K53 Learner's Licence Test (South Africa) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At a four-way stop with no robots, who has the right of way?
- The vehicle that stopped first proceeds first (Correct answer)
- The largest vehicle
- The vehicle on the right always
- The fastest vehicle
Correct answer: The vehicle that stopped first proceeds first
At a four-way stop, vehicles proceed in the order they arrived and stopped. The first to stop is the first to go; if two arrive together, the one on the left yields to the right.
Question 2: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for an ordinary driver in South Africa?
- Less than 0.10 g per 100 ml
- Less than 0.05 g per 100 ml of blood (Correct answer)
- There is no limit
- Less than 0.24 g per 100 ml
Correct answer: Less than 0.05 g per 100 ml of blood
For an ordinary driver the legal limit is below 0.05 g of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. For professional drivers the limit is even lower.
Question 3: What does a blue circular sign showing a white arrow pointing up mean?
- Proceed straight ahead only (command) (Correct answer)
- One-way street ending
- No through road
- Parking permitted ahead
Correct answer: Proceed straight ahead only (command)
Blue circular signs are command (mandatory) signs. A white upward arrow on blue instructs you that you must proceed straight ahead.
Question 4: Under K53, when stopping behind another vehicle in traffic, how much space should you leave?
- At least 10 metres always
- Touching the vehicle ahead
- Enough to see its rear tyres touching the road, so you can pull out if needed (Correct answer)
- No gap is required
Correct answer: Enough to see its rear tyres touching the road, so you can pull out if needed
A common K53 guideline is to stop where you can still see the rear tyres of the vehicle ahead touching the road. This gives room to manoeuvre if needed.
Question 5: Before a long journey, a defensive driver should check what on the vehicle?
- Tyres, lights, brakes, oil, water and indicators (Correct answer)
- Just the radio
- Nothing, the garage handles it
- Only the fuel
Correct answer: Tyres, lights, brakes, oil, water and indicators
A pre-trip check of tyres, lights, brakes, oil, water and indicators helps prevent breakdowns and keeps the vehicle roadworthy and safe.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the clutch pedal in a manual vehicle?
- To sound the hooter
- To brake the vehicle
- To disconnect engine power from the wheels for gear changes and moving off (Correct answer)
- To control the indicators
Correct answer: To disconnect engine power from the wheels for gear changes and moving off
The clutch disengages the engine from the gearbox, letting you change gears smoothly and pull away without stalling.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the effect of alcohol on a driver's vision?
- Alcohol only affects vision at concentrations above 0.1g/100ml
- Alcohol has no effect on vision
- Alcohol reduces peripheral vision and impairs depth perception (Correct answer)
- Alcohol sharpens night vision
Correct answer: Alcohol reduces peripheral vision and impairs depth perception
Alcohol reduces peripheral (side) vision and distorts depth perception, making it harder to judge distances and spot hazards.
Question 8: The use of cannabis (dagga/marijuana) and driving in South Africa is:
- Illegal and an offence under the National Road Traffic Act (Correct answer)
- Legal if you have a medical prescription
- Permitted for drivers over 21 years of age
- Only an offence if the driver causes an accident
Correct answer: Illegal and an offence under the National Road Traffic Act
Driving under the influence of any illegal drug, including cannabis, is an offence under the National Road Traffic Act regardless of medical status.
Question 9: Which of the following statements about the legal blood alcohol limit is CORRECT?
- Any amount of alcohol can impair driving ability, even below the legal limit (Correct answer)
- The legal limit applies only to drivers over 25 years of age
- You are safe to drive as long as you stay just below the legal limit
- The legal limit guarantees that driving ability is unaffected
Correct answer: Any amount of alcohol can impair driving ability, even below the legal limit
Even small amounts of alcohol below the legal limit can impair judgement and reaction time; the legal limit is a legal threshold, not a safety guarantee.
Question 10: If a traffic officer suspects you of drunk driving, which tests may legally be conducted?
- Only a field sobriety walk-and-turn test
- A breath test, and if necessary a blood test (Correct answer)
- A urine test only
- Only a blood test at a hospital
Correct answer: A breath test, and if necessary a blood test
Under the National Road Traffic Act, an officer may conduct a breath test roadside and, if needed, require a blood test to confirm the result.
Question 11: A triangular warning sign shows a cow or buck symbol. What should you expect?
- A farm stall to buy produce
- A no-entry zone for livestock
- Animals may cross the road ahead (Correct answer)
- A weighbridge ahead
Correct answer: Animals may cross the road ahead
An animal symbol on a warning sign means animals (farm or wild) may be on or crossing the road. Slow down and stay alert, especially at night.
Question 12: What does a warning sign showing a symbol of slippery road (a car with wavy skid lines) tell you?
- Speed bumps ahead
- The road may be slippery when wet (Correct answer)
- Loose gravel only
- Car wash ahead
Correct answer: The road may be slippery when wet
The slippery road sign warns that the surface may be slippery, especially when wet. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering.
Question 13: What does a steady amber (yellow) robot mean?
- Speed up before it turns red
- Proceed with caution like a green
- Stop only at night
- Stop if you can do so safely; the signal is about to turn red (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop if you can do so safely; the signal is about to turn red
A steady amber means the red is coming. You must stop if you can do so safely. Only proceed if you are too close to stop safely.
Question 14: What must you do at a sign showing a red octagon with the word 'STOP'?
- Stop completely, then proceed when safe (Correct answer)
- Slow down and proceed if clear
- Yield to the right only
- Stop only if another vehicle is approaching
Correct answer: Stop completely, then proceed when safe
A STOP sign requires a full stop behind the stop line. You may only move off once the way is clear and it is safe to do so.
Question 15: If you are stopped at a roadblock and refuse to take a breathalyser test, what are the consequences in South Africa?
- You are free to go as there is no compulsion to take the test
- You must only submit to a blood test, not a breath test
- Refusal is an offence and you may be arrested and required to submit to a blood test (Correct answer)
- You will receive a fine but cannot be arrested
Correct answer: Refusal is an offence and you may be arrested and required to submit to a blood test
Under the National Road Traffic Act, refusing to submit to a breathalyser test is itself an offence, and the officer may arrest you and require a blood test.
Question 16: A diamond-shaped yellow sign is displayed at roadworks. What does its shape tell you?
- It marks a parking area
- It is a permanent regulatory sign
- It is a route number marker
- It is a temporary warning sign at roadworks or a hazard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It is a temporary warning sign at roadworks or a hazard
Diamond-shaped signs with a yellow background are temporary warning signs, used mainly at roadworks and short-term hazards.
Question 17: What does the handbrake (parking brake) do?
- Controls the headlights
- Steers the front wheels
- Holds the vehicle stationary when parked or stopped on a hill (Correct answer)
- Increases engine power
Correct answer: Holds the vehicle stationary when parked or stopped on a hill
The handbrake holds the vehicle still when parked and helps prevent rolling, especially when stopped or pulling away on an incline.
Question 18: Under K53, what does the mirror-signal-manoeuvre sequence require before you move off or change direction?
- Manoeuvre first, then check mirrors
- Signal only, mirrors are optional
- Hoot, then move
- Check mirrors, signal your intention, then manoeuvre when safe (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Check mirrors, signal your intention, then manoeuvre when safe
K53 requires you to check your mirrors, signal your intention, and only then carry out the manoeuvre when it is safe. Observation comes before action.
Question 19: You see a red circle with a white horizontal bar (a red disc with a white rectangle). What does it mean?
- End of restriction
- No entry for all vehicles (Correct answer)
- No stopping
- No parking
Correct answer: No entry for all vehicles
A solid red disc with a white horizontal bar is the 'No Entry' sign. No vehicles may enter the road in the direction the sign faces.
Question 20: When a traffic officer (point-duty officer) gives a hand signal that conflicts with the robot, which do you obey?
- Whichever is more convenient
- Neither, you stop completely
- The traffic officer's signal (Correct answer)
- The robot
Correct answer: The traffic officer's signal
A signal given by an authorised traffic officer overrides traffic signals and road signs. You must obey the officer's directions.
Question 21: A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes across the road requires you to do what?
- Speed up to clear it quickly
- Stop only if a robot is red
- Sound your hooter and continue
- Give right of way to pedestrians on the crossing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Give right of way to pedestrians on the crossing
At a marked pedestrian crossing you must yield to pedestrians who are on or about to step onto the crossing, and be ready to stop.
Question 22: Which of the following is a sign that a driver may be too fatigued to drive safely?
- Improved peripheral vision
- Increased awareness of surroundings
- Quicker reaction times
- Difficulty keeping eyes open and drifting out of lane (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Difficulty keeping eyes open and drifting out of lane
Difficulty keeping eyes open and lane drifting are classic signs of dangerous driver fatigue and a clear indication to stop driving.
Question 23: What should you do if you feel drowsy while driving on a long trip?
- Open a window and continue driving
- Turn up the radio loudly to stay awake
- Drink an energy drink and speed up to finish the trip faster
- Stop at a safe place, rest or sleep before continuing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop at a safe place, rest or sleep before continuing
The only safe response to drowsiness is to stop, rest or sleep; other methods are temporary and do not restore alertness adequately.
Question 24: What does a flashing red robot at an intersection require you to do?
- Ignore it and proceed
- Treat it as a green signal
- Treat it as a stop sign and proceed when safe (Correct answer)
- Speed up to clear the intersection
Correct answer: Treat it as a stop sign and proceed when safe
A flashing red robot must be treated as a STOP sign. Stop completely, then proceed only when the intersection is clear and safe.
Question 25: A yellow line painted along the left edge of the road normally marks what?
- A cycle path
- A no-stopping zone
- A turning lane
- The edge of the roadway / yellow (emergency) lane (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The edge of the roadway / yellow (emergency) lane
A solid yellow line marks the left edge of the roadway. The yellow lane is for emergencies and breakdowns, not for normal driving or overtaking.
Question 26: Painted arrows in a lane on the road surface tell you what?
- The permitted direction of travel from that lane (Correct answer)
- Where to park
- The speed limit for that lane
- The width of the lane
Correct answer: The permitted direction of travel from that lane
Directional arrows painted in a lane show which way you may travel from that lane, for example straight only or left-turn only. You must follow the arrow.
Question 27: What is the safest action when an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens and flashing lights?
- Speed up and race it
- Ignore it if you have right of way
- Move to the left and slow or stop to let it pass safely (Correct answer)
- Stop in the middle of the lane
Correct answer: Move to the left and slow or stop to let it pass safely
You must give way to emergency vehicles. Move to the left where safe and slow down or stop so the emergency vehicle can pass.
Question 28: A circular sign shows a bicycle in red with a diagonal line. What does this regulate?
- Cycle parking area
- No bicycles allowed (Correct answer)
- Cycle lane ahead
- Bicycles must use this lane
Correct answer: No bicycles allowed
A bicycle symbol inside a red circle with a diagonal line is a prohibition sign meaning bicycles are not permitted on that road.
Question 29: What is the danger of combining alcohol with prescription tranquilisers or sleeping pills and then driving?
- The combination neutralises both effects
- It only affects driving if taken within 30 minutes of driving
- It is safe if only a small amount of alcohol is consumed
- The combined effect is far more impairing than either substance alone (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The combined effect is far more impairing than either substance alone
Alcohol combined with sedative medications has a synergistic (multiplied) effect, causing much greater impairment than either substance by itself.
Question 30: Can prescription or over-the-counter medication affect your ability to drive safely?
- Yes, many medications cause drowsiness, dizziness or impaired concentration (Correct answer)
- No, prescribed medication is always safe to take while driving
- Only if combined with alcohol
- Only if you take more than the prescribed dose
Correct answer: Yes, many medications cause drowsiness, dizziness or impaired concentration
Many medications — including antihistamines, sedatives and painkillers — can impair driving ability even when taken correctly.
Question 31: A blue rectangular sign with a white 'H' and a symbol means what?
- Hospital ahead (information sign) (Correct answer)
- High wind area
- Heavy vehicles only
- Helicopter landing zone
Correct answer: Hospital ahead (information sign)
Blue rectangular signs are information/guidance signs. A white 'H' indicates a hospital is nearby.
Question 32: What should you do with the gear lever before starting the engine of a manual car?
- It does not matter
- Place it in reverse
- Ensure it is in neutral (Correct answer)
- Place it in third gear
Correct answer: Ensure it is in neutral
Always start a manual vehicle with the gear lever in neutral (and clutch depressed) so the car does not lurch forward when the engine starts.
Question 33: How does alcohol primarily affect a driver's ability?
- It reduces reaction time and impairs judgement (Correct answer)
- It improves concentration and alertness
- It only affects driving at high speeds
- It has no effect if only one drink is consumed
Correct answer: It reduces reaction time and impairs judgement
Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgement, reduces coordination, and distorts perception, all of which are critical for safe driving.
Question 34: What does a triangular sign showing a single curved arrow warn you about?
- A one-way road
- A U-turn is permitted
- A sharp curve in the road ahead (Correct answer)
- A roundabout ahead
Correct answer: A sharp curve in the road ahead
A curved-arrow warning sign tells you a sharp bend is ahead in the direction the arrow points. Reduce speed before the curve.
Question 35: A passenger in your vehicle notices you are showing signs of fatigue. What is the most appropriate action?
- Continue driving but let the passenger navigate to keep you alert
- The passenger should take over driving if they are licensed
- Open the windows and carry on to your destination
- Stop, rest, then allow the passenger to drive if licensed (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop, rest, then allow the passenger to drive if licensed
The safest course is to stop at a safe location first, rest briefly, and then allow a licensed and alert passenger to drive.
Question 36: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for a professional driver (e.g. taxi or bus driver) in South Africa?
- 0.08 grams per 100 millilitres
- 0.00 grams per 100 millilitres
- 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres
- 0.02 grams per 100 millilitres (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 0.02 grams per 100 millilitres
Professional drivers face a stricter limit of 0.02g per 100ml blood because they carry passengers and bear greater responsibility.
Question 37: On which side of the road do you drive in South Africa?
- Either side on a single carriageway
- The right-hand side
- The centre of the road
- The left-hand side (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The left-hand side
In South Africa you drive on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right under normal conditions.
Question 38: A painted island or chevron area marked with diagonal lines on the road should be treated how?
- As an extra driving lane
- As a parking bay
- As an area you should not drive over or stop in (Correct answer)
- As a pedestrian crossing
Correct answer: As an area you should not drive over or stop in
Chevron/painted island areas separate traffic streams. You should not drive over or stop in them; keep to the proper lane.
Question 39: What should you do if you become tired or drowsy while driving on a long trip?
- Drive faster to arrive sooner
- Open the window and continue indefinitely
- Stop at a safe place and rest (Correct answer)
- Drink more coffee and never stop
Correct answer: Stop at a safe place and rest
Fatigue slows reaction time and is a major cause of crashes. The only real cure is to stop at a safe place and rest before continuing.
Question 40: Which of the following methods will effectively and quickly sober up a person who has been drinking?
- Eating a large meal
- Drinking strong black coffee
- Exercising or going for a jog
- None of the above — only time reduces blood alcohol (Correct answer)
Correct answer: None of the above — only time reduces blood alcohol
Coffee, food, exercise and cold showers do not speed up the elimination of alcohol; only time and the liver's natural metabolism reduce BAC.
Question 41: Why does K53 require you to keep both hands on the steering wheel except when changing gear or signalling?
- To maintain full control and react quickly to hazards (Correct answer)
- To rest your arms
- To look professional
- Because the law fines one-handed driving
Correct answer: To maintain full control and react quickly to hazards
Keeping both hands on the wheel gives you maximum control and lets you respond quickly and safely to any hazard while driving.
Question 42: What does a broken (dashed) white line painted along the centre of the road allow?
- You may cross it to overtake when it is safe (Correct answer)
- No overtaking at all
- It indicates a bus lane
- It marks the edge of the road only
Correct answer: You may cross it to overtake when it is safe
A broken centre line may be crossed to overtake or turn when the road ahead is clear and it is safe to do so.
Question 43: During the K53 test, why must you do an all-round observation (including the blind spot) before pulling off?
- To save fuel
- To adjust the radio
- Because it is optional but looks good
- To check for traffic, pedestrians or cyclists the mirrors do not show (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To check for traffic, pedestrians or cyclists the mirrors do not show
Mirrors have blind spots. K53 requires a physical glance over your shoulder to make sure no cyclist, pedestrian or vehicle is hidden before you move off.
Question 44: What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on a wet road?
- Accelerate to regain grip
- Turn the wheel sharply the opposite way
- Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go
Sudden braking worsens a skid. Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the car to go to regain control.
Question 45: A green rectangular sign with white text and arrows on a freeway is what type of sign?
- A warning sign
- A prohibition sign
- A speed limit sign
- A freeway direction/guidance sign (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A freeway direction/guidance sign
Green signs with white lettering give direction and destination information on freeways. They guide you to towns, exits and routes.
Question 46: What is the legal breath alcohol limit (in milligrams per 1 000 millilitres of breath) for an ordinary driver in South Africa?
- 0.50 mg per 1 000 ml
- 0.10 mg per 1 000 ml
- 0.24 mg per 1 000 ml (Correct answer)
- 0.35 mg per 1 000 ml
Correct answer: 0.24 mg per 1 000 ml
The legal breath alcohol limit for ordinary drivers is 0.24mg per 1 000ml of breath, equivalent to the 0.05g/100ml blood limit.
Question 47: How does fatigue affect a driver's reaction time?
- It slightly improves reaction time
- It significantly slows reaction time, similar to alcohol impairment (Correct answer)
- It only affects reaction time on motorways
- It has no effect on reaction time
Correct answer: It significantly slows reaction time, similar to alcohol impairment
Research shows that driving after 17–18 hours without sleep produces impairment similar to a BAC of 0.05g/100ml.
Question 48: What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for an ordinary driver in South Africa?
- 0.10 grams per 100 millilitres
- 0.08 grams per 100 millilitres
- 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres (Correct answer)
- 0.02 grams per 100 millilitres
Correct answer: 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres
The legal BAC limit for ordinary drivers in South Africa is 0.05g per 100ml of blood.
Question 49: When driving in rain or fog, what is the correct defensive action?
- Reduce speed, increase following distance and switch on your lights (Correct answer)
- Increase speed to get through quickly
- Switch off your lights to avoid glare
- Follow closely behind another car to be guided
Correct answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance and switch on your lights
In poor visibility you should slow down, leave a bigger following gap and put your headlights on so you can see and be seen.
Question 50: What does a 'Yield' sign (an inverted triangle with a red border) require?
- Sound your hooter before entering
- Give right of way to traffic in or approaching the intersection (Correct answer)
- Stop completely every time
- Speed up to merge
Correct answer: Give right of way to traffic in or approaching the intersection
A Yield sign means you must give right of way to other traffic. You stop only if necessary to allow approaching vehicles to pass safely.
Question 51: A triangular warning sign shows two children walking. What does it warn of?
- No children allowed
- A playground that is closed
- A pedestrian-only zone
- A school or children crossing ahead (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A school or children crossing ahead
The children symbol warns that a school, pedestrian crossing or area with children is ahead. Reduce speed and be ready to stop.
Question 52: What does a continuous (solid) single white line in the centre of the road mean?
- It is only a guideline at night
- You may not cross or straddle it to overtake (Correct answer)
- It marks a parking bay
- You may overtake freely
Correct answer: You may not cross or straddle it to overtake
A solid centre line may not be crossed or straddled. You must not overtake across it because the road conditions ahead are unsafe for passing.
Question 53: What should a driver do to prevent fatigue on a long journey?
- Drive non-stop to arrive sooner and then rest
- Drive faster to reduce the time on the road
- Plan rest stops every 2 hours or 200 kilometres (Correct answer)
- Only stop when they feel very tired
Correct answer: Plan rest stops every 2 hours or 200 kilometres
Experts recommend stopping for a break every two hours or 200 kilometres to prevent fatigue from building to a dangerous level.
Question 54: You consumed alcohol the night before. You wake up early the next morning. Can you assume it is safe to drive?
- Yes, as long as more than 4 hours have passed
- No, alcohol may still be in your system and you could still be over the legal limit (Correct answer)
- Yes, sleeping always removes all alcohol from your body
- Yes, if you feel fine you are safe to drive
Correct answer: No, alcohol may still be in your system and you could still be over the legal limit
The body eliminates alcohol at roughly 0.015g/100ml per hour; depending on how much was consumed, significant alcohol can remain in your system the next morning.
Question 55: What is the minimum penalty a court may impose for a first-time conviction of drunk driving in South Africa?
- Community service only
- Suspension of driving licence for one week
- A written warning only
- A fine or imprisonment, and possible cancellation of licence (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A fine or imprisonment, and possible cancellation of licence
A conviction for DUI carries penalties including a fine and/or imprisonment of up to 6 years, and the court may cancel or suspend the offender's driving licence.
Question 56: When may you overtake another vehicle on its left in South Africa?
- Only when the vehicle ahead is turning right or in a one-way street with two lanes (Correct answer)
- Whenever the left lane is clear
- Never under any circumstances
- Only at night
Correct answer: Only when the vehicle ahead is turning right or in a one-way street with two lanes
You may pass on the left only in specific cases, such as when the vehicle ahead is signalling and turning right, or in a one-way street with more than one lane. Otherwise you overtake on the right.
Question 57: In South Africa, what shape and colour identifies a warning sign?
- Triangular with a red border (or diamond-shaped temporary) (Correct answer)
- Round and blue
- Octagonal and red
- Rectangular and green
Correct answer: Triangular with a red border (or diamond-shaped temporary)
Permanent warning signs are triangular with a red border on a white background. Temporary (roadworks) warning signs are diamond-shaped with a yellow background.
Question 58: The K53 system of driving is best described as what?
- A method only for heavy vehicles
- A points system for traffic fines
- A defensive driving system based on observation and safe vehicle control (Correct answer)
- A way to drive as fast as legally possible
Correct answer: A defensive driving system based on observation and safe vehicle control
K53 is South Africa's official defensive driving test method. It emphasises observation, anticipation and smooth, safe control of the vehicle.
Question 59: Which time of day is driver fatigue considered most dangerous?
- Mid-morning between 10:00 and 12:00
- Rush hour between 07:00 and 09:00
- Sunset only
- Early afternoon and late at night / early morning hours (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Early afternoon and late at night / early morning hours
Fatigue-related crashes peak in the early afternoon (post-lunch dip) and between midnight and 06:00, when the body's natural sleep pressure is highest.
Question 60: Why must you wear a seatbelt every time you drive?
- Only the driver needs one
- Only so you avoid a fine
- It restrains you in a crash and greatly reduces injury (Correct answer)
- It is optional in the city
Correct answer: It restrains you in a crash and greatly reduces injury
Seatbelts hold you in place in a collision, preventing you from being thrown forward or out of the vehicle. By law all occupants must be belted.
Question 61: When a traffic signal (robot) shows a steady red, what must you do?
- Turn left without stopping
- Slow down and proceed with care
- Stop only if pedestrians are crossing
- Stop behind the line and wait for green (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop behind the line and wait for green
A steady red robot means stop behind the stop line and remain stopped until the signal turns green. You may not proceed on red.
Question 62: What is the safest following distance to keep behind the vehicle in front in good conditions?
- One metre
- At least a two-second gap (Correct answer)
- Half a car length
- As close as possible to save space
Correct answer: At least a two-second gap
The two-second rule gives you time to react and stop. Pick a fixed point; if you reach it less than two seconds after the car ahead, you are too close. Increase it in poor conditions.
Question 63: A regulatory sign reads 'R310' on a triangular plate with a red border and shows a speed in a red circle. What kind of sign sets the maximum speed?
- A green rectangular direction sign
- A blue rectangular guidance sign
- A red-bordered circular sign with a number (Correct answer)
- A yellow diamond warning sign
Correct answer: A red-bordered circular sign with a number
Maximum speed limits are shown on a circular sign with a red border and a black number. For example, a '60' in a red circle means 60 km/h is the limit.
Question 64: A round road sign with a red border and a red diagonal line through a symbol means what under the K53 system?
- The action shown is prohibited (Correct answer)
- The action shown is recommended
- It is a warning of a hazard ahead
- You must perform the action shown
Correct answer: The action shown is prohibited
Prohibition signs are round with a red border and red diagonal line. They forbid the action depicted, such as 'No Entry' or 'No U-turn'.
Question 65: What is the general speed limit on a freeway in South Africa unless otherwise posted?
- 100 km/h
- 120 km/h (Correct answer)
- 140 km/h
- 110 km/h
Correct answer: 120 km/h
The general maximum speed on a freeway is 120 km/h unless road signs indicate a lower limit.
Question 66: A blue circular sign with a white 'P' indicates what?
- Parking is prohibited here
- Parking is reserved or permitted here (Correct answer)
- Police checkpoint ahead
- Pedestrian crossing ahead
Correct answer: Parking is reserved or permitted here
A blue sign with a white 'P' is a reservation/parking command sign indicating that parking is permitted or reserved at that location.
Question 67: Driving under the influence of alcohol in South Africa is classified as:
- Only an offence if an accident occurs
- A minor traffic infringement
- A criminal offence (Correct answer)
- A civil matter between the driver and insurer
Correct answer: A criminal offence
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act and can result in criminal prosecution.
Question 68: What is the defensive way to approach a green robot you are nearing?
- Stop even though it is green
- Speed up to get through
- Close your eyes and trust other drivers
- Stay alert and be ready to stop in case it changes or another driver jumps the light (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stay alert and be ready to stop in case it changes or another driver jumps the light
Defensive driving means never assuming. Approach a green robot ready to stop, scanning for red-light runners and pedestrians before you cross.
K53 Learner's Licence Test (South Africa)
The K53 Learner's Licence Test is the official South African theory exam required before obtaining a driver's licence, covering road rules and regulations, road signs identification, and vehicle controls. Candidates must pass each section independently with a minimum of 77% to receive their learner's licence.
Exam Rules
- You can skip questions and return to them later
- Flag questions for review before submitting
- No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
- Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
- 10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
- Timer auto-submits when time runs out
- Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds