Master all RTMC-approved traffic rules, defensive driving principles, and National Road Traffic Act regulations to pass your learner's license test
All information on this page has been verified against official K53 regulations from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the South African Department of Transport, and the National Road Traffic Act (Act No. 93 of 1996). Content is updated for 2025 requirements and follows the K53 defensive driving system standards.
These fundamental rules apply to all road users in South Africa and form the foundation of safe, responsible driving.
Always drive on the left side of the road and keep as close to the left edge as practical and safe.
You must obey all traffic signs, signals, road markings, and instructions from traffic officers.
You must carry your valid driver's license (or learner's license) when driving and show it to a traffic officer when requested.
Your vehicle must be roadworthy with working lights, brakes, steering, tyres, and safety equipment.
Speed limits are maximum speeds - you must always drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within the distance you can see ahead.
Cities, towns, and built-up areas unless otherwise indicated
Single-lane roads outside urban areas
Multi-lane highways (for light vehicles only)
Marked residential zones unless indicated otherwise
Q: What is the speed limit in a built-up area?
A: 60 km/h (unless otherwise indicated by road signs)
Q: A learner driver may exceed the speed limit by:
A: 0 km/h - learners may never exceed the speed limit
Maintaining proper following distance is crucial for K53 defensive driving and preventing rear-end collisions.
Minimum safe following distance: 3 seconds in good conditions
Q: What is the minimum following distance in good conditions?
A: 3 seconds (or the distance traveled in 3 seconds)
Q: When should you increase your following distance?
A: In poor weather, at night, on wet roads, when tired, or following large vehicles
Overtaking is one of the most dangerous maneuvers. You must follow strict rules to do it safely and legally.
Generally prohibited, BUT you MAY overtake on the left when:
When another vehicle wants to overtake you:
Q: May you overtake on a solid white line?
A: No, never. A solid white barrier line means no overtaking.
Q: When being overtaken, what must you do?
A: Keep left, do not increase speed, and allow the vehicle to pass safely.
Knowing where and how to park correctly is essential. Many test questions focus on parking distances and prohibited areas.
Even briefly stopping is prohibited:
Q: How far from an intersection may you park?
A: Not closer than 5 meters
Q: How far from a pedestrian crossing may you park?
A: Not closer than 9 meters
Q: May you park on a freeway?
A: No, except in case of emergency or breakdown
Intersections are common accident sites. Knowing the correct procedures for turning and yielding is critical.
Q: When turning right, which lane do you turn into?
A: The left lane of the road you're entering (after crossing the center line)
Q: At a traffic circle, who has right of way?
A: Vehicles already in the circle have right of way
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. You must always prioritize their safety.
STOP and give pedestrians right of way when:
Q: When must you stop for pedestrians at a crossing?
A: When they are on the crossing OR about to enter the crossing on your side of the road
Q: May you overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing?
A: No, never. There may be pedestrians crossing.
Understanding and obeying traffic signals is mandatory. You must also know hand signals for emergencies.
STOP - Do not proceed. Wait behind the stop line.
CAUTION - Stop if safe to do so. Light is about to turn red.
GO - Proceed when safe, yielding to vehicles and pedestrians.
Use when indicators don't work or for additional communication:
Extend right arm straight out
Extend left arm straight out (or right arm bent up)
Extend right arm downward with hand open
Extend right arm, move forward and backward
When a road is divided by a median, island, or barrier:
Freeways have special rules designed for high-speed traffic flow and safety.
YES, learners ARE allowed on freeways provided:
Q: May a learner driver drive on a freeway?
A: Yes, if accompanied by a licensed driver seated next to them
Q: What is the speed limit on a freeway?
A: 120 km/h for light vehicles, 100 km/h for buses/minibuses
For learner and novice drivers: ZERO ALCOHOL allowed in blood
Legal limit: 0.05% blood alcohol content (BAC)
Breath test limit: 0.24 mg per 1000 ml breath
But remember: Even small amounts impair judgment and reaction time
Q: How much alcohol may a learner driver have in their blood?
A: Zero - no alcohol whatsoever
Q: What is the legal BAC limit for a licensed driver?
A: 0.05% (but safer to have none)
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