K53 learners test questions and answers

1. 1. What is the most important rule of the road in South Africa?

   Keep to the left side of the road as far as is safe. Every other rule about overtaking, turning and yielding is built on it.

2. 2. How long is a learner's licence valid?

   24 months from the date of issue, and it cannot be extended. If it expires you must write the test again.

3. 3. What is the general speed limit in a built-up area?

   60 km/h, unless a sign shows otherwise. Outside built-up areas it is 100 km/h, and on a freeway 120 km/h.

4. 4. How far from a fire hydrant may you not park?

   1,5 metres on either side of the hydrant.

5. 5. How close to an intersection may you not stop or park?

   You may not park within 5 metres of an intersection, and you may not stop in an intersection at all.

6. 6. What following distance should you keep behind the vehicle in front?

   At least two seconds in good conditions, and more in rain, fog or when the road surface is poor or you are towing.

7. 7. What must you do at a stop sign?

   Come to a complete stop at the stop line, look right, left and right again, and only move off when it is safe. A rolling stop is a failure.

8. 8. What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign mean?

   It is a warning sign: it tells you about a road or traffic condition ahead, such as a bend, crossing or hazard, so you can adjust your speed.

9. 9. What does a blue circular sign with a white arrow mean?

   It is a command sign — you must do what it shows, for example keep left or proceed straight only.

10. 10. May you cross a solid white barrier line?

    No. A barrier line may not be crossed or straddled, except to enter or leave a property or road where it is safe to do so.

11. 11. Who has right of way at a four-way stop?

    The vehicle that stopped first moves off first. If two arrive together, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.

12. 12. What is the legal blood alcohol limit for an ordinary driver?

    Less than 0,05 g per 100 ml of blood, and less than 0,02 g for professional drivers. The safe answer is always not to drink and drive.

13. 13. When must you use your headlights?

    Between sunset and sunrise, and at any time when you cannot clearly see people or vehicles 150 metres ahead, such as in rain, fog or dust.

14. 14. What does the clutch do?

    It disconnects the engine from the gearbox so you can pull away smoothly and change gears without damaging the transmission.

15. 15. When may you overtake on the left?

    Only in limited cases — for example when the vehicle ahead is turning right, when you are in a lane of slow-moving traffic that is entitled to proceed, or where the road is marked for more than one lane in your direction and it is safe.

Study material only. Figures and requirements can change — your DLTC is the final authority.

Several of these turn on recognising a sign rather than recalling a rule — the South African road signs guide covers every family you will be shown. For the marking rules behind them, read how the K53 learners test is structured and passed.

Each section below has 25 real questions from the live bank, with the correct answer marked and explained.

• Road signs25 questions with answers and explanations
• Rules of the road25 questions with answers and explanations
• Vehicle controls25 questions with answers and explanations

Fifteen answers are a warm-up. The real test asks 64 questions across three sections you must each pass. Take 10 free questions now, download a free questions and answers PDF, or sign up free for the full bank, timed mock exams and past papers. When you are scoring consistently, check the steps for booking your learner's licence test.