Practice test
Rules of the Road practice test
79 South African learner's licence questions on rules of the road. Free, no signup, answers and explanations included.
What does a Yield (Give Way) sign require?
Keyboard: 1–4 or A–D to answer · Enter or → to continue
All 79 rules of the road 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.
Rules of the Road (79 questions)
1. What is the general speed limit in an urban area in South Africa?
- A. 40 km/h
- B. 60 km/h
- C. 80 km/h
- D. 100 km/h
Show answer
B. 60 km/h
Unless signposted otherwise, the speed limit in urban areas in South Africa is 60 km/h.
Open this question on its own page →2. What is the general speed limit on a rural public road outside an urban area?
- A. 80 km/h
- B. 100 km/h
- C. 120 km/h
- D. 140 km/h
Show answer
B. 100 km/h
Unless signposted otherwise, the limit on rural public roads is 100 km/h.
Open this question on its own page →3. What is the maximum speed limit on a South African freeway, unless otherwise indicated?
- A. 100 km/h
- B. 110 km/h
- C. 120 km/h
- D. 140 km/h
Show answer
C. 120 km/h
Unless signposted otherwise, the maximum speed on a freeway in South Africa is 120 km/h.
Open this question on its own page →4. What must you do when approaching a stop sign?
- A. Slow down and proceed if clear
- B. Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe
- C. Hoot, then proceed
- D. Stop only if traffic is approaching
Show answer
B. Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe
A stop sign requires a complete stop behind the line, then proceeding only when the way is clear.
Open this question on its own page →5. What does a Yield (Give Way) sign require?
- A. A full stop in all cases
- B. Yield to vehicles in or approaching the intersection
- C. Sound the horn
- D. Reduce speed to 20 km/h only
Show answer
B. Yield to vehicles in or approaching the intersection
A yield sign means you must give way to traffic already in or approaching the intersection - stop only if necessary.
Open this question on its own page →6. At a four-way stop, who has the right of way if two vehicles arrive at exactly the same time?
- A. The vehicle on the right
- B. The vehicle on the left
- C. The larger vehicle
- D. The vehicle going straight
Show answer
A. The vehicle on the right
When two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
Open this question on its own page →7. May you overtake another vehicle across a solid white line in the centre of the road?
- A. Yes, if the road ahead is clear
- B. Yes, if you signal first
- C. No, never
- D. Only at night
Show answer
C. No, never
A solid white centre line means no overtaking. You may not cross it to overtake under any circumstance.
Open this question on its own page →8. What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration for a regular driver in South Africa?
- A. 0.00 g/100 ml
- B. 0.02 g/100 ml
- C. 0.05 g/100 ml
- D. 0.08 g/100 ml
Show answer
C. 0.05 g/100 ml
The legal limit for a private vehicle driver is less than 0.05 g per 100 ml of blood. For professional (PrDP) drivers it is 0.02 g.
Open this question on its own page →9. Who is required to wear a seatbelt in a vehicle?
- A. Only the driver
- B. Only the front-seat passengers
- C. All occupants, including rear-seat passengers
- D. Only children under 14
Show answer
C. All occupants, including rear-seat passengers
All occupants of a motor vehicle must wear a seatbelt, including rear-seat passengers, where seatbelts are fitted.
Open this question on its own page →10. May you use a handheld cellphone while driving?
- A. Yes, briefly
- B. Only in heavy traffic
- C. No - handheld use is illegal
- D. Yes, while at traffic lights
Show answer
C. No - handheld use is illegal
Holding a cellphone while driving is illegal in South Africa. You may only use a hands-free device.
Open this question on its own page →11. Who has the right of way at a marked pedestrian crossing?
- A. The driver
- B. The pedestrian
- C. The vehicle on the right
- D. Whoever is first
Show answer
B. The pedestrian
Pedestrians always have the right of way at a marked pedestrian crossing.
Open this question on its own page →12. When must you switch on your headlights during the day?
- A. Only when very dark
- B. In rain, mist, fog or any condition that limits visibility
- C. Only at dusk
- D. Never during the day
Show answer
B. In rain, mist, fog or any condition that limits visibility
Headlights must be on whenever conditions reduce visibility - rain, mist, fog, or smoke - even during the day.
Open this question on its own page →13. What is the minimum safe following distance behind another vehicle?
- A. 1 second
- B. 2 seconds
- C. 3 seconds
- D. 5 seconds
Show answer
B. 2 seconds
A 2-second following distance is the minimum under dry conditions. Increase it in rain or at high speed.
Open this question on its own page →14. At a traffic circle (roundabout), who has the right of way?
- A. Vehicles entering the circle
- B. Vehicles already in the circle
- C. The largest vehicle
- D. The vehicle to your right
Show answer
B. Vehicles already in the circle
Vehicles already in the circle have right of way. You yield when entering.
Open this question on its own page →15. Children under what age must be secured in an approved child restraint?
- A. 1 year
- B. 3 years
- C. 5 years
- D. 10 years
Show answer
B. 3 years
South African law requires children under 3 to be secured in an approved child restraint.
Open this question on its own page →16. What does a broken yellow line on the edge of the road indicate?
- A. Parking is allowed at all times
- B. No stopping at any time
- C. No parking, but you may stop to load or unload
- D. Pedestrians only
Show answer
C. No parking, but you may stop to load or unload
A broken yellow line at the road edge means no parking, but stopping briefly to drop off or pick up is permitted.
Open this question on its own page →17. What does a solid yellow line on the edge of the road mean?
- A. Parking is permitted
- B. No stopping at any time
- C. Only buses may stop here
- D. Pedestrian zone ahead
Show answer
B. No stopping at any time
A solid yellow edge line means no stopping at any time - not even briefly.
Open this question on its own page →18. May you overtake a vehicle on the left in South Africa?
- A. Yes, always
- B. Yes, only when the vehicle ahead is turning right
- C. No, never
- D. Yes, on freeways only
Show answer
B. Yes, only when the vehicle ahead is turning right
Overtaking on the left is only permitted when the vehicle ahead has signalled and is turning right, or when in queuing traffic.
Open this question on its own page →19. When are you allowed to use your hooter (horn) in a built-up area?
- A. Any time to warn pedestrians
- B. Only to avoid an accident
- C. Any time you need to get another driver's attention
- D. Whenever you feel it is safe
Show answer
B. Only to avoid an accident
The hooter should only be used to avoid an accident or to warn of imminent danger. Using it casually in built-up areas is prohibited.
Open this question on its own page →20. What should you do when a traffic light turns amber (yellow)?
- A. Accelerate to pass before red
- B. Sound the horn
- C. Stop before the stop line if it is safe to do so
- D. Proceed normally
Show answer
C. Stop before the stop line if it is safe to do so
Amber means prepare to stop. You should stop before the line unless it is unsafe to do so (you are too close to stop safely).
Open this question on its own page →21. What does a flashing red traffic light mean?
- A. Proceed with caution
- B. Treat it as a stop sign - come to a complete stop
- C. The lights are broken, proceed freely
- D. Give way to the right
Show answer
B. Treat it as a stop sign - come to a complete stop
A flashing red light must be treated as a stop sign - you must stop completely and proceed only when safe.
Open this question on its own page →22. What does a flashing amber traffic light mean?
- A. Stop immediately
- B. Proceed with caution - treat as a yield
- C. The intersection is closed
- D. Emergency vehicles approaching
Show answer
B. Proceed with caution - treat as a yield
A flashing amber means proceed with caution - yield to any traffic or pedestrians that have the right of way.
Open this question on its own page →23. What must you do when an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire truck, police) is approaching with sirens?
- A. Speed up to clear the road
- B. Stop where you are immediately
- C. Pull over to the left and stop until it has passed
- D. Pull into the right lane
Show answer
C. Pull over to the left and stop until it has passed
You must pull over to the left side of the road and stop to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Don't block intersections.
Open this question on its own page →24. What is the maximum speed when towing a trailer or caravan in South Africa?
- A. 100 km/h on all roads
- B. 80 km/h on all roads
- C. 120 km/h on freeways, 100 km/h elsewhere
- D. The same as a car - 120 km/h on freeways
Show answer
B. 80 km/h on all roads
When towing any trailer or caravan, the speed limit is 80 km/h on all roads, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Open this question on its own page →25. What happens if you accumulate too many demerit points in South Africa?
- A. You pay a fine only
- B. Your licence is suspended or cancelled depending on the number
- C. Nothing - demerit points are only recorded
- D. You must retake the K53
Show answer
B. Your licence is suspended or cancelled depending on the number
Under the AARTO system, accumulating demerit points leads to licence suspension and ultimately cancellation if the maximum is reached.
Open this question on its own page →26. You are at a stop sign when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind. What do you do?
- A. Run the stop sign to clear the road
- B. Wait at the stop sign until the emergency vehicle passes you
- C. Move forward into the intersection cautiously to clear the way
- D. Sound your horn
Show answer
C. Move forward into the intersection cautiously to clear the way
Move forward cautiously through the intersection (even if it's red or a stop sign) to clear the path for the emergency vehicle - but only if it is safe to do so.
Open this question on its own page →27. How far from an intersection must you park?
- A. 3 metres
- B. 5 metres
- C. 9 metres
- D. 12 metres
Show answer
C. 9 metres
You must park at least 9 metres from an intersection in South Africa to keep sightlines clear.
Open this question on its own page →28. When must you perform a blind-spot check?
- A. Only on freeways
- B. Before every lane change, pulling away from the kerb, or turning
- C. Only when changing to the right lane
- D. Only at night
Show answer
B. Before every lane change, pulling away from the kerb, or turning
A blind-spot check (head turn) is required before every lane change, pulling away, and turning manoeuvre - not just a mirror check.
Open this question on its own page →29. How should you adjust your following distance in wet or slippery conditions?
- A. No change - brakes work the same in rain
- B. Halve it to react faster
- C. At least double the dry-condition following distance
- D. Move to 1 second only
Show answer
C. At least double the dry-condition following distance
Wet roads significantly increase braking distance. Double the following distance (minimum 4 seconds) in rain or on wet roads.
Open this question on its own page →30. When turning right at a multi-lane intersection, which lane should you end up in?
- A. The left lane of the road you're turning into
- B. The nearest right lane of the road you're turning into
- C. Any lane of the road you're turning into
- D. The middle lane
Show answer
B. The nearest right lane of the road you're turning into
When turning right, you should enter the rightmost (nearest) lane of the road you're turning into, then move left when safe.
Open this question on its own page →31. What is the maximum speed allowed when towing another vehicle with a tow rope or cable?
- A. 20 km/h
- B. 30 km/h
- C. 50 km/h
- D. 80 km/h
Show answer
B. 30 km/h
When towing with a rope or cable (not a rigid bar), the maximum speed is 30 km/h. This gives the towed driver enough reaction time.
Open this question on its own page →32. What is the maximum permitted length of a tow rope or cable in South Africa?
- A. 1.8 metres
- B. 3.5 metres
- C. 5 metres
- D. 10 metres
Show answer
B. 3.5 metres
The maximum length of a tow rope or cable between two vehicles is 3.5 metres. A clearly visible flag or marker must be attached at the midpoint.
Open this question on its own page →33. When following an emergency vehicle responding to a call, what is the minimum following distance you must maintain?
- A. 50 metres
- B. 100 metres
- C. 150 metres
- D. 200 metres
Show answer
C. 150 metres
South African law requires a minimum following distance of 150 metres behind an emergency vehicle that is responding to an emergency with lights and sirens active.
Open this question on its own page →34. What is the general speed limit on a South African freeway?
- A. 100 km/h
- B. 110 km/h
- C. 120 km/h
- D. 140 km/h
Show answer
C. 120 km/h
Unless signposted otherwise, the freeway limit is 120 km/h for light motor vehicles.
Open this question on its own page →35. What is the maximum speed limit for a goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass over 9 000 kg?
- A. 60 km/h
- B. 80 km/h
- C. 100 km/h
- D. 120 km/h
Show answer
B. 80 km/h
Heavy goods vehicles over 9 000 kg GVM are limited to 80 km/h, even on a freeway where cars may travel at 120 km/h.
Open this question on its own page →36. What is the minimum safe following distance behind the vehicle in front in good conditions?
- A. One second
- B. Two seconds
- C. Five seconds
- D. One car length
Show answer
B. Two seconds
Use the two-second rule: pick a fixed point, and you should reach it no sooner than two seconds after the vehicle ahead.
Open this question on its own page →37. How should your following distance change on a wet road?
- A. Stay the same
- B. Halve it
- C. At least double it
- D. Reduce it slightly
Show answer
C. At least double it
Braking distances lengthen dramatically on a wet surface. At least double the two-second gap to four seconds or more.
Open this question on its own page →38. What is the legal blood alcohol limit for an ordinary driver in South Africa?
- A. 0.02 g per 100 ml
- B. 0.05 g per 100 ml
- C. 0.08 g per 100 ml
- D. There is no limit
Show answer
B. 0.05 g per 100 ml
The limit for an ordinary driver is less than 0.05 g of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
Open this question on its own page →39. What is the legal blood alcohol limit for a professional driver?
- A. 0.02 g per 100 ml
- B. 0.05 g per 100 ml
- C. 0.08 g per 100 ml
- D. The same as any driver
Show answer
A. 0.02 g per 100 ml
Professional drivers are held to a stricter limit of less than 0.02 g per 100 ml of blood.
Open this question on its own page →40. How long is a South African learner's licence valid for?
- A. 6 months
- B. 12 months
- C. 24 months
- D. 5 years
Show answer
C. 24 months
A learner's licence is valid for 24 months. If you have not passed your driving test by then, you must write it again.
Open this question on its own page →41. How often must a South African driving licence card be renewed?
- A. Every 2 years
- B. Every 5 years
- C. Every 10 years
- D. Never
Show answer
B. Every 5 years
The card is valid for five years. The licence itself does not expire, but the card must be renewed.
Open this question on its own page →42. Who must accompany a learner driver in a light motor vehicle?
- A. Nobody, once you hold a learner's licence
- B. Any adult over 21
- C. A person holding a valid driving licence for that class of vehicle, seated next to the learner
- D. A registered driving instructor only
Show answer
C. A person holding a valid driving licence for that class of vehicle, seated next to the learner
A learner must be supervised by someone who holds a valid licence for that vehicle class, seated in the seat next to the learner.
Open this question on its own page →43. What is the minimum age to apply for a learner's licence for a motorcycle under 125 cc (code 1)?
- A. 16 years
- B. 17 years
- C. 18 years
- D. 21 years
Show answer
A. 16 years
You may apply at 16 for a motorcycle not exceeding 125 cc. Code 2 (light motor vehicle) is 17, and code 3 (heavy) is 18.
Open this question on its own page →44. What is the minimum age to apply for a code 2 (light motor vehicle) learner's licence?
- A. 16 years
- B. 17 years
- C. 18 years
- D. 21 years
Show answer
B. 17 years
You may apply for a code 2 learner's licence at 17, though you may only be issued a driving licence from 18.
Open this question on its own page →45. Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at exactly the same moment. Who has right of way?
- A. The vehicle on the left
- B. The vehicle on the right
- C. The larger vehicle
- D. Whoever hoots first
Show answer
B. The vehicle on the right
First to stop, first to go. When two vehicles arrive together, the vehicle on the right has right of way.
Open this question on its own page →46. Who has right of way at a traffic circle?
- A. Traffic entering the circle
- B. Traffic already in the circle, approaching from your right
- C. The vehicle travelling fastest
- D. Traffic on the widest road
Show answer
B. Traffic already in the circle, approaching from your right
You yield to traffic already in the circle, which approaches from your right, and only enter when there is a safe gap.
Open this question on its own page →47. What must you do when a traffic light turns amber as you approach it?
- A. Accelerate to clear the intersection
- B. Stop, unless you are so close that stopping safely is impossible
- C. Continue at the same speed
- D. Hoot and proceed
Show answer
B. Stop, unless you are so close that stopping safely is impossible
Amber means stop. You may only continue if you are so close that stopping would be dangerous.
Open this question on its own page →48. A traffic officer directs you to go while the traffic light is red. What do you do?
- A. Obey the traffic light and stay stopped
- B. Obey the traffic officer
- C. Wait for the light to turn green
- D. Hoot for clarification
Show answer
B. Obey the traffic officer
Directions from a traffic officer override traffic signals, signs and road markings.
Open this question on its own page →49. On which side do you normally overtake another vehicle in South Africa?
- A. The left
- B. The right
- C. Either side
- D. Whichever is quicker
Show answer
B. The right
South Africa drives on the left, so you overtake on the right. Passing on the left is only allowed in specific situations, such as when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
Open this question on its own page →50. What does a solid white barrier line in the centre of the road mean?
- A. You may cross it to overtake if the road is clear
- B. You may not cross or straddle it
- C. It marks a parking area
- D. It marks the edge of the roadway
Show answer
B. You may not cross or straddle it
A barrier line may not be crossed or straddled. It is painted where overtaking is dangerous, such as blind rises and curves.
Open this question on its own page →51. What does a broken white line in the centre of the road mean?
- A. Overtaking is prohibited
- B. You may cross it when it is safe to do so
- C. The road ahead is closed
- D. You must stop
Show answer
B. You may cross it when it is safe to do so
A broken line may be crossed when it is safe: to overtake, turn or change lanes.
Open this question on its own page →52. Who must wear a seatbelt in a motor vehicle?
- A. Only the driver
- B. Only the driver and front passenger
- C. Every occupant for whom a seatbelt is fitted
- D. Only occupants under 18
Show answer
C. Every occupant for whom a seatbelt is fitted
Every occupant must wear a seatbelt where one is fitted, front and back.
Open this question on its own page →53. May you use a cellphone while driving in South Africa?
- A. Yes, at any time
- B. Only if it is a hands-free system
- C. Only when stopped at a red light
- D. Only for text messages
Show answer
B. Only if it is a hands-free system
You may not hold a cellphone or any part of it while driving. Only a properly installed hands-free system is permitted.
Open this question on its own page →54. When must you switch on your headlights?
- A. Only when it is completely dark
- B. Between sunset and sunrise, and whenever visibility is poor
- C. Only on freeways
- D. Only in the rain
Show answer
B. Between sunset and sunrise, and whenever visibility is poor
Headlights are compulsory between sunset and sunrise and whenever you cannot see persons or vehicles clearly, such as in rain, fog or dust.
Open this question on its own page →55. When should you use your hazard lights?
- A. Whenever it rains heavily
- B. To warn other road users that your vehicle is a hazard, for example when stopped in an unsafe place
- C. When driving slowly in traffic
- D. To thank another driver
Show answer
B. To warn other road users that your vehicle is a hazard, for example when stopped in an unsafe place
Hazard lights warn that your vehicle is a hazard, usually when stationary. Driving with them on in the rain hides your indicators from other drivers.
Open this question on its own page →56. An ambulance approaches from behind with lights and siren on. What must you do?
- A. Speed up to get out of the way
- B. Stop immediately where you are
- C. Move to the left when safe and let it pass
- D. Ignore it if you have right of way
Show answer
C. Move to the left when safe and let it pass
Give way to emergency vehicles: move to the left when it is safe and allow them past. Do not brake suddenly or stop in the middle of the road.
Open this question on its own page →57. What must you do at a level crossing when the red lights are flashing?
- A. Cross quickly before the train arrives
- B. Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing
- C. Proceed if you cannot see a train
- D. Hoot and cross
Show answer
B. Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing
Flashing red lights mean stop. Wait until they stop flashing and any barrier is fully raised.
Open this question on its own page →58. A pedestrian is waiting to step onto a marked pedestrian crossing ahead of you. What must you do?
- A. Hoot to warn them
- B. Slow down and be ready to stop, yielding to the pedestrian
- C. Continue, since vehicles have right of way
- D. Speed up to clear the crossing
Show answer
B. Slow down and be ready to stop, yielding to the pedestrian
Pedestrians have right of way at a marked crossing. Approach ready to stop and yield.
Open this question on its own page →59. Where must you place your emergency warning triangle if your vehicle breaks down on the road?
- A. Directly behind the vehicle
- B. At least 45 m behind the vehicle
- C. 10 m in front of the vehicle
- D. On the roof of the vehicle
Show answer
B. At least 45 m behind the vehicle
The triangle must be placed at least 45 m behind the vehicle so approaching traffic has time to react.
Open this question on its own page →60. What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth in South Africa?
- A. 0.5 mm
- B. 1 mm
- C. 3 mm
- D. 5 mm
Show answer
B. 1 mm
Tyres must have at least 1 mm of tread across the entire circumference. Below that the vehicle is unroadworthy.
Open this question on its own page →61. Within what period must you report an accident to the police if nobody was injured and details were not exchanged?
- A. Immediately only
- B. Within 24 hours
- C. Within 7 days
- D. It need not be reported
Show answer
B. Within 24 hours
An accident must be reported to a police station within 24 hours. You must also stop at the scene and render assistance.
Open this question on its own page →62. When may you legally use your hooter?
- A. To greet someone you recognise
- B. To express annoyance with another driver
- C. To warn of danger or to avoid a collision
- D. To hurry the vehicle in front of you
Show answer
C. To warn of danger or to avoid a collision
The hooter is a safety device. Use it to warn other road users of your presence or of danger, not out of impatience.
Open this question on its own page →63. How often must a motor vehicle licence (the disc on the windscreen) be renewed?
- A. Every 6 months
- B. Every year
- C. Every 5 years
- D. Only when you sell the vehicle
Show answer
B. Every year
The vehicle licence disc is renewed annually. Driving with an expired disc is an offence.
Open this question on its own page →64. What is the rule about reversing a vehicle?
- A. You may reverse any distance on any road
- B. You may only reverse when it is safe, and only as far as necessary
- C. You may reverse on a freeway if traffic is light
- D. Reversing is never permitted on a public road
Show answer
B. You may only reverse when it is safe, and only as far as necessary
Reverse only when it is safe to do so and for the shortest distance necessary. Reversing on a freeway is prohibited.
Open this question on its own page →65. You want to turn right across oncoming traffic at an intersection. What must you do?
- A. Turn as soon as you reach the intersection
- B. Yield to oncoming traffic and turn only when there is a safe gap
- C. Hoot and turn
- D. Oncoming traffic must stop for you
Show answer
B. Yield to oncoming traffic and turn only when there is a safe gap
A right turn crosses the path of oncoming traffic, so you must yield and wait for a safe gap.
Open this question on its own page →66. What must you do before changing lanes?
- A. Indicate only
- B. Check your mirrors, indicate, and check your blind spot
- C. Check your blind spot only
- D. Change lanes quickly to avoid delay
Show answer
B. Check your mirrors, indicate, and check your blind spot
Mirror, signal, blind spot, then move. Mirrors alone do not cover the blind spot where a car or motorcycle can hide.
Open this question on its own page →67. How must you park alongside the edge of a public road?
- A. Facing any direction that is convenient
- B. Facing the direction of travel, as near as possible to the left edge
- C. Facing oncoming traffic so you can see it
- D. At least 2 m from the kerb
Show answer
B. Facing the direction of travel, as near as possible to the left edge
Park facing the direction of travel and as close as possible to the left edge of the roadway.
Open this question on its own page →68. May you drive in the yellow lane on the left of the roadway to let a faster vehicle pass?
- A. Yes, it is always allowed
- B. No, the yellow line marks the edge of the roadway and is not a traffic lane
- C. Yes, but only at night
- D. Yes, on freeways only
Show answer
B. No, the yellow line marks the edge of the roadway and is not a traffic lane
The yellow line marks the edge of the roadway. It is not a driving lane, and using it as one is both illegal and a common cause of crashes involving stopped vehicles and pedestrians.
Open this question on its own page →69. Is private motor vehicle insurance compulsory in South Africa?
- A. Yes, comprehensive cover is compulsory
- B. No, but the Road Accident Fund levy on fuel covers certain third-party injury claims
- C. Yes, but only for new vehicles
- D. Only for vehicles used commercially
Show answer
B. No, but the Road Accident Fund levy on fuel covers certain third-party injury claims
Private insurance is not legally required. A levy on every litre of fuel funds the Road Accident Fund, which compensates certain injury claims.
Open this question on its own page →70. What is the difference between stopping and parking?
- A. There is no difference
- B. Stopping is bringing the vehicle to a halt briefly; parking is leaving it standing, usually unattended
- C. Parking is always longer than one hour
- D. Stopping applies only to buses
Show answer
B. Stopping is bringing the vehicle to a halt briefly; parking is leaving it standing, usually unattended
A 'no stopping' sign is stricter than 'no parking': where stopping is prohibited you may not even halt briefly to drop off a passenger.
Open this question on its own page →71. When is a roadworthy certificate normally required?
- A. Every year for every vehicle
- B. When a vehicle changes ownership, and for certain vehicle classes periodically
- C. Only after an accident
- D. Never, in South Africa
Show answer
B. When a vehicle changes ownership, and for certain vehicle classes periodically
A roadworthy test is required when a vehicle changes ownership, and periodically for classes such as buses, taxis and goods vehicles.
Open this question on its own page →72. What does the law require for a child under the age of three travelling in a car?
- A. The child may sit on an adult's lap
- B. The child must be secured in an appropriate child restraint
- C. The child must sit in the front seat
- D. Nothing specific is required
Show answer
B. The child must be secured in an appropriate child restraint
A child under three must be strapped into an appropriate child restraint where the vehicle is fitted with one.
Open this question on its own page →73. May you overtake on a blind rise or a sharp curve?
- A. Yes, if you accelerate hard
- B. No, you may not overtake where you cannot see far enough ahead to do so safely
- C. Yes, if you hoot first
- D. Yes, during daylight hours
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B. No, you may not overtake where you cannot see far enough ahead to do so safely
Never overtake where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed. Barrier lines are usually painted at these points for exactly this reason.
Open this question on its own page →74. Your vehicle begins to skid on a wet road. What is the correct response?
- A. Brake as hard as possible
- B. Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go
- C. Pull the handbrake
- D. Turn the steering wheel sharply the other way
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B. Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go
Harsh braking or sharp steering makes a skid worse. Ease off, look and steer gently where you want the vehicle to go.
Open this question on its own page →75. Total stopping distance is made up of which two parts?
- A. Reaction distance and braking distance
- B. Following distance and braking distance
- C. Reaction distance and turning distance
- D. Speed and tyre pressure
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A. Reaction distance and braking distance
Stopping distance is the distance travelled while you react, plus the distance travelled while the brakes bring you to a stop.
Open this question on its own page →76. What happens to your braking distance if you double your speed?
- A. It stays the same
- B. It doubles
- C. It roughly quadruples
- D. It halves
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C. It roughly quadruples
Braking distance increases roughly with the square of speed, so doubling your speed multiplies braking distance by about four.
Open this question on its own page →77. On a one-way road with two or more lanes, may you pass another vehicle on its left?
- A. Never
- B. Yes, this is permitted on a one-way carriageway
- C. Only if the other vehicle indicates
- D. Only at night
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B. Yes, this is permitted on a one-way carriageway
Passing on the left is allowed on a one-way carriageway with more than one lane, and when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
Open this question on its own page →78. A scholar patrol holds up a sign at a school crossing. What must you do?
- A. Slow down but continue if no children are crossing
- B. Stop and remain stopped until the patrol lowers the sign
- C. Hoot to warn the children
- D. Drive around the patrol
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B. Stop and remain stopped until the patrol lowers the sign
Stop and stay stopped until the scholar patrol signals that you may proceed.
Open this question on its own page →79. You approach a low-water bridge covered in flowing water. What is the safest action?
- A. Drive across quickly to avoid stalling
- B. Do not cross; turn around and find another route
- C. Cross slowly in a low gear
- D. Follow the vehicle in front across
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B. Do not cross; turn around and find another route
Never drive into flowing water of unknown depth. Vehicles are swept away in surprisingly shallow water, and this is a common cause of drowning deaths in South Africa.
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