O A L S D : U D E L C s r ’ s N I N e a r n e
c e L t i c c a r p A e s t T e c n c e L i c
GAVIN HOOLE
CLIVE GIBSON
Acknowledgements Cover design: Sally Ellis (Image: Thinkstock.com) Illustrations: Damian de Villers Page design and layout: Sally Ellis Publisher: Heather Hannaway
The publishers apologise for any errors or omissions, and would be grateful for information allowing them to be corrected. It is illegal to photocopy any pages from this book without the written permission of the copyright holder
Shuter & Shooter Publishers (Pty) Ltd 110 CB Downes Road, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, 3201 South Africa PO Box 61, Mkondeni 3212 South Africa www.shuters.com Copyright © in print Shuter & Shooter Publishers (Pty) Ltd 2010 Copyright © in text and artwork Clive Gibson and Gavin Hoole 2010 First edition 2012
ISBN 978-0-7960-4367-2 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. Printed by Intrepid Printers (Pty) Ltd, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal xxxx
Contents Introduction
................................ ................ ................................ .............................. .............. iv
Chapter 1
Vehicle controls ................ ................................ ...................... ......1 1
Chapter 2
The rules of the road ................ .............................. ..............4 4
Chapter 3
Defensive driving ................. ................................. .................. 19
Chapter 4
Introduction to road signs ................. ..................... .... 22
Chapter 5
Regulatory signs............... ................................ .................... ... 25
Chapter 6
Road surface markings ........................35
Chapter 7
Traffic signals ................... .................................... .................... ... 42
Chapter 8
Warning signs.............. .............................. ......................... .........45 45
Chapter 9
Guidance signs............... ............................... ...................... ......54 54
Chapter 10
The Learner’s Licence L icence Test ................ .................. .. 65
Chapter 11
The Learner’s Licence Mock Test ........66
Chapter 12
General motoring principles .................86
CHAPTER 2
RULES OF THE ROAD General The rules of the road regulate traffic flow, ensure safety, and protect the rights of all road users. It is compulsory to obey the rules of the road. If everybody applied the rules of the road, this would greatly reduce accidents, injury and death on the roads.
Some basic rules •
All vehicles must display display a licence licence disc disc (clearance certificate), which is valid for twelve months.
•
The basic rule of the road in South Africa is to drive on the left side of a two-way road.
•
The instructions of a traffic officer take precedence over any rules of the road or road sign.
•
You are not allowed to conduct a race or sports meeting on a public road without the consent of either the MEC of the province or the relevant local authority.
•
You are not allowed to hinder or interrupt the free flow of traffic on a public road.
•
You are not allowed to drag or spin the wheels of a vehicle on the surface of the road, except in emergencies.
•
You are not allowed allowed to use chocks or shoes between the wheels and the surface of the road. You may not do anything that will damage the surface of the road.
•
You are not allowed to drive in a manner that disregards the safety of other road users or property, nor may you drive without consideration for the rights of other road users.
•
You must maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you. The distance must be increased under certain driving conditions.
•
You are not allowed to use a vehicle vehicle that is too noisy, or that has accessories that make too much noise.
•
All motor vehicles, including all motor cars first registered on or after 1 July 2006, must carry at least one r ed warning triangle at all times. If the vehicle is broken down or stationary on a public road, the triangle must be displayed on the road at a distance of at least 45 metr es behind the vehicle, to warn traffic approaching from behind.
Thinking about speed
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RULES OF THE ROAD
Maximum speed limits apply when conditions are ideal, and the light is good.
You can imagine the effect this would have on your human body.
Speed increases the risk of a collision (crash). And if there is a collision, higher speed makes death more likely. Consider the effect of driving into a stone wall at about 60 km/h. The damage done to your vehicle would be the same as if you had driven off a four-storey building.
Besides simply complying with speed limit regulations, you must also use your common sense when driving. Speed should be adjusted according to the situation and the conditions (road surface or width, pedestrians, weather, load, etc.).
Traffic lanes •
You must stay in your lane unless you need to move into another lane to turn or exit a freeway, and it is safe to do so.
•
Before changing lanes, check in the mirrors and blind spot and signal early enough to warn other road users that you are about to change lanes.
•
Do not drive with the left set of wheels in one lane and the right set in another lane (called ‘straddling’ the lane lines).
•
Before steering into the next lane you must always make one final check in the blind spot on the side to which you will be moving to ensure that it is still safe to change lanes.
Large vehicles Because of the length of large vehicles, visibility behind them is restricted. If you can’t see the side mirrors on the heavy vehicle in front of you, the driver can’t see you and consequently can’t make allowances for you. Here are some useful tips for when you encounter a large vehicle on the road. • Don’t follow large vehicles vehicles too closely closely or for too long. long. You may become too relaxed and lose your concentration. • When overtaking overtaking a large or long vehicle, vehicle, make allowances for the extra time that it takes to overtake, and make sure that you won’t have to reduce speed suddenly once you have completed the manoeuvre. • At 80 km/h it takes a large vehicle vehicle 100 m to come to a stop. Don’t be in its way. If your vehicle has enough power, it is usually easier to overtake large vehicles on an incline as
their speed drops when travelling uphill. After overtaking a large vehicle make sure that you can see the vehicle in your rear-view mirror before you return to your lane or the left side of the road. • When passing passing an approaching large vehicle, vehicle, keep as far to the left as possible to reduce the risk of being side-swiped and to avoid the blast from the resultant wind turbulence. • Large vehicles vehicles need more space space than normal when when turning left or right. They need to turn much wider than a light motor vehicle, and the trailers usually cut the corner. So, make space for a large vehicle that is turning to ensure that your own vehicle is not side-swiped as the large vehicle makes the turn.
One-way roads •
On a one-way road you may drive on the right-hand side of the road, but only if it is safe to do so.
•
When intending to turn right from a one-way road, move to the right-hand side of the road to allow other traffic to pass on your left.
About Traffic Circles Traffic circles represent an area of great confusion in South Africa and the situation needs to be clearly understood in order to avoid crashes or traffic fines at these kinds of intersections. Basically, a traffic circle consists of some kind of island in the middle of an intersection where several roads meet. There are two basic types of traffic circles. There are those with a fairly large island in the middle, usually with a kerbing around the circumference and a Keep Left sign on the island. These are also called Roundabouts. Then there is the small painted hump with no kerbing, just painted markings, which is called a Mini-circle. There is a Yield line at each entrance to the circle. The rules for each type are different, and you need to know these rules.
Command sign indicating a Roundabout type of traffic circle
Before
the
Roundabout sign was Africa, these traf fic circles were indicated by the Yield at Traffic Circle sign, which looks similar to the Yield at Mini-circle sign. So, don’t be surprised if you approach a Roundabout circle and it doesn’t have the Roundabout sign displayed, but still has the Yield at Traffi Traf fic Circle sign instead. introduced in South
Yield at Mini-circle sign, at a Mini-circle type of traffic circle
Some roundabouts still have the Yield at Traf fic Circle sign displayed, which is similar to the sign above.
RULES OF THE ROAD
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11
Traffic circles Roundabout rules
•
The Command sign indicates that you must drive in in a clockwise direction round the island.
•
You must yield right of way to all traffic already in the circle approaching from the right, unless there is a road sign or a traffic officer instructing otherwise.
•
Move into the correct lane before leaving the circle.
•
Before the road at which you you intend exiting, indicate indicate left to show
Roundabout Command sign
your intention to leave the circle at the next exit. Mini-circle rules
•
At a mini-circle, you must give way to any vehicle that will cross, or that has already crossed, a Yield-line before you reached your Yield line.
•
Drive clockwise clockwise around the centre painted island hump and do not drive over the painted marking.
Yield at Mini-circle sign
Mini-circle painted markings
Turning at an intersection An intersection is the place at which two or more roads intersect or cross one another. •
Turn only when you can do so without obstructing or endangering other traffic.
•
Before you reach the intersection, move into the correct lane in accordance with any white markings that indicate mandatory direction arrows ahead, and obey any yellow mandatory direction arrows markings.
•
When intending to turn left, you must indicate your intention in good time and keep as close as possible to the left side of the road before turning.
•
After completing a turn, adjust your speed to merge safely into the traffic flow.
•
When intending to turn right, you must indicate your intention in good time and keep as close as possible to the right-hand section of your side of the road.
•
Yield right of way to any traffic approaching from ahead and start the turn only once it is clear and safe to do so. When waiting to turn right, keep front wheels of the vehicle straight until it is safe to start turning.
•
Before turning right into a two-way road, cross the centre line of the road you are turning into so that you turn into the left-hand side of that road (not applicable when turning into a one-way road). You must pass to the left of any traffic island or traffic officer controlling the intersection; and do not cut the corner by turning too soon.
Glance at your speedometer frequently; know at all times the exact speed you are are travelling.
Stopping Compulsory stops
You must stop: •
if directed to do so by a traffic officer, road sign or traffic signal;
•
at the request of a person herding farm animals;
•
for pedestrians on, or about to enter, a pedestrian crossing on your side of the road;
•
if you are involved in an accident.
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RULES OF THE ROAD
•
with the outer edge of the kerbside wheel more than 450 mm into the roadway, roadway, unless permitted by a road sign;
•
on, or within 1 metre of, the edge of a non-urban roadway, unless in a demarcated parking bay;
•
on an urban road that is less than 5.5 metres wide, unless it is a one-way road;
•
on a traffic island, or in a pedestrian mall or lane;
•
A vehicle that is illegally parked can be impounded and the owner is liable for the costs of removal and impounding.
•
Emergency vehicles, rescue vehicles, construction vehicles and traffic officers are not subject to these rules if they are being used in the course of duty.
Freeways What’s not allowed on freeways
•
The following vehicles are not allowed on freeways: – animal-drawn vehicles; – bicycles; – motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cm3 or less; – electrically powered motorcycles; – vehicles with a mass of 230 kg or less, designed and constructed specifically for use by people with disabilities; – motor tri-cycles or quad-bikes; – tractors, unless in use for road maintenance.
•
Pedestrians are not allowed on freeways unless they are in an area specifically demarcated for stopping or parking; or for a cause beyond their control.
•
Animals are not allowed on a freeway, except inside a vehicle or within an area specifically demarcated for stopping or parking.
•
You may not stop on a freeway except: when when instructed to do so by a traffic officer or a road sign; or if you are within an area specifically demarcated for stopping or parking; or for a cause beyond your control.
•
Hand signals may not be given on a freeway, except in an emergency.
•
These restrictions do not apply to maintenance workers, emergency crews, construction workers and officials in the course of duty.
Learner drivers on freeways
A learner driver is allowed to drive on a freeway provided s/he are accompanied by a driver who is licenced to drive that class of vehicle and is seated in the front passenger seat. Allowing vehicles to overtake you on a freeway
If the motorist behind you indicates his desire to overtake by flashing the headlights, you must signal your intention and move over to the left to enable them to pass, provided it is safe to do so.
General duties of drivers and passengers •
14
The driver must be seated in a position that allows for full control of the vehicle at all times and a clear view of the road ahead.
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RULES OF THE ROAD
CHAPTER 4
INTRODUCTION TO ROAD SIGNS The purpose of road signs There are several groupings of road signs, surface markings and signals, with the overall purpose of enhancing the safety of all road users. They do this by: • regulating the orderly flow of traffic; •
giving early warning to the driver of hazardous conditions on the road ahead;
•
providing guidance to the driver in respect of routes and destinations;
•
providing useful information to road users.
How road signs are displayed
Signs may be mounted on poles or overhead structures.
Signs and other markings may be painted on the road surface.
Signs may be displayed on electronic light boards.
Signals may be given by traffic lights or traffic officers.
Temporary signs Many regulatory and warning signs have both a permanent version and a temporary version. The temporary version is used when the situation is of a temporary nature, such as wher e road works are in progress or during dangerous road conditions caused by flooding, and such like. Temporary signs:
•
have a yellow background colour to draw attention to the temporary situation; situation;
•
may have red or black borders;
•
take precedence over a permanent sign.
Permanent Signs
Temporary Signs
Always us safety belts. It is illegal not to buckle up.
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INTRODUCTION
TO ROAD SIGNS
Sign groupings Signs, signals and surface markings have different shapes and come in different groups. Each group conveys a different type of message or instruction. The next table shows examples of sign groups and the purpose of each group: Group
Examples
Purpose
Regulatory signs
Regulate the movement of traffic
Warning signs
Warn of hazards ahead, on or near the road
Hazard markers
Mark the position of hazards on the road or roadside
Traffic signals
Control traffic flow
Information signs
Provide useful information
Guidance signs
Give guidance regarding distance and direction
Tourism signs
Provide useful information to tourists
Diagrammatic signs
Indicate changes to the lanes on the road ahead
Surface markings
Have the same meaning as normal sign equivalents
All road signs, signals and road surface painted markings are important. However, some groups play a greater role in maintaining safety on the roads. The two most important groups of signs/signals/markings are the Regulatory group and the Warning group. You must obey every Regulatory sign. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. You must heed every warning sign. Failure to do so may be considered to be reckless or negligent driving which is a criminal offence. The signs in each group are explained in more detail in the chapters that follow.
INTRODUCTION
TO ROAD SIGNS
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23
CHAPTER 5
REGULATORY SIGNS About regulatory signs Regulatory signs control and regulate the flow and movement of traffic in order to minimize congestion and create a safer situation for all road users. Each regulatory sign conveys a very specific instruction or set of rules that must be obeyed by all road users, including pedestrians. These signs are mostly round or rectangular in shape with the exception of the Stop and Yield signs which are hexagonal and triangular respectively. The round signs include blue ‘Command signs’ that tell you what a road user must do , and red and white ‘Prohibition signs’ that tell you what you may not do . Within the ‘Prohibitions signs’ category there are also ‘Limit signs’ (see second row of round signs) which prohibit you from exceeding the limit indicated on the sign – for example, the maximum speed limit, the maximum vehicle length limit. As with other signs, regulatory signs that govern a temporary situation have a yellow background (with a few exceptions, such as the Stop sign). To disobey a regulatory sign is an offence and is punishable by law.
Make sure you can see the road situation ahead, and that you can be seen by other road users.
Not obeying a regulatory sign (or regulatory road surface marking) will result in a traffic fine or even a jail sentence if you are convicted. Control signs that regulate the flow of traffic: MEANING
RESPONSE
LOCATION EXAMPLES
Stop – Stop opposite the sign or before the solid white line on the road surface.
Stop completely. Make sure that it is safe to proceed before doing so.
Dangerous intersections and railway crossings.
Stop/Go – Stop when the Stop sign is displayed. You may proceed when the sign is swung round to display the Go sign.
Stop completely and wait for the ‘Go’ sign to be displayed before proceeding cautiously.
At roadworks where the roadway has been reduced to one lane.
3-Way Stop – Vehicles must stop normally and move off from their Stop line in the same sequence in which they arrived.
Stop. Proceed in sequence after other vehicles that stopped before you have moved off.
Busy intersections with three intersecting roads, where stopping is essential.
4-Way Stop – Vehicles must stop normally and move off from their Stop line in the same sequence in which they arrived.
Stop. Proceed in sequence after other vehicles that stopped before you have moved off.
Busy intersections with four intersecting roads, where stopping is essential.
REGULATORY SIGNS
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25
Prohibition signs specify that a limit applies A safety or security restriction applies beyond the sign. Meaning Response By law, you must comply with the limit indicated on the sign. On a portion of the road where it is necessary to impose the limit – for example, due to road Location width, road surface strength or busy traffic.
Maximum speed limit permitted
Entry limited to authorized vehicles only
Maximum vehicle mass limit permitted
Maximum axle mass-load limit permitted
Maximum vehicle length permitted
Maximum vehicle height permitted, including antennae
Maximum vehicle width limit permitted
Remember, 9 out of 10 collisions are caused by human error.
Prohibition signs that prohibit certain classes of road user from proceeding beyond the sign The class of road user on the sign is not allowed to proceed beyond the sign. Meaning Response If the sign applies to you, do not proceed past the sign. Use an alternative route to continue your journey. On a portion of the road where it would be safer to impose the restriction – for example due to Location road width, road surface strength, busy traffic, special requirements of road users.
No pedestrians permitted
No pedal cycles permitted
No pedal cycles and pedestrians
No motorcycles permitted
No motor cars permitted
No taxis permitted
No mini-buses permitted
No midi-buses permitted
No buses permitted
No delivery vehicles permitted
No goods vehicles permitted
No goods vehicles over indicated GVM permitted
No construction vehicles permitted
No vehicles with dangerous goods permitted
No abnormal vehicles permitted
No rickshaws permitted
No animal drawn vehicles permitted
No horses and riders permitted
No towed vehicles permitted
No hawkers permitted within 75 m of the sign
No tour buses No agricultural permitted vehicles permitted
Avoid heavy meals or alcoholic beverages before you drive as they tend to make one sleepy.
REGULATORY SIGNS
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• Activity • Instructions
1. View the signs in the next two two charts. 2. Read the text explanations set out below the charts. 3. Match the number below each sign to the text explanation. 4. Write that number into the box on the right of your chosen explanation. 5. Compare your answers with the answers shown in the table after each quiz.
Reservation sign quiz
1
2
3
5
6
7
12
13
14
4
8
9
10
11
Choose the correct sign number and write it in the box at the end of the sentence. 1. Re Rese serv rved ed fo forr th the e ex excl clus usiv ive e us use e of am ambu bula lanc nces es..
8. Star Startt of a lane lane res reser erve ved d for for the the excl exclus usiv ive e use of buses and mini-buses.
2. Reserved for the exclusive use of taxis.
9. Reserved for motorcycles only.
3. Lane reserved for the exclusive use of buses and mini-buses.
10. Reserved for vehicles carrying people with disabilities.
4. Parking reserved for the exclusive use of buses and mini-buses.
11. Bus stop reserved for mini-buses of the owner as indicated in the logo above the icon.
5. Parking reserved for rickshaws only.
12. Roadway reserved for the exclusive use of mini-buses.
6. Lane on the right of the yellow line reserved for the exclusive use of high-occupancy vehicles.
13. Reserved for the exclusive use of highoccupancy vehicles.
7. Reserved for motor cars only.
14. Lane on the right reserved for the exclusive use of buses and mini-buses.
Correct answers for the Reservation sign quiz
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Explanation Number
Correct Matching Sign Number
Explanation Number
Correct Matching Sign Number
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
6 10 8 13 11 3 14
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
5 12 7 4 2 9 1
REGULATORY SIGNS
CHAPTER 6
ROAD SURFACE MARKINGS Road surface markings are traffic signs that have been painted onto the road surface to guide and direct the movement of traffic. They can be classified as ‘Regulatory’, ‘Warning’, and ‘Information’ markings. They have the same meaning as the equivalent road signs mounted on poles or above the road, and road users should react to them accordingly in terms of the rules of the road. Road surface markings are generally painted white. There are, however, several that are yellow or red, and these are particularly important because they usually indicate that the marking is of a regulatory nature and must be obeyed. As a general rule, •
you are not allowed allowed to stop on red lines, lines,
•
you are not allowed allowed to park on yellow lines, and
•
you are not allowed to cross solid white lines, except those that cross the width width of the road.
Regulatory markings Regulatory markings are used to control the actions of drivers and regulate the flow of traffic. As with regulatory signs, it is an offence to disobey any regulatory road marking. If you do so, you can be fined. In the diagrams that follow, the direction of vehicle traffic flow is depicted by the small black arrowheads.
Stop line – Stop completely, before the solid Stop line. Move off only when safe to do so.
Yield line – Slow down and give way to cross-traffic, and also to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross your path. If necessary, stop before the broken white Yield line. Applies also at a railway crossing.
Pedestrian crossing – Give way to any pedestrians on or about to enter the crossing on your side of the road.
Block pedestrian crossing – Give way to any pedestrians on or about to enter the crossing on your side of the road.
ROAD SURFACE MARKINGS
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35
CHAPTER 7
TRAFFIC SIGNALS Traffic signals Traffic signals control the flow of traffic. Some of them are to warn motorists to proceed with caution. There are different forms of traffic signals: 1. traffic lights (‘robots’) to regulate the flow of traffic at intersections or pedestrian crossings; 2.
flashing
red lights to indicate that motorists must stop (for example, at a railway crossing);
3. overhead lane direction control lights to control the traffic flow in traffic lanes; 4. hand signals given by traffic officers, and 5.
flag
signals given by road construction workers.
Traffic signals must be obeyed, and the signals of traffic officers overrule any road signs or other signals that may be present.
Steady red disc – Stop before the white Stop line and wait for the green light before proceeding with caution.
Flashing red disc – Stop as for a 4-Way Stop and give way to pedestrians.
Steady amber disc – Prepare to stop before the white Stop line and wait for the green light before proceeding with caution.
Flashing amber disc – Proceed with caution, and give way to any pedestrians crossing your path.
Steady green disc – Proceed in any direction, subject to any road signs, and give way to traffic and pedestrians still crossing.
Steady bus/ tram – The steady disc rules apply only to the class of vehicle shown by the symbol on the disc.
Steady red man – Pedestrians must wait on the sidewalk and may cross only when the green man light is displayed.
Flashing red man – The steady red man is about to be displayed. Pedestrians must wait for the next steady green man signal before starting to cross. Those still in the crossing should cross quickly.
Steady green man – Pedestrians may cross the road within the markings. Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing within the markings.
Flashing red arrow – Stop before the white line. You may proceed left even though there is a steady red disc signal, but give way to all vehicles and pedestrians for whom a green light signal is displayed.
Saying “I didn’t know” is no excuse. Know and obey the rules and road signs.
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TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Hairpin bend to the left ahead
Winding road starting to the right ahead
Winding road starting to the left ahead
Double sharp bends starting to right ahead
Double sharp bends starting to left ahead
Two-way traffic on this road ahead
Two-way crosstraffic ahead
Lane on the right ends ahead
Lane on the left ends ahead
Concealed driveway (on right) ahead
Concealed dr driveway (o (on le left) ah ahead
Concealed dr driveways on both sides ahead
Mini-circle or roundabout ahead
If possible, avoid driving during the late afternoon hours or early dusk.
Dangerous conditions ahead that relate to the nature of the road
Slow down if necessary and take appropriate cautionary measures such as: switching on lights, increasing following distance in mist or on gravel roads, testing the brakes after driving through water, taking an alternative route, etc., according the nature of the hazard as depicted on the sign.
Gate, boom or barrier ahead
Motor gate ahead, With cattle grid on the right
Motor gate ahead, With cattle grid on the left
Motor gate ahead in the road centre
Railway level crossing ahead
Tunnel ahead; turn on lights
Vehicle height restriction ahead
Vehicle length restriction ahead
Steep downhill ahead
There is a steep uphill ahead
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WARNING SIGNS
• Activity • 1. Explain the difference in meaning between these two types of warning signs – those with an arrowhead and those with plain black lines.
A
B
2. Why would you never find this sign with a white background?
3. Would you be required to stop at such a sign as this? Give a reason for your answer.
4. Is there a difference in meaning between these signs A and B? Explain your answer.
A
B
5. Where would each of these two signs be located? (Be careful with your answer.)
A
B
6. Would you respond differently to each of these two signs? Give your reasons.
A
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B
WARNING SIGNS
CHAPTER 10
THE LEARNER’S LICENCE TEST To write the learner’s licence test You must make an appointment with your local testing authority in person because you have to pre-pay the prescribed fee for the test. You must meet the minimum age and some health requirements, pass an eye test and have acceptable identification documentation.
About the test The test is a theory test and includes: o
the rules of the road
o
road traffic signs and signals
o
the controls of a vehicle
It is a multiple-choice test which may be completed on a computer or in written format, depending on the testing station at which you take the test. When booking your test you should enquire about which version of the test you will be required to complete. If you will be doing the written test you will receive: o
a book of questions
o
a test answer sheet
o
a chart of road signs and
o
a book containing illustrations of the vehicle controls and
various road layouts. The use of these will be explained to you before you write the test. Listen carefully to the explanation. There are some questions that apply only to a certain class of vehicle. Make sure that you know which questions you must answer. Each question has three possible answers. Read the question and consider each option carefully before selecting your final response. Be careful! In some cases more than one option is correct and in other cases one option is more correct than the others. If you’re doing the computerised version of the test, the process will be explained to you before you commence the actual test. You may not ask the examiner to clarify questions for you.
Requirements for holding a Learner’s Licence • You must must have have reached reached the required required age: o for a motorcycle 125 cc or less: 16 years old o for a light motor vehicle: 17 years old o for any other vehicle: 18 years or older • You must pass an eye test. • You will be disqualified disqualified from obtaining a learner’s licence if any of the following circumstances applies: o If you have been ruled incompetent by a court and this disqualification is still in force (the onus is on the holder of the licence to report to the nearest authority within 21 days of becoming aware of this disqualification);
o
o
If you already hold hold a licence for the same class class of vehicle or your licence was suspended temporarily and the suspension has not yet expired; If you suffer suffer from uncontrolled epilepsy; giddiness giddiness or fainting; any metal illness which leads to you being treated as a patient in terms of the Mental Health Act 1973; any condition of muscular inco-ordination; uncontrolled diabetes mellitus; any disease or physical impairment that is likely to make driving a vehicle a danger to public safety; addiction to narcotic drugs or intoxicating alcohol.
Once you have passed the test You will be issued with a Learner’s Licence that will be valid for 24 months from the date of issue. You will need two black and white or colour passport-size photographs of yourself, and the prescribed issuing fee for the licence. Ask the testing authority what you will need when booking your test appointment. The Learner’s Licence will authorise you to learn to drive on public roads with the class of vehicle for which the licence has been issued, and only provided that you are accompanied by a sober driver who holds a valid driving licence for the same class of vehicle. (This latter restriction does not apply to motorcycles.) Licenced learner drivers may not transport fare-paying passengers , but there may be passengers in the vehicle in which they are being taught to drive. A licenced learner driver is allowed to drive on a freeway. You must always always have your learner’s licence licence with you when you are learning to drive.
THE LEARNER’S LICENCE TEST
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65
CHAPTER 11
THE LEARNER’S LICENCE MOCK TEST The following Mock Test of 160 questions will give you excellent practice before you write the of ficial test at the testing centre. It will also reduce anxiety on the day of your test because you will already be familiar with the way the multiple-choice questions are asked. Go through every question and read it carefully to make sure you understand what is being asked. Decide which is the most correct answer for that question, and circle that answer in the right-hand column – A or B or C or D. Use a pencil in case you later want to erase you first lot of answers an re-do the test. Check your answers against the correct answers listed on page 94. If you get any answers wrong, go back and study the relevant teaching pages again. Then do the Mock Test again until you are able to score 100%. All the best! 1. Under which conditions may you i) If you already have a licence for not obtain a learner’s licence? the same class of vehicle. ii) If you are declared unfit to obtain a driving licence for a certain period and that period is still applicable.
A. (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct. B. (ii) and (iii) (iii) are correct. C. Only (i) is correct
iii) If your licence was temporarily suspended and that period has not yet expired. 2. What is the meaning of this sign?
A. There may be pedestrians ahead. B. There is a marked pedestrian crossing ahead. C. There may be children on the road ahead.
3. When may you drive on the right-hand side of a road with traffic moving in both directions?
A. If the emergency lights of the vehicle are switched on. B. If a traffic officer orders you to do so. C. Under no circumstances.
4. What is the meaning of this sign?
A. There is a sharp bend to the right. B. There is a one-way road to the right. C. You must turn right at the next road or entrance.
5. Where are you not permitted to stop?
A. In any No-parking area. B. Within 5 metres from a bridge. C. Opposite a vehicle parked in a roadway 10 metres wide.
6. What is the meaning of this sign?
A. The road narrows from both sides. B. The freeway ends ahead. C. There is a narrow bridge in the road ahead.
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LEARNER’S LICENCE MOCK TEST
CHAPTER 12
GENERAL MOTORING PRINCIPLES You have completed the material you need to know for the of ficial test. The following important information will help you pass your test first time, and be a better driver once you have your licence.
Before driving • Use a map to plan your route for a smooth smooth journey, and and provide enough time for the journey; journey; resist the impulse to travel too fast. • For a long journey, journey, add extra time into into your plans to allow allow for a 15-minute break every two two hours. • Make sure sure you have enough enough fuel for the journey. • Wear appropriate appropriate clothing that does not interfere with your control of the vehicle. vehicle. • If you will be driving driving a vehicle different different from the one you are are familiar with, before before setting out ensure ensure that you are familiar familiar with its controls and how they work. • Before you move off, off, adjust the mirrors mirrors and the seat position position to ensure full control, control, comfort and maximum vision. • Adjust the head restraint to protect your neck from injury in the event of a collision.
Seat belts • Make sure that all passengers passengers are strapped strapped in before moving off. Remember, Remember, if they are not, you are are the one who will be held responsible.
Children • Do not allow children children to sit behind the rear seat of an estate car or hatchback hatchback unless in a specially fitted child child seat. • Do not allow allow a child to stand next next to you on the front passenger passenger seat. • Activate child child safety door locks, locks, if fitted, fitted, when carrying children. • Keep children children under control, control, and don’t don’t allow boisterous boisterous behaviour behaviour in the vehicle. • Never fit a rear-facing baby seat on a seat protected protected by an airbag.
Driver fitness and alertness • You must be fit to drive. • If you feel feel tired, don’t drive for longer than one hour at at a time. • If you feel sleepy: o
stop in a safe place – not not on on the hard shoulder of the road - to rest;
o
if possible snooze for 15 minutes; or
o
have a cup of strong coffee.
• If possible, don’t don’t make long journeys journeys between 24:00 and and 06:00. This is when when most serious collisions collisions occur. occur. • Even if you you feel alert, still take a 15-minute break break after every every two hours hours of driving. driving.
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GENERAL MOTORING PRINCIPLES
ALL THE RULES OF THE ROAD EXPLAINED
• •
The rules that must be obeyed when using public roads Covers light and heavy motor vehicles and also motorcycles
REGULATORY SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS
• •
Signs that regulate the safe ow of traffic What each sign means; in what what situation you would see the sign; how you must respond as a driver
WARNING SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS
• •
Signs that warn of hazards on the road What each sign means; in what situation you would encounte encounterr the sign; what safety precautions the driver should take
GUIDANCE SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS
• •
Signs that indicate the road layout ahead What each sign means and how it can help to guide the driver to plan which lane to use
GUIDANCE AND TOURISM SIGNS
• Signs that guide motorists on on their their journey journey • What the different different kinds of of guidance signs signs indicate, indicate, and how to interpret their messages; includes direction and tourism signs
INFORMATION SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS
• Signs that provide useful information • What each sign means means and what what it implies implies for the driver
DRIVING TIPS
• Additional information to reinforce reinforce your understanding understanding • Includes revision revision of some some of the important rules of the road road
ALSO INCLUDED:
A practice prac tice Learner’ Lea rner’ss Licence Test Test
ISBN 978-0-7960-4367-2
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7 8 0 7 96
0 4 3 6 72
