Contents 1
Introduction 5
2
The learner’s licence test 6
3
Vehicle controls 7
4
The test-yourself system 9
5
The defensive driving system (K53) 10
6
Rules of the road 11
7
Road traffic signs and markings 26
8
Regulatory road signs 27
9
Warning road signs 43
10
Guidance and information road signs 58
11
Traffic signals 67
12
Road markings 70
?
Test-yourself answers 79
2
The licence
The learner’s licence test
To obtain a learner’s licence you must pass a knowledge test covering traffic rules, road traffic signs and the controls of the type of vehicle you intend to drive. requiremenTs
You will not be able to obtain a learner's licence if: you have been previously disqualified by a court of law and this disqualification is still in force, or you already have a licence for the same class of vehicle, or your licence has been suspended temporarily and the suspension has not yet expired. When you apply to write the test, you must produce two passport-size photographs, which may be black-and-white or colour. colour. •
• •
noTe: Cheating during the official
test is an offence. If convicted, a candidate will be disqualified from writing the test for at least 12 months.
When you pass the test, you will be issued with a learner’s licence. This will allow you to drive a motor vehicle on a public road subject to certain conditions: You must drive under the supervision of a person in possession of a valid driver’s licence for the same category vehicle as that which you intend to drive. The person should be seated right next to you, or directly behind you only if he/she cannot sit next to you. In the case of a motorcycle without a sidecar, you may not carry a passenger and therefore may not be accompanied by your instructor. instructor. •
•
•
PAss mArKs requireD
You need to pass each of the three sections of the test. If you fail one section, you will fail the entire test. The required pass marks are: rules of the oad: road signs: vehicle ve hicle contols: contols:
22 out of 28 23 out of 28 6 out of 8
The minimum age for obtaining a learner’s licence is: For a motorcycle without a sidecar and with an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cm³: 16 years. For light motor vehicles with a mass not exceeding 3 500 kg: 17 years. For all other vehicles: 18 years. •
• •
Your learner’s licence will be valid for 24 months. Before you can make a booking for the written test, you must pass an eye test to make sure that your vision is good enough for driving on public roads. The testing centre will give you all the details and fees involved. vehicle licence licence
The vehicle clearance certificate (licence disc) is valid for 12 months, and must be renewed annually. The TesT
The written theory test is not an easy test to pass. It is therefore important that you study everything in this book thoroughly before you make your booking for the test. The test is given in a multiple-choice format, and each question has three possible answers. In some cases only one option is correct, in others more than one option is correct, and in some cases one option is more correct than the others. Make sure you select the most appropriate option. When you write the official test you will be given a book of questions, an answer sheet, a chart of road signs and a book containing pictures of the vehicle controls and various road layouts. The use of these will be explained to you before you write the test. Be sure to listen carefully to the instructions. It will be useful to take your own pencil and suitable eraser, just in case.
6
6
Rules of the road
Always comply with the following rules of the road unless otherwise directed by a traffic officer, officer, a police officer or a road sign.
• On divided roads, don’t drive
over the dividing space or barrier, except at an intersection or opening where it is not prohibited by a road sign or traffic officer.
Driver’s control The driver must have full control of the vehicle and have a clear view of the road ahead.
Keep left, pass right • The rule of the road is: Drive
on the left side of the roadway. • Don’t endanger oncoming traffic
by encroaching onto the righthand side of the road. • Overtake other vehicles on their
right-hand side only if – it is safe to do so; – it is not prohibited by a road sign or marking.
general speeD limits on public roaDs (Unless otherwise indicated by a regulatory road sign) u ( d) • 60 km/h: all vehicles
o d • 100 km/h: rural and national roads • 120 km/h: freeways
Exceptions for ‘Other roads’: • 80 km/h: Vehicles/combinations
over 9 000 kg • You may drive on the right-hand
side of a one-way road.
• 100 km/h: Buses and minibuses
conveying passengers
note: Drivers of medical and fire-fighting response vehicles, and persons specifically authorised to do so, are permitted to exceed the speed limit and to disregard road signs during the execution of their duties.
80 km/h
11
overtaKing safel s afely y • First make sure it is safe to
• When passing a stationary bus,
keep a lookout for people moving away from the bus.
• Don’t drive to the left of the
edge line marking to overtake on the left.
overtake. • Pass to the right of the vehicle
you are overtaking. • Don’t endanger oncoming traffic.
• Don’t pass too close to the
ok :
Don’t overtaKe
• In the far right lane you may flash
• When approaching the crest
your headlights at the vehicle in front of you to show that you want to overtake it, and it should move over to the next lane to the left.
other vehicle.
of a hill or rise. • On a curve. • If your view of the road ahead
overtaKing on the left
is obstructed or restricted.
• Make sure you are safely clear of
the other vehicle before returning to the left-hand side of the road.
• You may pass on the left when
it is safe to do so: – on a one-way urban road wide enough for two or more vehicles to drive abreast;
.
The above three rules don’t apply if:
– the road is wide enough to overtake without encroaching onto the right-hand side of the roadway; – the road is a one-way road. – if the vehicle you are passing is-turning right; – on a two-way urban road with more than one traffic lane going in the same direction (with or without painted lane lines). • Don’t drive on the verge or
shoulder to overtake on the left. 12
• If it will create a hazard to any
vehicles, people or property property..
• A vehicle stopped at a pedestrian
b k :
intersections
• If you are driving in the far
• Stop for pedestrians on or entering
crossing or scholar patrol. right-hand lane and the driver behind indicates that he wants to overtake, carefully move over to the next lane on the left, and don’t accelerate until the other vehicle has passed.
a pedestrian crossing. • Don’t block the traffic flow when
– entering an intersection; – crossing a traffic lane.
traffic lanes • Keep within the lane lines. • Don’t straddle the lane lines.
• By crossing a solid white line.
being overtaKen • Keep as far to the left as possible. • Don’t accelerate while being
turning left
overtaken. • If you are driving in the
right-hand lane and the driver behind indicates his intention to overtake, carefully move over to a left-hand lane.
• Keep as far to the left as possible
when preparing to turn. • Adjust your speed to merge into • Change lanes only when
the traffic flow safely.
necessary and when safe to do so.
turning right • Signal early enough before
changing lanes.
• Give way to approaching traffic
when about to turn. • The last action before changing
lanes is to check the blind spot to ensure it is still safe to change lanes.
• You may drive on the left-hand
shoulder of a single-lane road between sunrise and sunset to allow other vehicles to overtake, provided it is safe to do so and people and vehicles are clearly visible for 150 metres ahead. This is not permitted where there is more than one lane in each direction (e.g. freeways).
remember: When about to turn or change direction, the last action before moving to the right or left is, with the front wheels still straight, ALWAYS to check in the blind spot on the side to which you are about to move.
• Keep as far as possible to the right of
your half of the road so that vehicles can pass safely on your left. • Whilewait Whilewaiting ingtoturn toturn,kee ,keepthe pthe vehicle facing straight ahead, with the wheels straight, to avoid being bumped from behind into the path of oncoming traffic. • Turn across the centre line only
when there is a clear space in the flow of oncoming traffic.
13
• Keep to the left of any traffic island
hanD signals
freeways
in the intersection and comply with any road signs.
v v d : • Animal-drawn vehicles. • Pedal cycles. • Motorcycles 50 cm³ or less.
Stop or sudden reduction in speed
Left turn • Electrically powered pedal and
motorcycles. • Motor tricycles and quadrucycles. • Tractors, except when doing
Right turn
Slowing down
freeway maintenance. • Special vehicles 230 kg or less,
• Cross the centre line of the
cross street before turning right, except when turning into another one-way street.
designed for people with disabilities. n d : Overtake • Animals, except inside a vehicle
passengers on trucKs • Passengers are permitted on the
back of a truck or van only if the sides of the rear body are – for seated passengers: 350 mm above the seating surface; – for standing passengers: 900 mm above the standing surface.
or within a designated stopping or parking area. (The following rules don’t apply to traffic officers on duty, or persons involved with emergency, rescue, salvage, construction, maintenance, civil protection or essential public service work, or where directed otherwise other wise by a road sign or traffic officer, or for a reason beyond your control.)
alcohol anD Drugs • Stopping a vehicle, except in a • Don’t drive or sit in the driver's
rules for signals • Always signal your intention,
using hand signals, electric or mechanical indicators or stop lamps, before:
seat with the engine running if you are under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug, or medication that can affect your attention and reactions.
designated stopping area. • Hand signals, except in emergencies.
• Alcohol levels in grams per 100 ml
of blood must be less than: – – – – –
stopping; suddenly reducing speed; turning to the left or the right; changing lanes; moving to the left or the right of the road.
– 0.05 for ordinary drivers – 0.02 for professional drivers • Alcohol levels in milligrams per
1 000 ml of breath must be less than:
• Allow enough time to warn others
so that they can react if necessary. • Make sure your signals can
be clearly seen. 14
– 0.24 for ordinary drivers – 0.10 for professional drivers
• Alighting from the vehicle, except
– when acting in an emergency; – within a designated stopping or parking area.
t 1
2
3
w d d?
t k , …
y y k …
a Pass on the left-hand side of the vehicle if it is safe to do so. b Change gear before overtaking. c Make sure you are safely clear of the other vehicle before returning to the left-hand side of the road.
a You are overtaking a bus or a truck. b The other driver is turning right. c You are driving a left-hand drive vehicle.
a 60 km/h b 120 km/h c 100 km/h
a
b
a
c
b
a
c
b
c
4
5
6
w k, d?
w k, d?
w k , ?
a Exceed the speed limit. b Overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing. c Pass on the left in a one-way street that is wide enough for two vehicles to drive abreast.
a Look out for people getting on or off a stationary bus. b Exceed the speed limit to get past quickly. c Give a courteous wave to the driver of the vehicle you are overtaking.
a
b
a
c
b
a Hoot and wave. b Check your speed. c Don’t accelerate.
a
c
b
c
7
8
9
w d d , d d?
w ?
y y k …
a Change lanes. b Keep in your lane. c Straddle the lines of the lanes.
a
b
c
a When it is safe to do so. b When you have given clear indication early enough to warn other persons. c Both of the above.
a
b
c
a You are in a one-way street that is wide enough for two or more vehicles to drive abreast. b You are directed to do so by a traffic officer. c Both of the above.
a
b
c
15
7
Road traffic signs and markings
In order to prevent confusion on the roads, a system of road traffic signs and road markings has been devised to help direct and guide the traffic flow. Signs may be mounted on poles or overhead structures, or may be painted on the road surface. These signs have been divided into three basic categories: 1 Rgtr g – control and direct traffic flow. 2 Wrg g – warn of potential hazards. 3 Gdc d rt g – serve as navigational aids. Road markings
Warning
Regulatory
Guidance
Rd g
Each set of signs has its own shape and colour-coding system. The differentt categories of road signs are differen covered in the following chapters. It is important to study all the examples given at the beginning of each chapter, and to use the test sections to check your understanding of those signs specially selected for these trial tests.
Tprr g have a yellow background to attract attention and indicate a change from ‘normal’ circumstances. These may require a higher degree of driver attention. Temporary signs take precedence over permanent signs.
Rd rkg don’t have the same colour coding as signs. These are explained in detail in chapter 12.
Compulsory right turn ahead*
Stop line
Kerbface marking
26
Maximum height limit
Parking for construction vehicles
Warning: Road workers 400 m ahead
Warning: Falling rocks ahead*
Painted island
Bus lane
Loading zone
No stopping
Lane to airport
Extra lane ahead
8
Regulatory road signs
ConTRol siGns
Regulatory signs regulate traffic flow. They have permanent and temporary versions. They must always be obeyed and failure to do so can result in a heavy fine. There are different categories of regulatory signs and each conveys a specific type of message to the motorist. Understand each category and you will understand every variation of these signs more easily. easily. noTe: Drivers of medical and fire-fighting response vehicles, and persons specifically authorised to do so, are permitted to exceed the speed limit and to disregard road signs during the execution of their duties.
Examples:
(Control the flow of traffic.) They tell you when to stop, go, yield, not enter, and which direction to travel in. They are white on a red background, except the temporary go sign.
Stop
Stop/Go
.
Yield to pedestrians
.
4-way stop
.
Stop-yield
Drr’ rp: Obey each sign as explained later in this chapter.
Yield
CommanD siGns
.
Yield at minicircle
Pedestrian priority
Examples:
(Give commands as to what actions you must take and which class of road user must act or use a certain portion of the roadway.) They are round signs with a white symbol on a blue background, and a white border, unless they are the yellow temporary versions. Drr’ rp: Always comply with the command given and, if you are driving the class of vehicle indicated on the sign, make sure you stick to the lane or road portion governed by the sign.
Minimum speed
Keep left*
Switch on headlights
Cyclists and pedestrians must use
Abnormal vehicles must use
Buses must use
Vehicles over Vehicles 10 t must use
27
PRohibiTion siGns
Examples:
(Prohibit certain actions or certain classes of road users.) They are also round signs but have a black symbol on a white background with a red border, unless they are the yellow temporary versions. Except for the limit signs, they usually have a red line across them to represent that they are not allowed. Drr’ rp: Don’t contravene any prohibition indicated on the sign.
ReseRvaTion siGns
Speed limit
Maximum axle load limit
No hooting or noise
No stopping
No overtaking by goods vehicles
No left turn ahead*
No delivery vehicles
Examples:
(Indicate that a road, road portion or a parking area is reserved exclusively for the class of vehicle indicated on the sign. No other vehicles may use that portion of the road or parking area.) They are rectangular in shape and have a white symbol on a blue background with a white border, unless they are the yellow temporary versions.
Parking for buses
Drr’ rp: If you are not driving the class of vehicle indicated on the sign, stay out of the reserved lane or road portion and comply with any other reservation indicated.
ComPRehensive siGns
Bus lane
Reserved for taxis
Bus stop for specified buses
Beginning of bus lane
Parking for construction vehicles
Reserved for parking
Dual-carriage freeway begins
Single-carriage freeway begins
Residential area
Examples:
(Indicate that a comprehensive set of rules applies to that particular situation. These rules are detailed further on in this chapter for each of these signs.) These signs are rectangular and have a white symbol on a blue background with a red border. Drr’ rp: Comply with all the rules applicable to the sign until the cancelled version of the sign is displayed.
28
CommanD siGns (Indicate what must be done by the road user.)
minimum sPeeD You must travel at or faster than the speed indicated.
58 a b C D e
Maximum speed allowed. Recommended maximum speed. Minimum speed allowed. Road only 50 m wide. 50 km to next town. a
b
C
D
e
vehiCles oveR This mass: DRive only heRe Vehicles with a gross vehicle Vehicles mass more than that indicated, must use only the section of the road designated by this sign. The sign may indicate any mass, according to the condition of the road.
59 a Vehicles exceeding 10 t GVM may not proceed beyond the sign. b Vehicles with a GVM of 10 t or more must use only this portion of the road. C Parking for heavy vehicles only. D Parking for only 10 trucks. e C and D. a
b
C
D
e
sPeCifieD RoaD useRs: DRive only heRe If you are driving the class of vehicle shown on the sign, you must use only this lane or portion of the roadway. These signs can show any vehicle class symbol.
60 a Buses permitted. b Parking reserved for buses only. C Buses must use only this lane or roadway. D Buses prohibited. e Bus passenger loading zone. a
b
C
D
e
KeeP lefT*
Keep left
Keep right
61 Usually at a traffic island or obstruction. You must drive to the side of the sign indicated by the arrow.
a b C D e
One-way traffic. Road curves to the right. Overtake on the right in this section. Drive to the right of the sign. Steep downhill to the right. a
b
C
D
e
33
sHaRp cuRve aHead*
To the right
To the left
90 a
The road takes a sharp curve ahead in the direction of the arrow. Slow down substantially and comply with any speed advisory plates.
b c d e
Intersection ahead. Hairpin bend ahead. Sharp curve ahead. No right turn ahead. Caution: Vehicles passing on your right. a
b
c
d
e
d
e
gentle cuRve aHead*
To the right
To the left
91
The road takes a gentle curve ahead in the direction of the arrow. Approach with caution and look out for approaching vehicles that may be overtaking.
a b c d e
Dangerous curve ahead. Gentle curve ahead. Sharp curve ahead. Detour ahead. Steep uphill ahead. a
b
c
tRaffic ciRcle aHead
There is an intersection with a minicircle or roundabout ahead. Slow down and look out for any regulatory signs. If there are none, give way to traffic already in the circle, approaching from the right.
92 a
Traffic circle ahead. Multiple U-turns ahead. c Detours ahead: slow down. d Danger: whirlwinds ahead. e No through road; turn back. b
a
b
c
d
e
HaiRpin bend aHead*
To the right
To the left
93 a
The road makes a very sharp bend ahead. Slow down substantially and comply with any speed recommendations recommendations and regulatory signs. Ensure a firm control of the steering.
U-turns permitted at this point. Slow down; vehicles make U-turns on this road. c Turn back; no through road ahead. d Turn back; road closed. e Hairpin bend ahead. b
a
46
b
c
d
e
cul-de-sac*
138 a b c d
The road leads to a dead end and there is no through road.
e
Tearoom ahead. T-junction ahead. Turning prohibited. Cul-de-sac. Lane reserved for trucks. a
b
c
d
e
fReeway diRecTion
Shows the direction to a freeway. The turn-off to regional route R33 to Nylstroom and Marble Hall is 1 km ahead, at exit number 272. The road ahead leads to the N1 freeway which is a toll road.
139 a b c d e
Nylstroom is 272 km from the next Nylstroom turn off. The turn-off to the R33, which leads to Nylstroom, is 1 km further on. The road ahead leads to the N1 freeway, which is a pay toll road. A and B. B and C. a
b
c
d
e
advance adv ance diRecTion
At the next junction the crossroad is the regional route R45, leading to Hopefield and Vreden Vredenburg burg to the right, and to Malmesbury to the left. The road straight ahead is the national route N7 to Cape Town.
140 a b c d e
The road ahead is the N7 freeway to Cape Town. The road ahead is the national route N7 to Cape Town. The road ahead leads to the N7 to Cape Town. The road ahead leads to the N7, the national route freeway to Cape Town. None of the above. a
b
c
d
e
TRaffic movemenT
The right-hand lane ends 500 m ahead and traffic merges into the next lane to the left. Approach with caution and expect traffic to merge from the right.
141 a b c d e
Construction vehicles entering the road from the right. There are three traffic lanes ahead, 500 m from this point. The right-hand lane ends 500 m ahead. There is a traffic island 500 m ahead. None of these. a
b
c
d
e
65
11
Traffic signals are used to regulate the flow of traffic and pedestrians. They take the form of traffic lights (robots), flag-signals and hand signals, or overhead signals.
Traffic signals
Traffic light signals
Flag signals
Overhead signals
FLASHING SIGNAL
Red: Regard this as a stop sign. Proceed only when safe to do so. At a railway crossing proceed only when the signal stops flashing. Amber: Warns of a hazard or traffic control device ahead.
146 A B C D E
Stop as for a yield sign. Stop as for a 4-way stop. Slow down and proceed carefully. Stop as for a stop sign. Yield to traffic and pedestrians. A
B
C
D
E
OVERHEAD LANE DIRECTION CONTROL SIGNAL
147 Lane reserved for oncoming traffic only
Leave the lane in the direction of the arrow
A B
The lane beneath this sign is reserved for oncoming traffic only. Don’t use this lane. Leave the lane in the direction of the amber arrow.
C D E
Lane reserved for oncoming traffic only. Railway crossing ahead. Crossroad ahead. No entry to traffic. Freeway ends here. A
B
C
D
E
OVERHEAD LANE DIRECTION CONTROL SIGNAL
The lane beneath this sign is reserved for traffic proceeding ahead. You may use this lane safely.
148 Steep downhill ahead. Lane for oncoming traffic only. C Lane safe to be used in the direction in which you are travelling. D One way traffic straight ahead. E Hazard below this structure.
A B
A
B
C
D
E
67
12
Road markings are painted on the surface of the roadway in white, red or yellow paint. Like road signs, road markings must be obeyed. Failure to do so could result in a serious collision or a traffic fine, or both.
Road markings
No parking line
Bicycle
Painted island
Disabled persons
Minicircle
Kerbface marking
DiviDing line
Indicates that traffic on either side of the marking is travelling in opposite directions. Keep to the left of the line. You may cross over if you wish to overtake another vehicle and if it is safe to do so.
157 a B C D e
Centre island. Barrier line. Lane line. Dividing line. Broken barrier line. a
B
C
D
e
D
e
no overtaking line
A solid white line separating two lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. Keep to the left of it. Don’t cross this line with any wheel of the vehicle except to access private property or to avoid an obstruction on the roadway.
158 a B C D e
You may cross this line to overtake. You may not cross this line to overtake. No overtaking line. A and C. B and C. a
no overtaking line next to DiviDing line
B
C
159 Double barrier line. Overtake only if it is safe to do so. C Traffic on the same side as the solid line may cross it if safe to do so. D Traffic on the same side as the solid line may not cross it. e No traffic may cross the solid line.
a
A solid white line next to a dividing line separating two lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. Don’t cross the barrier line where it is to the left of the centre line. You may cross the no overtaking line to access private property, to avoid an obstruction on the roadway roadway,, or if it is on the right of the dividing line.
B
a
70
B
C
D
e
Acknowledgements We wish to thank the Department of Transport for the cooperation given us during the compilation of this book in its original edition and for their continued assistance. Our special thanks go to Fleming Meyer for so kindly agreeing to read through that original manuscript, and for his comments on the technical content of the book at that time. Our thanks also go to the Port Elizabeth Traffic Department. Their enthusiastic response to our initial ideas and concepts, and their suggestions in those early days, inspired us to go ahead with the book. Their ongoing support since the first edition is much appreciated too. Finally, we acknowledge the outstanding response from the public, who have made this book the leader in its field through word-of-mouth advertising of the book that has helped many of our citizens to pass their learner’s easily. Clive Gibson, Gavin Hoole, Bata Passchier
Port Elizabeth, 1997
Struik Lifestyle (an imprint of Random House Struik (Pty) Ltd) Company Reg, No. 1966/003153/07 Wembley Square, Solan Road, Gardens 8001 PO Box 1144, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa www.randomstruik.co.za
First published in 1984 by Struik Publishers Second edition 1985 (reprinted 17 times) Third edition 1995 (reprinted 4 times) Fourth edition 1997 Fifth edition 1999 (reprinted 4 times) Sixth edition 2000 (reprinted 5 times) Seventh edition 2003 Reprinted 2003, 2004 (twice), 2005 (twice), 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Eighth edition in 2012 by Struik Lifestyle Copyright © in published edition: Random House Struik (Pty) Ltd 1984, 1985, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2012 Copyright © in text and illustrations: Engage the Brain Training Systems 1984, 1985, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003 , 2012 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers and the copyright holders. Publisher: Linda de Villiers Editor: Joy Clack Designer: Beverley Dodd Editorial assistant: Zulfa Orrie
ISBN 978-1-43230-074-6 (Print) ISBN 978-1-43230-075-3 (ePub) ISBN 978-1-43230-076-0 (PDF) Extracts from Road Ordinance are reproduced under Government Printer’s Copyright Authority 7975 of 25 June 1983. The National Road Traffic Act, Regulations and test requirements are revised by the authorities from time to time. This book is constantly updated to incorporate such changes, and every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and current validity of the information provided in this book. Nevertheless, the Publishers and the Authors shall not be held responsible or liable in any way whatsoever for any omissions or errors contained herein, whether due to timing of the release of the updated editions or for any other reason.
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