Practice test
Learner's licence practice test 2
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 2
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 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 →2. 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 →3. 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 →4. 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 →5. 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 →6. 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 →7. 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 →8. 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 →9. 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 →10. 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 →11. 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 →12. 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 →13. 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 →14. 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 →15. 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 →16. 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 →17. 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 →18. 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 →19. 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 →20. 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 →21. 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 →22. 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 →23. 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 →24. 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 →25. 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 →26. 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 →27. 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 →28. 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 →29. 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 →30. 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.
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Road Signs (30 questions)
1. What does an eight-sided (octagonal) red sign mean?
- A. Yield
- B. Stop
- C. No entry
- D. Road closed
Show answer
B. Stop
The octagonal red sign is the STOP sign. You must come to a complete stop behind the line.
Open this question on its own page →2. What does a red-bordered triangle pointing downwards mean?
- A. Stop
- B. Yield to traffic on the road you are entering
- C. Warning of a hazard
- D. No entry
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B. Yield to traffic on the road you are entering
The inverted triangle is the YIELD sign. Slow down and give way; you only stop if traffic requires it.
Open this question on its own page →3. What do green road signs generally indicate in South Africa?
- A. Prohibitions
- B. Freeway direction and destination information
- C. Warnings
- D. Temporary roadworks
Show answer
B. Freeway direction and destination information
Green signs carry direction and destination information on freeways. Blue signs do the same on ordinary roads.
Open this question on its own page →4. What does a diamond-shaped sign with a yellow background indicate?
- A. A permanent warning
- B. A temporary condition, such as roadworks ahead
- C. A tourist attraction
- D. A prohibition
Show answer
B. A temporary condition, such as roadworks ahead
Yellow diamond signs mark temporary conditions such as roadworks. They override the permanent signs for that stretch of road.
Open this question on its own page →5. A round sign with a red circle and a single white horizontal bar means:
- A. No stopping
- B. No entry for vehicles
- C. No overtaking
- D. One-way street
Show answer
B. No entry for vehicles
The red circle with a white bar means no entry. Do not proceed past it in any vehicle.
Open this question on its own page →6. A round sign showing two cars, the right-hand one in red, inside a red circle means:
- A. No entry
- B. Overtaking is prohibited
- C. Two-way traffic ahead
- D. Keep right
Show answer
B. Overtaking is prohibited
This is the no-overtaking sign. It applies until an end-of-restriction sign or a change in road markings.
Open this question on its own page →7. A blue circular sign with a white arrow pointing left means:
- A. You may turn left
- B. You must keep left
- C. Left turn prohibited
- D. Left lane closed
Show answer
B. You must keep left
Blue circular signs give commands. A white arrow means you must travel in the direction shown.
Open this question on its own page →8. How is a speed limit shown on a South African road sign?
- A. A number inside a red circle
- B. A number inside a blue circle
- C. A number on a yellow diamond
- D. A number on a green rectangle
Show answer
A. A number inside a red circle
A number in a red circle sets the maximum speed. A number in a blue circle is a minimum speed.
Open this question on its own page →9. What does a number inside a blue circle mean?
- A. The maximum speed allowed
- B. The minimum speed you must maintain
- C. The recommended speed
- D. The distance to the next town
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B. The minimum speed you must maintain
Blue circles command. A number in a blue circle is the minimum speed for that lane or road.
Open this question on its own page →10. A red-bordered triangle showing two children means:
- A. A playground is for sale
- B. Children may be crossing ahead, usually near a school
- C. No children allowed
- D. A school bus stop only
Show answer
B. Children may be crossing ahead, usually near a school
It warns that children are likely in the road ahead. Reduce speed and be ready to stop.
Open this question on its own page →11. A triangular warning sign showing a car with wavy skid lines means:
- A. Car wash ahead
- B. Slippery road ahead
- C. Loose gravel ahead
- D. Speed humps ahead
Show answer
B. Slippery road ahead
It warns that the road ahead may be slippery. Slow down and avoid harsh braking or steering.
Open this question on its own page →12. You see a warning sign indicating the tarred surface ends ahead. What should you do?
- A. Maintain your speed
- B. Slow down before the surface changes, because grip and braking will be poorer on gravel
- C. Accelerate to cross the gravel quickly
- D. Switch on your hazard lights and continue
Show answer
B. Slow down before the surface changes, because grip and braking will be poorer on gravel
Reduce speed before you reach gravel. Braking, steering and stopping distances all worsen on a loose surface.
Open this question on its own page →13. A triangular sign showing a T shape means:
- A. A tunnel ahead
- B. A T-junction ahead
- C. A toll road ahead
- D. A truck stop ahead
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B. A T-junction ahead
The road you are on ends at a T-junction ahead. Prepare to yield or stop and turn.
Open this question on its own page →14. A triangular sign showing three curved arrows in a circle warns of:
- A. A roundabout or traffic circle ahead
- B. A U-turn area
- C. A parking area
- D. A cul-de-sac
Show answer
A. A roundabout or traffic circle ahead
A traffic circle is ahead. Slow down and prepare to yield to traffic already in the circle.
Open this question on its own page →15. A triangular warning sign showing a cow or kudu means:
- A. A farm stall is ahead
- B. Animals may be in the road ahead
- C. A game reserve entrance
- D. Livestock transport route
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B. Animals may be in the road ahead
Animals may stray onto the road ahead. Reduce speed, especially at dawn, dusk and at night.
Open this question on its own page →16. A blue rectangular sign with a single white arrow indicates:
- A. A one-way roadway in the direction of the arrow
- B. A detour
- C. A dead end
- D. A bus lane
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A. A one-way roadway in the direction of the arrow
It marks a one-way roadway. You may only travel in the direction of the arrow.
Open this question on its own page →17. A blue circular sign with a red border and a single red diagonal line means:
- A. No parking
- B. No stopping
- C. No entry
- D. No U-turn
Show answer
A. No parking
A single diagonal line means no parking. Two crossed diagonal lines mean no stopping at all.
Open this question on its own page →18. A red circle containing a U-shaped arrow with a line through it means:
- A. No left turn
- B. No right turn
- C. U-turns are prohibited
- D. No overtaking
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C. U-turns are prohibited
You may not make a U-turn at that point.
Open this question on its own page →19. Which shape is used for most South African warning signs?
- A. Circle
- B. Triangle
- C. Rectangle
- D. Octagon
Show answer
B. Triangle
Warning signs are triangular with a red border. Circles regulate, rectangles inform.
Open this question on its own page →20. What does a blue rectangular sign usually convey?
- A. A prohibition
- B. A warning
- C. Information or direction on an ordinary road
- D. A temporary condition
Show answer
C. Information or direction on an ordinary road
Blue rectangles carry information and direction on ordinary roads; green rectangles do the same on freeways.
Open this question on its own page →21. A triangular sign showing a steam locomotive warns of:
- A. A railway station
- B. A level crossing ahead
- C. A museum
- D. A tunnel
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B. A level crossing ahead
A railway level crossing is ahead. Slow down, look both ways and be prepared to stop.
Open this question on its own page →22. A triangular sign showing a walking figure on a crossing means:
- A. Pedestrians prohibited
- B. A pedestrian crossing is ahead
- C. A footpath ends
- D. A bus stop ahead
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B. A pedestrian crossing is ahead
A pedestrian crossing is ahead. Slow down and be ready to yield.
Open this question on its own page →23. What does a solid white line painted across your lane at an intersection mean?
- A. The edge of the roadway
- B. The point at which you must stop
- C. A pedestrian crossing
- D. A parking bay boundary
Show answer
B. The point at which you must stop
A transverse solid line marks where you must stop at a stop sign or red traffic light.
Open this question on its own page →24. What does a broken yellow line along the left edge of the roadway usually indicate?
- A. The edge of the roadway, marking a shoulder that is not a traffic lane
- B. A bus-only lane
- C. A no-parking zone
- D. A cycle lane
Show answer
A. The edge of the roadway, marking a shoulder that is not a traffic lane
It marks the edge of the roadway. The shoulder beyond it is not a traffic lane for ordinary driving.
Open this question on its own page →25. A red X displayed above your lane on a freeway means:
- A. Speed limit ends
- B. The lane is closed ahead; move out of it
- C. Toll plaza ahead
- D. Emergency vehicles only
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B. The lane is closed ahead; move out of it
A red X means the lane is closed. Move safely into an open lane.
Open this question on its own page →26. A green downward arrow above a lane means:
- A. The lane is closed
- B. You may use that lane
- C. The lane is for buses
- D. Stop in that lane
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B. You may use that lane
A green arrow indicates the lane below it is open for use.
Open this question on its own page →27. A triangular sign showing a vehicle on a steep downward slope warns of:
- A. A steep descent ahead
- B. A bridge ahead
- C. A mountain pass viewpoint
- D. A weighbridge
Show answer
A. A steep descent ahead
A steep descent is ahead. Select a lower gear before the descent so the engine helps control your speed.
Open this question on its own page →28. A triangular sign showing two vertical arrows, one up and one down, warns of:
- A. A one-way road
- B. Two-way traffic ahead
- C. A dual carriageway starting
- D. Overtaking allowed
Show answer
B. Two-way traffic ahead
Two-way traffic is ahead, often where a dual carriageway ends. Do not overtake into oncoming traffic.
Open this question on its own page →29. Signs showing services such as a hospital, fuel or a rest area are usually:
- A. Triangular with a red border
- B. Rectangular information signs
- C. Round with a red circle
- D. Yellow diamonds
Show answer
B. Rectangular information signs
Service and facility signs are rectangular information signs.
Open this question on its own page →30. What should you do when a sign indicates the road narrows ahead?
- A. Speed up to pass through first
- B. Slow down, check for oncoming traffic and be ready to give way
- C. Move onto the shoulder
- D. Switch on your hazards and continue
Show answer
B. Slow down, check for oncoming traffic and be ready to give way
Approach a narrowing with reduced speed and be prepared to yield, especially where only one vehicle fits at a time.
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Vehicle Controls (8 questions)
1. 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
Show answer
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 →2. 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
Show answer
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 →3. 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
Show answer
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 →4. 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
Show answer
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 →5. 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
Show answer
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 →6. 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
Show answer
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 →7. 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
Show answer
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 →8. 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
Show answer
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.
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