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Rules of the road ยท part 37 of 45

K53 rules of the road questions and answers (part 37)

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.

541 An excavation is in the road and your stopping beside it would endanger other traffic. May you stop?

  1. No, not if other traffic would be obstructed or endangered
  2. Yes, if you are quick
  3. Yes, if you stay behind the wheel
Show the answer

Answer A: No, not if other traffic would be obstructed or endangered

Stopping alongside or opposite an excavation or obstruction is prohibited if other traffic would be obstructed or endangered.

Memory tip: Don't add a second obstruction.

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542 Which statement about stopping is CORRECT?

  1. You may stop in a level crossing's railway reserve to let people out
  2. You may stop anywhere if your hazard lights are on
  3. You may not stop where it would endanger or obstruct other traffic
Show the answer

Answer C: You may not stop where it would endanger or obstruct other traffic

Stopping anywhere that would be a danger or obstruction to other traffic is prohibited.

Memory tip: Danger or obstruction: don't stop.

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543 On a narrow bridge you are tempted to stop briefly to check directions. Which is true?

  1. You may stop for up to 1 minute
  2. You may stop if you are in the left lane
  3. You may not stop on or within 6 m of a bridge
Show the answer

Answer C: You may not stop on or within 6 m of a bridge

The manual prohibits stopping on a bridge or within 6 metres of one.

Memory tip: Bridge: no stop, no matter how brief.

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544 A passenger takes hold of the steering wheel while you are driving. What does the manual say?

  1. It is allowed at low speeds
  2. The driver may not permit anyone to interfere with the steering
  3. It is allowed if the passenger is licensed
Show the answer

Answer B: The driver may not permit anyone to interfere with the steering

You may not permit any person to take hold of or interfere with the steering or operating mechanism.

Memory tip: Hands off the wheel, passengers.

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545 May you let a person or animal sit where it stops you having complete control of the vehicle?

  1. Yes, if the trip is short
  2. Yes, if the animal is calm
  3. No, you must keep complete control
Show the answer

Answer C: No, you must keep complete control

You may not permit any person, animal or object in a position that prevents complete control.

Memory tip: Control first, comfort second.

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546 A person is riding on the roof of a moving light vehicle. What is the rule?

  1. No person or animal may ride on the roof, a step or any place on top
  2. It is allowed on farm roads only
  3. It is allowed below 30 km/h
Show the answer

Answer A: No person or animal may ride on the roof, a step or any place on top

The manual forbids persons or animals on the roof, any step or running board while the vehicle is in motion.

Memory tip: Roof, steps: no passengers.

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547 May a driver let an arm protrude from a moving vehicle?

  1. Yes, if the arm is resting on the sill
  2. Only to give a hand signal
  3. Yes, if driving slowly
Show the answer

Answer B: Only to give a hand signal

No part of the body may protrude beyond the vehicle in motion, except for a hand signal.

Memory tip: Only for hand signals.

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548 What does the manual require of an engine that gives off smoke or fumes?

  1. Smoke is acceptable if you drive slowly
  2. Smoke is acceptable on a long trip
  3. Its engine must be in good condition so it doesn't emit smoke it would not otherwise emit
Show the answer

Answer C: Its engine must be in good condition so it doesn't emit smoke it would not otherwise emit

You may not let the engine run so that it emits smoke or fumes which it would not emit if in good condition.

Memory tip: Fix the engine, don't smoke the road.

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549 A driver hears a vehicle with a siren or bell behind. What must they do?

  1. Give an immediate and absolute right of way
  2. Ignore it if driving in the left lane
  3. Give way only if the road is empty
Show the answer

Answer A: Give an immediate and absolute right of way

You may not fail to give immediate and absolute right of way to a vehicle sounding a device or bell.

Memory tip: Siren or bell: right of way now.

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550 You drive a vehicle off a parked position at the side of the road. When may you pull off?

  1. When you can do so safely without interfering with moving traffic
  2. Whenever you have indicated
  3. Whenever you hoot first
Show the answer

Answer A: When you can do so safely without interfering with moving traffic

You may drive from a parked or stationary position only if you can do so without interfering with traffic and with safety.

Memory tip: Indicate is not enough: be safe.

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551 Which is NOT allowed while driving on a public road?

  1. Depositing oil, grease or refuse from the vehicle onto the road
  2. Using a hand signal
  3. Following with a reasonable distance
Show the answer

Answer A: Depositing oil, grease or refuse from the vehicle onto the road

You may not deposit petrol, oil, grease, flammable or offensive matter, ashes or other refuse on or alongside the road.

Memory tip: No litter, no leaks.

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552 Is a driver allowed to drive, pull or push a vehicle on a sidewalk?

  1. No, it is prohibited
  2. Yes, if there are no pedestrians
  3. Yes, to avoid a traffic jam
Show the answer

Answer A: No, it is prohibited

The manual says no person shall drive, pull or push a vehicle upon a sidewalk.

Memory tip: Sidewalks are not roads.

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553 Besides a traffic officer's order, when may you disobey a road traffic sign?

  1. When you are in a hurry
  2. Never, unless a traffic officer orders you to
  3. When the road is empty
Show the answer

Answer B: Never, unless a traffic officer orders you to

You may not disobey any road traffic sign or rule of the road unless ordered to by a traffic officer.

Memory tip: Only an officer can overrule a sign.

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554 What must your seating position allow you to have?

  1. A view of the dashboard only
  2. Complete control and a full view of the roadway and traffic ahead
  3. A relaxed position with arms free
Show the answer

Answer B: Complete control and a full view of the roadway and traffic ahead

A driver may not occupy a position without complete control or without a full view of the roadway and traffic ahead.

Memory tip: Control and full view.

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555 Where a vehicle is left unattended, what must the driver have done?

  1. Set the brake or used another method to stop it moving
  2. Left the engine running
  3. Left the keys in the ignition
Show the answer

Answer A: Set the brake or used another method to stop it moving

An unattended vehicle must have its brake set or another effective method used to prevent movement.

Memory tip: Brake on before you walk off.

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