Overview
This lecture covers the key rules, signs, markings, and procedures for the K53 Learner's and Driver's License tests in South Africa, focusing on safe, legal, and defensive driving.
Vehicle Controls
- Know the function and use of all vehicle controls: steering wheel, brakes, clutch, accelerator, mirrors, gear lever, indicators, and hooter.
- Adjust mirrors for maximum rear view while stationary.
- Always signal intention before turning, stopping, or changing lanes.
Road Signs & Markings
- Regulatory signs enforce rules (e.g., stop, yield, direction, prohibitions, reservations).
- Warning signs alert to road conditions, hazards, or required actions.
- Information signs give directions, locations, or facilities.
- Guidance signs provide route, direction, and tourist info.
- Road surface markings regulate stopping, overtaking, lane usage, and parking.
Rules of the Road
- Maintain safe following distances (3 seconds for LMV, 6 seconds for HMV).
- Use mirrors and check blind spots before moving.
- Only overtake when safe and legal; never overtake at crossings or on a shoulder.
- Always stay left of road division lines/barriers unless crossing at designated places.
- Indicate intentions early using indicators or, where legal, hand signals.
- Park only in designated bays and observe minimum distances from crossings, corners, and other hazards.
Lighting & Visibility
- Keep headlamps, rear lamps, and number plate lights on between sunset and sunrise, or in poor visibility.
- Use main beams only when not following or meeting vehicles; dip when necessary.
- Fog lamps are for poor visibility due to weather conditions.
Safety & Legal Responsibilities
- All vehicle occupants must wear seatbelts; children under 1.5m tall are considered children for restraint.
- Motorcyclists and passengers must wear helmets.
- Do not use a cellphone while driving unless hands-free.
- Do not abandon vehicles on public roads; penalties apply.
- Tyres must have at least 1mm tread depth and no major damage.
Pedestrian, Animal, and Emergency Rules
- Give right of way to pedestrians at crossings.
- Animals must be under control; adequate visibility must be provided if herding.
- Display emergency triangles at least 45m behind a broken-down vehicle.
Driving Test Procedures
- Learner's License: Theory multiple-choice test on rules, signs, and vehicle controls.
- Driver's License: Practical yard and road test covering vehicle checks, maneuvers (parking, turning, reversing), and defensive driving.
- Pre-trip inspections must be thorough; faults may result in immediate test failure.
- Penalty points are given for errors; immediate fail for serious or repeated mistakes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) — Passenger cars and small vehicles.
- HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle) — Trucks and large commercial vehicles.
- Blind Spot — Areas not visible in mirrors.
- Regulatory Sign — Sign that tells you what you must or must not do.
- Defensive Driving — Driving to prevent accidents regardless of others' actions.
- K53 — South African defensive driving system and test standard.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Study the meaning and appearance of all road signs and markings.
- Review all required safety procedures and legal responsibilities.
- Practice pre-trip vehicle inspections and common driving maneuvers.
- Complete assigned readings or mock tests, if provided.