ALL THE RULES OF THE ROAD EXPLAINED• The rules that must be obeyed when using public roads• Covers light and heavy motor vehicles and also motorcycles

REGULATORY SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS• Signs that regulate the safe fl ow of traffi c• What each sign means; in what situation you would see the sign; how

you must respond as a driver

WARNING SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS• Signs that warn of hazards on the road• What each sign means; in what situation you would encounter the

sign; what safety precautions the driver should take

GUIDANCE SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS• Signs that indicate the road layout ahead• What each sign means and how it can help to guide the driver to plan

which lane to use

INFORMATION SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS• Signs that provide useful information• What each sign means and what it implies for the driver

GUIDANCE AND TOURISM SIGNS• Signs that guide motorists on their journey• What the diff erent kinds of guidance signs indicate, and how to

interpret their messages; includes direction and tourism signs

DRIVING TIPS• Additional information to reinforce your understanding• Includes revision of some of the important rules of the road

9 7 8 0 7 9 6 0 4 3 6 7 2

ISBN 978-0-7960-4367-2

GAVIN HOOLE CLIVE GIBSON

ALSO INCLUDED:A practice Learner’s Licence Test

ALSO

INCLUDED:

A practice Learner’s

Licence Test

Shuter & Shooter Publishers (Pty) Ltd110 CB Downes Road, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, 3201 South Africa

PO Box 61, Mkondeni 3212 South Africawww.shuters.com

Copyright © in print Shuter & Shooter Publishers (Pty) Ltd 2010Copyright © in text and artwork Clive Gibson and Gavin Hoole 2010

First edition 2012

ISBN 978-0-7960-4367-2

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior

written permission from the publisher. Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil

claims for damages.

Printed by Intrepid Printers (Pty) Ltd, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natalxxxx

AcknowledgementsCover design: Sally Ellis (Image: Thinkstock.com)Illustrations: Damian de VillersPage design and layout: Sally EllisPublisher: Heather Hannaway

It is illegal to photocopy any pages from this book without the written permission of the copyright holder

The publishers apologise for any errors or omissions, and would be grateful for information allowing them to be corrected.

Introduction .............................................................. iv

Chapter 1 Vehicle controls ......................................1

Chapter 2 The rules of the road ..............................4

Chapter 3 Defensive driving ..................................19

Chapter 4 Introduction to road signs .....................22

Chapter 5 Regulatory signs ...................................25

Chapter 6 Road surface markings ........................35

Chapter 7 Traffi c signals .......................................42

Chapter 8 Warning signs .......................................45

Chapter 9 Guidance signs .....................................54

Chapter 10 The Learner’s Licence Test ..................65

Chapter 11 The Learner’s Licence Mock Test ........66

Chapter 12 General motoring principles .................86

Contents

4 | RULES OF THE ROAD

RULES OF THE ROADCHAPTER 2

Maximum speed limits apply when conditions are ideal, and the light is good.

Speed increases the risk of a collision (crash). And if there is a collision, higher speed makes death more likely. Consider the effect of driving into a stone wall at about 60 km/h. The damage done to your vehicle would be the same as if you had driven off a four-storey building.

You can imagine the effect this would have on your human body.

Besides simply complying with speed limit regulations, you must also use your common sense when driving. Speed should be adjusted according to the situation and the conditions (road surface or width, pedestrians, weather, load, etc.).

Thinking about speed

GeneralThe rules of the road regulate traffi c fl ow, ensure safety, and protect the rights of all road users. It is compulsory to obey the rules of the road. If everybody applied the rules of the road, this would greatly reduce accidents, injury and death on the roads.

Some basic rules• All vehicles must display a licence disc (clearance certifi cate), which is valid for twelve months.

• The basic rule of the road in South Africa is to drive on the left side of a two-way road.

• The instructions of a traffi c offi cer take precedence over any rules of the road or road sign.

• You are not allowed to conduct a race or sports meeting on a public road without the consent of either the

MEC of the province or the relevant local authority.

• You are not allowed to hinder or interrupt the free fl ow of traffi c on a public road.

• You are not allowed to drag or spin the wheels of a vehicle on the surface of the road, except in emergencies.

• You are not allowed to use chocks or shoes between the wheels and the surface of the road. You may not

do anything that will damage the surface of the road.

• You are not allowed to drive in a manner that disregards the safety of other road users or property, nor may

you drive without consideration for the rights of other road users.

• You must maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you. The distance must be increased

under certain driving conditions.

• You are not allowed to use a vehicle that is too noisy, or that has accessories that make too much noise.

• All motor vehicles, including all motor cars fi rst registered on or after 1 July 2006, must carry at least one red

warning triangle at all times. If the vehicle is broken down or stationary on a public road, the triangle must be

displayed on the road at a distance of at least 45 metres behind the vehicle, to warn traffi c approaching from

behind.

RULES OF THE ROAD | 11

Large vehiclesBecause of the length of large vehicles, visibility behind

them is restricted. If you can’t see the side mirrors on the heavy vehicle in front of you, the driver can’t see you and consequently can’t make allowances for you. Here are some useful tips for when you encounter a large vehicle on the road.• Don’t follow large vehicles too closely or for too long. You

may become too relaxed and lose your concentration.• When overtaking a large or long vehicle, make allowances

for the extra time that it takes to overtake, and make sure that you won’t have to reduce speed suddenly once you have completed the manoeuvre.

• At 80 km/h it takes a large vehicle 100 m to come to a stop. Don’t be in its way. If your vehicle has enough power, it is usually easier to overtake large vehicles on an incline as

their speed drops when travelling uphill. After overtaking a large vehicle make sure that you can see the vehicle in your rear-view mirror before you return to your lane or the left side of the road.

• When passing an approaching large vehicle, keep as far to the left as possible to reduce the risk of being side-swiped and to avoid the blast from the resultant wind turbulence.

• Large vehicles need more space than normal when turning left or right. They need to turn much wider than a light motor vehicle, and the trailers usually cut the corner. So, make space for a large vehicle that is turning to ensure that your own vehicle is not side-swiped as the large vehicle makes the turn.

About Traffic CirclesTraffic circles represent an area of great

confusion in South Africa and the situation needs to be clearly understood in order to avoid crashes or traffic fines at these kinds of intersections. Basically, a traffic circle consists of some kind of island in the middle of an intersection where several roads meet.

There are two basic types of traffic circles. There are those with a fairly large island in the middle, usually with a kerbing around the circumference and a Keep Left sign on the island. These are also called Roundabouts. Then there is the small painted hump with no kerbing, just painted markings, which is called a Mini-circle. There is a Yield line at each entrance to the circle.

The rules for each type are different, and you need to know these rules.

One-way roads• On a one-way road you may drive on the right-hand side of the road, but only if it is safe to do so.

• When intending to turn right from a one-way road, move to the right-hand side of the road to allow other traffi c to pass on your left.

Command signindicating a Roundabout type of

traffi c circleBefore the Roundabout sign was introduced in South Africa, these traffi c circles were indicated by the Yield at Traffi c Circle sign, which looks similar to the Yield at Mini-circle sign. So, don’t be surprised if you approach a Roundabout circle and it doesn’t have the Roundabout sign displayed, but still has the Yield at Traffi c Circle sign instead.

Yield at Mini-circle sign, at a Mini-circle type of

traffi c circleSome roundabouts still have the Yield at Traffi c Circle sign displayed, which is similar to the sign above.

Traffic lanes• You must stay in your lane unless you need to move into another lane to

turn or exit a freeway, and it is safe to do so.

• Before changing lanes, check in the mirrors and blind spot and signal early enough to warn other road users that you are about to change lanes.

• Do not drive with the left set of wheels in one lane and the right set in another lane (called ‘straddling’ the lane lines).

• Before steering into the next lane you must always make one fi nal check

in the blind spot on the side to which you will be moving to ensure that it is

still safe to change lanes.

12 | RULES OF THE ROAD

Traffic circlesRoundabout rules

• The Command sign indicates that you must drive in a clockwise

direction round the island.

• You must yield right of way to all traffi c already in the circle

approaching from the right, unless there is a road sign or a traffi c

offi cer instructing otherwise.

• Move into the correct lane before leaving the circle.

• Before the road at which you intend exiting, indicate left to show

your intention to leave the circle at the next exit.

Mini-circle rules

• At a mini-circle, you must give way to any vehicle that will cross,

or that has already crossed, a Yield-line before you reached your

Yield line.

• Drive clockwise around the centre painted island hump and do

not drive over the painted marking.

Roundabout Command sign

Turning at an intersectionAn intersection is the place at which two or more roads intersect or cross one another.

• Turn only when you can do so without obstructing or endangering other traffi c.

• Before you reach the intersection, move into the correct lane in accordance with any white markings that indicate mandatory direction arrows ahead, and obey any yellow mandatory direction arrows markings.

• When intending to turn left, you must indicate your intention in good time and keep as close as possible to the left side of the road before turning.

• After completing a turn, adjust your speed to merge safely into the traffi c fl ow.

• When intending to turn right, you must indicate your intention in good time and keep as close as possible to the right-hand section of your side of the road.

• Yield right of way to any traffi c approaching from ahead and start the turn only once it is clear and safe to do so. When waiting to turn right, keep front wheels of the vehicle straight until it is safe to start turning.

• Before turning right into a two-way road, cross the centre line of the road you are turning into so that you turn into the left-hand side of that road (not applicable when turning into a one-way road). You must pass to the left of any traffi c island or traffi c offi cer controlling the intersection; and do not cut the corner by turning too soon.

Glance at your speedometer frequently; know at all times the exact speed you are travelling.

StoppingCompulsory stops

You must stop:

• if directed to do so by a traffi c offi cer, road sign or traffi c signal;

• at the request of a person herding farm animals;

• for pedestrians on, or about to enter, a pedestrian crossing on your side of the road;

• if you are involved in an accident.

Yield at Mini-circle sign

Mini-circle painted markings

14 | RULES OF THE ROAD

• with the outer edge of the kerbside wheel more than 450 mm into the roadway, unless permitted by a road sign;

• on, or within 1 metre of, the edge of a non-urban roadway, unless in a demarcated parking bay;

• on an urban road that is less than 5.5 metres wide, unless it is a one-way road;

• on a traffi c island, or in a pedestrian mall or lane;

• A vehicle that is illegally parked can be impounded and the owner is liable for the costs of removal and

impounding.

• Emergency vehicles, rescue vehicles, construction vehicles and traffi c offi cers are not subject to these rules

if they are being used in the course of duty.

General duties of drivers and passengers• The driver must be seated in a position that allows for full control of the vehicle at all times and a clear view

of the road ahead.

FreewaysWhat’s not allowed on freeways

• The following vehicles are not allowed on freeways:

– animal-drawn vehicles;

– bicycles;

– motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cm3 or less;

– electrically powered motorcycles;

– vehicles with a mass of 230 kg or less, designed and constructed specifi cally for use by people with disabilities;

– motor tri-cycles or quad-bikes;

– tractors, unless in use for road maintenance.

• Pedestrians are not allowed on freeways unless they are in an area specifi cally demarcated for stopping or parking; or for a cause beyond their control.

• Animals are not allowed on a freeway, except inside a vehicle or within an area specifi cally demarcated for stopping or parking.

• You may not stop on a freeway except: when instructed to do so by a traffi c offi cer or a road sign; or if you are within an area specifi cally demarcated for stopping or parking; or for a cause beyond your control.

• Hand signals may not be given on a freeway, except in an emergency.

• These restrictions do not apply to maintenance workers, emergency crews, construction workers and offi cials in the course of duty.

Learner drivers on freeways

A learner driver is allowed to drive on a freeway provided s/he are accompanied by a driver who is licenced to drive that class of vehicle and is seated in the front passenger seat.

Allowing vehicles to overtake you on a freeway

If the motorist behind you indicates his desire to overtake by fl ashing the headlights, you must signal your intention and move over to the left to enable them to pass, provided it is safe to do so.

22 | INTRODUCTION TO ROAD SIGNS

Temporary signsMany regulatory and warning signs have both a permanent version and a temporary version. The temporary version is used when the situation is of a temporary nature, such as where road works are in progress or during dangerous road conditions caused by fl ooding, and such like.

Temporary signs:

• have a yellow background colour to draw attention to the temporary situation;

• may have red or black borders;

• take precedence over a permanent sign.

INTRODUCTION TO ROAD SIGNSCHAPTER 4

The purpose of road signsThere are several groupings of road signs, surface markings and signals, with the overall purpose of

enhancing the safety of all road users. They do this by:• regulating the orderly fl ow of traffi c;

• giving early warning to the driver of hazardous conditions on the road ahead;

• providing guidance to the driver in respect of routes and destinations;

• providing useful information to road users.

Signs may be mounted on poles or overhead

structures.

Signs and other markings may be painted on the

road surface.

Signs may be displayed on electronic light boards.

Signals may be given by traffi c lights or traffi c

offi cers.

Permanent Signs Temporary Signs

Always us safety belts. It is illegal not to buckle up.

How road signs are displayed

INTRODUCTION TO ROAD SIGNS | 23

Sign groupingsSigns, signals and surface markings have different shapes and come in different groups. Each group conveys

a different type of message or instruction. The next table shows examples of sign groups and the purpose of

each group:

Group Examples Purpose

Regulatory signs Regulate the movement of traffi c

Warning signs Warn of hazards ahead, on or near the road

Hazard markers

Mark the position of hazards on the road or roadside

Traffi c signals Control traffi c fl ow

Information signs Provide useful information

Guidance signs

Give guidance regarding distance and direction

Tourism signs Provide useful information to tourists

Diagrammatic signs

Indicate changes to the lanes on the road ahead

Surface markings Have the same meaning as normal sign equivalents

All road signs, signals and road surface painted markings are important. However, some groups play a greater role in maintaining safety on the roads.

The two most important groups of signs/signals/markings are the Regulatory group and the Warning group.

You must obey every Regulatory sign. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

You must heed every warning sign. Failure to do so may be considered to be reckless or negligent driving which is a criminal offence.

The signs in each group are explained in more detail in the chapters that follow.

REGULATORY SIGNS | 25

REGULATORY SIGNSCHAPTER 5

About regulatory signsRegulatory signs control and regulate the fl ow and movement of traffi c in order to minimize congestion and

create a safer situation for all road users.Each regulatory sign conveys a very specifi c instruction or set of

rules that must be obeyed by all road users, including pedestrians.

These signs are mostly round or rectangular in shape with the

exception of the Stop and Yield signs which are hexagonal and

triangular respectively.

The round signs include blue ‘Command signs’ that tell you what a

road user must do, and red and white ‘Prohibition signs’ that tell you

what you may not do. Within the ‘Prohibitions signs’ category there

are also ‘Limit signs’ (see second row of round signs) which prohibit

you from exceeding the limit indicated on the sign – for example, the

maximum speed limit, the maximum vehicle length limit.

As with other signs, regulatory signs that govern a temporary situation

have a yellow background (with a few exceptions, such as the Stop sign).

To disobey a regulatory sign is an offence and is punishable by law.

Not obeying a regulatory sign (or regulatory road surface marking) will

result in a traffi c fi ne or even a jail sentence if you are convicted.

Control signs that regulate the fl ow of traffi c:

MEANING RESPONSE LOCATION EXAMPLES

Stop – Stop opposite the sign or before the solid white line on the road surface.

Stop completely. Make sure that it is safe to proceed before doing so.

Dangerous intersections and railway crossings.

Stop/Go – Stop when the Stop sign is displayed. You may proceed when the sign is swung round to display the Go sign.

Stop completely and wait for the ‘Go’ sign to be displayed before proceeding cautiously.

At roadworks where the roadway has been reduced to one lane.

3-Way Stop – Vehicles must stop normally and move off from their Stop line in the same sequence in which they arrived.

Stop. Proceed in sequence after other vehicles that stopped before you have moved off.

Busy intersections with three intersecting roads, where stopping is essential.

4-Way Stop – Vehicles must stop normally and move off from their Stop line in the same sequence in which they arrived.

Stop. Proceed in sequence after other vehicles that stopped before you have moved off.

Busy intersections with four intersecting roads, where stopping is essential.

Make sure you can see the road situation ahead, and that you can be seen by

other road users.

REGULATORY SIGNS | 29

No pedestrians permitted

No pedal cycles

permitted

No pedal cycles and pedestrians

No motorcycles

permitted

No motor cars permitted

No taxis permitted

No mini-buses permitted

No midi-buses permitted

No buses permitted

No delivery vehicles permitted

No goods vehicles permitted

No goods vehicles over

indicated GVM

permitted

No construction

vehicles permitted

No vehicles with

dangerous goods

permitted

No abnormal vehicles permitted

No rickshaws permitted

No tour buses permitted

No agricultural vehicles permitted

No animal drawn

vehicles permitted

No horses and riders permitted

No towed vehicles permitted

No hawkers permitted

within 75 m of the sign

Remember, 9 out of 10 collisions are caused by human error.

Avoid heavy meals or alcoholic beverages before you drive as they tend to make one sleepy.

Prohibition signs specify that a limit appliesMeaning A safety or security restriction applies beyond the sign. Response By law, you must comply with the limit indicated on the sign.Location On a portion of the road where it is necessary to impose the limit – for example, due to road

width, road surface strength or busy traffi c.

Prohibition signs that prohibit certain classes of road user from proceeding beyond the signMeaning The class of road user on the sign is not allowed to proceed beyond the sign.Response If the sign applies to you, do not proceed past the sign. Use an alternative route to continue your

journey.Location On a portion of the road where it would be safer to impose the restriction – for example due to

road width, road surface strength, busy traffi c, special requirements of road users.

Maximum speed limit permitted

Entry limited to authorized vehicles only

Maximum vehicle mass limit permitted

Maximum axle mass-load

limit permitted

Maximum vehicle length

permitted

Maximum vehicle height

permitted, including antennae

Maximum vehicle width limit permitted

32 | REGULATORY SIGNS

1. Reserved for the exclusive use of ambulances. 8. Start of a lane reserved for the exclusive use of buses and mini-buses.

2. Reserved for the exclusive use of taxis. 9. Reserved for motorcycles only.

3. Lane reserved for the exclusive use of buses and mini-buses.

10. Reserved for vehicles carrying people with disabilities.

4. Parking reserved for the exclusive use of buses and mini-buses.

11. Bus stop reserved for mini-buses of the owner as indicated in the logo above the icon.

5. Parking reserved for rickshaws only. 12. Roadway reserved for the exclusive use of mini-buses.

6. Lane on the right of the yellow line reserved for the exclusive use of high-occupancy vehicles.

13. Reserved for the exclusive use of high-occupancy vehicles.

7. Reserved for motor cars only. 14. Lane on the right reserved for the exclusive use of buses and mini-buses.

Correct answers for the Reservation sign quizExplanation

NumberCorrect Matching

Sign NumberExplanation

NumberCorrect Matching

Sign Number1 6 8 52 10 9 123 8 10 74 13 11 45 11 12 26 3 13 97 14 14 1

• Activity •Instructions

1. View the signs in the next two charts.

2. Read the text explanations set out below the charts.

3. Match the number below each sign to the text explanation.

4. Write that number into the box on the right of your chosen explanation.

5. Compare your answers with the answers shown in the table after each quiz.

Reservation sign quiz

1 2 3 5 6 74

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Choose the correct sign number and write it in the box at the end of the sentence.

ROAD SURFACE MARKINGS | 35

ROAD SURFACE MARKINGSCHAPTER 6

Road surface markings are traffi c signs that have been painted onto the road surface to guide and direct the movement of traffi c. They can be classifi ed as ‘Regulatory’, ‘Warning’, and ‘Information’ markings. They have the same meaning as the equivalent road signs mounted on poles or above the road, and road users should react to them accordingly in terms of the rules of the road.

Road surface markings are generally painted white. There are, however, several that are yellow or red, and these are particularly important because they usually indicate that the marking is of a regulatory nature and must be obeyed.

As a general rule,

• you are not allowed to stop on red lines,

• you are not allowed to park on yellow lines, and

• you are not allowed to cross solid white lines, except those that cross the width of the road.

Stop line – Stop completely, before the solid Stop line. Move off only when safe to do so.

Yield line – Slow down and give way to cross-traffi c, and also to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross your

path. If necessary, stop before the broken white Yield line. Applies also at a railway crossing.

Pedestrian crossing – Give way to any pedestrians on or about to enter the crossing on your side of the road.

Block pedestrian crossing – Give way to any pedestrians on or about to enter the crossing on your

side of the road.

Regulatory markingsRegulatory markings are used to control the actions of drivers and regulate the fl ow of traffi c. As with regulatory signs, it is an offence to disobey any regulatory road marking. If you do so, you can be fi ned.

In the diagrams that follow, the direction of vehicle traffi c fl ow is depicted by the small black arrowheads.

42 | TRAFFIC SIGNALS

TRAFFIC SIGNALSCHAPTER 7

Traffic signalsTraffi c signals control the fl ow of traffi c. Some of them are to warn motorists to proceed with caution. There are different forms of traffi c signals:

1. traffi c lights (‘robots’) to regulate the fl ow of traffi c at intersections or pedestrian crossings;

2. fl ashing red lights to indicate that motorists must stop (for example, at a railway crossing);

3. overhead lane direction control lights to control the traffi c fl ow in traffi c lanes;

4. hand signals given by traffi c offi cers, and

5. fl ag signals given by road construction workers.

Traffi c signals must be obeyed, and the signals of traffi c offi cers overrule any road signs or other signals that may be present.

Steady red disc – Stop before the white Stop line and wait for the

green light before proceeding with

caution.

Flashing red disc – Stop as

for a 4-Way Stop and give way to

pedestrians.

Steady amber disc – Prepare to stop before the white Stop line and wait for the

green light before proceeding with

caution.

Flashing amber disc – Proceed

with caution, and give way to any pedestrians

crossing your path.

Steady green disc – Proceed in any direction,

subject to any road signs, and give

way to traffi c and pedestrians still

crossing.

Steady bus/tram – The steady

disc rules apply only to the class of vehicle shown by the symbol on the

disc.

Steady red man – Pedestrians

must wait on the sidewalk and may cross only when the green man

light is displayed.

Flashing red man – The steady red man is about to be displayed.

Pedestrians must wait for the next

steady green man signal before starting to cross. Those still in the crossing should cross quickly.

Steady green man – Pedestrians

may cross the road within the

markings. Drivers must give way to pedestrians

crossing within the markings.

Flashing red arrow – Stop

before the white line. You may

proceed left even though there is a steady red disc signal, but give

way to all vehicles and pedestrians

for whom a green light signal is

displayed.

Saying “I didn’t know” is no excuse. Know and obey the rules

and road signs.

46 | WARNING SIGNS

Hairpin bend to the left ahead

Winding road starting to the right ahead

Winding road starting to the

left ahead

Double sharp bends starting to

right ahead

Double sharp bends starting to

left ahead

Two-way traffi c on this road ahead

Two-way cross-traffi c ahead

Lane on the right ends ahead

Lane on the left ends ahead

Concealed driveway (on right)

ahead

Concealed driveway (on left) ahead Concealed driveways on both sides ahead

Mini-circle or roundabout ahead

Dangerous conditions ahead that relate to the nature of the road

Slow down if necessary and take appropriate cautionary measures such as: switching on lights, increasing following distance in mist or on gravel roads, testing the brakes after driving through water, taking an alternative route, etc., according the nature of the hazard as depicted on the sign.

Gate, boom or barrier ahead

Motor gate ahead, With cattle grid on

the right

Motor gate ahead, With cattle grid on

the left

Motor gate ahead in the road centre

Railway level crossing ahead

Tunnel ahead; turn on lights

Vehicle height restriction ahead

Vehicle length restriction ahead

Steep downhill ahead

There is a steep uphill ahead

If possible, avoid driving during the late afternoon hours or early dusk.

52 | WARNING SIGNS

• Activity •1. Explain the difference in meaning between these two types of warning signs – those with an arrowhead and

those with plain black lines.

A B

2. Why would you never fi nd this sign with a white background?

3. Would you be required to stop at such a sign as this? Give a reason for your answer.

4. Is there a difference in meaning between these signs A and B? Explain your answer.

A B

5. Where would each of these two signs be located? (Be careful with your answer.)

A B

6. Would you respond differently to each of these two signs? Give your reasons.

A B

THE LEARNER’S LICENCE TEST | 65

You must always have your learner’s licence with you when you are learning to drive.

THE LEARNER’S LICENCE TESTCHAPTER 10

To write the learner’s licence testYou must make an appointment with your local testing authority in person because you have to pre-pay the prescribed fee for the test. You must meet the minimum age and some health requirements, pass an eye test and have acceptable identifi cation documentation.

About the test

Requirements for holding a Learner’s Licence

The test is a theory test and includes: o the rules of the road o road traffic signs and signals o the controls of a vehicle

It is a multiple-choice test which may be completed on a computer or in written format, depending on the testing station at which you take the test. When booking your test you should enquire about which version of the test you will be required to complete.

If you will be doing the written test you will receive: o a book of questionso a test answer sheeto a chart of road signs and o a book containing illustrations of the vehicle controls and

various road layouts.The use of these will be explained to you before you write

the test. Listen carefully to the explanation. There are some questions that apply only to a certain class of vehicle. Make Make sure that you know which questions you must answer.sure that you know which questions you must answer.

Each question has three possible answers. Read the question and consider each option carefully before selecting your final response. Be careful! In some cases more than one option is correct and in other cases one option is more correct than the others.

If you’re doing the computerised version of the test, the process will be explained to you before you commence the actual test. You may not ask the examiner to clarify questions for you.

• You must have reached the required age: o for a motorcycle 125 cc or less: 16 years old o for a light motor vehicle: 17 years old o for any other vehicle: 18 years or older• You must pass an eye test.• You will be disqualified from obtaining a learner’s licence if

any of the following circumstances applies: o If you have been ruled incompetent by a court and this

disqualification is still in force (the onus is on the holder of the licence to report to the nearest authority within

21 days of becoming aware of this disqualification);

o If you already hold a licence for the same class of vehicle or your licence was suspended temporarily and the suspension has not yet expired;

o If you suffer from uncontrolled epilepsy; giddiness or fainting; any metal illness which leads to you being treated as a patient in terms of the Mental Health Act 1973; any condition of muscular inco-ordination; uncontrolled diabetes mellitus; any disease or physical impairment that is likely to make driving a vehicle a danger to public safety; addiction to narcotic drugs or intoxicating alcohol.

Once you have passed the testYou will be issued with a Learner’s Licence that will be valid for 24 months from the date of issue. You will need two black and white or colour passport-size photographs of yourself, and the prescribed issuing fee for the licence. Ask the testing authority what you will need when booking your test appointment.

The Learner’s Licence will authorise you to learn to drive on public roads with the class of vehicle for which the licence has been issued, and only provided that you are accompanied by a sober driver who holds a valid driving licence for the same class of vehicle. (This latter restriction does not apply to motorcycles.)

Licenced learner drivers may not transport fare-paying passengers, but there may be passengers in the vehicle in which they are being taught to drive. A licenced learner driver is allowed to drive on a freeway.

66 | LEARNER’S LICENCE MOCK TEST

THE LEARNER’S LICENCE MOCK TEST

CHAPTER 11

1. Under which conditions may you not obtain a learner’s licence?

i) If you already have a licence for the same class of vehicle.

ii) If you are declared unfi t to obtain a driving licence for a certain period and that period is still applicable.

iii) If your licence was temporarily suspended and that period has not yet expired.

A. (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct.

B. (ii) and (iii) are correct.

C. Only (i) is correct

2. What is the meaning of this sign?

A. There may be pedestrians ahead.

B. There is a marked pedestrian crossing ahead.

C. There may be children on the road ahead.

3. When may you drive on the right-hand side of a road with traffi c moving in both directions?

A. If the emergency lights of the vehicle are switched on.

B. If a traffi c offi cer orders you to do so.

C. Under no circumstances.

4. What is the meaning of this sign?

A. There is a sharp bend to the right.

B. There is a one-way road to the right.

C. You must turn right at the next road or entrance.

5. Where are you not permitted to stop?

A. In any No-parking area.

B. Within 5 metres from a bridge.

C. Opposite a vehicle parked in a roadway 10 metres wide.

6. What is the meaning of this sign?

A. The road narrows from both sides.

B. The freeway ends ahead.

C. There is a narrow bridge in the road ahead.

The following Mock Test of 160 questions will give you excellent practice before you write the offi cial test at the testing centre. It will also reduce anxiety on the day of your test because you will already be familiar with the way the multiple-choice questions are asked.

Go through every question and read it carefully to make sure you understand what is being asked. Decide which is the most correct answer for that question, and circle that answer in the right-hand column – A or B or C or D. Use a pencil in case you later want to erase you fi rst lot of answers an re-do the test. Check your answers against the correct answers listed on page 94.

If you get any answers wrong, go back and study the relevant teaching pages again. Then do the Mock Test again until you are able to score 100%.All the best!

86 | GENERAL MOTORING PRINCIPLES

GENERAL MOTORING PRINCIPLESCHAPTER 12

You have completed the material you need to know for the offi cial test. The following important information will help you pass your test fi rst time, and be a better driver once you have your licence.

Before driving• Use a map to plan your route for a smooth journey, and provide enough time for the journey; resist the impulse to travel too

fast.

• For a long journey, add extra time into your plans to allow for a 15-minute break every two hours.

• Make sure you have enough fuel for the journey.

• Wear appropriate clothing that does not interfere with your control of the vehicle.

• If you will be driving a vehicle different from the one you are familiar with, before setting out ensure that you are familiar with its controls and how they work.

• Before you move off, adjust the mirrors and the seat position to ensure full control, comfort and maximum vision.

• Adjust the head restraint to protect your neck from injury in the event of a collision.

Children• Do not allow children to sit behind the rear seat of an estate car or hatchback unless in a specially fitted child seat.• Do not allow a child to stand next to you on the front passenger seat.• Activate child safety door locks, if fitted, when carrying children.• Keep children under control, and don’t allow boisterous behaviour in the vehicle.• Never fit a rear-facing baby seat on a seat protected by an airbag.

Driver fitness and alertness• You must be fit to drive.• If you feel tired, don’t drive for longer than one hour at a time.• If you feel sleepy: o stop in a safe place – not on the hard shoulder of the road - to rest; o if possible snooze for 15 minutes; or o have a cup of strong coffee.• If possible, don’t make long journeys between 24:00 and 06:00. This is when most serious collisions occur.• Even if you feel alert, still take a 15-minute break after every two hours of driving.

Seat belts• Make sure that all passengers are strapped in before moving off. Remember, if they are not, you are the one who will be held

responsible.

ALL THE RULES OF THE ROAD EXPLAINED• The rules that must be obeyed when using public roads• Covers light and heavy motor vehicles and also motorcycles

REGULATORY SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS• Signs that regulate the safe fl ow of traffi c• What each sign means; in what situation you would see the sign; how

you must respond as a driver

WARNING SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS• Signs that warn of hazards on the road• What each sign means; in what situation you would encounter the

sign; what safety precautions the driver should take

GUIDANCE SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS• Signs that indicate the road layout ahead• What each sign means and how it can help to guide the driver to plan

which lane to use

INFORMATION SIGNS & ROAD MARKINGS• Signs that provide useful information• What each sign means and what it implies for the driver

GUIDANCE AND TOURISM SIGNS• Signs that guide motorists on their journey• What the diff erent kinds of guidance signs indicate, and how to

interpret their messages; includes direction and tourism signs

DRIVING TIPS• Additional information to reinforce your understanding• Includes revision of some of the important rules of the road

9 7 8 0 7 9 6 0 4 3 6 7 2

ISBN 978-0-7960-4367-2

GAVIN HOOLE CLIVE GIBSON

ALSO INCLUDED:A practice Learner’s Licence Test

ALSO

INCLUDED:

A practice Learner’s

Licence Test