South African Learner Driver Manual: Rules of the Road

Overview

• Compiled by: Department of Transport, Republic of South Africa
• Version: Draft, June 2012
• Objective: Provide guidance on vehicle controls, road rules, and traffic signs for drivers.
• Legal Reference: Consult the Road Traffic Act (Act no 93 of 1996) for detailed legal statements.

Contents

Section 1: Rules of the Road

Introduction

• Purpose: Explain vehicle controls, road rules, and traffic signs.
• Audience: Motor vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders.

Acronyms and Definitions

• Acceptable Identification: Identity documents, South African passport, foreign-issued IDs, or traffic register number certificates.
• Motor Vehicle Types:
  • Articulated motor vehicle: Truck-tractor and semi-trailer.
  • Goods vehicle: Designed for conveying goods, e.g., truck-tractor.
  • Motorcycle: Two wheels, may include a sidecar.
  • Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV): Tare exceeds 3500 kg.
  • Light Motor Vehicle (LMV): Tare/GVM ≤ 3500 kg.
• Licences: Categories for learners and drivers.
• Road Terms: Freeway, intersection, pedestrian crossing, etc.

Learner's Licence Application

• Apply at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).
• Covers rules, traffic signs, and vehicle controls.
• Valid for 24 months post-test.

Special Requirements

• Disqualification: Addiction, legal disqualifications, certain medical conditions (e.g., epilepsy, mental illness).
• Requirements for licence codes:
  • Code 1: Motorcycles (16 years min age, 125cc restriction if <18 years).
  • Code 2: Light motor vehicles (≥17 years, with supervision).
  • Code 3: Heavy vehicles (≥18 years, with supervision).

Motor Vehicle Licensing

• Must hold a valid licence while driving.
• Licences issued under the National Road Traffic Act.
• Professional drivers require a permit.

Road Traffic Rules

• Lighting:
  • Motorcycles: Lamps must work, headlamps on at all times.
  • Vehicles: Headlamps, rear lamps, and number plate lamps lighted after sunset and in poor conditions.
• Brakes:
  • Motorcycles: Require two independent braking systems.
  • Vehicles: Service, parking, and emergency brakes required.
• Speed Limits:
  • 60 km/h in urban areas.
  • 100 km/h on public roads outside urban areas.
  • 120 km/h on freeways.
• Seatbelts:
  • Compulsory for all occupants over 3 years of age.
  • Children must use child restraints where available.
• Helmets:
  • Mandatory for motorcycle riders and passengers.

Vehicle Requirements

• Mirrors: Vehicles must have rear-view mirrors.
• Tyres: Must have a visible tread pattern of at least 1 mm.
• Exhaust: Must have an efficient exhaust silencer.
• Emergency Warning Signs: Required for heavy and goods vehicles.

Driving Conduct

• Overtaking: Pass on the right, return to the left when clear.
• Intersections: Yield to traffic from the right.
• Lane Discipline: Adhere to lane markings and change lanes safely.
• Accidents: Stop, assist, and report to authorities.
• Prohibited Actions: Use of cell phones, reckless driving, DUI (0.05 g/100 ml blood alcohol limit).

Section 2 & 3

• Road Traffic Signs: Detailed descriptions not provided in the transcript.
• Vehicle and Motorcycle Controls and Components: Detailed descriptions not provided in the transcript.

This manual serves to educate new drivers on safety, legal compliance, and courteous driving practices in South Africa. For authoritative legal guidance, refer to the Road Traffic Act and its regulations.