K53 topic guide · 5 chapters
K53 vehicle lights and lamps rules
Main beams, dipped beams, fog lamps and the lights every vehicle must have.
Questions on lights test when to use each lamp and what a vehicle must carry. These chapters explain headlights, fog lamps, number plate lamps and reflectors.
Main beams, dipped beams and fog lamps
Main beams illuminate farther ahead, while dipped beams direct the light lower to reduce dazzling. The light setting must suit visibility and surrounding road users. More brightness is not always better: light reflected from fog can reduce what you see, and rear fog lamps can dazzle a following driver.
- Main beams illuminate farther ahead, while dipped beams direct the light lower to reduce dazzling.
- Dip the headlights before dazzling the driver through their mirrors.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Read the full chapter: Main beams, dipped beams and fog lamps →
Vehicle lamps and number plates
A vehicle’s lights perform different jobs. Headlights illuminate the road; rear lamps show its presence; brighter red brake lamps warn that it is slowing; indicators communicate direction; the rear number-plate lamp makes registration characters visible. A working headlamp does not make the rest of the lighting system optional.
- A vehicle’s lights perform different jobs.
- Do not drive with the lights or plate hidden.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Rules in detail: Lights and lamps
What the rule says. You may not ride a motorcycle on a public road unless all lamps fitted to it are undamaged, properly secured and capable of being lit at all times. The motorcycle's headlamp must be lit at all times, both at night and during the day. A motorcycle or motor tricycle must also be fitted with a rear lamp that emits a red light to the rear.
- A motorcycle's headlamp is lit at all times, day and night.
- Lights on from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is under 150 metres.
- Main beam shows at least 100 metres, dipped beam at least 45 metres; dip for others.
Reflectors and reflective vehicle markings
A retro-reflector returns light towards the source, helping an approaching driver see a vehicle when their headlights illuminate it. It is different from a lamp, which produces its own light. Both must remain visible and correctly fitted.
- A retro-reflector returns light towards the source, helping an approaching driver see a vehicle when their headlights illuminate it.
- Do not begin the trip with required visibility obscured.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Read the full chapter: Reflectors and reflective vehicle markings →
Rules in detail: Retro-reflectors and yellow material
What the rule says. You may not ride a motorcycle, a motorcycle with a sidecar or a motor tricycle on a public road unless a red retro-reflector is fitted on the rear of it.
- Motorcycle, sidecar or tricycle: one red rear reflector.
- Light motor vehicle: two red rear reflectors, one each side.
- Heavy motor vehicle: two red rear reflectors, same height, one each side.
Read the full chapter: Rules in detail: Retro-reflectors and yellow material →
Practice questions on vehicle lights
1 When following another vehicle, what should you do with main beams?
- Dip them to avoid dazzling the driver
- Flash them every few seconds
- Keep them on continuously
Show the answer
Answer A: Dip them to avoid dazzling the driver
Dip main beams for approaching traffic and when following another vehicle. Do not drive using only parking lights. Fog lamps are for poor visibility caused by fog, mist, snow, dust or smoke, not for ordinary clear-weather driving.
Memory tip: Use the right lights without dazzling others.
All vehicle codes
2 May you drive with only parking lights illuminated?
- No, parking lights alone are not sufficient while driving
- Yes, in a suburb
- Yes, below 30 km/h
Show the answer
Answer A: No, parking lights alone are not sufficient while driving
Dip main beams for approaching traffic and when following another vehicle. Do not drive using only parking lights. Fog lamps are for poor visibility caused by fog, mist, snow, dust or smoke, not for ordinary clear-weather driving.
Memory tip: Use the right lights without dazzling others.
All vehicle codes
3 When may fitted fog lamps be used?
- Whenever you want the vehicle to look brighter
- In poor visibility caused by fog, mist, snow, dust or smoke
- Only in bright sunshine
Show the answer
Answer B: In poor visibility caused by fog, mist, snow, dust or smoke
Dip main beams for approaching traffic and when following another vehicle. Do not drive using only parking lights. Fog lamps are for poor visibility caused by fog, mist, snow, dust or smoke, not for ordinary clear-weather driving.
Memory tip: Use the right lights without dazzling others.
All vehicle codes
4 What should you do with main beams when oncoming traffic approaches?
- Dip them
- Turn all lights off
- Point them upwards
Show the answer
Answer A: Dip them
Dip main beams for approaching traffic and when following another vehicle. Do not drive using only parking lights. Fog lamps are for poor visibility caused by fog, mist, snow, dust or smoke, not for ordinary clear-weather driving.
Memory tip: Use the right lights without dazzling others.
All vehicle codes
5 What do illuminated brake lamps tell a following driver?
- The driver is turning left
- The vehicle is accelerating
- The vehicle is slowing and may stop
Show the answer
Answer C: The vehicle is slowing and may stop
Headlights help you see; tail lamps, brake lamps and number-plate lamps help others see and identify your vehicle. Brake lamps emit red light and indicate slowing. Keep number plates visible and securely attached. Adjustable spotlights are restricted to specified vehicles and uses; they are not ordinary driving lights.
Memory tip: Read the full rule, including its conditions and exceptions.
All vehicle codes
6 What colour must a brake lamp emit?
- Green
- Blue
- Red
Show the answer
Answer C: Red
Headlights help you see; tail lamps, brake lamps and number-plate lamps help others see and identify your vehicle. Brake lamps emit red light and indicate slowing. Keep number plates visible and securely attached. Adjustable spotlights are restricted to specified vehicles and uses; they are not ordinary driving lights.
Memory tip: Read the full rule, including its conditions and exceptions.
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.