating engine can seize within minutes. Pull off the road, switch off the engine, and wait for it to cool before opening the bonnet. Never open a pressurised hot radiator cap.
Open this question on its own page →16. What is the purpose of the clutch pedal in a manual vehicle?
- A. To increase engine speed
- B. To disengage the engine from the gearbox so gears can be changed
- C. To apply the brakes
- D. To switch on the lights
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B. To disengage the engine from the gearbox so gears can be changed
Pressing the clutch separates engine from gearbox so you can select a gear or stop without stalling.
Open this question on its own page →17. In a manual left-hand-drive-free South African car, what is the order of the pedals from left to right?
- A. Accelerator, brake, clutch
- B. Clutch, brake, accelerator
- C. Brake, clutch, accelerator
- D. Clutch, accelerator, brake
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B. Clutch, brake, accelerator
From the driver's left: clutch, brake, accelerator.
Open this question on its own page →18. What is the main purpose of the handbrake (parking brake)?
- A. To stop the vehicle in an emergency
- B. To hold the vehicle stationary once it has stopped
- C. To slow the vehicle gradually
- D. To lock the steering
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B. To hold the vehicle stationary once it has stopped
The handbrake holds a stationary vehicle. It is also used for hill starts, not for normal stopping.
Open this question on its own page →19. What is the recommended hand position on the steering wheel?
- A. Both hands at the top
- B. One hand at the bottom
- C. At roughly the 'quarter to three' position, one hand each side
- D. It does not matter
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C. At roughly the 'quarter to three' position, one hand each side
Hands at roughly quarter to three give the most control and keep your arms clear of the airbag.
Open this question on its own page →20. The temperature gauge moves into the red zone while you are driving. What should you do?
- A. Drive faster to cool the engine
- B. Stop as soon as it is safe, switch off and let the engine cool
- C. Switch on the air conditioner
- D. Ignore it and continue to your destination
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B. Stop as soon as it is safe, switch off and let the engine cool
Overheating destroys engines quickly. Stop safely, switch off, and do not open a hot radiator cap.
Open this question on its own page →21. A red oil warning light comes on while driving. What does it indicate?
- A. The fuel is low
- B. A loss of engine oil pressure; stop as soon as it is safe
- C. The oil needs changing at the next service
- D. The engine is cold
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B. A loss of engine oil pressure; stop as soon as it is safe
Low oil pressure can wreck an engine within minutes. Stop safely and switch off.
Open this question on its own page →22. How often should you check your mirrors while driving?
- A. Only before overtaking
- B. Regularly, every few seconds, and always before signalling, braking or turning
- C. Only when reversing
- D. Once every kilometre
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B. Regularly, every few seconds, and always before signalling, braking or turning
Frequent mirror checks build an ongoing picture of the traffic around you.
Open this question on its own page →23. What must you do with your bright (main beam) lights when a vehicle approaches from the front?
- A. Leave them on so the other driver can see you
- B. Dip them to avoid blinding the oncoming driver
- C. Flash them repeatedly
- D. Switch off all lights briefly
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B. Dip them to avoid blinding the oncoming driver
Dip your lights in good time. Blinding an oncoming driver is dangerous and an offence.
Open this question on its own page →24. When should you switch on your indicator before turning?
- A. As you begin to turn
- B. In good time before the turn, so other road users can react
- C. After you have completed the turn
- D. Only if other vehicles are nearby
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B. In good time before the turn, so other road users can react
Signal early enough for others to react, but not so early that it confuses them about which turn you mean.
Open this question on its own page →25. Why should you select a lower gear before a long, steep descent?
- A. To save fuel
- B. So engine braking helps control speed and the brakes do not overheat
- C. To make the engine quieter
- D. It is not necessary in a modern car
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B. So engine braking helps control speed and the brakes do not overheat
Riding the brakes down a long descent overheats them until they fade. A lower gear lets the engine do the work.
Open this question on its own page →26. What is engine braking?
- A. Using the handbrake while moving
- B. Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator in gear, letting engine resistance reduce speed
- C. Switching off the engine to stop
- D. Braking and accelerating at the same time
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B. Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator in gear, letting engine resistance reduce speed
In gear with your foot off the accelerator, engine resistance slows the vehicle without using the brakes.
Open this question on its own page →27. How often should tyre pressures be checked?
- A. Once a year
- B. At least monthly, and before a long trip
- C. Only when a tyre looks flat
- D. Only at a service
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B. At least monthly, and before a long trip
Check pressures at least monthly when the tyres are cold. Underinflation ruins fuel consumption, handling and tyre life.
Open this question on its own page →28. What does ABS (anti-lock braking system) do?
- A. It shortens braking distance on every surface
- B. It prevents the wheels from locking so you can still steer while braking hard
- C. It brakes automatically for you
- D. It switches on the hazard lights when you brake
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B. It prevents the wheels from locking so you can still steer while braking hard
ABS keeps the wheels turning under heavy braking so you retain steering control. Press firmly and keep steering.
Open this question on its own page →29. A red battery warning light stays on while driving. What does this usually mean?
- A. The battery is fully charged
- B. The charging system is not charging the battery
- C. The headlights are on
- D. The engine is due for a service
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B. The charging system is not charging the battery
It signals a charging fault, usually the alternator or drive belt. The vehicle will eventually stop when the battery drains.
Open this question on its own page →30. How should the driver's seat be adjusted?
- A. As far back as possible for comfort
- B. So you can fully depress the pedals with a slight bend in the knee and reach the wheel comfortably
- C. As close to the steering wheel as possible
- D. So your arms are completely straight
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B. So you can fully depress the pedals with a slight bend in the knee and reach the wheel comfortably
You must be able to press the pedals fully with a slight knee bend and hold the wheel with slightly bent arms.
Open this question on its own page →31. How should the head restraint be positioned?
- A. As low as possible
- B. With the top of the restraint roughly level with the top of your head
- C. Removed for better visibility
- D. Tilted fully forward
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B. With the top of the restraint roughly level with the top of your head
A correctly set head restraint reduces whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.
Open this question on its own page →32. On a motorcycle, which control operates the front brake?
- A. The left handlebar lever
- B. The right handlebar lever
- C. The left foot pedal
- D. The right foot pedal
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B. The right handlebar lever
The right-hand lever operates the front brake, which provides most of a motorcycle's stopping power.
Open this question on its own page →33. On a motorcycle, which control operates the rear brake?
- A. The right handlebar lever
- B. The right foot pedal
- C. The left handlebar lever
- D. The left foot pedal
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B. The right foot pedal
The right foot pedal works the rear brake. The left foot lever changes gears.
Open this question on its own page →34. On a manual motorcycle, where are the clutch and gear controls?
- A. Clutch on the left handlebar, gear lever at the left foot
- B. Clutch on the right handlebar, gear lever at the right foot
- C. Both on the handlebars
- D. Both operated by foot
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A. Clutch on the left handlebar, gear lever at the left foot
The clutch is the left-hand lever and the gear lever is operated by the left foot.
Open this question on its own page →35. How is the throttle operated on a motorcycle?
- A. By twisting the left handgrip
- B. By twisting the right handgrip towards you
- C. By a foot pedal
- D. By a lever under the seat
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B. By twisting the right handgrip towards you
The throttle is the right handgrip, rolled towards you to accelerate.
Open this question on its own page →36. What is the correct way to brake normally on a motorcycle?
- A. Front brake only
- B. Rear brake only
- C. Both brakes together, with most force on the front
- D. Engine braking only
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C. Both brakes together, with most force on the front
Use both brakes together. The front provides most stopping power; the rear stabilises the machine.
Open this question on its own page →37. What protective equipment is legally required when riding a motorcycle in South Africa?
- A. Nothing is required
- B. A properly fastened protective helmet
- C. Gloves and boots only
- D. A reflective vest only
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B. A properly fastened protective helmet
A protective helmet, correctly fastened, is compulsory for the rider and any passenger.
Open this question on its own page →38. In a vehicle with air brakes, what should you do if the low air pressure warning activates?
- A. Continue driving and pump the brake pedal
- B. Stop safely as soon as possible and do not drive until the fault is fixed
- C. Switch off the warning buzzer
- D. Drive faster to build pressure
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B. Stop safely as soon as possible and do not drive until the fault is fixed
Low air pressure means the brakes may fail. Stop safely and do not continue until it is resolved.
Open this question on its own page →39. What is the purpose of a retarder or engine brake on a heavy vehicle?
- A. To increase engine power
- B. To help slow the vehicle without using the service brakes, especially on long descents
- C. To lock the differential
- D. To warm the engine
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B. To help slow the vehicle without using the service brakes, especially on long descents
A retarder slows the vehicle without the service brakes, keeping them cool and effective on long descents.
Open this question on its own page →40. Compared with a car, the blind spots on a heavy vehicle are:
- A. Smaller, because the driver sits higher
- B. Much larger, particularly directly in front, behind and along the left side
- C. The same size
- D. Only a problem when reversing
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B. Much larger, particularly directly in front, behind and along the left side
Large vehicles have extensive blind spots. Mirrors must be checked constantly and adjusted before every trip.
Open this question on its own page →41. Who is responsible for ensuring a load is properly secured?
- A. The person who loaded it
- B. The driver of the vehicle
- C. The vehicle owner only
- D. Nobody, if it is a short trip
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B. The driver of the vehicle
The driver is responsible for ensuring the load is secure and within legal dimensions and mass before moving off.
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