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Rules of the road · part 1 of 45

K53 rules of the road 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 Unless otherwise indicated by a road sign, what is the general speed limit in an urban (built-up) area in South Africa?

  1. 100 km/h
  2. 60 km/h
  3. 80 km/h
Show the answer

Answer B: 60 km/h

The general speed limit in South African urban (town/suburb) areas is 60 km/h unless a sign indicates otherwise.

Memory tip: 60 Urban · 100 Rural · 120 Freeway.

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2 What is the general speed limit on a public road OUTSIDE an urban area (not a freeway) unless a sign shows otherwise?

  1. 100 km/h
  2. 120 km/h
  3. 80 km/h
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Answer A: 100 km/h

On public roads outside an urban area (rural/regional roads that are not freeways), the general speed limit is 100 km/h.

Memory tip: Rural road (not freeway) = 100 km/h.

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3 What is the maximum speed limit for a heavy goods vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) exceeding 9,000 kg on a freeway?

  1. 100 km/h
  2. 120 km/h
  3. 80 km/h
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Answer C: 80 km/h

Heavy goods vehicles with a GVM over 9,000 kg are restricted to a maximum speed of 80 km/h even on a 120 km/h freeway.

Memory tip: Heavy truck > 9,000 kg = Max 80 km/h everywhere.

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

4 What is the maximum distance allowed between two vehicles when one vehicle is towing another on a public road?

  1. 5.0 metres
  2. 3.5 metres
  3. 1.8 metres
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Answer B: 3.5 metres

The distance between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle may NEVER exceed 3.5 metres.

Memory tip: Maximum tow-rope, chain or bar length = 3.5 metres.

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5 When towing a vehicle with a rope or chain rather than a drawbar or tow-bar, what is the maximum permitted speed?

  1. 30 km/h
  2. 60 km/h
  3. 40 km/h
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Answer A: 30 km/h

The NaTIS Rules of the Road manual, section 6.57, limits rope or chain towing to 30 km/h. The rope, chain or tow-bar may not exceed 3.5 metres.

Memory tip: Rope or chain towing = maximum 30 km/h.

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

6 In an urban area, what parking clearances does the reference manual require on the approaching side of a pedestrian crossing and from an intersection?

  1. At least 9 metres on the approaching side of the crossing and 5 metres from the intersection
  2. Within 5 metres of a pedestrian crossing and within 9 metres of an intersection
  3. Within 3 metres of both
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Answer A: At least 9 metres on the approaching side of the crossing and 5 metres from the intersection

In South Africa, parking is prohibited within 9 metres of the approach side of a pedestrian crossing and within 5 metres of an intersection.

Memory tip: 9m Pedestrian Crossing · 5m Intersection · 1.5m Fire Hydrant.

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

7 You may NOT park a vehicle within what distance on either side of a fire hydrant?

  1. 3.5 metres
  2. 5.0 metres
  3. 1.5 metres
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Answer C: 1.5 metres

You may not park within 1.5 metres on either side of a fire hydrant.

Memory tip: Fire Hydrant = 1.5 metres.

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8 Under normal dry driving conditions, what is the minimum safe following distance for a light motor vehicle (Code 8)?

  1. One car length for every 40 km/h
  2. At least 10 metres at all speeds
  3. At least a 2-second gap, increased when conditions are poor
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Answer C: At least a 2-second gap, increased when conditions are poor

Maintain at least a two-second gap in good conditions. Increase the gap when visibility, grip, vehicle weight or other conditions require more stopping space.

Memory tip: Poor conditions need more time and space.

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9 Where an emergency warning triangle is required for a stationary vehicle, what minimum distance does the manual specify towards approaching traffic?

  1. At least 15 metres behind the vehicle
  2. At least 45 metres towards approaching traffic, with the reflective face towards that traffic
  3. At least 100 metres behind the vehicle
Show the answer

Answer B: At least 45 metres towards approaching traffic, with the reflective face towards that traffic

The reference specifies at least 45 metres on the approaching-traffic side, facing that traffic. Vehicle-class requirements and stated exceptions apply. Only place it when you can do so safely.

Memory tip: Where required: at least 45 metres towards approaching traffic.

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10 What minimum tyre tread depth is required for a light motor vehicle or a motorcycle over 50 cc?

  1. 2 millimetres (2 mm)
  2. 0.5 millimetres (0.5 mm)
  3. 1 millimetre (1 mm)
Show the answer

Answer C: 1 millimetre (1 mm)

The NaTIS manual specifies at least 1 mm tread across the breadth and circumference for these vehicles. Motorcycles of 50 cc or less have a separate visible-tread requirement.

Memory tip: Tyre Tread Depth = 1 mm minimum.

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11 How far ahead must the dipped beam (low beam) and main beam (brights) of your vehicle’s headlights clearly illuminate the road?

  1. Dipped beam: at least 30 metres · Main beam: at least 60 metres
  2. Dipped beam: at least 100 metres · Main beam: at least 150 metres
  3. Dipped beam: at least 45 metres · Main beam (brights): at least 100 metres
Show the answer

Answer C: Dipped beam: at least 45 metres · Main beam (brights): at least 100 metres

Dipped headlights must adequately illuminate objects at least 45 metres ahead. Main beams must illuminate objects at least 100 metres ahead. Dip them to avoid dazzling other road users.

Memory tip: Dipped = 45m · Brights = 100m · Hooter = 90m.

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12 For a light motor vehicle, what horn-audibility distance does the reference manual specify?

  1. 45 metres
  2. 100 metres
  3. 90 metres
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Answer C: 90 metres

The reference specifies a light-vehicle horn audible to a person of normal hearing from at least 90 metres. Use it only when necessary for safety.

Memory tip: Hooter = 90 metres.

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13 For how long is a South African Learner’s Licence valid from the date of issue?

  1. 12 months (1 year)
  2. 24 months (2 years)
  3. 18 months (1.5 years)
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Answer B: 24 months (2 years)

A South African Learner’s Licence is valid for 24 months (2 years) from the date you pass the test.

Memory tip: Learner’s Licence Validity = 24 Months.

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14 Which of the following is STRICTLY PROHIBITED on a South African freeway?

  1. Giving hand signals (except in an emergency) or riding a motorcycle of 50cc or less
  2. Driving at 100 km/h in the left lane
  3. Overtaking on the right-hand side
Show the answer

Answer A: Giving hand signals (except in an emergency) or riding a motorcycle of 50cc or less

On a freeway, you may NOT use hand signals, drive a motorcycle 50cc or smaller, ride a bicycle, walk, stop on the roadway, or drive an animal-drawn vehicle.

Memory tip: Freeways exclude motorcycles of 50 cc or less; stopping and hand signals have limited exceptions.

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15 When is it legal to overtake another vehicle on the LEFT-hand side?

  1. When overtaking on the left gravel shoulder at night
  2. When the vehicle in front is turning right, on a one-way street, or when there are two or more lanes in the same direction
  3. Whenever the vehicle in front is driving slower than 60 km/h on a single-lane road
Show the answer

Answer B: When the vehicle in front is turning right, on a one-way street, or when there are two or more lanes in the same direction

Passing on the left is permitted only in the listed circumstances and when safe: a vehicle turning right, specified sufficiently wide urban roads, marked one-way lanes or an officer’s direction. Never use the shoulder or verge to overtake, by day or night.

Memory tip: Pass on left ONLY if car ahead turns right, one-way, or multi-lane.

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