K53 Learners License - Road Rules, Vehicle Controls and Tests

Sep 18, 2026

A structured learner’s license guide covering road signs, rules of the road, and detailed vehicle controls needed to operate a motor vehicle safely. The material outlines regulatory, warning, information, and guidance signs, road surface markings, and core driving practices such as speed limits, overtaking, parking, stopping, and right-of-way. It also describes the learner’s license theory test format, question breakdown and pass marks, plus the purpose of the yard and road tests.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages160

Reading Time6 h 43 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Controls of the vehicle

Road signs

Rules of the road

Drivers license test

Learners license: Overview

How will I be tested?

K53 learners license: Controls of the vehicle

Regulatory signs: Control signs

Stop and yield instructions

CONTENTS Overview 3 Controls of the vehicle 5 ROAD SIGNS Regulatory signs 7 Warning signs 28 Information signs 44 Guidance signs 47 Road surface markings 78 RULES OF THE ROAD General rules Following distance Mirrors Blind spots Speed limits Divided roads Overtaking Road shoulders Dedicated public transport lanes Driving signals Hand signals Turning at intersections Parking Parking distances No-parking places Stopping No-stopping places Compulsory stops Pedestrians’right of way Towing 92 93 94 95 96 97 LMV and HMV lights Motorcycle lights Not allowed on freeways Learner drivers on freeways Vehicles causing excessive noise Use of a hooter General duties of driver and passengers Abandoned vehicles Damage to public roads Tyres Seatbelts Helmets Convoys Animals on public roads Emergency triangles Unauthorized use of a vehicle Pedestrians’legal rights Racing and sport Additional rules of motorcycles Carrying loads Safety marking Accidents Reckless, negligent or inconsiderate driving Intoxicating liquor and narcotic drugs 98 99 100 101 102 103 DRIVERS LICENSE TEST Overview 104 The Yard Test 120 The Road Test 136 LEARNERS LICENSE: OVERVIEW What is a learner’s license? Before you start your driving lessons on a public road you need to present the instructor with driving license testing centre (DLTC) on the appropriate application form (form LL1) The learner’s license test will cover the following sections: Rules of the road The use of controls of a vehicle How long is a learner’s license valid for? What is the minimum age requirement to obtain a learners license? Disqualifying factors for obtaining a learners license as per legislation: vehicle and that order is still valid If you already hold a valid license to drive the same class of vehicle If your license to drive has been suspended or cancellation period has not yet expired Addiction to the use of any drug or the excessive use of intoxicating liquor · Uncontrollable epilepsy · · · Any condition causing muscular in coordination · Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus · · and controlling a vehicle without endangering the safety of the public (Deafness is not considered a defect) What will I need when I apply? · · A valid South African passport · Pass the eye test conducted at the testing centre or bring in a valid eye test issued by your optometrist K53 LEARNERS LICENSE 3 LEARNERS LICENSE: OVERVIEW How will I be tested? The theory test is a multiple-choice test consisting of questions for which you must choose the correct answers from the options provided. At some testing centers you are able to complete this test using a computer otherwise it is a pen and paper test. For the pen and paper test you will be given a book of questions, an answer sheet, a chart of the road signs and a book showing various road layouts and pictures of the controls of vehicle. The test generally consists of 64 questions spread across the syllabus below: | | Number of questions | Pass Mark | | --- | --- | --- | | Rules of the road | 28 | 22 | | Road signs, signals and marking | 28 | 23 | | Controls of the vehicle | 8 | 6 | K53 LEARNERS LICENSE 4 LEARNERS LICENSE: CONTROLSOFTHE VEHICLE Vehicle controls are items such as the steering wheel (handlebars for motorcycles), brakes, clutch pedal, accelerator pedal, speedometer etc. You must know the function of all the vehicle controls. vehicles, their functions remain the same. MOTOR VEHICLE CONTROLS EXTERIOR MIRROR REAR-VIEW MIRROR WIPER GEAR LEVER To select gears PARKING BRAKE To hold the vehicle stationary INDICATOR To signal your intention to turn STEERING WHEEL To steer vehicle ina particular direction EXTERIOR MIRROR CLUTCH To disengage the engine for gear change HOOTER To give a warning signal ACCELERATOR To increase or decrease speed FOOT BRAKE To reduce

FAQs

What topics are covered in the learner’s license test?

The learner’s license test covers rules of the road, the use of controls of a vehicle, and road signs, signals and marking. It is assessed through a multiple-choice theory test.

How is the learner’s theory test structured and scored?

The theory test is a multiple-choice test. It generally includes 64 questions across the syllabus, with pass marks of 22 for rules of the road, 23 for road signs/signals/marking, and 6 for vehicle controls.

What vehicle controls must a learner know?

Learners must know the functions of key controls such as the steering wheel, mirrors, wiper, gear lever, parking brake, indicator, clutch, hooter, accelerator, and foot brake, including how each supports safe driving and turning.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Olivia Brown