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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 this dashboard symbol indicate?

101. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Door-open warning.
Charging-system warning.
Power-steering warning.
✓ Immobiliser or anti-theft system.

This symbol relates to the vehicle's immobiliser or anti-theft system. If it remains illuminated or flashes unexpectedly, the vehicle may not recognise the key or there may be a fault in the security system.

Immobiliser indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you slow down near schools or playgrounds?

102. Why should you slow down near schools or playgrounds?

✓ Children may behave unpredictably.
Vehicles must stop whenever children are nearby.
Children always have priority near schools.
School zones are closed to normal traffic.

Children may suddenly cross the road or move unexpectedly, so drivers should slow down and stay alert near schools and playgrounds.

Vehicle approaching a school or playground area
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which pedal is used to increase the vehicle's speed?

103. Which pedal is used to increase the vehicle's speed?

✓ The accelerator pedal.
The clutch pedal.
The brake pedal.
The footrest.

The accelerator pedal controls the amount of power delivered by the engine and is used to increase or maintain the vehicle's speed. It is the right-hand pedal.

Accelerator pedal in the driver's footwell
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with a helmet that has taken a significant impact in a collision?

104. What should you do with a helmet that has taken a significant impact in a collision?

Use it again after tightening the straps.
✓ Stop using it and follow the manufacturer's replacement guidance.
Keep using it if the visor or straps still work.
Keep using it if there are no visible cracks.

A helmet can be damaged internally by a significant impact even when no damage is visible from the outside. Stop using the helmet and follow the manufacturer's guidance, which will commonly require replacement after a significant impact.

Helmet inspection after a significant impact
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the vehicle consistently pulls to one side?

105. What should you do if the vehicle consistently pulls to one side?

✓ Check the tyre pressures and have the steering, alignment, and brakes inspected.
Keep driving and correct the steering as needed.
Ignore it if the tyres appear normal.
Increase speed to see if the vehicle straightens.

Persistent pulling can be caused by incorrect tyre pressure, wheel misalignment, suspension wear, or a braking fault. It should not be ignored.

Vehicle pulling to one side while travelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you remove dark sunglasses before entering a tunnel?

106. Why should you remove dark sunglasses before entering a tunnel?

✓ Your eyes need to adjust to the lower light level.
To prevent the automatic lights from switching on.
Because tunnel lighting can damage dark lenses.
To prevent the lenses from reflecting tunnel lights.

Dark sunglasses reduce the amount of light reaching your eyes and can make hazards inside a tunnel harder to see.

Driver removing sunglasses before entering a tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Does driving at the speed limit always mean your speed is safe?

107. Does driving at the speed limit always mean your speed is safe?

✓ No, you may need to drive more slowly for the conditions.
Yes, if the road ahead appears clear.
Yes, the speed limit is always the safest speed.
Only when driving outside built-up areas.

A speed limit is a maximum permitted speed, not a target. You may need to drive more slowly because of traffic, poor visibility, weather, road conditions, pedestrians, cyclists, or other hazards.

Speed-limit sign and changing road conditions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with a child restraint after a collision?

108. What should you do with a child restraint after a collision?

Replace only the seat cover.
✓ Follow the manufacturer's instructions about inspection or replacement.
Keep using it if no damage is visible.
Use it normally after tightening the straps.

A child restraint may be damaged in a collision even when the damage is not obvious. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, as the restraint may need to be inspected or replaced before it is used again.

Child car seat requiring inspection after a collision
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle begins to aquaplane?

109. What should you do if your vehicle begins to aquaplane?

Brake firmly to force the tyres back onto the road.
✓ Ease off the accelerator and keep steering gently.
Change lanes immediately to find a drier surface.
Accelerate to push through the water.

Aquaplaning happens when the tyres lose contact with the road surface. Ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden movements, and wait for grip to return.

Vehicle losing tyre contact on a water-covered road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep a dog on a leash near traffic?

110. Why should you keep a dog on a leash near traffic?

To give the dog priority when crossing the road.
✓ To prevent it from suddenly running into the road.
To allow the dog to walk closer to moving traffic.
To make approaching vehicles drive more slowly.

Dogs can react unpredictably to vehicles, people, noises, or other animals. Keeping a dog under close control on a leash near traffic reduces the risk of it suddenly entering the road and endangering itself or other road users.

Pedestrian keeping a dog on a leash near traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You must stop at a red traffic light.

111. You must stop at a red traffic light.

False.
✓ True.

A red traffic light means you must stop and wait until it is allowed to proceed.

Vehicle stopped at a red traffic light
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

112. What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

Keep it released until after the vehicle stops.
Press it before using the brake pedal.
Pump it repeatedly while braking.
✓ Press it before the engine begins to stall.

When stopping a manual vehicle, brake normally and press the clutch pedal before the engine speed becomes too low and the engine stalls. Avoid pressing the clutch unnecessarily early, as this reduces engine braking.

Clutch-pedal operation when stopping a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the SET function of cruise control normally do?

113. What does the SET function of cruise control normally do?

Returns to a previously stored speed.
Applies the brakes automatically.
✓ Stores the current speed as the cruising speed.
Switches cruise control off.

The SET function normally stores the vehicle's current speed as the cruise-control speed. Use it only when the road, traffic, and driving conditions are suitable.

SET button for storing a cruising speed
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why does higher speed increase the risk of aquaplaning?

114. Why does higher speed increase the risk of aquaplaning?

The suspension becomes less effective at high speed.
The brakes cannot remove water from the tyres.
The vehicle becomes heavier as speed increases.
✓ The tyres have less time to clear water from the road surface.

At higher speeds, the tyres may not disperse water effectively, making it easier for the vehicle to lose contact with the road.

Vehicle speed and aquaplaning on a wet road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do after fitting a temporary spare wheel?

115. What should you do after fitting a temporary spare wheel?

Drive normally if the vehicle feels stable.
Ignore its speed restriction on short journeys.
✓ Follow its speed and distance restrictions and replace it as soon as possible.
Increase its pressure to match the other tyres.

Temporary spare wheels may have limited speed, distance, and handling capabilities. Arrange a proper repair or replacement promptly.

Temporary spare wheel fitted to a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be careful when turning across oncoming traffic?

116. Why should you be careful when turning across oncoming traffic?

Turning gives you priority over approaching traffic.
✓ You must judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.
Oncoming vehicles need more distance to change lanes.
Your steering becomes less responsive during the turn.

Turning across traffic requires careful observation. Misjudging speed or distance can lead to a serious collision.

Vehicle preparing to turn across oncoming traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Can drivers use a handheld phone while driving in South Africa?

117. Can drivers use a handheld phone while driving in South Africa?

✓ No.
Yes.

Drivers in South Africa are generally not allowed to use a handheld phone while driving.

Driver using a handheld phone
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should cyclists cross railway or tram tracks?

118. How should cyclists cross railway or tram tracks?

Keep the wheels parallel with the rails while crossing.
Brake firmly while the front wheel is on the rail.
Increase speed so the wheels cannot get caught.
✓ Cross at a safe angle, as close to perpendicular as possible.

A bicycle wheel can become trapped in a rail groove. Crossing at a wider angle reduces this risk.

Cyclist crossing rails in the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when reversing with a trailer?

119. What should you do when reversing with a trailer?

Make large steering corrections as soon as it turns.
Watch only the trailer and ignore surrounding traffic.
Ask a guide to stand directly behind the trailer.
✓ Reverse slowly and make small steering corrections.

Trailers react quickly to steering while reversing. Move slowly, observe carefully, and use a guide only from a safe visible position.

Vehicle reversing with a trailer
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do after stopping because of a breakdown?

120. What should you do after stopping because of a breakdown?

Switch off the hazard lights once the vehicle has stopped.
Leave the parking brake off if the road is level.
Stand behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
✓ Apply the parking brake, switch off the engine, and use hazard lights.

Secure the vehicle so that it cannot move and use the hazard warning lights to alert approaching traffic. Where required and safe, place a warning triangle to give additional warning.

Broken-down vehicle with hazard warning lights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

121. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

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

This symbol indicates the front windscreen demister. It directs airflow towards the windscreen to help clear condensation, mist or frost and restore a clear view.

Front windscreen demister symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you reduce speed in residential areas?

122. Why should you reduce speed in residential areas?

Because residential roads are usually more slippery.
Traffic from side roads must always give way.
✓ Pedestrians, cyclists, and children may be nearby.
Parked vehicles have priority over moving traffic.

Residential areas often have pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, driveways, and children, and hazards may appear suddenly. Lower speed gives you more time to react and stop safely.

Vehicle travelling through a residential street
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid sudden braking when it is not necessary?

123. Why should you avoid sudden braking when it is not necessary?

It causes the tyres to lose pressure.
It prevents the brake lights from working properly.
It makes the steering less responsive afterwards.
✓ Vehicles behind may not have time to react.

Sudden braking can surprise drivers behind you and increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Following traffic and the risk of sudden braking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if traffic stops and a driver waves you across?

124. What should you do if traffic stops and a driver waves you across?

Assume traffic in the other lanes will also stop.
✓ Check that all lanes are safe before crossing.
Cross immediately once the driver waves you through.
Watch the stopped driver instead of the other traffic.

One driver may stop, but other vehicles may still be moving. Always check all lanes before crossing.

Driver waving a pedestrian across the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your motorcycle helmet visor starts to fog?

125. What should you do if your motorcycle helmet visor starts to fog?

Close all helmet vents completely.
Wipe the inside of the visor while riding.
Look around the side of the visor instead.
✓ Reduce speed and clear the visor safely.

A fogged visor can seriously reduce your view of the road. Reduce speed and use the helmet's ventilation, demisting or anti-fog features where available. If you cannot restore a clear view safely, stop in a safe place before continuing.

Misted visor on a motorcycle helmet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren on?

126. What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren on?

Speed up so the vehicle can follow you.
✓ Stay calm and make room safely.
Stop immediately wherever you are.
Move aside without checking surrounding traffic.

When an emergency vehicle uses lights or siren, check your surroundings and make room safely without sudden or dangerous movements.

Emergency vehicle approaching with warning lights flashing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you not rely only on a reversing camera?

127. Why should you not rely only on a reversing camera?

It guarantees that the path behind is clear.
✓ It may not show everything around the vehicle.
It makes mirrors unnecessary when reversing.
It removes the need to look around before reversing.

Reversing cameras can help, but they may have blind spots and limited coverage. Always check your mirrors and surroundings, look around where possible, and reverse slowly.

Reversing-camera display inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which speed unit is used in South Africa?

128. Which speed unit is used in South Africa?

✓ Kilometres per hour (km/h).
Miles per hour (mph).

Road speeds in South Africa are shown in kilometres per hour (km/h).

Road speed expressed in kilometres per hour
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when roadworks are ahead?

129. What should you do when roadworks are ahead?

Follow the vehicle ahead closely through the work zone.
Ignore temporary signs if permanent signs are still visible.
Use your horn to warn road workers that you are approaching.
✓ Slow down and follow the temporary signs.

Roadworks can create narrow lanes, workers near traffic, uneven surfaces, and temporary rules. Slow down and follow the signs.

Roadworks and temporary traffic signs ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is it important to use bicycle lights at night?

130. Why is it important to use bicycle lights at night?

✓ They help you see and help others notice you.
They make the bicycle easier to control.
They are needed only on roads without street lighting.
They give cyclists priority over other traffic.

Front and rear lights improve visibility and make it easier for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to detect you.

Bicycle lights used when riding at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should cyclists ride when travelling in a group?

131. How should cyclists ride when travelling in a group?

Ride side by side even when traffic cannot pass safely.
Keep the same speed even when gaps become unsafe.
Follow the cyclist ahead without checking traffic yourself.
✓ Predictably, with safe gaps and clear communication.

Safe spacing and communication help group members respond to braking, turns, obstacles, and changing traffic conditions.

Group of cyclists riding along a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when driving in strong wind?

132. What should you do when driving in strong wind?

Drive close behind large vehicles for protection from the wind.
Open the windows to improve aerodynamics.
✓ Hold the steering wheel firmly and reduce speed if needed.
Increase speed so the vehicle is less affected by gusts.

Strong wind can affect vehicle control, especially near open areas, bridges, large vehicles, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Driver controlling a vehicle in strong wind
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally do?

133. What does pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally do?

Activate the hazard warning lights.
Switch on the dipped headlights.
✓ Flash the main-beam headlights.
Activate the direction indicators.

Pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally flashes the main-beam headlights. This briefly illuminates the main beam while the stalk is held or operated.

Lighting stalk used to flash the main-beam headlights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

134. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Direction indicators.
Emergency braking.
✓ Hazard warning lights.
Rear fog lights.

This symbol indicates the hazard warning lights. When activated, all direction indicators flash simultaneously to warn other road users of a hazard or unusual situation.

Hazard warning light symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the power steering suddenly stops assisting you?

135. What should you do if the power steering suddenly stops assisting you?

Accelerate to make the steering easier.
Switch off the engine while moving to reset the system.
✓ Hold the wheel firmly, use greater steering effort, and stop safely.
Keep driving normally if the vehicle still turns.

The vehicle can normally still be steered, but much more effort may be required. Reduce speed and arrange an inspection.

Driver coping with a loss of power-steering assistance
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is important when raising a vehicle with its jack?

136. What is important when raising a vehicle with its jack?

✓ Use the correct jacking point and never go underneath a vehicle on a jack.
Raise the vehicle before applying the parking brake.
Use any solid-looking part underneath the vehicle.
Place the jack on soft ground to prevent floor damage.

A jack can slip or fail if it is incorrectly positioned. Secure the vehicle and use additional approved supports before working underneath it.

Vehicle raised at a jacking point for a wheel change
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before leaving a motorway?

137. What should you do before leaving a motorway?

Wait until the exit begins before checking your mirrors.
✓ Check your mirrors, signal in good time, and enter the exit lane safely.
Signal only after entering the exit lane.
Brake sharply before entering the exit lane.

Plan your exit early, move into the correct lane safely, and reduce speed after entering the exit road where appropriate.

Vehicle preparing to take a motorway exit
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before changing lanes?

138. What should you do before changing lanes?

Check the blind spot only after starting to move.
✓ Check your mirrors and blind spot.
Rely on your mirrors without checking the blind spot.
Check only the lane directly beside you.

Always check your mirrors, look over your shoulder if necessary, and make sure it is safe before changing lanes.

Driver checking surrounding traffic before changing lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you select reverse gear in a manual vehicle?

139. When should you select reverse gear in a manual vehicle?

✓ After the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Whenever you want to reduce speed.
Before pressing the clutch pedal.
While the vehicle is still moving forward slowly.

Select reverse gear only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Press the clutch fully before selecting reverse to avoid unnecessary wear or damage to the transmission.

Selecting reverse gear in a stationary manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving with a load?

140. What should you do before driving with a load?

✓ Make sure it is properly secured and cannot move or fall.
Secure only the heaviest items.
Check the load only after you have started driving.
Leave light items loose for short journeys.

An unsecured load can shift, affect vehicle control, or fall into the road. Check that everything is safely restrained before moving.

Checking a vehicle's load before setting off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

141. What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

Drive normally if the medicine was prescribed.
✓ Check whether it may affect your ability to drive.
Drink coffee to prevent any side effects.
Drive slowly until you know how it affects you.

Some medicines can affect driving ability by causing drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slower reactions, or reduced concentration. Check the label or patient information and follow advice from your doctor or pharmacist before driving.

Checking medicine warnings before driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does a green traffic light mean?

142. What does a green traffic light mean?

You have priority over all other road users.
You may enter even if traffic is blocking the junction.
You may turn in any direction without checking the signs.
✓ You may proceed if it is safe.

A green light allows you to continue, but you must still watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

Green traffic light at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who normally has priority when you enter a motorway from an entry lane?

143. Who normally has priority when you enter a motorway from an entry lane?

Whichever vehicle reaches the merge point first.
The vehicle travelling at the higher speed.
The vehicle closest to the end of the entry lane.
✓ Traffic already travelling on the motorway.

You must adjust your speed and find a safe gap without forcing motorway traffic to brake or change direction.

Vehicle entering beside traffic already on a motorway
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when driving through heavy rain?

144. What should you do when driving through heavy rain?

Drive closer to the vehicle ahead for guidance.
✓ Reduce speed and increase your following distance.
Accelerate through the rain to clear it more quickly.
Use cruise control to maintain a constant speed.

Heavy rain reduces grip and visibility. Lower speed and extra distance give you more time to react safely.

Vehicle travelling through heavy rain
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the windscreen wipers stop working during heavy rain?

145. What should you do if the windscreen wipers stop working during heavy rain?

✓ Reduce speed and stop in a safe place as soon as possible.
Continue slowly using the hazard lights.
Open a side window and continue driving carefully.
Use the washer fluid repeatedly to clear the windscreen.

Do not continue when you cannot see clearly. Slow down smoothly and stop somewhere protected from traffic.

Windscreen wipers failing during heavy rain
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Should the side stand be fully raised before riding a motorcycle?

146. Should the side stand be fully raised before riding a motorcycle?

No, it only needs to be raised on motorways.
Yes, but only when carrying a passenger.
No, the stand helps stabilise the motorcycle while moving.
✓ Yes, a lowered stand could catch the road and affect control.

The side stand should be fully raised before riding. If it remains down, it may strike the road surface, particularly when turning, and could cause the rider to lose control.

Motorcycle side stand and pre-ride checks
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a tyre-pressure warning appears and handling changes?

147. What should you do if a tyre-pressure warning appears and handling changes?

Continue until the warning light goes out by itself.
Brake firmly to test whether the tyre still has grip.
✓ Reduce speed and stop safely to check the tyres.
Release air from the other tyres to balance the pressure.

A pressure loss or damaged tyre can affect steering and braking. If the tyre-pressure warning appears together with a change in handling, it may indicate a serious tyre problem. Stop safely and inspect the tyres before continuing.

Tyre-pressure warning and a tyre inspection
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle on a warm day?

148. Why should you never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle on a warm day?

The tyres may lose pressure while the vehicle is parked.
The alarm system may activate unexpectedly.
✓ The interior can heat up quickly and cause serious heat illness.
The vehicle battery may discharge more quickly.

The inside of a parked vehicle can heat up rapidly, even when the outside temperature does not feel extreme. Children and animals are particularly vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. Leaving a window partly open does not make the vehicle safe.

Parked vehicle and the danger of interior heat
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

149. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Exterior mirror folding.
Exterior mirror adjustment.
Electric window control.
Central door locking.

This control folds or unfolds the vehicle's exterior mirrors. It is useful when parking in narrow spaces or when leaving the vehicle parked.

Control for folding the exterior mirrors
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should you go after safely leaving a disabled vehicle in a tunnel?

150. Where should you go after safely leaving a disabled vehicle in a tunnel?

Wait directly behind the vehicle where drivers can see you.
Remain beside the vehicle and wait for assistance.
✓ To a protected emergency area or exit away from traffic.
Stay close to the vehicle until traffic starts moving.

Move away from live traffic and use a marked emergency exit, refuge area, or protected walkway where available.

Leaving a disabled vehicle for a tunnel emergency area
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA