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Rules of the road ยท part 34 of 45

K53 rules of the road questions and answers (part 34)

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.

496 From what overall length must a heavy motor vehicle or combination have yellow side retro-reflectors?

  1. More than 3,6 metres
  2. More than 7 metres
  3. More than 12,5 metres
Show the answer

Answer B: More than 7 metres

Yellow side retro-reflectors are required if the length exceeds 7 metres.

Memory tip: Over 7 m needs yellow.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

497 What is the maximum spacing between successive yellow side retro-reflectors?

  1. 12,5 metres
  2. 3,6 metres
  3. 7 metres
Show the answer

Answer B: 3,6 metres

No two successive yellow retro-reflectors may be more than 3,6 metres apart.

Memory tip: Yellow every 3,6 m.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

498 What is the effect of fitting yellow reflective strips to a goods vehicle?

  1. Red reflectors are then not needed
  2. Nothing, both are needed
  3. Yellow retro-reflectors are then not needed
Show the answer

Answer C: Yellow retro-reflectors are then not needed

If yellow reflective strips are fitted, yellow retro-reflectors are not necessary.

Memory tip: Strips replace yellow reflectors.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

499 Which goods vehicles must have yellow reflective material on the sides and rear?

  1. Those with a GVM above 9 000 kg
  2. Those with a GVM above 3 500 kg
  3. Those with a GVM above 10 000 kg
Show the answer

Answer C: Those with a GVM above 10 000 kg

It is compulsory for goods vehicles whose GVM exceeds 10 000 kg.

Memory tip: Over 10 000: reflective.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

500 A goods vehicle has a GVM of 8 000 kg. Is yellow reflective material required?

  1. Yes, only on the rear
  2. No, but it may be fitted
  3. Yes, always
Show the answer

Answer B: No, but it may be fitted

Vehicles up to 10 000 kg GVM may have the material, but it is not compulsory.

Memory tip: Under 10 000: optional.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

501 On which parts of a heavy goods vehicle must yellow reflective material be fitted?

  1. The sides and rear
  2. The front only
  3. The roof
Show the answer

Answer A: The sides and rear

Yellow reflective material goes on the sides and rear.

Memory tip: Sides and rear.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

502 What colour is the reflective material fitted to heavy goods vehicles?

  1. White
  2. Red
  3. Yellow
Show the answer

Answer C: Yellow

The manual specifies yellow reflective material.

Memory tip: Heavy goods: yellow.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

503 A goods vehicle has a GVM of 11 000 kg. What must be fitted?

  1. Nothing, because it is optional
  2. Yellow reflective material on the sides and rear
  3. Red reflective material on the front
Show the answer

Answer B: Yellow reflective material on the sides and rear

Goods vehicles over 10 000 kg GVM must have yellow reflective material.

Memory tip: Over ten tons: yellow.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

504 Which goods vehicle has an optional rather than compulsory requirement for yellow reflective strips?

  1. One with a GVM of 10 000 kg or less
  2. One with a GVM of 12 000 kg
  3. One with a GVM of 15 000 kg
Show the answer

Answer A: One with a GVM of 10 000 kg or less

The material is only compulsory above 10 000 kg GVM.

Memory tip: Ten tons or less: optional.

Heavy vehicle (code 3)

505 On which side must you normally pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction?

  1. Whichever is clearer
  2. On the right
  3. On the left
Show the answer

Answer B: On the right

You must pass to the right of the vehicle.

Memory tip: Overtake on the right.

All vehicle codes

506 When may you move back to the left after overtaking?

  1. After you have hooted
  2. Only once you are safely clear of the vehicle passed
  3. As soon as your front is level
Show the answer

Answer B: Only once you are safely clear of the vehicle passed

You may return to the left only when you are safely clear of the vehicle you passed.

Memory tip: Return when safely clear.

All vehicle codes

507 May you exceed the speed limit when overtaking?

  1. Yes, on a freeway
  2. No
  3. Yes, for a short time
Show the answer

Answer B: No

Exceeding the speed limit while overtaking is not allowed.

Memory tip: Overtaking is no excuse for speeding.

All vehicle codes

508 The vehicle ahead is turning right. May you pass it on the left?

  1. No, never
  2. Yes, if you can do so safely
  3. Only on a freeway
Show the answer

Answer B: Yes, if you can do so safely

You may pass on the left where the vehicle is turning right or has signalled a right turn, and it is safe.

Memory tip: Right-turner: pass left, safely.

All vehicle codes

509 Which is one case where passing on the left is allowed?

  1. A single-lane rural road
  2. A narrow bridge
  3. A one-way road in an urban area with room for two or more lines of vehicles
Show the answer

Answer C: A one-way road in an urban area with room for two or more lines of vehicles

Left passing is allowed on suitable urban roads restricted to one direction with enough width, if it is safe.

Memory tip: Urban one-way: left pass.

All vehicle codes

510 Where may you pass another vehicle by driving on the shoulder or verge?

  1. Nowhere, it is never allowed
  2. On a one-way road
  3. In an urban area
Show the answer

Answer A: Nowhere, it is never allowed

No passing may be done by driving on the shoulder or the verge.

Memory tip: Shoulder passing: never.

All vehicle codes

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