K53 topic guide · 6 chapters
K53 speed limits and following distance
General speed limits, vehicle-specific limits, and how much space to leave in front of you.
Speed and following distance questions test whether you understand stopping space, not only whether you remember a number. These chapters explain the limits and the time-gap idea behind safe following distance.
Speed, following distance and stopping
A speed limit sets the maximum permitted speed, not the speed you must aim for. General limits apply even without a sign: the reference manual gives 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h outside urban areas on roads other than freeways, and 120 km/h on freeways, unless a sign indicates otherwise.
- A speed limit sets the maximum permitted speed, not the speed you must aim for.
- Identify that its GVM places it in the reference 80 km/h vehicle-class restriction.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Read the full chapter: Speed, following distance and stopping →
Following distance and stopping space
Following distance is the space between your vehicle and the one ahead. You need time to see a hazard, react and slow down. During your reaction, the vehicle keeps travelling; once you brake, it still needs distance to stop.
- Following distance is the space between your vehicle and the one ahead.
- Ease off the accelerator without abrupt braking.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Read the full chapter: Following distance and stopping space →
General and vehicle-specific speed limits
A speed limit sets the maximum permitted speed, not the speed you must aim for. General limits apply even without a sign: the reference manual gives 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h outside urban areas on roads other than freeways, and 120 km/h on freeways, unless a sign indicates otherwise.
- A speed limit sets the maximum permitted speed, not the speed you must aim for.
- Identify that its GVM places it in the reference 80 km/h vehicle-class restriction.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Read the full chapter: General and vehicle-specific speed limits →
Rules in detail: Vehicle condition and speed limits
What the rule says. The transparent windscreen of a light motor vehicle must give the driver enough visibility for safe driving, must be made of safety glass, and must let through at least 70% of visible light.
- Safety glass, good visibility, at least 70% light transmittance.
- At least one wiper that clears the driver's view continuously and evenly.
- Efficient silencer, no dense smoke, no oil dripping on it, no leaks into the cab.
Read the full chapter: Rules in detail: Vehicle condition and speed limits →
Rules in detail: Speed classes and vehicle size
What the rule says. A speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour applies to a bus and to a minibus that carry people for reward. These two vehicle types have this limit of their own.
- Buses and minibuses carrying people for reward: 100 km/h.
- Over 9 000 kg, or a breakdown vehicle towing: 80 km/h.
- Remember 8, 12,5, 18,5 and 22 metres.
Read the full chapter: Rules in detail: Speed classes and vehicle size →
Speed signs
A red-bordered circle with a number is a maximum speed in km/h, applying from the sign onwards. A blue circle with a number is a minimum speed. The two look similar but ask for opposite things, so check the colour before the number.
- Red border: no more than. Blue: no less than. Conditions can require much less.
- Stay at or below 30 km/h and drive more slowly if conditions require it.
- Stay at or below 40 km/h and drive more slowly if conditions require it.
Practice questions on speed limits and following distance
1 Unless otherwise indicated by a road sign, what is the general speed limit in an urban (built-up) area in South Africa?
- 100 km/h
- 60 km/h
- 80 km/h
Show the answer
Answer B: 60 km/h
The general speed limit in South African urban (town/suburb) areas is 60 km/h unless a sign indicates otherwise.
Memory tip: 60 Urban · 100 Rural · 120 Freeway.
All vehicle codes
2 What is the general speed limit on a public road OUTSIDE an urban area (not a freeway) unless a sign shows otherwise?
- 100 km/h
- 120 km/h
- 80 km/h
Show the answer
Answer A: 100 km/h
On public roads outside an urban area (rural/regional roads that are not freeways), the general speed limit is 100 km/h.
Memory tip: Rural road (not freeway) = 100 km/h.
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3 What is the maximum speed limit for a heavy goods vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) exceeding 9,000 kg on a freeway?
- 100 km/h
- 120 km/h
- 80 km/h
Show the answer
Answer C: 80 km/h
Heavy goods vehicles with a GVM over 9,000 kg are restricted to a maximum speed of 80 km/h even on a 120 km/h freeway.
Memory tip: Heavy truck > 9,000 kg = Max 80 km/h everywhere.
Light vehicle (code 2) · Heavy vehicle (code 3)
4 Under normal dry driving conditions, what is the minimum safe following distance for a light motor vehicle (Code 8)?
- One car length for every 40 km/h
- At least 10 metres at all speeds
- At least a 2-second gap, increased when conditions are poor
Show the answer
Answer C: At least a 2-second gap, increased when conditions are poor
Maintain at least a two-second gap in good conditions. Increase the gap when visibility, grip, vehicle weight or other conditions require more stopping space.
Memory tip: Poor conditions need more time and space.
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5 The road is wet. How should you adjust your following gap?
- Drive closer so you can see the rear lights
- Leave a larger gap than in dry conditions
- 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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6 Is a posted maximum speed always a safe speed?
- Yes, regardless of weather
- Yes, if your tyres are new
- No, conditions may require a lower speed
Show the answer
Answer C: No, conditions may require a lower speed
Speed must suit the conditions. Rain, poor visibility, pedestrians or traffic can require a much lower speed.
Memory tip: Speed must suit the conditions. Rain, poor visibility, pedestrians or traffic can require a much lower speed.
All vehicle codes
AceK53 is an independent study aid based on public road traffic manuals and is not an official test. Always confirm requirements with your driving licence testing centre.