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Rules of the road · part 2 of 45

K53 rules of the road 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 For a light vehicle on a road with one lane each way, when does the limited shoulder exception for allowing another vehicle to overtake apply?

  1. Only between sunrise and sunset (daytime), when visibility is at least 150m and it is safe
  2. At any time of day or night if someone flashes their brights behind you
  3. Even in thick fog or heavy rain at night
Show the answer

Answer A: Only between sunrise and sunset (daytime), when visibility is at least 150m and it is safe

The light-vehicle exception is limited to being overtaken on a road with one lane each way between sunrise and sunset, when safe and people and vehicles are clearly visible at 150 metres. It is not permission to overtake along the shoulder.

Memory tip: Yellow line pull-over = Daytime ONLY + 150m visibility.

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17 If a load projects more than 300 mm (30 cm) beyond the rear of your vehicle during the daytime, how must it be marked?

  1. With a bright red flag (at least 300 mm × 300 mm) attached to the end of the load
  2. No marking is needed unless the load projects more than 2 metres
  3. With a white handkerchief
Show the answer

Answer A: With a bright red flag (at least 300 mm × 300 mm) attached to the end of the load

A rear load projection over 300 mm requires a red flag of at least 300 × 300 mm by day and prescribed reflectors at night or in poor visibility. Marking does not permit exceeding the applicable projection limit.

Memory tip: Rear overhang > 300 mm (30 cm) = 300×300 mm Red Flag.

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

18 Which blood-alcohol thresholds are stated in the June 2012 reference for ordinary and professional drivers?

  1. 0.08g per 100ml for private drivers; 0.05g per 100ml for PrDP drivers
  2. 0.10g per 100ml for all drivers
  3. Less than 0.05g per 100ml blood for private drivers; less than 0.02g per 100ml for PrDP drivers
Show the answer

Answer C: Less than 0.05g per 100ml blood for private drivers; less than 0.02g per 100ml for PrDP drivers

The historical manual states 0.05 g per 100 ml for ordinary drivers and 0.02 g for professional drivers. These figures are not a safe drinking allowance or a certification of current law. Do not drive impaired and confirm current legal requirements.

Memory tip: Historical figures are not permission to drink and drive.

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19 How long may a vehicle remain stationary in one spot on a public road outside an urban area before it is deemed abandoned and may be impounded?

  1. 24 hours outside an urban area (7 days inside an urban area)
  2. 48 hours everywhere
  3. 14 days outside an urban area
Show the answer

Answer A: 24 hours outside an urban area (7 days inside an urban area)

A vehicle left continuously in the same place on a public road for more than 24 hours outside an urban area, or more than 7 days inside one, is deemed abandoned.

Memory tip: Abandoned Vehicle: 24 Hours Rural · 7 Days Urban.

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20 Between what hours must your vehicle’s headlights be switched on when driving on a public road?

  1. Only when street lights are switched off
  2. Between sunset and sunrise, and whenever visibility is less than 150 metres
  3. Only between 7:00 PM and 5:00 AM
Show the answer

Answer B: Between sunset and sunrise, and whenever visibility is less than 150 metres

Headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise, and at any other time when persons or vehicles are not clearly visible from a distance of 150 metres (Note: motorcycles must have their headlamp on at ALL times, day and night!).

Memory tip: Sunset to Sunrise + <150m visibility (Motorcycles = Always ON).

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21 When riding a motorcycle (Code 1) on a public road, when must your headlamp be switched on?

  1. Only between sunset and sunrise
  2. Only on a freeway
  3. At ALL times while riding, both during the day and at night
Show the answer

Answer C: At ALL times while riding, both during the day and at night

By South African law, a motorcycle’s headlamp must be switched on at all times while riding on a public road, day or night.

Memory tip: Motorcycle Headlamp = 24/7 Always ON.

Motorcycle (code 1)

22 If you are involved in an accident where someone is injured, what is the FIRST rule regarding moving the vehicles?

  1. Move both cars to a shopping centre parking lot first
  2. Stop immediately and do NOT move any vehicle unless authorized by a traffic officer (or until its position is clearly marked if blocking all traffic)
  3. Drive to the nearest police station within 48 hours without stopping
Show the answer

Answer B: Stop immediately and do NOT move any vehicle unless authorized by a traffic officer (or until its position is clearly marked if blocking all traffic)

Stop immediately, assess injuries and help within your capability. The reference gives specific vehicle-movement conditions where injury or death and roadway obstruction occur, including an officer’s authorisation or marking positions before permitted movement. Follow emergency and reporting requirements.

Memory tip: Stop, assess, assist and follow the movement and reporting requirements.

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23 When may a driver with a Code 8 (Code 2) Learner’s Licence carry passengers in the vehicle?

  1. Never—passengers are prohibited until you pass your driving test
  2. Only if accompanied in the front passenger seat by a person holding a valid driving licence for that class of vehicle
  3. Only during daylight hours without a supervisor
Show the answer

Answer B: Only if accompanied in the front passenger seat by a person holding a valid driving licence for that class of vehicle

A Code 8 / Code 10 learner driver may carry passengers provided a licensed driver (holding a valid licence for that class of vehicle) is seated beside them (Note: A Code 1 motorcycle learner may NEVER carry a pillion passenger!).

Memory tip: Car learner = Needs licensed supervisor beside them. Bike learner = NO passengers ever.

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24 Which side of a two-way road should you normally drive on?

  1. The left-hand side
  2. Either side when quiet
  3. The right-hand side
Show the answer

Answer A: The left-hand side

Keep left except when legally overtaking or following traffic directions.

Memory tip: Keep left except when legally overtaking or following traffic directions.

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25 A traffic officer tells you to stop, but the light is green. What do you do?

  1. Sound the horn and continue
  2. Stop as directed by the officer
  3. Continue because the light is green
Show the answer

Answer B: Stop as directed by the officer

An authorised traffic officer’s directions take priority over traffic lights and signs.

Memory tip: An authorised traffic officer’s directions take priority over traffic lights and signs.

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26 The road is wet. How should you adjust your following gap?

  1. Drive closer so you can see the rear lights
  2. Leave a larger gap than in dry conditions
  3. Keep the same gap at all speeds
Show the answer

Answer B: Leave a larger gap than in dry conditions

Reduced grip makes stopping harder. Leave extra space and reduce speed to suit visibility and grip.

Memory tip: Reduced grip makes stopping harder. Leave extra space and reduce speed to suit visibility and grip.

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27 Before changing lanes, what should you check?

  1. Mirrors, blind spot and whether the new lane is clear
  2. Only the vehicle directly ahead
  3. Only the interior mirror
Show the answer

Answer A: Mirrors, blind spot and whether the new lane is clear

Mirrors do not show every area beside you. Check the blind spot and signal before moving safely.

Memory tip: Mirrors do not show every area beside you. Check the blind spot and signal before moving safely.

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28 Your light turns green but vehicles block the exit. What should you do?

  1. Drive around the vehicles on the pavement
  2. Wait until there is room to clear the junction
  3. Enter and stop in the middle
Show the answer

Answer B: Wait until there is room to clear the junction

A green light does not make it safe to block an intersection. Wait until you can clear it.

Memory tip: A green light does not make it safe to block an intersection. Wait until you can clear it.

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29 An emergency vehicle approaches with warning lights and siren. What should you do?

  1. Give way safely and leave room for it to pass
  2. Stop suddenly wherever you are
  3. Follow it through traffic
Show the answer

Answer A: Give way safely and leave room for it to pass

Observe the traffic around you and make space without creating another hazard.

Memory tip: Observe the traffic around you and make space without creating another hazard.

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30 You feel too tired to concentrate while driving. What is the best action?

  1. Stop at a safe place and rest
  2. Turn up the radio and drive faster
  3. Follow another car closely
Show the answer

Answer A: Stop at a safe place and rest

Fatigue reduces concentration and reaction speed. Take a proper break rather than relying on distractions.

Memory tip: Fatigue reduces concentration and reaction speed. Take a proper break rather than relying on distractions.

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