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Vehicle controls · part 2 of 3

K53 vehicle controls questions and answers (part 2)

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.

16 What is the purpose of the gear lever (left foot)?

  1. Selects the appropriate gear ratio using your left foot.
  2. Signals turns/lane changes and sounds the audible warning horn.
  3. Applies the front wheel brake. Use both brakes smoothly; the braking balance depends on the motorcycle and conditions.
Show the answer

Answer A: Selects the appropriate gear ratio using your left foot.

Selects the appropriate gear ratio using your left foot.

Memory tip: Always operated in combination with the left-hand clutch lever (1).

Motorcycle (code 1)

17 What is the purpose of the rear brake pedal (right foot)?

  1. Controls engine speed and acceleration by twisting the right handgrip.
  2. Applies braking force to the rear wheel.
  3. Disengages drive from the engine to the gearbox when changing gears or stopping.
Show the answer

Answer B: Applies braking force to the rear wheel.

Applies braking force to the rear wheel.

Memory tip: Used together with the front brake lever (2) for normal and emergency stops.

Motorcycle (code 1)

18 What is the purpose of the indicator & horn switches (left thumb)?

  1. Steers the motorcycle and allows observation of traffic behind you.
  2. Applies the front wheel brake. Use both brakes smoothly; the braking balance depends on the motorcycle and conditions.
  3. Signals turns/lane changes and sounds the audible warning horn.
Show the answer

Answer C: Signals turns/lane changes and sounds the audible warning horn.

Signals turns/lane changes and sounds the audible warning horn.

Memory tip: Cancel your indicator after completing a turn so you do not confuse other road users.

Motorcycle (code 1)

19 What minimum following gap does the manual recommend for heavy vehicles in good conditions?

  1. One metre
  2. One second
  3. At least 3 seconds
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Answer C: At least 3 seconds

Heavy vehicles need more space to stop. The NaTIS road-rule manual recommends at least three seconds of following distance in good conditions; increase this when conditions deteriorate. The service brake slows the moving vehicle; the parking brake secures it while stationary. If a vehicle uses air brakes, monitor its pressure gauge and warning indicators. Do not move off with a low-pressure warning; investigate using the manufacturer’s instructions and qualified training. Auxiliary engine brakes or retarders are vehicle-specific aids, not substitutes for service brakes.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

20 What is the purpose of the service brake?

  1. To slow or stop a moving vehicle
  2. To select a gear
  3. Only to hold a parked vehicle
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Answer A: To slow or stop a moving vehicle

Heavy vehicles need more space to stop. The NaTIS road-rule manual recommends at least three seconds of following distance in good conditions; increase this when conditions deteriorate. The service brake slows the moving vehicle; the parking brake secures it while stationary. If a vehicle uses air brakes, monitor its pressure gauge and warning indicators. Do not move off with a low-pressure warning; investigate using the manufacturer’s instructions and qualified training. Auxiliary engine brakes or retarders are vehicle-specific aids, not substitutes for service brakes.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

21 What should you do if an air-brake low-pressure warning is showing before moving off?

  1. Do not move off; investigate according to the vehicle instructions
  2. Accelerate to silence it
  3. Ignore it if the road is clear
Show the answer

Answer A: Do not move off; investigate according to the vehicle instructions

Heavy vehicles need more space to stop. The NaTIS road-rule manual recommends at least three seconds of following distance in good conditions; increase this when conditions deteriorate. The service brake slows the moving vehicle; the parking brake secures it while stationary. If a vehicle uses air brakes, monitor its pressure gauge and warning indicators. Do not move off with a low-pressure warning; investigate using the manufacturer’s instructions and qualified training. Auxiliary engine brakes or retarders are vehicle-specific aids, not substitutes for service brakes.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

22 Does an auxiliary retarder replace the service brake?

  1. No, it is a vehicle-specific aid
  2. Yes, on every vehicle
  3. Yes, at all speeds
Show the answer

Answer A: No, it is a vehicle-specific aid

Heavy vehicles need more space to stop. The NaTIS road-rule manual recommends at least three seconds of following distance in good conditions; increase this when conditions deteriorate. The service brake slows the moving vehicle; the parking brake secures it while stationary. If a vehicle uses air brakes, monitor its pressure gauge and warning indicators. Do not move off with a low-pressure warning; investigate using the manufacturer’s instructions and qualified training. Auxiliary engine brakes or retarders are vehicle-specific aids, not substitutes for service brakes.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

23 When should you choose a suitable gear for a steep descent?

  1. Only when the engine stalls
  2. Only after speed becomes excessive
  3. Before descending
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Answer C: Before descending

Heavy vehicles may use manual gearboxes, range or splitter selections, or automatic transmissions. Learn your actual vehicle’s controls instead of memorising a car diagram. Choose an appropriate gear before a steep descent. Do not coast in neutral or with the clutch disengaged. Use the braking systems as trained and as the manufacturer directs. Keep speed suitable for the load, gradient and available stopping space.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

24 Should you coast downhill in neutral?

  1. No
  2. Yes, in a heavy vehicle only
  3. Yes, to save fuel
Show the answer

Answer A: No

Heavy vehicles may use manual gearboxes, range or splitter selections, or automatic transmissions. Learn your actual vehicle’s controls instead of memorising a car diagram. Choose an appropriate gear before a steep descent. Do not coast in neutral or with the clutch disengaged. Use the braking systems as trained and as the manufacturer directs. Keep speed suitable for the load, gradient and available stopping space.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

25 Are gear ranges and splitter arrangements identical on every heavy vehicle?

  1. No, learn the actual vehicle’s layout
  2. Only the lever colour differs
  3. Yes, always
Show the answer

Answer A: No, learn the actual vehicle’s layout

Heavy vehicles may use manual gearboxes, range or splitter selections, or automatic transmissions. Learn your actual vehicle’s controls instead of memorising a car diagram. Choose an appropriate gear before a steep descent. Do not coast in neutral or with the clutch disengaged. Use the braking systems as trained and as the manufacturer directs. Keep speed suitable for the load, gradient and available stopping space.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

26 Does an automatic transmission require a driver-operated clutch pedal?

  1. No
  2. Yes, every automatic has one
  3. Only when reversing
Show the answer

Answer A: No

Heavy vehicles may use manual gearboxes, range or splitter selections, or automatic transmissions. Learn your actual vehicle’s controls instead of memorising a car diagram. Choose an appropriate gear before a steep descent. Do not coast in neutral or with the clutch disengaged. Use the braking systems as trained and as the manufacturer directs. Keep speed suitable for the load, gradient and available stopping space.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

27 Do mirrors remove all blind spots around a heavy vehicle?

  1. No
  2. Yes, in daylight
  3. Yes, if the mirrors are large
Show the answer

Answer A: No

Mirrors show part of the surroundings but do not remove blind spots. Check the route beside and behind the vehicle before manoeuvring. Signals communicate your plan but do not give you priority. Allow for the path of rear wheels and the space occupied by a trailer when turning. Use a safe position and wait when the gap is uncertain. Before reversing, establish that the area is clear and use properly trained assistance when needed.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

28 What should you account for when turning a vehicle with a trailer?

  1. The path and space needed by the whole combination
  2. Only the cab’s front wheels
  3. Only the indicator lamp
Show the answer

Answer A: The path and space needed by the whole combination

Mirrors show part of the surroundings but do not remove blind spots. Check the route beside and behind the vehicle before manoeuvring. Signals communicate your plan but do not give you priority. Allow for the path of rear wheels and the space occupied by a trailer when turning. Use a safe position and wait when the gap is uncertain. Before reversing, establish that the area is clear and use properly trained assistance when needed.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

29 Does signalling make an unsafe lane change acceptable?

  1. No
  2. Yes, for a heavy vehicle
  3. Yes, after three flashes
Show the answer

Answer A: No

Mirrors show part of the surroundings but do not remove blind spots. Check the route beside and behind the vehicle before manoeuvring. Signals communicate your plan but do not give you priority. Allow for the path of rear wheels and the space occupied by a trailer when turning. Use a safe position and wait when the gap is uncertain. Before reversing, establish that the area is clear and use properly trained assistance when needed.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

30 Before reversing, what should you establish?

  1. Only that reverse gear works
  2. Only that hazard lights are on
  3. That the area and intended path are safe
Show the answer

Answer C: That the area and intended path are safe

Mirrors show part of the surroundings but do not remove blind spots. Check the route beside and behind the vehicle before manoeuvring. Signals communicate your plan but do not give you priority. Allow for the path of rear wheels and the space occupied by a trailer when turning. Use a safe position and wait when the gap is uncertain. Before reversing, establish that the area is clear and use properly trained assistance when needed.

Memory tip: Learn your actual vehicle; follow its instructions and qualified training.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

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