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Rules of the road · part 19 of 45

K53 rules of the road questions and answers (part 19)

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.

271 What is the maximum distance allowed between the outside edges of a motorcycle's handlebars?

  1. 600 mm
  2. 500 mm
  3. 800 mm
Show the answer

Answer C: 800 mm

The manual sets the handlebar width between 500 or 600 mm and a maximum of 800 mm, depending on engine size.

Memory tip: Handlebars: never wider than 800.

Motorcycle (code 1)

272 A motorcycle has an engine of less than 200 cc. What is the minimum width between the outside edges of its handlebars?

  1. 500 mm
  2. 600 mm
  3. 800 mm
Show the answer

Answer A: 500 mm

For motorcycles under 200 cc the handlebar width must be between 500 and 800 millimetres.

Memory tip: Small bike, 500 minimum.

Motorcycle (code 1)

273 What must be true of all parts of a motorcycle's steering gear before you ride it on a public road?

  1. They must be maintained so the motorcycle steers safely and efficiently
  2. They only need to be checked once a year
  3. They only need to work in dry weather
Show the answer

Answer A: They must be maintained so the motorcycle steers safely and efficiently

The steering gear must be kept in a condition that allows safe and efficient steering.

Memory tip: Steering: safe and efficient, always.

Motorcycle (code 1)

274 While driving, you notice the steering of your car is badly worn and hard to control. What does the manual say about using it on a public road?

  1. You may use it if you drive slowly
  2. You may use it in daylight only
  3. You may not use it unless the steering is in a condition to steer safely and efficiently
Show the answer

Answer C: You may not use it unless the steering is in a condition to steer safely and efficiently

A motor vehicle may not be used on a public road unless all parts of the steering are maintained to steer safely and efficiently.

Memory tip: Faulty steering means no public road.

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

275 Which statement about the steering of a light or heavy motor vehicle is correct?

  1. Steering faults are allowed as long as the brakes work
  2. Only the steering wheel itself must be in good condition
  3. All parts of the steering must be maintained so the vehicle can be steered safely and efficiently
Show the answer

Answer C: All parts of the steering must be maintained so the vehicle can be steered safely and efficiently

The rule covers all parts of the steering, not just the wheel.

Memory tip: All parts, not just the wheel.

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

276 What is the maximum turning radius a motor vehicle may have when used on a public road?

  1. 11,5 metres
  2. 15 metres
  3. 13,1 metres
Show the answer

Answer C: 13,1 metres

A vehicle whose turning radius exceeds 13,1 metres may not be used on a public road.

Memory tip: Thirteen point one: the turning limit.

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

277 A vehicle's turning radius is measured at more than 13,1 metres. What is the position?

  1. It may not be used on a public road
  2. It may be used outside urban areas only
  3. It may be used if the driver has a PrDP
Show the answer

Answer A: It may not be used on a public road

Exceeding 13,1 metres turning radius means the vehicle may not be used on a public road.

Memory tip: Over 13,1, off the road.

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

278 Which turning radius is within the legal limit for a motor vehicle on a public road?

  1. 13 metres
  2. 14 metres
  3. 13,5 metres
Show the answer

Answer A: 13 metres

Only a radius of 13,1 metres or less is allowed, so 13 metres is acceptable.

Memory tip: 13,1 or less is fine.

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

279 How many independent braking systems must a motorcycle have to be ridden on a public road?

  1. Two
  2. One
  3. Three
Show the answer

Answer A: Two

A motorcycle needs two independent braking systems, one for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel(s).

Memory tip: Bike brakes: two, front and rear.

Motorcycle (code 1)

280 On a motorcycle's two independent braking systems, where must one of them act?

  1. On the front wheel
  2. On the engine only
  3. On the chain
Show the answer

Answer A: On the front wheel

One system must act on the front wheel, the other on the rear wheel or wheels.

Memory tip: One brake up front.

Motorcycle (code 1)

281 A motorcycle has a working rear brake but no brake that acts on the front wheel. May it be ridden on a public road?

  1. Yes, if the rider stays below 60 km/h
  2. No, it needs two independent systems, one on the front wheel
  3. Yes, one working brake is enough
Show the answer

Answer B: No, it needs two independent systems, one on the front wheel

Both a front-wheel and a rear-wheel braking system are required, and both must work well.

Memory tip: No front brake, no riding.

Motorcycle (code 1)

282 What condition must a motorcycle's braking systems be in?

  1. Good working order
  2. Fitted only, not necessarily working
  3. Working at the rear wheel only
Show the answer

Answer A: Good working order

The manual requires the brakes to be in good working order.

Memory tip: Fitted is not enough; they must work.

Motorcycle (code 1)

283 Which brakes must every light and heavy motor vehicle have?

  1. A service brake, a parking brake and an emergency brake
  2. A parking brake only
  3. A service brake and a hand lever only
Show the answer

Answer A: A service brake, a parking brake and an emergency brake

These vehicles must have a service, parking and emergency brake, all in good working order.

Memory tip: Service, parking, emergency: three brake jobs.

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

284 Your car's handbrake also acts as its emergency brake. Is this allowed?

  1. Yes, the emergency and parking brake may be one and the same brake
  2. Only on heavy motor vehicles
  3. No, they must always be two separate brakes
Show the answer

Answer A: Yes, the emergency and parking brake may be one and the same brake

The manual allows the emergency brake and parking brake to be the same brake.

Memory tip: Parking and emergency can share.

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

285 Which statement about the brakes of a light or heavy motor vehicle is correct?

  1. A parking brake is optional
  2. The service brake may double as the parking brake in all cases
  3. The emergency brake and parking brake may be one and the same brake
Show the answer

Answer C: The emergency brake and parking brake may be one and the same brake

Only the emergency and parking brakes may be combined; all brakes must be in good working order.

Memory tip: Only two may merge: emergency and parking.

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

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