K53 Learner's Licence Study Guide: Vehicle Controls, Road Signs and Rules of the Road
The K53 learner's licence test is the written exam every new driver in South Africa must pass before training for the practical driving test. It is set on the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 and the official K53 learner's manual, and is taken at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). The light motor vehicle (code B) test has 64 questions in three sections: 8 on the controls of the vehicle, 28 on road signs, signals and markings, and 28 on the rules of the road. You must reach a separate pass mark in each section, 6 of 8, 23 of 28, and 22 of 28, within 60 minutes. This guide walks through all three sections with the facts the test asks about.
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The controls of the vehicle
The first section of the test checks that you know what the main controls of a vehicle do and when to use them. In a manual vehicle the three foot pedals, from left to right, are the clutch, the footbrake, and the accelerator.[2]
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Clutch (left pedal) | Disengages the engine from the gearbox so you can change gears or stop without stalling. |
| Footbrake (middle pedal) | The service brake that slows down and stops the vehicle. |
| Accelerator (right pedal) | Controls the fuel to the engine, and so the speed of the vehicle. |
| Handbrake (parking brake) | Holds a stationary vehicle in place, acting on the rear wheels. |
| Indicators | Warn other road users before you turn, change lanes, or pull off. |
| Hooter | Warns other road users of your presence to avoid danger, not for venting anger. |
- Adjust and use your mirrors to keep aware of traffic behind and beside you, especially before signalling, slowing, or turning.[2]
- Watch the dashboard warning lights. A temperature reading in the red means the engine is overheating, so stop safely and check it.[2]
- Apply the handbrake whenever the vehicle is stationary and before you leave it.[2]
Road signs, signals and markings
The largest written section is road signs. South African road signs fall into broad groups, and you can usually read a sign you have not seen before from its shape and colour. The two highest-stakes control signs are STOP and YIELD.[1][3]
| Sign group | Shape and colour | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Command | Blue disc, white symbol | You MUST do what the symbol shows, for example keep left. |
| Prohibition | Red ring (circle) around a symbol | You may NOT do what is shown, for example no overtaking or no U-turn. |
| Warning | Red-bordered triangle, apex up | A hazard is ahead, such as a curve, crossing, or junction. |
| Temporary (road works) | Diamond shape, yellow background | A temporary hazard or instruction, for example at road works. |
| Guidance | Green or blue rectangles | Route, destination, and direction information, mainly on freeways. |
| Information | Blue rectangles or symbols | Points you to services and facilities. |
- A continuous (solid) white centre line may not be crossed or straddled to overtake.[3]
- A broken (dashed) centre line may be crossed to overtake when the road ahead is clear and safe.[3]
- A yellow line along the left edge marks the edge of the roadway; on a freeway the yellow lane is for emergencies, not normal driving.[3]
- A Stop/Go sign held at road works carries the same authority as a robot: stop on STOP, move only on GO.[3]
The rules of the road
In South Africa you keep to the left and overtake on the right. The rules-of-the-road section covers speed and alcohol limits, right of way, following distance, lights, and when a learner may drive.[1]
| Road | General speed limit (unless a sign shows otherwise) |
|---|---|
| Public road in an urban area | 60 km/h |
| Public road outside an urban area (not a freeway) | 100 km/h |
| Freeway | 120 km/h |
- Keep at least a two-second following gap in good conditions, and more in rain, fog, or poor light.[1]
- Switch headlights on between sunset and sunrise, and whenever you cannot see persons or vehicles 150 m ahead.[1]
- Dip your bright headlights when an oncoming vehicle is within 200 m.[1]
- The driver and all passengers in belted seats must wear seat belts; using a hand-held cellphone while driving is an offence.[1]
- Never cross a railway level crossing while the warning lights flash or the boom is down.[1]
- Give emergency vehicles right of way by moving to the left and slowing or stopping.[1]
Ready to practice?
Try the K53 Learner's Licence Test (South Africa) - 64 questions in the pool, 64-question timed exam.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three sections of the K53 learner's test and their pass marks?
For a code B light motor vehicle the test has 64 questions: 8 on the controls of the vehicle (pass mark 6), 28 on road signs, signals and markings (pass mark 23), and 28 on the rules of the road (pass mark 22). You must reach the pass mark in every section, within 60 minutes.
What are the general speed limits in South Africa?
Unless a road sign shows otherwise, the limit is 60 km/h in an urban area, 100 km/h on a public road outside an urban area that is not a freeway, and 120 km/h on a freeway. A posted sign always overrides the general limit.
What is the legal alcohol limit for driving?
An ordinary driver must be below 0.05 g of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, or below 0.24 mg per 1 000 ml of breath. Professional drivers must be below 0.02 g per 100 ml of blood. The safest approach is not to drink before driving.
Who has right of way at a four-way stop?
The first vehicle to come to a complete stop proceeds first, then the others in the order they arrived. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
How do I tell a No Parking sign from a No Stopping sign?
A red ring with a single diagonal line is No Parking: you may stop briefly to load or drop off but not park. A red ring with a red cross (two crossed lines) is No Stopping: you may not stop there at all, except to avoid danger or obey the law.
How long is a learner's licence valid and what is the minimum age?
A learner's licence is valid for 24 months. You can apply for a code B (light motor vehicle) learner's licence from age 17, with motorcycle codes from 16 and heavier vehicle codes from 18. A learner may only drive when supervised by a licensed driver.
References
- [1]National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 and Regulations - Department of Transport, Republic of South Africa, 1996
- [2]K53 Learner's Licence Manual - Department of Transport, Republic of South Africa
- [3]South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM) - Department of Transport, Republic of South Africa