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Vehicle controls · part 1 of 3

K53 vehicle controls questions and answers (part 1)

15 practice questions for the South African K53 learner's licence test. Try each one first, then open the answer to see why it is correct.

1 What is the purpose of the interior rear-view mirror?

  1. Signals your intention to turn left, turn right, or change lanes.
  2. Shows traffic beside and behind your vehicle. Mirrors do not cover every blind spot, so also check over your shoulder before moving.
  3. Used to check traffic directly behind your vehicle before braking, turning, or changing lanes.
Show the answer

Answer C: Used to check traffic directly behind your vehicle before braking, turning, or changing lanes.

Used to check traffic directly behind your vehicle before braking, turning, or changing lanes.

Memory tip: Checked together with exterior mirrors (3) before signalling (5) or braking (9).

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

2 What is the purpose of the windscreen wipers?

  1. Selects the appropriate gear ratio for speed and road gradient.
  2. Clears rain, mist, or spray from the front windscreen.
  3. Changes or maintains the direction of the vehicle.
Show the answer

Answer B: Clears rain, mist, or spray from the front windscreen.

Clears rain, mist, or spray from the front windscreen.

Memory tip: Used when visibility drops due to rain or water spray.

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

3 What is the purpose of the exterior side mirrors?

  1. Shows traffic beside and behind your vehicle. Mirrors do not cover every blind spot, so also check over your shoulder before moving.
  2. Keeps a stationary vehicle from rolling when parked or on a steep incline.
  3. Signals your intention to turn left, turn right, or change lanes.
Show the answer

Answer A: Shows traffic beside and behind your vehicle. Mirrors do not cover every blind spot, so also check over your shoulder before moving.

Shows traffic beside and behind your vehicle. Mirrors do not cover every blind spot, so also check over your shoulder before moving.

Memory tip: Always paired with 1 (Rear-View Mirror) before changing direction.

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

4 What is the purpose of the steering wheel?

  1. Disconnects the engine from the gearbox so you can change gears smoothly or stop without stalling.
  2. Selects the appropriate gear ratio for speed and road gradient.
  3. Changes or maintains the direction of the vehicle.
Show the answer

Answer C: Changes or maintains the direction of the vehicle.

Changes or maintains the direction of the vehicle.

Memory tip: Used to turn left or right, or hold the vehicle straight.

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

5 What is the purpose of the direction indicator stalk?

  1. Slows down or stops the moving vehicle on all four wheels.
  2. Signals your intention to turn left, turn right, or change lanes.
  3. Keeps a stationary vehicle from rolling when parked or on a steep incline.
Show the answer

Answer B: Signals your intention to turn left, turn right, or change lanes.

Signals your intention to turn left, turn right, or change lanes.

Memory tip: Always used AFTER checking mirrors (1 & 3) and BEFORE turning (4).

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

6 What is the purpose of the gear lever?

  1. Selects the appropriate gear ratio for speed and road gradient.
  2. Controls fuel flow to increase vehicle speed.
  3. Disconnects the engine from the gearbox so you can change gears smoothly or stop without stalling.
Show the answer

Answer A: Selects the appropriate gear ratio for speed and road gradient.

Selects the appropriate gear ratio for speed and road gradient.

Memory tip: Used together with the clutch pedal (8) when changing gears.

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

7 What is the purpose of the parking brake (handbrake)?

  1. Keeps a stationary vehicle from rolling when parked or on a steep incline.
  2. Gives an audible warning to avoid a collision.
  3. Slows down or stops the moving vehicle on all four wheels.
Show the answer

Answer A: Keeps a stationary vehicle from rolling when parked or on a steep incline.

Keeps a stationary vehicle from rolling when parked or on a steep incline.

Memory tip: NATIS Trick: Only used when parked or stationary—never to stop a moving vehicle in normal driving.

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

8 What is the purpose of the clutch pedal?

  1. Used to check traffic directly behind your vehicle before braking, turning, or changing lanes.
  2. Controls fuel flow to increase vehicle speed.
  3. Disconnects the engine from the gearbox so you can change gears smoothly or stop without stalling.
Show the answer

Answer C: Disconnects the engine from the gearbox so you can change gears smoothly or stop without stalling.

Disconnects the engine from the gearbox so you can change gears smoothly or stop without stalling.

Memory tip: Always pressed before moving the gear lever (6).

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

9 What is the purpose of the footbrake (service brake)?

  1. Gives an audible warning to avoid a collision.
  2. Clears rain, mist, or spray from the front windscreen.
  3. Slows down or stops the moving vehicle on all four wheels.
Show the answer

Answer C: Slows down or stops the moving vehicle on all four wheels.

Slows down or stops the moving vehicle on all four wheels.

Memory tip: Used to decrease speed or stop in an emergency.

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

10 What is the purpose of the accelerator (throttle)?

  1. Controls fuel flow to increase vehicle speed.
  2. Used to check traffic directly behind your vehicle before braking, turning, or changing lanes.
  3. Shows traffic beside and behind your vehicle. Mirrors do not cover every blind spot, so also check over your shoulder before moving.
Show the answer

Answer A: Controls fuel flow to increase vehicle speed.

Controls fuel flow to increase vehicle speed.

Memory tip: Used to increase speed or maintain cruising speed.

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

11 What is the purpose of the hooter (horn)?

  1. Clears rain, mist, or spray from the front windscreen.
  2. Changes or maintains the direction of the vehicle.
  3. Gives an audible warning to avoid a collision.
Show the answer

Answer C: Gives an audible warning to avoid a collision.

Gives an audible warning to avoid a collision.

Memory tip: Must be audible for at least 90 metres.

Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)

12 What is the purpose of the clutch lever (left hand)?

  1. Selects the appropriate gear ratio using your left foot.
  2. Disengages drive from the engine to the gearbox when changing gears or stopping.
  3. Controls engine speed and acceleration by twisting the right handgrip.
Show the answer

Answer B: Disengages drive from the engine to the gearbox when changing gears or stopping.

Disengages drive from the engine to the gearbox when changing gears or stopping.

Memory tip: Squeezed with the left hand before operating the foot gear lever (5).

Motorcycle (code 1)

13 What is the purpose of the front brake lever (right hand)?

  1. Applies braking force to the rear wheel.
  2. Steers the motorcycle and allows observation of traffic behind you.
  3. Applies the front wheel brake. Use both brakes smoothly; the braking balance depends on the motorcycle and conditions.
Show the answer

Answer C: Applies the front wheel brake. Use both brakes smoothly; the braking balance depends on the motorcycle and conditions.

Applies the front wheel brake. Use both brakes smoothly; the braking balance depends on the motorcycle and conditions.

Memory tip: Used together with the rear brake pedal (6) to stop smoothly and safely.

Motorcycle (code 1)

14 What is the purpose of the throttle / accelerator grip (right hand)?

  1. Selects the appropriate gear ratio using your left foot.
  2. Controls engine speed and acceleration by twisting the right handgrip.
  3. Signals turns/lane changes and sounds the audible warning horn.
Show the answer

Answer B: Controls engine speed and acceleration by twisting the right handgrip.

Controls engine speed and acceleration by twisting the right handgrip.

Memory tip: Twisted towards you to increase speed; rolled forward to decelerate.

Motorcycle (code 1)

15 What is the purpose of the handlebars & mirrors?

  1. Disengages drive from the engine to the gearbox when changing gears or stopping.
  2. Steers the motorcycle and allows observation of traffic behind you.
  3. Applies braking force to the rear wheel.
Show the answer

Answer B: Steers the motorcycle and allows observation of traffic behind you.

Steers the motorcycle and allows observation of traffic behind you.

Memory tip: Use mirrors before indicating (7), changing lanes, or braking.

Motorcycle (code 1)

These are original practice questions, not official test questions. Always confirm requirements with your driving licence testing centre.