Support us

QuizTraffic rulesSouth Africa

Test your knowledge with our multiple-choice quiz. Learn from each answer and improve your understanding of the traffic rules and road signs of South Africa.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
South Africa
True/false 17 South Africa 23 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Show all 590
What does AUTO on a windscreen-wiper control normally do?

51. What does AUTO on a windscreen-wiper control normally do?

✓ Operates the wipers automatically when rain is detected.
Runs the wipers continuously at maximum speed.
Operates only the rear wiper.
Sprays washer fluid automatically.

When AUTO is selected, a rain sensor can operate the windscreen wipers automatically and adjust their operation according to the amount of moisture detected on the windscreen.

AUTO setting on the windscreen-wiper control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave space beside large vehicles when they turn?

52. Why should you leave space beside large vehicles when they turn?

They always turn more slowly than cars.
They always have priority while turning.
✓ They may need extra room to complete the turn.
They can turn only from the centre of the road.

Large vehicles often swing wide when turning and have larger blind spots. Keep clear and do not move into the space beside them.

Large vehicle needing extra space to turn
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What shape are most warning signs in South Africa?

53. What shape are most warning signs in South Africa?

Rectangle.
✓ Triangle.
Diamond.
Circle.

Most warning signs in South Africa are triangular.

Road warning signs and their shapes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching stationary or slow-moving traffic on a motorway?

54. What should you do when approaching stationary or slow-moving traffic on a motorway?

✓ Reduce speed early and be prepared to stop.
Maintain speed until you are close to the queue.
Follow the vehicle ahead closely to keep traffic moving.
Change lanes immediately to avoid slowing down.

Motorway queues can appear suddenly. Early braking gives following traffic more time to react.

Slow-moving traffic ahead on a motorway
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you slow down before a sharp bend?

55. Why should you slow down before a sharp bend?

To reduce fuel consumption.
To prevent other vehicles from overtaking.
✓ To keep control of the vehicle.
To make the steering feel lighter.

Sharp bends reduce your view and can make the vehicle harder to control, so you should slow down before entering the bend.

Vehicle approaching a sharp bend
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do when cycling downhill?

56. What should cyclists do when cycling downhill?

Let the bicycle gain speed while the road ahead is clear.
✓ Control your speed and keep both hands ready to brake.
Look only at the road directly in front of you.
Brake as late as possible before bends.

Higher speed increases stopping distance and reduces reaction time. Maintain a speed that allows you to stop safely.

Cyclist riding down a hill
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What can selecting a lower gear provide in a manual vehicle?

57. What can selecting a lower gear provide in a manual vehicle?

A shorter steering ratio.
✓ Greater engine braking.
Higher tyre pressure.
Automatic parking-brake operation.

Selecting a suitable lower gear can increase engine braking, helping the vehicle slow or control its speed without relying entirely on the brakes.

Manual gear selection for engine braking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if another driver does not give way when they should?

58. What should you do if another driver does not give way when they should?

Maintain your speed because you have priority.
Use the horn and continue at the same speed.
✓ Slow down and avoid a collision.
Move closer so the other driver is forced to give way.

Even if you have priority, safety comes first. Slow down, stay calm, and avoid creating a dangerous situation.

Conflicting vehicle movements at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect after one wild animal crosses the road?

59. What should you expect after one wild animal crosses the road?

Wild animals normally cross roads one at a time.
✓ More animals may follow.
The road is likely to remain clear.
You can continue normally once the animal has passed.

Many animals travel in groups. Slow down and continue watching both sides of the road.

Wild animals crossing a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should a motorcyclist do when approaching loose gravel?

60. What should a motorcyclist do when approaching loose gravel?

Accelerate sharply to cross it quickly.
✓ Reduce speed before reaching it and use smooth controls.
Brake hard while riding over it.
Lean the motorcycle more than usual.

Loose gravel can significantly reduce tyre grip. Reduce speed before reaching it, keep the motorcycle as upright as practical, and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering while crossing the loose surface.

Motorcyclist approaching loose gravel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a seat belt not be twisted when worn?

61. Why should a seat belt not be twisted when worn?

A twisted belt makes the brakes less effective.
A flat belt makes the seat easier to adjust.
A twisted belt can cause the buckle to open.
✓ A flat belt spreads collision forces more effectively.

A seat belt should lie flat against the body without twists. A twisted belt concentrates force over a smaller area and may provide less effective protection in a collision.

Twisted seat belt across an occupant's body
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the windscreen becomes damaged while driving?

62. What should you do if the windscreen becomes damaged while driving?

Rely on the mirrors instead of the windscreen.
Continue driving if you can still see part of the road.
✓ Reduce speed and stop safely if your view is affected.
Drive faster to reach a safe place sooner.

Severe damage can obstruct your view and weaken the glass. Do not continue if you cannot see the road clearly.

Damaged windscreen affecting the driver's view
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should an unused roof rack or roof box be removed?

63. Why should an unused roof rack or roof box be removed?

It increases tyre pressure.
✓ It can increase aerodynamic drag and energy use.
It makes the steering wheel harder to turn.
It prevents the battery from charging.

An unused roof rack or roof box increases aerodynamic drag, particularly at higher speeds. Removing it when it is not needed can reduce fuel or energy consumption.

Roof rack or roof box fitted to a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which gear is normally used when moving off from a standstill?

64. Which gear is normally used when moving off from a standstill?

2nd gear.
✓ 1st gear.
Neutral.
Reverse.

1st gear is normally used when moving off from a standstill because it provides the greatest pulling power at low speed.

Manual gear lever and gear-selection pattern
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid driving too close to the edge of the road?

65. Why should you avoid driving too close to the edge of the road?

✓ The edge may be uneven or weak.
It can make oncoming traffic harder to see.
It can make the steering require more effort.
It can make your speed harder to judge.

Road edges can be soft, uneven, or damaged. Driving too close to the edge can reduce control or cause the vehicle to leave the road.

Vehicle travelling close to the road edge
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if oncoming headlights dazzle you at night?

66. What should you do if oncoming headlights dazzle you at night?

Turn on your interior lights to reduce the glare.
Look briefly at the headlights to judge their position.
Move closer to the centre of the road for a clearer view.
✓ Slow down and look toward the edge of your lane.

Bright headlights can reduce your vision. Avoid staring at them, slow down if needed, and use the road edge or lane markings to guide you safely.

Oncoming headlights dazzling a driver at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the parking brake when parking on a slope?

67. What should you do with the parking brake when parking on a slope?

✓ Apply it firmly.
Release it completely.
Use it only if the engine is running.
Leave it partly applied.

When parking on a slope, apply the parking brake firmly to help prevent the vehicle from rolling. Selecting an appropriate gear or Park provides additional security.

Using the parking brake when parking on a slope
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you consider delaying a journey because of severe weather?

68. When should you consider delaying a journey because of severe weather?

Only when your vehicle has no winter tyres.
✓ When conditions make driving unsafe.
Never, if the vehicle is in good condition.
Only when roads are closed.

Severe weather can create dangerous conditions. Delaying a journey may be the safest choice when risks are too high.

Severe weather making a road journey hazardous
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you check your mirrors regularly while driving?

69. Why should you check your mirrors regularly while driving?

✓ To stay aware of traffic around you.
To judge your speed from vehicles behind.
To see whether road signs behind you have changed.
To check whether passengers are comfortable.

Regular mirror checks help you understand what is happening behind and beside your vehicle.

Driver checking traffic in a rear-view mirror
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which distance unit is used on road signs in South Africa?

70. Which distance unit is used on road signs in South Africa?

✓ Kilometres.
Miles.

Road distances in South Africa are normally shown in kilometres.

Distance units used on road signs
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you use your indicator before turning?

71. Why should you use your indicator before turning?

To give yourself priority over other traffic.
✓ To show other road users what you plan to do.
To show that the turn is safe to make.
To make other road users stop for you.

Indicators help other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians understand your intentions in time.

Vehicle indicator signalling an intended turn
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if there is no pavement?

72. What should you do if there is no pavement?

Always walk in the same direction as traffic.
Choose the side with the smoothest road surface.
Pay attention only to traffic approaching from behind.
✓ Walk where you can be seen and stay alert.

If there is no pavement, stay as far from traffic as possible and remain alert. The exact side of the road depends on local traffic rules.

Pedestrian walking beside a road without a pavement
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a bicycle journey?

73. What should you check before starting a bicycle journey?

The lights, but not the steering or brakes.
✓ The brakes, tyres, lights, and steering.
Only the tyres and chain.
Nothing if the bicycle worked properly yesterday.

A basic safety check can reveal problems with the brakes, tyres, lights, or steering before they cause an accident.

Checking a bicycle before a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if fuel spills while you are refuelling?

74. What should you do if fuel spills while you are refuelling?

Start the engine and move the vehicle immediately.
Ignore the spill if only a small amount escaped.
✓ Stop refuelling, avoid ignition sources, and alert station staff.
Continue filling the tank and clean it up afterwards.

If fuel is spilled, stop refuelling immediately and keep flames, sparks, and other ignition sources away. Do not start the vehicle until the situation is safe. Alert filling-station staff and follow their instructions for dealing with the spill.

Fuel spilled during refuelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally select before leaving an automatic vehicle parked?

75. What should you normally select before leaving an automatic vehicle parked?

R (Reverse).
✓ P (Park).
N (Neutral).
D (Drive).

Select P (Park) before leaving an automatic vehicle parked. Park locks the transmission to help prevent the vehicle from rolling; the parking brake should also be applied.

Park position on an automatic gear selector
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your main beam could dazzle another driver?

76. What should you do if your main beam could dazzle another driver?

Keep the main beam on unless the other driver flashes you.
Flash the main beam briefly before passing.
Move farther from the centre and keep the main beam on.
✓ Switch to dipped headlights.

Main beam can dazzle other road users and reduce their visibility. Switch to dipped headlights whenever your main beam could dazzle another driver.

Headlight glare affecting another road user
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should passengers get in or out of a vehicle when possible?

77. Where should passengers get in or out of a vehicle when possible?

From the rear door nearest the centre of the road.
Through whichever door opens first.
From the driver's side in every situation.
✓ On the side away from moving traffic.

Passengers should get in or out on the side away from moving traffic whenever possible. This is particularly important for children, who may not recognise approaching traffic or other road users. Before opening any door, check that it is safe.

Passenger leaving a vehicle on the side away from traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle becomes stuck on a railway crossing?

78. What should you do if your vehicle becomes stuck on a railway crossing?

Try to restart the vehicle until help arrives.
Move everyone beside the vehicle while waiting.
Walk along the tracks to look for help.
✓ Get everyone out, move away, and contact the emergency services.

Move everyone well away from the tracks. Use the crossing emergency telephone or displayed contact information where available, or contact the emergency services immediately.

Vehicle stranded on a railway crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid overtaking when approaching a pedestrian crossing?

79. Why should you avoid overtaking when approaching a pedestrian crossing?

Crossing markings can make lane changes more difficult.
Vehicles use more braking distance near crossings.
The crossing may make it harder to judge your speed.
✓ A pedestrian may be hidden by the vehicle ahead.

A vehicle slowing or stopping near a pedestrian crossing may be hiding someone who is crossing. Overtaking could put you directly into the pedestrian's path.

Vehicles approaching a pedestrian crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you switch off your fog lights?

80. When should you switch off your fog lights?

Never, because they always improve visibility.
When you enter a built-up area.
✓ When visibility improves and they are no longer needed.
Only after the journey is finished.

Fog lights can dazzle other road users when visibility is normal, so switch them off when conditions improve.

Fog-light control as visibility improves
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you take care when parking a motorcycle on soft ground?

81. Why should you take care when parking a motorcycle on soft ground?

The brakes may lock while the motorcycle is parked.
The tyres may immediately lose air pressure.
✓ The stand may sink into the ground and the motorcycle could fall.
The chain may become too tight.

On soft or unstable ground, the side or centre stand can sink or move, causing the motorcycle to fall. Park on a firm, stable surface or use a suitable support under the stand when necessary.

Motorcycle stand resting on soft ground
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why are tyre condition and pressure especially important on a motorcycle?

82. Why are tyre condition and pressure especially important on a motorcycle?

✓ They directly affect grip, stability, and braking.
They affect only comfort at high speed.
They mainly affect the engine temperature.
They determine how brightly the lights work.

A motorcycle relies on a relatively small area of tyre contact with the road. Correct tyre pressure, tread and condition are important for grip, steering, stability and braking. Check the tyres regularly and follow the manufacturer's recommended pressures.

Checking the condition of a motorcycle tyre
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before joining a motorway?

83. What should you do before joining a motorway?

Signal and expect motorway traffic to make space for you.
✓ Check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, and look for a safe gap.
Check your mirrors only and assume the blind spot is clear.
Wait until the end of the slip road before checking for a gap.

Observe motorway traffic early, signal clearly, and merge only when there is a safe gap.

Driver checking motorway traffic before merging
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in South Africa?

84. Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in South Africa?

✓ Yes.
No.

Motorcycle riders in South Africa are generally required to wear an approved helmet.

Motorcyclist wearing a protective helmet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you position your vehicle beside a fuel pump?

85. How should you position your vehicle beside a fuel pump?

As close to the pump as possible, even if access is restricted.
With the fuel hose stretched tightly across the vehicle.
Wherever there is space, regardless of the fuel-filler position.
✓ With the fuel-filler side close enough for the hose to reach safely.

Position the vehicle so the fuel filler is close to the pump and the hose can reach without being stretched tightly across or around the vehicle. Stop within the designated refuelling area and leave enough space to use the pump safely.

Vehicle positioned beside a fuel pump
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can worn tyres affect driving in heavy rain?

86. How can worn tyres affect driving in heavy rain?

They clear water from the road more effectively.
They reduce the chance of skidding at low speeds.
✓ They increase the risk of aquaplaning.
They shorten the stopping distance on wet roads.

Tyre tread helps channel water away and maintain grip. Worn tyres cannot clear water as effectively, increasing stopping distance and the risk of aquaplaning.

Worn tyre tread and wet-road grip
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What may happen to the steering when the ignition key is removed?

87. What may happen to the steering when the ignition key is removed?

The wheels automatically straighten.
The steering becomes lighter.
✓ The steering lock may engage.
The power steering remains fully active.

On vehicles fitted with a steering lock, removing the ignition key may allow the steering lock to engage. Never remove the key while the vehicle is moving.

Ignition key and vehicle steering lock
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

88. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

A brake-system fault.
An engine-management fault.
✓ A general warning requiring attention.
Electronic stability control.

This is a general or master warning symbol. It indicates that the vehicle has detected a condition requiring attention and is often accompanied by a message or another warning on the instrument display.

General warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a disabled vehicle be towed?

89. How should a disabled vehicle be towed?

✓ Use approved towing points and a method permitted by local rules.
At the highest possible safe speed.
Without checking the steering or brakes.
By attaching a rope to the bumper.

Incorrect towing can damage the vehicle or cause loss of control. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and local rules, and use professional recovery when the correct procedure is uncertain.

Disabled vehicle being towed
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

90. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Rear window demister.
Front windscreen demister.
Windscreen washer.
✓ Rear window wiper.

This symbol controls the rear window wiper. Depending on the vehicle, the same control may also operate the rear-window washer.

Rear-window wiper control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who should always wear a seat belt?

91. Who should always wear a seat belt?

Only people in the front seats.
Only the driver.
✓ Everyone in the vehicle.
Only people in seats without airbags.

Seat belts greatly reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash and should be worn by everyone in the vehicle.

Vehicle occupants wearing seat belts
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

92. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Rear window demister.
Air conditioning.
Front windscreen demister.
Windscreen washer.

This symbol indicates the rear window demister. It heats the rear window to help clear condensation, mist or frost and improve visibility.

Rear-window demister symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

93. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Automatic headlights.
Interior lighting.
Front fog lights.
✓ Instrument-panel brightness.

This control adjusts the brightness of the instrument panel and dashboard illumination, allowing the driver to reduce or increase the lighting level.

Control for adjusting instrument-panel brightness
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

94. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Bonnet release.
Central door locking.
Boot release.
Fuel-filler flap release.

This control releases the bonnet so that it can be opened. A secondary safety catch under the bonnet normally has to be released before it can be fully raised.

Bonnet-release control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid travelling with the seatback excessively reclined?

95. Why should you avoid travelling with the seatback excessively reclined?

It can prevent the head restraint from being adjusted.
It can make the airbag deploy earlier.
It can cause the seat to slide forwards when braking.
✓ It can reduce how effectively the seat belt restrains you.

An excessively reclined seat can affect how the seat belt fits and restrains your body and may increase the risk of sliding under the lap belt in a collision. Sit in a reasonably upright position so the lap belt stays low across the hips and the shoulder belt lies correctly across the chest.

Vehicle seat with an excessively reclined backrest
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

96. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Anti-lock braking system warning.
✓ Brake-system warning.
Parking brake applied.
Low tyre pressure.

This symbol indicates a possible brake-system fault. If it remains illuminated after the parking brake is released, stop safely and have the braking system checked.

Brake-system warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before opening your car door near traffic?

97. What should you do before opening your car door near traffic?

Check only the mirror before opening the door.
Check only for vehicles, not cyclists or pedestrians.
✓ Check for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles.
Open the door slowly and expect traffic to avoid you.

Before opening a car door, check carefully for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles to avoid causing a collision.

Checking for passing road users before opening a car door
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when passing a horse rider?

98. What should you do when passing a horse rider?

Pass closely to reduce the time beside the horse.
Accelerate while passing to get past quickly.
✓ Slow down and give plenty of space.
Sound your horn so the rider knows you are passing.

Horses can be startled by noise or sudden movement. Slow down, pass carefully, and leave enough space.

Vehicle passing a horse and rider
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

99. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Hazard warning lights.
Dipped headlights.
✓ Direction indicators.
Main beam.

This symbol indicates that a direction indicator is operating. The flashing indicator shows the direction in which the driver intends to turn or change position on the road.

Direction-indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

100. You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

✓ False.
True.

You should keep a safe following distance so you have enough time to react if traffic slows or stops suddenly.

Vehicle following closely behind another vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA