Practice test
Learner's licence practice test 1
A full mock exam in the real format: 30 rules of the road, 30 road signs and 8 vehicle controls. You must pass all three sections on the same day.
The real exam has 3 sections. You must pass all 3 on the same day. Pick a section to practise, or run the full mock test.
All 68 questions in mock test 1
The real exam is 68 questions: 30 rules of the road (pass 22), 30 road signs (pass 23) and 8 vehicle controls (pass 6). This mock follows the same structure.
Rules of the Road (30 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.
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Road Signs (30 questions)
1. What does a red triangular road sign indicate?
- A. Regulatory instruction
- B. Warning of a hazard ahead
- C. Tourist information
- D. Direction to a city
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B. Warning of a hazard ahead
Red triangular signs are warning signs - they indicate a hazard or condition ahead.
Open this question on its own page →2. What does a sign with a red circle indicate?
- A. A warning
- B. A prohibition (you may not do something)
- C. A direction
- D. A tourist site
Show answer
B. A prohibition (you may not do something)
A red circle indicates a prohibition - for example, 'no entry' or 'no overtaking'.
Open this question on its own page →3. What does a blue circular sign indicate?
- A. A prohibition
- B. A warning
- C. A command (you must do something)
- D. Information only
Show answer
C. A command (you must do something)
Blue circular signs are command signs - they tell you what you must do, such as 'turn left'.
Open this question on its own page →4. What shape is the international Stop sign?
- A. Triangle
- B. Circle
- C. Octagon
- D. Square
Show answer
C. Octagon
The Stop sign is an octagon (eight sides) - the only sign of this shape, so it's recognisable even when dirty.
Open this question on its own page →5. What does a yellow-and-black diamond sign mean?
- A. A regulatory sign
- B. A temporary warning, often for roadworks
- C. Tourist destination
- D. Highway entrance
Show answer
B. A temporary warning, often for roadworks
Yellow diamond signs are temporary warning signs, usually for roadworks or temporary hazards.
Open this question on its own page →6. What does a sign showing two cars side-by-side with a red border indicate?
- A. Overtaking permitted
- B. No overtaking
- C. Two-way traffic
- D. Carpool lane
Show answer
B. No overtaking
Two cars side-by-side in a red-bordered circle means overtaking is prohibited.
Open this question on its own page →7. What does a yellow diamond sign showing a person walking mean?
- A. School zone
- B. Pedestrian crossing ahead
- C. Pedestrian-only road
- D. No pedestrians
Show answer
B. Pedestrian crossing ahead
A walking-person symbol on a yellow diamond warns of a pedestrian crossing ahead.
Open this question on its own page →8. A yellow diamond showing two children walking indicates what?
- A. A school crossing or school zone ahead
- B. A playground
- C. A bus stop
- D. A pedestrian-only zone
Show answer
A. A school crossing or school zone ahead
Two children walking on a yellow diamond warns of a school crossing or school zone ahead.
Open this question on its own page →9. What does a yellow diamond sign showing a skidding car mean?
- A. Sharp curve ahead
- B. Slippery road surface
- C. Roadworks
- D. Unstable shoulder
Show answer
B. Slippery road surface
A car with curved skid marks warns of a slippery road surface ahead.
Open this question on its own page →10. What does a sign with a U-shaped arrow inside a red circle indicate?
- A. U-turn permitted
- B. No U-turn
- C. Roundabout ahead
- D. Two-way traffic
Show answer
B. No U-turn
A U-shaped arrow inside a red circle prohibits U-turns at that point.
Open this question on its own page →11. A horizontal arrow in a rectangular sign typically indicates what?
- A. A one-way street in the direction of the arrow
- B. Wrong way
- C. Stop ahead
- D. No entry
Show answer
A. A one-way street in the direction of the arrow
A horizontal arrow in a rectangular sign indicates the direction of a one-way street.
Open this question on its own page →12. A yellow diamond with a curved line indicates what?
- A. A slippery road surface
- B. A sharp curve ahead
- C. A junction ahead
- D. A hill ahead
Show answer
B. A sharp curve ahead
A curved-line symbol on a yellow diamond warns of a sharp curve in the road ahead.
Open this question on its own page →13. A yellow diamond showing parallel lines that converge means?
- A. Road widens ahead
- B. Road narrows ahead
- C. Bridge ahead
- D. Tunnel ahead
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B. Road narrows ahead
Converging lines on a yellow diamond mean the road narrows ahead. Stay in your lane and be prepared.
Open this question on its own page →14. A white horizontal bar inside a red circle means?
- A. Slow down
- B. No entry for all vehicles
- C. One-way street
- D. Stop
Show answer
B. No entry for all vehicles
A horizontal white bar on a red circle is the 'no entry' sign - no vehicles may enter from that direction.
Open this question on its own page →15. A white number inside a red circle (e.g. 60) indicates what?
- A. Recommended speed
- B. Minimum speed limit
- C. Maximum speed limit
- D. Average speed camera ahead
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C. Maximum speed limit
A number inside a red circle is a regulatory speed limit sign - the maximum speed allowed at that point.
Open this question on its own page →16. A white number inside a red circle with a diagonal line through it means?
- A. New speed limit applies
- B. The stated speed limit is now in force
- C. The speed limit restriction has ended
- D. Speed camera zone
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C. The speed limit restriction has ended
A speed limit sign with a diagonal line cancels that speed restriction. The general limit for that road type resumes.
Open this question on its own page →17. A yellow diamond showing a small traffic light symbol means?
- A. Traffic lights are broken
- B. Traffic lights ahead
- C. No traffic lights ahead
- D. Stop ahead
Show answer
B. Traffic lights ahead
A traffic light symbol on a yellow diamond warns you that traffic lights are coming up ahead.
Open this question on its own page →18. A yellow diamond showing a T-shape indicates?
- A. Crossroads ahead
- B. T-junction ahead
- C. One-way road end
- D. Y-fork ahead
Show answer
B. T-junction ahead
A T-shape on a yellow diamond warns of a T-junction ahead. The road you are on ends - you must turn left or right.
Open this question on its own page →19. A yellow diamond with an 'X' and two diagonal lines indicates?
- A. No stopping
- B. An uncontrolled railway crossing ahead
- C. Crossroads ahead
- D. No entry for trucks
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B. An uncontrolled railway crossing ahead
The X symbol with diagonal lines warns of an uncontrolled level crossing ahead - no lights or boom gate.
Open this question on its own page →20. A yellow diamond showing a silhouette of a cow means?
- A. No livestock vehicles
- B. Cattle crossing ahead
- C. Farmland begins
- D. Slow vehicle zone
Show answer
B. Cattle crossing ahead
A cattle silhouette on a yellow diamond warns that animals may cross the road ahead - slow down.
Open this question on its own page →21. A yellow diamond with a falling-rock symbol means?
- A. Slippery road
- B. Rockfall hazard ahead
- C. Gravel road begins
- D. Mountain pass
Show answer
B. Rockfall hazard ahead
A falling-rock symbol warns of a rockfall hazard - rocks may land on the road unexpectedly.
Open this question on its own page →22. A right-pointing arrow inside a red circle with a line through it means?
- A. Keep right
- B. No right turn at this point
- C. Right turn only
- D. Right lane closed
Show answer
B. No right turn at this point
An arrow with a red prohibition circle and diagonal line through it means no right turn is allowed at that point.
Open this question on its own page →23. A blue circle with a white arrow pointing left and then up means?
- A. Turn left
- B. Keep left of the island
- C. No right turn
- D. One-way road
Show answer
B. Keep left of the island
This blue command sign means keep to the left of a traffic island or median.
Open this question on its own page →24. A white number inside a blue circle means?
- A. Maximum speed limit
- B. Minimum speed limit
- C. Advisory speed
- D. Truck speed limit
Show answer
B. Minimum speed limit
A white number on a blue circle is a minimum speed sign - you must not go slower than this on that road section.
Open this question on its own page →25. A blue rectangular sign showing a bus silhouette indicates?
- A. No buses allowed
- B. Bus route begins
- C. Bus stop or bay
- D. Buses only lane
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C. Bus stop or bay
A blue bus sign marks an official bus stop or bus bay. Private cars may not park here.
Open this question on its own page →26. A white rectangular sign showing a walking figure on a black background at a crossing means?
- A. Warning of pedestrians
- B. Mandatory pedestrian crossing - give way
- C. No pedestrians
- D. School zone
Show answer
B. Mandatory pedestrian crossing - give way
At a marked crossing with this sign, pedestrians have the right of way. You must give way.
Open this question on its own page →27. A yellow diamond showing a truck on a steep downward slope means?
- A. No trucks
- B. Steep downhill ahead - engage a lower gear
- C. Speed bump ahead
- D. Gravel road
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B. Steep downhill ahead - engage a lower gear
This sign warns of a steep descent. Engage a lower gear to control speed and prevent brake fade.
Open this question on its own page →28. An 'N' on a speed-limit sign (e.g. 'N 120') means what?
- A. Night speed limit
- B. National road speed limit applies
- C. No restriction
- D. Narrow road
Show answer
B. National road speed limit applies
'N' indicates the national speed limit for that road type applies - 120 km/h on freeways, 100 km/h on rural roads, etc.
Open this question on its own page →29. What is the key difference between a Yield sign and a Stop sign?
- A. Yield is for trucks only
- B. A Stop sign requires a complete stop; a Yield sign only requires stopping if traffic is present
- C. Both require a full stop
- D. Yield applies only at night
Show answer
B. A Stop sign requires a complete stop; a Yield sign only requires stopping if traffic is present
At a Stop sign you must always stop completely. At a Yield sign you only need to stop if conflicting traffic is present - otherwise slow and proceed.
Open this question on its own page →30. White diagonal stripes on a yellow rectangular board at a curve are called?
- A. Lane-marking signs
- B. Chevron (delineator) boards - indicating a sharp bend direction
- C. No-entry markers
- D. Road closure signs
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B. Chevron (delineator) boards - indicating a sharp bend direction
Chevron boards use diagonal stripes to indicate the direction and sharpness of a curve - the stripes point the direction you should steer.
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Vehicle Controls (8 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
Show answer
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
Show answer
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
Show answer
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
Show answer
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.
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