Start free

Rules of the road ยท part 31 of 45

K53 rules of the road questions and answers (part 31)

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.

451 Which of these is a valid reason to leave the left-hand roadway on a divided road?

  1. You wish to overtake slower traffic
  2. A traffic officer directs you to use another roadway
  3. You prefer the quieter roadway
Show the answer

Answer B: A traffic officer directs you to use another roadway

Only directions from a sign or traffic officer allow use of another roadway.

Memory tip: Officer says so, you may.

All vehicle codes

452 You are traffic on a divided public road. What is the default rule for which roadway you use?

  1. Use the right-hand roadway
  2. Use the left-hand roadway
  3. Use any roadway at the same speed
Show the answer

Answer B: Use the left-hand roadway

Unless directed or permitted otherwise, use the left-hand roadway.

Memory tip: Left roadway by default.

All vehicle codes

453 Which statement about driving on a divided public road is correct?

  1. You may drive on another roadway only with sign or officer permission
  2. You may choose any roadway
  3. You must use the right-hand roadway
Show the answer

Answer A: You may drive on another roadway only with sign or officer permission

Use of another roadway requires sign or officer direction.

Memory tip: Permission needed to switch.

All vehicle codes

454 On which side of the roadway must you normally drive?

  1. The middle
  2. The right side
  3. The left side
Show the answer

Answer C: The left side

Vehicles must drive on the left side of the roadway.

Memory tip: Keep left.

All vehicle codes

455 When may you encroach on the right half of the roadway?

  1. Whenever you are in a hurry
  2. When it can be done without obstructing or endangering other traffic
  3. Whenever the road is wide enough
Show the answer

Answer B: When it can be done without obstructing or endangering other traffic

Encroachment is allowed only if it does not obstruct or endanger others, or when directed by an officer or sign.

Memory tip: Cross over only when safe.

All vehicle codes

456 Which is a permitted reason to encroach on the right half of the roadway?

  1. The left side has a pothole you can see far ahead
  2. A traffic officer directs you to do so
  3. You want to look further ahead
Show the answer

Answer B: A traffic officer directs you to do so

Encroachment is permitted when ordered by an officer or sign, or when it can be done without obstructing or endangering traffic.

Memory tip: Officer or sign allows it.

All vehicle codes

457 Another vehicle behind you wants to pass. What must you do?

  1. Keep as near to the left edge as is safe
  2. Speed up to stay ahead
  3. Move to the middle
Show the answer

Answer A: Keep as near to the left edge as is safe

Drive as near to the left as is possible without endangering anyone.

Memory tip: Hug left, let them by.

All vehicle codes

458 While another vehicle is passing you, what must you NOT do?

  1. Stay on the left side of the road
  2. Accelerate until it has passed
  3. Keep your speed constant
Show the answer

Answer B: Accelerate until it has passed

You may not speed up until the passing vehicle has passed.

Memory tip: Never race an overtaker.

All vehicle codes

459 You are about to pass oncoming traffic. What must you make sure?

  1. You move to the right half to make room
  2. You flash your lights and stop
  3. You do not encroach on the right in a way that endangers them
Show the answer

Answer C: You do not encroach on the right in a way that endangers them

Your vehicle must not encroach on the right so as to obstruct or endanger oncoming traffic.

Memory tip: Oncoming: stay in your space.

All vehicle codes

460 You intend to pass a stationary bus. What must you do?

  1. Hoot to warn people
  2. Take due care for people approaching or leaving the bus
  3. Pass at normal speed
Show the answer

Answer B: Take due care for people approaching or leaving the bus

You must take due care for the safety of persons approaching or leaving a stationary bus.

Memory tip: Bus stopped: watch people.

All vehicle codes

461 A vehicle is overtaking you and you are on the left of the road. Which action is correct?

  1. Accelerate to prevent it passing
  2. Move right to block the way
  3. Stay left and keep your speed steady
Show the answer

Answer C: Stay left and keep your speed steady

You keep as far left as is safe and must not accelerate while being passed.

Memory tip: Let them pass.

All vehicle codes

462 As a general rule, may a light motor vehicle be driven on the shoulder of a public road?

  1. Yes, at any time
  2. Yes, when traffic is heavy
  3. No
Show the answer

Answer C: No

No person shall drive a light motor vehicle on the shoulder except in the narrow cases the manual lists.

Memory tip: Shoulder is off limits.

Light vehicle (code 2)

463 When may a light motor vehicle use the shoulder while being overtaken?

  1. Between sunrise and sunset on a road with one lane each way
  2. Any time on a freeway
  3. At night on any road
Show the answer

Answer A: Between sunrise and sunset on a road with one lane each way

The exception applies between sunrise and sunset on a one-lane-each-way road.

Memory tip: Daytime, one lane each way.

Light vehicle (code 2)

464 What visibility is needed for the shoulder exception to apply?

  1. Persons and vehicles discernible at 150 metres
  2. Persons and vehicles discernible at 50 metres
  3. Persons and vehicles discernible at 300 metres
Show the answer

Answer A: Persons and vehicles discernible at 150 metres

The persons and vehicles must be clearly visible at a distance of at least 150 metres.

Memory tip: Shoulder needs 150 m sight.

Light vehicle (code 2)

465 The shoulder exception applies on what type of road?

  1. A road with three lanes each way
  2. A freeway
  3. A road with one lane of traffic in each direction
Show the answer

Answer C: A road with one lane of traffic in each direction

The exception is for a road designed for one lane of traffic in each direction.

Memory tip: One lane each way.

Light vehicle (code 2)

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