K53 rules of the road questions and answers — page 3
Rules of the road is the largest section of the K53 learners test. These are real questions from the K53 Examiner bank, with the correct answer marked and explained.
51. The only instance where you may stop on a freeway is? #
To obey the road traffic sign. (correct answer)
To pick up hitchhikers.
For a rest during a tiring journey.
Why: You may only stop on a freeway when a road traffic sign or a traffic officer requires it. A freeway is otherwise no place to stop.
52. When are you allowed to drive on the shoulder of a road? Choose the correct combination #
Any time if you want to let another vehicle to pass you.
When on a freeway with 4 lanes in both directions, you want to drive slower than 120 km/h.
In daytime when you want to allow another vehicle pass you and its safe. (correct answer)
When you have a flat tyre and you want to park there to change it. (correct answer)
Why: Only in daylight, on a road with one lane in each direction, while you are being overtaken, and only if it can be done safely — for example when you have a flat tyre and need to pull off.
53. When driving a motor vehicle, the minimum safe following distance is? #
A driver may follow as close as they want so that overtaking is easier when the gap is there.
A distance determined by the 2 second rule. (correct answer)
12 meters at 120kph, (1meter for every 10 kph.)
Why: The two-second rule for light motor vehicles: pick a fixed point, and you should pass it no sooner than two seconds after the vehicle ahead. Heavy vehicles need three seconds, and both increase in poor conditions.
54. You may pass another vehicle on the left-hand side if it? Choose the correct combination #
Drives on the right-hand side of a road with a shoulder where you can pass
Drives in a town in the right-hand lane with 2 lanes in the same direction (correct answer)
Indicates that it is going to turn right (correct answer)
Why: You may pass on the left when the vehicle ahead is signalling a right turn, and where you are in a built-up area on a road with two lanes running in the same direction.
55. A person under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug? #
May sleep in the driver’s seat while the engine is running.
May not sit in the driver’s seat while the engine is running. (correct answer)
May sit in the driver seat of a vehicle of which the vehicle is running.
Why: It is an offence to occupy the driver's seat of a vehicle whose engine is running while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug with a narcotic effect. You do not have to be driving to be committing the offence.
56. What is the duty of a driver when refilling the fuel tank of a motor vehicle? #
The driver may not allow the engine to run whilst flammable fuel is being transferred to the fuel tank. (correct answer)
If they are filling the tank with diesel not petrol.
Is allowed to start the vehicle while fuel is being pumped to check If the tank is full.
Why: The engine must be switched off while flammable fuel is transferred to the tank. A running engine near fuel vapour is a fire risk.
57. What colour and size must flags be to indicate projections on a vehicle on a public road? #
They can be any size as long as they are red.
They may be any colour as long as they are visible.
They must be red and at least 300 X 300mm. (correct answer)
Why: A load projecting to the side or rear must be marked with red flags of at least 300 mm × 300 mm during the day, and a red light at night.
58. What is the maximum height the handle bars of a motorcycle may be? #
850mm above the seat
Not higher than 600mm above the seat (correct answer)
500mm above the seat.
Why: The handlebars of a motorcycle may not be higher than 600 mm above the seat.
59. What is the longest period that a vehicle may be parked on one place on a road outside urban areas? #
24 hours (correct answer)
7 days
48 hours
Why: A vehicle may not stand in the same place on a public road outside an urban area for longer than 24 hours.
In any manner as long as you use your indicator in time.
If the road is clear of traffic for a long distance and it can be done without obstructing traffic. (correct answer)
If the road is clear of traffic for a short distance.
Why: Only when the road is clear far enough in both directions that you can complete the movement without obstructing traffic already on the road.
62. Which one of the following statements is wrong? #
The driver of a motor vehicle shall ensure that a child seated in a car wears a seatbelt, and where available use an appropriate child restraint.
It is not the driver's responsibility to ensure a child is in a child restraint. (correct answer)
If a seat not equipped with a seatbelt is available the driver shall ensure that a child 14yrs and younger is seated on the rear seat.
Why: It is the driver's responsibility to see that a child is properly restrained. Saying otherwise is wrong — the duty rests with the driver, not the passenger.
You can pass another vehicle waiting to turn right on his left side by going off the road.
Pedestrians who are already crossing the road when the red man signal starts showing, have right of way. (correct answer)
Why: Pedestrians who have already started crossing when the red man begins to show still have right of way. You must let them finish crossing before you proceed.
64. The furthest that your vehicle's dim light may shine in front of you is? #
100m
150m
45m (correct answer)
Why: A dipped (dim) beam must let you see a person, vehicle or substantial object at least 45 metres ahead, without dazzling oncoming drivers.
65. The furthest a projection to the front of motorcycles axel is? #
600mm (correct answer)
900mm
200mm
Why: Nothing may project more than 600 mm beyond the front axle of a motorcycle.
For long enough to show vehicles or persons approaching you of your intentions (correct answer)
For about 2 mins.
Why: Long enough for approaching vehicles and pedestrians to see it and understand what you intend to do. Signalling as you turn is too late.
67. When the robot is red and the green arrow flashes to the right, it shows you that. #
All traffic must turn right there.
Only pedestrians may walk.
If you want to turn right, you may go (correct answer)
Why: The arrow gives you a protected movement in the direction it points. On a red light with a green right arrow you may turn right, but not proceed straight.
68. A safe following distance is, when the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops, you could #
Swerve and stop next to it.
Stop without swerving. (correct answer)
Swerve and pass.
Why: A safe following distance is one that lets you stop without swerving if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly. Swerving to avoid a collision means you were following too closely.
69. How far may anything project to the rear of a motorcycle? #
850mm from the rear axle. (correct answer)
Nothing is allowed to project behind a motorcycle.
1.8meters to the rear.
Why: Nothing may project more than 850 mm to the rear of the rear axle of a motorcycle.
70. The last action that you must take before moving to another lane is to? #
Check the blind spot. (correct answer)
Look in rear view mirror.
Switch on your indicator.
Why: Check your blind spot. Mirrors do not show everything beside you, so a shoulder check is the last thing you do before moving across.
71. How far may you park from the left edge of a roadway outside an urban area? #
A vehicle may not park on a public road unless in a parking bay.
Not more than 450mm from the edge of the roadway.
Not more than 1m from the edge of the roadway. (correct answer)
Why: Outside an urban area you may not park with any part of the vehicle within 1 metre of the edge of the roadway — park no more than 1 metre from that edge, off the roadway itself.
72. Which statement is false? A vehicle may be used on a public road if? #
The fuel tank is defective. (correct answer)
The battery and electrical wiring are properly installed.
The fuel cap is effective and closed.
Why: A vehicle with a defective fuel tank may not be used on a public road. The fuel tank, electrical wiring and battery must all be sound.
73. Your vehicle's headlights must be switched on? Choose the correct combination #
From sunset to sunrise. (correct answer)
At any time of the day when you cannot see persons and vehicle's 150m in front of you. (correct answer)
When it rains and you cannot see vehicles 100m in front of you. (correct answer)
Why: Headlights are required between sunset and sunrise, and at any other time when persons and vehicles are not clearly visible at 150 metres — such as in rain, mist or smoke.
74. You may overtake another vehicle on the left-hand side? Choose the correct combination #
If a police officer instructs you to do so. (correct answer)
Where the road has 2 lanes for traffic in the same direction. (correct answer)
When that vehicle is going to turn right and the road is wide enough that it is not necessary to drive on the shoulder. (correct answer)
Why: Passing on the left is permitted where the road has two or more lanes in the same direction, when the vehicle ahead is turning right and there is room without using the shoulder, and when a traffic officer directs you to do so.
