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    K53 practice test

    Take a mock test as long as the real learner's licence test, or practise one section at a time: road signs, the rules of the road and the controls of a vehicle. Every answer comes with the rule behind it.

    Updated

    K53 practice test

    Your answers stay on this device. We don't send them or save them, so they're gone when you close or reload the page.

    These are our own practice questions, written from the official rules, not questions from the real test. Each test draws them in a new order.

    Mock test

    64 questions, like the real test: 28 on road signs, 28 on the rules of the road and 8 on the controls of a vehicle. You see your marks at the end, against the real pass mark for each section.

    Practise with answers

    One question at a time. After each one you see the right answer, why it is right and the rule it comes from.

    See every question and its answer
    A 60 km/h speed limit sign beside a winding road in Margate, KwaZulu-Natal

    How the learner’s licence test works

    The learner’s licence test has three sections, and you must reach the pass mark in each one:

    Section Pass mark
    Rules of the road 22 of 28
    Road traffic signs 23 of 28
    Controls of the vehicle 6 of 8

    Many testing centres run the test on a computer, with questions drawn at random from a large question bank. Saldanha Bay Municipality says the computer test keeps the same format and pass marks. Ask your testing centre how it runs the test.

    The real test questions are confidential: the rules for testing centres say the test material must be kept locked away and seen only by examiners. Nobody can lawfully sell you the real questions or a pass, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) warns learners not to pay officials to help them pass.

    How this practice test works

    Choose a mock test or a practice set. Each one draws the questions in a new order, and shows the options in a new order too.

    • Mock test. As many questions as the real test in each section: 28 on road signs, 28 on the rules of the road and 8 on the controls of a vehicle, drawn at random from our questions. You can go back and change an answer. When you mark the test, you see your marks against the real pass mark for each section, and every question you got wrong with its answer. A question you skip counts as wrong.
    • Practice set. One section at a time, or a short mix of all three. After each question you see the right answer, why it is right, and the rule it comes from. Your score shows the pass mark of the real test, worked out for the number of questions and rounded up, so it is never easier than the real one.

    At the end of either, you can practise just the questions you got wrong.

    The answers come from the National Road Traffic Act and its regulations, the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual, the K53 driving test for light motor vehicles, and the Department of Transport’s learner driver manual.

    All the questions and answers

    Every practice question is listed here by section. Open a section, try each question, then select Show the answer.

    Road signs, markings and signals (37 questions)

    1. 1. What must you do at this sign?

      STOP
      • Slow down, and stop only if other traffic is coming
      • Stop behind the stop line, or in line with the sign if there is no line, and go only when it is safe
      • Stop only if a traffic officer is there
      Show the answer

      Stop behind the stop line, or in line with the sign if there is no line, and go only when it is safe

      A STOP sign means a full stop every time. Stop with the front of your vehicle behind the stop line. If there is no line, or you can't see it, stop in line with the sign.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.2.1.

    2. 2. You want to turn left at this sign. What must you do?

      STOP
      • Turn without slowing down: the sign gives you right of way
      • Stop at the line as for a STOP sign, even when the road is clear
      • Give way to vehicles and pedestrians from your right on the road you are joining
      Show the answer

      Give way to vehicles and pedestrians from your right on the road you are joining

      This is a STOP sign with a YIELD sign for traffic turning left. Turning left, you give way to vehicles and pedestrians from your right on the road you join, when they are close enough to be a danger. Going straight on or turning right, you stop as for a STOP sign.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.2.1.

    3. 3. You stop at this sign. Two other vehicles stopped at the junction before you. When may you go?

      STOP4-WAY
      • Once those vehicles have moved off, and it is safe
      • Straight away, if you are on the wider road
      • As soon as the vehicle on your right has gone
      Show the answer

      Once those vehicles have moved off, and it is safe

      At a 3-way or 4-way stop every vehicle stops, and the vehicle that stopped first moves off first. Wait until the vehicles that stopped before you have moved off, then go when it is safe.

      Rule: Department of Transport learner driver manual, road traffic signs, and SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.2.1.

    4. 4. What does this sign tell you to do?

      • Stop at the line every time, even when the road is clear
      • Carry on: traffic on the road you join must give way to you
      • Give way to traffic on the road you are joining, if it is close enough to be a danger
      Show the answer

      Give way to traffic on the road you are joining, if it is close enough to be a danger

      You don't have to stop if the road is clear, but you must give way to traffic on the road you join that is close enough to be a danger. At a railway crossing, the same applies to trains.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.2.2.

    5. 5. What does this sign mean?

      • No stopping on this road
      • No vehicle may enter the road past this sign
      • One-way road: you may enter in this direction
      Show the answer

      No vehicle may enter the road past this sign

      The NO ENTRY sign bans every vehicle from entering. It is used to stop drivers going into a road the wrong way, for example at the end of a one-way road.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.2.5.

    6. 6. What does this sign mean?

      60
      • You may not drive faster than 60 km/h beyond this sign
      • You must drive at 60 km/h or faster
      • 60 km/h is a suggested speed for the bend ahead
      Show the answer

      You may not drive faster than 60 km/h beyond this sign

      A white round sign with a red border and a number is a speed limit: you may not drive faster than that number beyond the sign. A new speed limit sign replaces it.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.4.1.

    7. 7. What does this blue sign mean?

      50
      • You may not drive faster than 50 km/h
      • Vehicles slower than 50 km/h have right of way
      • You must keep to at least 50 km/h
      Show the answer

      You must keep to at least 50 km/h

      A blue round sign with a white number is a minimum speed: you must drive at that speed or faster. It keeps slow vehicles from holding up traffic.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.3.1.

    8. 8. How far beyond this sign does the ban on overtaking apply?

      • Up to the next junction
      • 500 metres
      • 1 kilometre
      Show the answer

      500 metres

      The ban applies for 500 metres beyond the sign. Where it must last longer, the sign is repeated every 500 metres.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.4.12.

    9. 9. What does this traffic light tell you to do?

      • Slow down, and go if no traffic is coming
      • Stop, then turn left if the road is clear
      • Stop behind the stop line and wait until the light is green and it is safe to go
      Show the answer

      Stop behind the stop line and wait until the light is green and it is safe to go

      On a steady red light you stop behind the stop line and stay there until a green light shows and it is safe to go.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 6.2.7.

    10. 10. The light changes to this as you come to the junction. What must you do?

      • Stop behind the stop line, unless you are so close that you can't stop safely
      • Speed up to get through before it turns red
      • Carry on: yellow means the same as green
      Show the answer

      Stop behind the stop line, unless you are so close that you can't stop safely

      A steady yellow light means stop behind the stop line. Only if you are so close to the line that you can't stop safely may you go on, with caution.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 6.2.8.

    11. 11. What does this traffic light mean?

      • Go: you have right of way over everyone in the junction
      • You may go if it is safe, but give way to vehicles and pedestrians already lawfully in the junction
      • Stop first, then go if the junction is clear
      Show the answer

      You may go if it is safe, but give way to vehicles and pedestrians already lawfully in the junction

      A steady green light lets you go straight on or turn, unless a sign or another light says otherwise. You still give way to vehicles and pedestrians that are lawfully in the junction.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 6.2.9.

    12. 12. At a junction, the traffic lights flash red on every approach. What do you do?

      • Drive through: the lights aren't working
      • Wait until the lights work normally again
      • Treat the junction as a 3-way or 4-way stop, and give way to pedestrians crossing your path
      Show the answer

      Treat the junction as a 3-way or 4-way stop, and give way to pedestrians crossing your path

      Flashing red on every approach means the signal isn't working normally. Stop, then go in turn as at a 3-way or 4-way stop, and give way to pedestrians crossing your path. When the lights are off, the junction works the same way.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 6.2.13.

    13. 13. What does this sign tell you?

      • The road is one-way: you may only drive on it in the direction of the arrow
      • Turn left at the next junction
      • The road to the left is closed
      Show the answer

      The road is one-way: you may only drive on it in the direction of the arrow

      This ONE-WAY ROADWAY sign means that traffic on the road may only move in the direction of the arrow. If you drive into that road, you must go the way the arrow points.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.2.6.

    14. 14. The road ahead narrows to one lane. What does this sign tell you to do?

      • Go first: oncoming traffic must wait for you
      • Give way to oncoming traffic that is too close for you to pass the narrow part safely
      • Stop, and wait until a traffic officer waves you on
      Show the answer

      Give way to oncoming traffic that is too close for you to pass the narrow part safely

      This YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC sign is used where the road is wide enough for one direction at a time, such as a narrow bridge. Give way to oncoming traffic when it is so close that you couldn't pass the narrow part without endangering it or making it stop.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.2.8.

    15. 15. This sign stands on a traffic island in the road. What must you do?

      • Turn left at the next junction
      • Pass the island on its left-hand side
      • Keep to the left lane until the next sign
      Show the answer

      Pass the island on its left-hand side

      A blue round sign with a white arrow pointing down to the left is a KEEP LEFT sign. Pass the obstacle it stands on, such as a traffic island, on its left-hand side.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.3.3.

    16. 16. You see this sign before a junction. What does it tell you?

      • You may turn left if you want to
      • No left turn at the junction ahead
      • You must turn left at the junction ahead
      Show the answer

      You must turn left at the junction ahead

      A blue round sign with a white symbol is a command: you must do what it shows. This TURN LEFT sign means traffic on your road may only turn left at the junction ahead.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.3.5.

    17. 17. What does this sign mean?

      • You may not turn right here
      • One-way road to the right
      • Turn right only after you have stopped
      Show the answer

      You may not turn right here

      A white round sign with a red border is a prohibition. A black arrow with a red bar across it means you may not turn the way the arrow points: here, no turning right.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.4.10.

    18. 18. What does this sign mean?

      • The road bends sharply ahead
      • Turn back: the road ahead is closed
      • You may not turn your vehicle to face the opposite direction
      Show the answer

      You may not turn your vehicle to face the opposite direction

      The NO U-TURN sign means you may not turn your vehicle around to face the other way: not on the road, not at the junction, and not through an opening in a median island.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.4.11.

    19. 19. Which of these may you do at this sign?

      P
      • Leave your car there while you go into a shop
      • Stop briefly to let a passenger get out
      • Park there at night only
      Show the answer

      Stop briefly to let a passenger get out

      This NO PARKING sign means you may not park there at any time. To park is to keep a vehicle standing still for longer than it takes to load or unload people or goods, so stopping briefly to let someone out is allowed, where it is safe and no other rule stops you.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.4.13, and the meaning of park in the National Road Traffic Act, section 1.

    20. 20. What does this sign mean?

      S
      • You may stop only to pick up or drop off passengers
      • Stop here, then go on when it is safe
      • You may not stop your vehicle here at any time
      Show the answer

      You may not stop your vehicle here at any time

      The NO STOPPING sign means you may not stop there at all, not even to pick up or drop off passengers. You may stop only to obey a traffic signal or a traffic officer, or to avoid a crash.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 2.4.14.

    21. 21. What does this sign warn you of?

      • A danger ahead that no other warning sign shows, such as a fallen tree
      • A police roadblock ahead
      • The end of all restrictions
      Show the answer

      A danger ahead that no other warning sign shows, such as a fallen tree

      The GENERAL WARNING sign warns of a hazard ahead that no other sign covers. It is mostly used for short-term dangers, usually with a plate below that says what the danger is, such as an accident or potholes.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.4.32.

    22. 22. A warning sign has the usual red border and black symbol, but a yellow background instead of a white one. What does that tell you?

      • The warning applies only at night
      • It warns of a temporary situation, such as roadworks
      • It is an old sign that no longer applies
      Show the answer

      It warns of a temporary situation, such as roadworks

      Permanent warning signs have a black symbol on a white background inside a red border. Temporary warning signs, used at roadworks and other temporary situations, have a yellow background instead.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.1.5.

    23. 23. What does this sign warn you of?

      • A traffic circle ahead
      • A crossroad ahead
      • A one-way road ahead
      Show the answer

      A crossroad ahead

      A red triangle pointing up is a warning sign. This one warns of a crossroad ahead, where another road crosses yours. Slow down and watch for traffic from the sides.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.2.1.

    24. 24. What does this sign warn you of?

      • A side road joins from the right
      • The road ahead is closed to all traffic
      • Your road ends at a junction ahead, where you must turn left or right
      Show the answer

      Your road ends at a junction ahead, where you must turn left or right

      This sign warns of a T-junction ahead: the road you are on ends, and you have to turn sharply to the left or to the right.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.2.2.

    25. 25. This sign warns of a traffic circle ahead. Which way does traffic move around it?

      • Clockwise, with the circle on your right
      • Anticlockwise, with the circle on your left
      • Either way, whichever is shorter
      Show the answer

      Clockwise, with the circle on your right

      The TRAFFIC CIRCLE warning sign warns that traffic at the junction ahead moves clockwise around a mini circle or roundabout. When you enter, give way to traffic coming from your right in the circle.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.3.1, and National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 301.

    26. 26. What does this sign warn you of?

      • Turn right at the next junction
      • A sharp curve to the right ahead
      • A side road on the right
      Show the answer

      A sharp curve to the right ahead

      This SHARP CURVE sign warns of a sharp bend to the right ahead, one you can take comfortably only if you slow down a lot. A plate below the sign may show a safe speed.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.3.3.

    27. 27. You are on a one-way road and see this sign. What does it warn you of?

      • Traffic ahead comes from both directions
      • The road ahead has two lanes in your direction
      • You may overtake on either side
      Show the answer

      Traffic ahead comes from both directions

      The TWO-WAY TRAFFIC sign warns that the road ahead carries traffic in both directions, for example where a dual roadway ends. Keep left and expect oncoming traffic.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.3.7.

    28. 28. What does this sign warn you of?

      • A railway crossing ahead
      • The traffic lights ahead are out of order
      • Traffic lights ahead
      Show the answer

      Traffic lights ahead

      This sign warns of traffic signals ahead. It is used, for example, before new or isolated traffic lights, or where you can't see the lights from far enough away.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.4.1.

    29. 29. What does this sign tell you?

      STOP
      • There is a STOP sign ahead: be ready to stop
      • Stop here, then go when it is safe
      • A police checkpoint ahead
      Show the answer

      There is a STOP sign ahead: be ready to stop

      This warning sign tells you there is a STOP sign ahead, often where a bend or plants make the STOP sign hard to see. It doesn't replace the STOP sign: you stop at the STOP sign itself.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.4.2.

    30. 30. What does this sign warn you of?

      • A steep hill ahead
      • Speed humps ahead: slow down
      • A gravel road ahead
      Show the answer

      Speed humps ahead: slow down

      This sign warns of speed humps on the road ahead, which you need to slow down for. A plate below the sign may show the distance or a recommended speed.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.4.26.

    31. 31. What does this sign warn you of?

      • A narrow bridge ahead
      • Two lanes join into one from the left
      • The road ahead narrows from both sides
      Show the answer

      The road ahead narrows from both sides

      This sign warns that the road ahead narrows from both sides and stays narrower for some distance. Slow down and watch for oncoming traffic.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 3.4.23.

    32. 32. The green arrow on this traffic light is flashing. What does it mean?

      • You may turn right, and traffic that would cross your path faces a red light
      • Turn right only after you have stopped
      • The light is about to turn red: don't turn
      Show the answer

      You may turn right, and traffic that would cross your path faces a red light

      A flashing green arrow means you may go in the direction of the arrow and your movement is unopposed: other traffic that would cross your path faces red lights.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 6.2.11.

    33. 33. This light shows above your lane. What does it mean?

      • Stop: the road ahead is closed to all traffic
      • Don't drive in this lane: it is open to traffic from the other direction
      • Slow down: there is an accident ahead
      Show the answer

      Don't drive in this lane: it is open to traffic from the other direction

      A steady red cross above a lane means you may not drive in that lane, because it is open to traffic travelling the other way. A green arrow pointing down means you may drive in the lane.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 6.5.1.

    34. 34. On a two-way road, a solid white line runs along the middle, like this. What does it mean?

      • You may cross it to overtake if the road ahead is clear
      • It only marks the middle of the road
      • Don't cross it or drive to the right of it, except to reach property on the other side or to pass something standing still in the road, when it is safe
      Show the answer

      Don't cross it or drive to the right of it, except to reach property on the other side or to pass something standing still in the road, when it is safe

      A solid white line between traffic going in opposite directions is a NO OVERTAKING LINE. Don't cross it or drive on its right-hand side. You may cross it only to get to or from property on the other side, or to pass a stationary obstruction, and only when it is safe.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 7.2.5.

    35. 35. What does the solid yellow line along the left edge of the road mean?

      • It marks the left edge of the roadway: don't drive to the left of it, except where the rules allow you to use the shoulder
      • You may park to the left of it at any time
      • It marks a lane for buses and taxis
      Show the answer

      It marks the left edge of the roadway: don't drive to the left of it, except where the rules allow you to use the shoulder

      A solid yellow line marks the left edge of the roadway, and you may not drive on the shoulder to its left unless a traffic officer directs you to. The one other exception: between sunrise and sunset, on a road with one lane in each direction, you may move onto the shoulder to let a vehicle overtake you, if it is safe and you can clearly see people and vehicles 150 metres away.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 298A, and SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 7.2.8.

    36. 36. What does a solid red line along the side of the road mean?

      • You may park next to it for a short time
      • You may not stop next to it
      • It marks a cycle lane
      Show the answer

      You may not stop next to it

      A solid red NO STOPPING LINE means you may not stop next to it at any time. A broken red line means no stopping during the times shown on a sign nearby.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 7.2.16.

    37. 37. The STOP sign at a junction has fallen down, but this solid white line is still painted across your side of the road. What must you do?

      • Nothing: without the sign the line has no meaning
      • Slow down, and stop only if traffic is coming
      • Stop behind the line, as you would at a STOP sign
      Show the answer

      Stop behind the line, as you would at a STOP sign

      A STOP LINE has the same meaning as a STOP sign. If the sign has fallen down, or a traffic light isn't working, the line still means you must stop behind it.

      Rule: SA Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1, section 7.2.1.

    Rules of the road (37 questions)

    1. 1. You drive a car on a public road in a town or city. It isn't a freeway, and no sign shows a speed limit. What is the limit?

      • 40 km/h
      • 60 km/h
      • 80 km/h
      Show the answer

      60 km/h

      The general speed limit on a public road in an urban area is 60 km/h. A speed limit sign can set a different limit.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 292.

    2. 2. You drive a car on a public road outside a town. It isn't a freeway, and no sign shows a speed limit. What is the limit?

      • 80 km/h
      • 120 km/h
      • 100 km/h
      Show the answer

      100 km/h

      The general speed limit outside an urban area is 100 km/h, and on a freeway it is 120 km/h. A speed limit sign can set a lower limit.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 292.

    3. 3. You have a learner's licence for a car. Who must be with you when you drive?

      • A person with a driving licence for that vehicle, sitting next to you
      • Any adult, sitting anywhere in the car
      • Another learner who has passed the learner's test
      Show the answer

      A person with a driving licence for that vehicle, sitting next to you

      A learner driver must be supervised by someone who holds a driving licence, not a learner's licence, for that class of vehicle. The supervisor sits next to the learner, or directly behind if there is no seat next to them. A learner on a motorcycle may not carry a passenger.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 99.

    4. 4. When may you use a cellphone while you drive?

      • When the road is quiet, holding it in one hand
      • Never, not even hands-free
      • Only hands-free: the phone is fixed in the vehicle or used with an earpiece, and you don't hold it
      Show the answer

      Only hands-free: the phone is fixed in the vehicle or used with an earpiece, and you don't hold it

      You may not hold a phone or other communication device while you drive, in your hand or with any other part of your body. You may use one only if it is fixed to the vehicle, or worn as a headset or earpiece, so that you don't hold it.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 308A.

    5. 5. For a driver who isn't a professional driver, what is the legal limit for alcohol in the blood?

      • Less than 0.08 grams per 100 millilitres
      • Less than 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres
      • Less than 0.5 grams per 100 millilitres
      Show the answer

      Less than 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres

      Alcohol in your blood must be less than 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres, and less than 0.02 grams for a professional driver. In a breath test the limits are 0.24 and 0.10 milligrams per 1 000 millilitres of breath. Being under the limit doesn't make it safe: driving under the influence of alcohol is an offence too.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Act, section 65.

    6. 6. When must your headlamps be on?

      • From sunset to sunrise, and whenever you can't clearly see people and vehicles 150 metres away
      • Only on a freeway at night
      • Only when it rains
      Show the answer

      From sunset to sunrise, and whenever you can't clearly see people and vehicles 150 metres away

      Headlamps, rear lamps and number plate lamps must be on from sunset to sunrise, and at any other time when poor light or bad weather means people and vehicles aren't clearly visible at 150 metres. Dip your main beam when it could dazzle oncoming traffic.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 157.

    7. 7. You come to a traffic circle, and no sign tells you what to do. Who has right of way?

      • You do, because you are entering the circle
      • Traffic coming from your left
      • Traffic in the circle coming from your right
      Show the answer

      Traffic in the circle coming from your right

      When you enter a traffic circle, you give way to all traffic coming from your right in the circle, unless a sign or a traffic officer tells you to do something else.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 301.

    8. 8. A pedestrian is crossing on your half of the road at a pedestrian crossing with no traffic lights. What do you do?

      • Hoot so that they know you are coming, and carry on
      • Slow down or stop, and let them cross
      • Drive around them on the other half of the road
      Show the answer

      Slow down or stop, and let them cross

      Give way to a pedestrian on your half of the road at a crossing, or one coming so close from the other half that they would be in danger. When another vehicle has stopped at a crossing to let people cross, don't pass it.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 315.

    9. 9. In a town, how close to an intersection may you park on the road, if no sign allows it?

      • No closer than 5 metres
      • No closer than 1 metre
      • As close as you like, if your hazard lights are on
      Show the answer

      No closer than 5 metres

      In an urban area you may not park on the road within 5 metres of an intersection, or within 9 metres before a pedestrian crossing, unless a sign allows it.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 305.

    10. 10. In good conditions, how far behind the vehicle in front should you keep?

      • One car length
      • 1 second
      • At least 2 seconds
      Show the answer

      At least 2 seconds

      The K53 driving test expects at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front, and more in rain, on a slippery road, in poor visibility or when someone follows you too closely. The law also says you may not follow more closely than is reasonable and safe.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles, and National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 308.

    11. 11. A child under 3 years old travels in your car. Where must the child sit?

      • On an adult's lap in the back seat
      • In an appropriate child restraint, such as a car seat
      • Anywhere, if you drive slowly
      Show the answer

      In an appropriate child restraint, such as a car seat

      The driver must make sure that an infant, a child under 3, sits in an appropriate child restraint. The rule doesn't apply to a minibus, midibus or bus carrying passengers for reward.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 213.

    12. 12. An ambulance with its siren on comes up behind you. What must you do?

      • Give it right of way immediately, and move out of its way when it is safe
      • Keep going: it must wait until it can pass you safely
      • Speed up so that you stay ahead of it
      Show the answer

      Give it right of way immediately, and move out of its way when it is safe

      You must give an emergency vehicle that sounds its siren or shows its warning lights an immediate and absolute right of way.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 308.

    13. 13. You drive a car on a freeway, and no sign shows a speed limit. What is the limit?

      • 100 km/h
      • 120 km/h
      • 140 km/h
      Show the answer

      120 km/h

      The general speed limit on a freeway is 120 km/h. A speed limit sign can set a lower limit.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 292.

    14. 14. What is the speed limit for a goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of more than 9 000 kilograms?

      • 80 km/h
      • 100 km/h
      • 120 km/h on a freeway
      Show the answer

      80 km/h

      A goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of more than 9 000 kilograms may not go faster than 80 km/h, even where the general limit is higher. A lower limit on a sign still applies.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 293.

    15. 15. On a two-way road, where must you drive?

      • In the middle, so that you can see ahead
      • On the left side of the road
      • On either side, if the road is clear
      Show the answer

      On the left side of the road

      Drive on the left side of the road. Where the road is wide enough, don't move onto the right half, except for as short a time as needed, when it is safe and no sign forbids it, for example to pass.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 296.

    16. 16. When may you pass another vehicle on its left side?

      • Whenever there is space on the shoulder
      • Never
      • When it is turning right, or has signalled that it will turn right, and you can pass safely
      Show the answer

      When it is turning right, or has signalled that it will turn right, and you can pass safely

      Normally you pass on the right. You may pass on the left, only if it is safe, when the vehicle ahead is turning right or has signalled that it will, on some multi-lane roads, or when a traffic officer directs you to. Unless a traffic officer directs you, don't pass on the shoulder or the verge.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 298(1).

    17. 17. On a two-way road, you come to the top of a rise and can't see far ahead. May you overtake?

      • No, not if you would have to move onto the right-hand side of the road
      • Yes, if you hoot first
      • Yes, if you do it quickly
      Show the answer

      No, not if you would have to move onto the right-hand side of the road

      Don't overtake when you come to the top of a rise, a curve or any other place where you can't see far enough ahead, unless you can do it without moving onto the right-hand side of the road, or the road is one-way.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 298(2).

    18. 18. A vehicle behind you starts to overtake. What must you do?

      • Speed up so that it can't cut in
      • Move to the middle of the road
      • Keep as far left as you safely can, and don't speed up until it has passed
      Show the answer

      Keep as far left as you safely can, and don't speed up until it has passed

      When another vehicle wants to pass you, move as near to the left edge of the road as you safely can, and don't speed up until it has passed.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 298(3).

    19. 19. When may you drive on the shoulder of the road?

      • Between sunrise and sunset, on a road with one lane in each direction, to let a vehicle overtake you, if it is safe and you can see clearly for at least 150 metres
      • Whenever you drive slower than other traffic
      • At night, so that oncoming headlamps don't dazzle you
      Show the answer

      Between sunrise and sunset, on a road with one lane in each direction, to let a vehicle overtake you, if it is safe and you can see clearly for at least 150 metres

      Driving on the shoulder isn't allowed unless a traffic officer directs you to, with one other exception: between sunrise and sunset, on a road with one lane in each direction, you may move onto the shoulder while a vehicle overtakes you, if you can do it without danger and can clearly see people and vehicles 150 metres away.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 298A.

    20. 20. When must you give a signal?

      • Only when you turn at a junction
      • Before you stop, slow down suddenly, turn, or move left or right on the road
      • Only when another vehicle is close behind you
      Show the answer

      Before you stop, slow down suddenly, turn, or move left or right on the road

      Give a clear signal, long enough to warn others, before you stop, suddenly slow down, turn, or move to the left or right on the road, so that people in front of you, behind you and beside you know what you will do.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 300.

    21. 21. On a two-way road, where should your vehicle be when you are about to turn right?

      • As close as you can to the left edge of the road
      • On the right half of the road
      • Just to the left of the middle of the road
      Show the answer

      Just to the left of the middle of the road

      Signal, then move as near as you can to the left of the middle of the road. Don't cut onto the right half of the road you leave or the road you enter, except in the junction itself, and turn only when you won't obstruct or endanger other traffic.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 302(2).

    22. 22. Unless you have to, where may you not stop on the road?

      • On a bridge, or within 6 metres of it
      • On the left side of a quiet street
      • In a marked parking bay
      Show the answer

      On a bridge, or within 6 metres of it

      You may not stop on the road on a bridge, in a tunnel or within 6 metres of either, unless you must, for example to avoid a crash, or a sign or a traffic officer tells you to. Other such places include the 9 metres before a pedestrian crossing and the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 304.

    23. 23. On the same side of the road, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?

      • As close as you like, if you stay in the car
      • No closer than 1.5 metres on either side of it
      • No closer than 50 centimetres
      Show the answer

      No closer than 1.5 metres on either side of it

      Don't park within 1.5 metres on either side of a fire hydrant on your side of the road, when the hydrant is clearly visible or marked by a sign.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 305(1).

    24. 24. Outside a town or city, where may you park your vehicle?

      • On the roadway, if your hazard lights are on
      • Anywhere on the left side of the roadway
      • Off the roadway, at least 1 metre from its edge, or in a marked parking place
      Show the answer

      Off the roadway, at least 1 metre from its edge, or in a marked parking place

      Outside an urban area, don't park on the roadway, or with any part of your vehicle within 1 metre of its edge, except in a parking place marked by a sign.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 305(3).

    25. 25. You get out and leave your vehicle on the road. What must you do first?

      • Set the parking brake and switch off the engine
      • Leave the engine running if you will be back soon
      • Put on the hazard lights, and nothing else
      Show the answer

      Set the parking brake and switch off the engine

      Don't leave a vehicle unattended on the road without setting its brake, or doing something else that stops it from moving. And don't leave the engine running while the vehicle stands unattended.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 308(1).

    26. 26. May the engine run while fuel is put into the tank?

      • Yes, if you stay in the car
      • No: switch it off, and start it only once the tank is closed
      • Yes, at night, so that the lights stay on
      Show the answer

      No: switch it off, and start it only once the tank is closed

      The engine may not run while petrol or another flammable fuel is put into the tank. Start it only once the fuel has been delivered and the tank cover is back on.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 308(1).

    27. 27. When may you use your hooter?

      • To greet someone you know
      • To tell slow traffic to hurry up
      • Only when the regulations require it, or for safety
      Show the answer

      Only when the regulations require it, or for safety

      Use the hooter only when you need to, to obey the regulations or for safety reasons.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 310A.

    28. 28. In a car on a public road, which adults must wear a seatbelt?

      • Every adult in a seat that has a seatbelt
      • Only the driver
      • Only the people in the front seats
      Show the answer

      Every adult in a seat that has a seatbelt

      Every adult in a seat fitted with a seatbelt must wear it. The only exception is while the vehicle reverses or moves in or out of a parking bay. For this rule an adult is a person older than 14 or taller than 1.5 metres.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 213.

    29. 29. Your vehicle has broken down on the roadway, and you put out a warning triangle. Where must it go?

      • Right behind the vehicle, so that it is easy to see
      • At least 45 metres behind the vehicle, facing approaching traffic
      • In front of the vehicle, facing it
      Show the answer

      At least 45 metres behind the vehicle, facing approaching traffic

      Place the warning triangle at least 45 metres from the vehicle, in the direction traffic comes from, about as far from the edge of the road as the middle of your vehicle is, with its reflective side facing the approaching traffic.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 214.

    30. 30. Someone was injured in a crash you were involved in, and no police or traffic officer came to the scene. By when must you report the crash?

      • Within 7 days
      • Only if your vehicle was damaged
      • As soon as you reasonably can, and within 24 hours
      Show the answer

      As soon as you reasonably can, and within 24 hours

      After a crash you must stop straight away, find out whether anyone is hurt, help the injured as far as you can, and give your details to anyone with good reason to ask. If you didn't report it to a police or traffic officer at the scene, report it at a police station or traffic office as soon as you reasonably can, and within 24 hours when someone was injured or killed. Take your driving licence with you.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Act, section 61.

    31. 31. Someone was injured in a crash. When may a vehicle involved in it be moved?

      • Straight away, so that traffic can pass
      • When a traffic officer allows it, or, if the crash blocks the road completely, after its position has been marked on the road
      • Only after the insurance company has seen it
      Show the answer

      When a traffic officer allows it, or, if the crash blocks the road completely, after its position has been marked on the road

      When someone is killed or injured in a crash, a vehicle involved may only be moved once a traffic officer allows it. If the crash blocks the road completely, the vehicle may be moved just far enough to let traffic pass, after its position has been clearly marked on the road.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Act, section 61.

    32. 32. Where must your learner's licence or driving licence be when you drive?

      • At home, in a safe place
      • With you in the vehicle
      • At the driving licence testing centre
      Show the answer

      With you in the vehicle

      You may drive a motor vehicle on a public road only with a licence for it, and you must keep the licence with you in the vehicle.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Act, section 12.

    33. 33. You tow another vehicle with a tow rope. What is the longest the rope may be between the two vehicles?

      • 3.5 metres
      • 5 metres
      • 10 metres
      Show the answer

      3.5 metres

      The rope, chain or tow bar between the two vehicles may not be longer than 3.5 metres. With a rope or chain, rather than a tow bar, you may not go faster than 30 km/h.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 330.

    34. 34. A traffic officer in uniform signals you to stop. What must you do?

      • Slow down and drive past carefully
      • Stop
      • Stop only if the traffic light is red
      Show the answer

      Stop

      You must stop when a road traffic sign or a traffic officer in uniform tells you to. You must also stop when a person leading or driving animals on the road asks or signals you to.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 307.

    35. 35. May you drive with only your parking lamps on?

      • Yes, in town
      • Yes, in light rain
      • No, not while the vehicle is moving
      Show the answer

      No, not while the vehicle is moving

      You may not drive a vehicle that has only its parking lamps on while it is moving. When you need lights, use your headlamps.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 165.

    36. 36. How far may you reverse on a public road?

      • Only when it is safe, and no further than you need to
      • Up to 100 metres
      • As far as you like on a quiet road
      Show the answer

      Only when it is safe, and no further than you need to

      Reverse only when it is safe, and no further or longer than you need to for the safety or reasonable convenience of the people in your vehicle or of other traffic.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 308(1).

    37. 37. A driver holds their right arm straight out to the side, level with the road, palm to the front. What does this hand signal mean?

      • The driver will slow down
      • The driver will turn left
      • The driver will turn or move to the right
      Show the answer

      The driver will turn or move to the right

      To signal a turn or move to the right by hand, hold your right arm straight out sideways from the shoulder, level with the road, with the palm turned to the front.

      Rule: National Road Traffic Regulations, regulation 325.

    Controls of the vehicle (13 questions)

    1. 1. You drive a car with a manual gearbox and want to stop in normal traffic. Which pedal do you press first?

      • The clutch
      • The brake
      • Both at the same time
      Show the answer

      The brake

      Press the brake first, and press the clutch in just before the vehicle stops, so that the engine doesn't stall or labour. Pressing the clutch in too early lets the vehicle coast. In stop-start traffic or on a slope, this order isn't required.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: use of the clutch, and stopping in traffic.

    2. 2. When may your foot rest on the clutch pedal while the engine runs?

      • Whenever you drive in town
      • Always, so that you are ready to change gear
      • Only in stop-start traffic
      Show the answer

      Only in stop-start traffic

      Take your foot off the clutch pedal except to change gear, stop or move off. Resting it there, called riding the clutch, wears the clutch, and the K53 test allows it only in stop-start traffic.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: use of the clutch.

    3. 3. Where should your hands be on the steering wheel?

      • At ten-to-two or quarter-to-three, with your thumbs along the rim
      • Both at the top of the wheel, close together
      • One hand at the bottom of the wheel
      Show the answer

      At ten-to-two or quarter-to-three, with your thumbs along the rim

      Hold the steering wheel in a ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position, with the palms of your hands and your thumbs on the rim.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: steering.

    4. 4. When may you take a hand off the steering wheel while you drive?

      • Whenever the road is straight
      • To change gear, signal or work another control, keeping the other hand on the wheel
      • Never: both hands must stay on the wheel
      Show the answer

      To change gear, signal or work another control, keeping the other hand on the wheel

      Keep both hands on the steering wheel except to change gear, signal or work a control, and keep at least one hand on the wheel at all times. Don't rest your hand on the gear lever.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: steering.

    5. 5. Should you turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is standing still?

      • No, turn it only while the vehicle moves
      • Yes, it makes parking easier
      • Only on a gravel road
      Show the answer

      No, turn it only while the vehicle moves

      The K53 test expects you not to turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationary. Turn it while the vehicle is moving.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: steering.

    6. 6. Before you start the engine of a car with a manual gearbox, what must you check?

      • That the car is in first gear
      • That the headlamps are on
      • That the parking brake is on and the gear lever is in neutral
      Show the answer

      That the parking brake is on and the gear lever is in neutral

      Before you start the engine, make sure the parking brake is on and the gear lever is in neutral. Then turn the key to on and check the warning lights and gauges. In a car with an automatic gearbox, the lever must be in P or N.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: starting procedure.

    7. 7. May you select neutral while the vehicle is moving?

      • Yes, to save fuel going downhill
      • No, never
      • Yes, just before a bend
      Show the answer

      No, never

      Driving with the clutch pressed in, or in neutral, is called coasting, and it reduces your control of the vehicle. Keep coasting to short distances just before you stop. The K53 test says neutral may never be selected while the vehicle is moving.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: coasting.

    8. 8. Going down a steep hill, your speed keeps rising. What should you do before you change to a lower gear?

      • Brake to a suitable speed first, then change down
      • Change down at once, so that the engine slows the car
      • Press the clutch in and let the car roll
      Show the answer

      Brake to a suitable speed first, then change down

      Brake to a suitable speed before you select a lower gear, and finish braking before you change down. Don't use a lower gear to help or replace the brakes.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: changing gears down.

    9. 9. You will stand still in traffic for a while, and it isn't stop-start traffic. What should you do?

      • Hold the car on the clutch
      • Switch off the engine and get out
      • Apply the parking brake, select neutral and take your foot off the clutch
      Show the answer

      Apply the parking brake, select neutral and take your foot off the clutch

      When you stand still for any length of time, apply the parking brake and select neutral. Once you have stopped and selected neutral, take your foot off the clutch completely.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: stopping in traffic, and use of the clutch.

    10. 10. Which controls do you use to change up a gear in a car with a manual gearbox?

      • The brake and the gear lever
      • The clutch, the accelerator and the gear lever
      • The gear lever only
      Show the answer

      The clutch, the accelerator and the gear lever

      To change up: press the clutch in as you lift your foot off the accelerator, select the gear, put your hand back on the wheel, then let the clutch out smoothly as you press the accelerator. Then take your foot off the clutch.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: changing gears up.

    11. 11. Which control do you use to slow down gently without braking?

      • Release the accelerator
      • Press the clutch in
      • Pull up the parking brake
      Show the answer

      Release the accelerator

      Releasing the accelerator smoothly and in good time slows the vehicle down. Pressing the clutch in instead would make the vehicle coast.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: decelerating.

    12. 12. When should you adjust your rear-view mirrors?

      • While you drive, whenever you need to
      • Only at the testing centre
      • While the vehicle is standing still
      Show the answer

      While the vehicle is standing still

      Adjust the rear-view mirrors for the best view behind you only while the vehicle is stationary. While you drive, check them every 5 to 8 seconds and before you reach any hazard.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: use of the mirrors.

    13. 13. In an emergency stop, what do you do with your hands?

      • Put one hand on the parking brake
      • Keep both hands on the steering wheel until the vehicle stops
      • Hoot with one hand
      Show the answer

      Keep both hands on the steering wheel until the vehicle stops

      Brake as quickly as you can and keep both hands on the steering wheel until the vehicle stands still, keeping it in a straight line. If the wheels lock, ease off the brake pedal as needed.

      Rule: K53 practical driving test for light motor vehicles: emergency stop.

    What this practice test can’t do

    • It isn’t the official test, and it doesn’t use the official questions. Passing here doesn’t mean you will pass at the testing centre.
    • It covers part of the rules, signs and controls only. Study the full rules of the road and road signs before you book.
    • Our questions on the controls of a vehicle are for a car, from the K53 driving test for light motor vehicles. The controls of a motorcycle or a heavy vehicle are different.
    • It isn’t timed, and it doesn’t save your answers or your scores.

    Next steps

    When you are ready, see how to get your learner’s licence: the minimum age for each code, how to book the test and what to take with you.

    Official help

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    Tool results are general information based on the rules on this page. Only the official agency can confirm your own details. Terms and disclaimer.