Command sign · R117
Motorcars only sign (R117)
This route is restricted to motorcars.
What does the motorcars only sign mean?
This route is restricted to motorcars.
What should you do?
Check that your vehicle is in the permitted class.
| Sign code | R117 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Command signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the motorcars only sign
A blue circle with a white car symbol.
Where you will see it
At the beginning of a road or part of a road reserved for motorcars.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- If you are driving a motorcar, use that part of the road.
- Other vehicle types need their own matching sign before they may use it.
The common mistake
A sign naming your vehicle type permits you; it does not permit every vehicle.
About command signs
Command signs tell you what you must do, such as keeping left or using a minimum speed. They are blue circles with white symbols. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the motorcars only sign (R117) and choose the correct response, so learn both the picture and the action.
How to answer a test question about this sign
- Look at the shape and colour first. They tell you the group: command signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: check that your vehicle is in the permitted class.
- Remove the options that describe a different group of sign, then choose the response that matches the action.
Want the full explanation? Read the chapter Speed signs and mandatory directions.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the motorcars only sign with these:
Minimum speed (R101)A blue circle with a white number. It looks like a speed limit but is blue, not red-bordered.
Vehicles over indicated mass only (R102)A blue circle with a mass figure in tonnes (the sample artwork shows 10 t).
Keep left (R103)A blue circle with a white arrow slanting down to the left.Test yourself: Motorcars only sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- A stop sign is ahead.
- You may not turn around to face the opposite direction here.
- This route is restricted to motorcars.
Show the answer
Answer C: This route is restricted to motorcars.
Check that your vehicle is in the permitted class.
Memory tip: R117 · Motorcars only
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Start slowing down. The actual stop is at the stop line ahead.
- Check that your vehicle is in the permitted class.
- Continue to a place where turning around is permitted and safe.
Show the answer
Answer B: Check that your vehicle is in the permitted class.
Motorcars only: This route is restricted to motorcars.
Memory tip: Check that your vehicle is in the permitted class.
All vehicle codes
Motorcars only sign: quick questions
What does the motorcars only sign (R117) mean?
This route is restricted to motorcars.
What should you do at the motorcars only sign?
If you are driving a motorcar, use that part of the road. Other vehicle types need their own matching sign before they may use it.
Where will you see the motorcars only sign?
At the beginning of a road or part of a road reserved for motorcars.
What is the common mistake with the motorcars only sign?
A sign naming your vehicle type permits you; it does not permit every vehicle.
Sign artwork: Southern African Development Community (SADC), public domain. AceK53 is an independent study aid. Always confirm test requirements with your driving licence testing centre.