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QuizTraffic rulesSouth Africa

This interesting quiz helps you test your knowledge in a clear and visual way. With easy multiple-choice questions, you can quickly build confidence and learn new facts while keeping it simple, interactive, and fun.

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
Why should you avoid stopping in a blind spot of a large vehicle?

301. Why should you avoid stopping in a blind spot of a large vehicle?

Large vehicles always have priority when changing lanes.
✓ The driver may not be able to see you.
Stopping beside a large vehicle makes you easier to see.
Blind spots only matter when a vehicle is reversing.

Large vehicles have bigger blind spots. If you stop where the driver cannot see you, you may be at risk when the vehicle moves or turns.

Vehicle positioned in a large vehicle's blind spot
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should cyclists avoid riding in a large vehicle's blind spot?

302. Why should cyclists avoid riding in a large vehicle's blind spot?

Large vehicles always have priority when turning.
The driver can always hear a cyclist beside the vehicle.
✓ The driver may not be able to see them.
Cyclists must always stay behind large vehicles.

Buses and trucks have large areas where the driver cannot see cyclists, especially beside the vehicle and near turns.

Cyclist in a large vehicle's blind spot
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the seat-belt height be adjusted correctly?

303. Why should the seat-belt height be adjusted correctly?

To increase the length of the lap belt.
To prevent the seat from moving.
To make the belt easier to unfasten.
✓ To position the shoulder belt correctly across the body.

The seat-belt height adjustment helps position the shoulder belt correctly across the chest and shoulder. It should not run across the neck or under the arm.

Height adjustment for the shoulder section of a seat belt
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What information is needed when requesting emergency assistance?

304. What information is needed when requesting emergency assistance?

Your name, destination, and planned route.
Only the road name and nearest town.
✓ Your exact location, direction of travel, vehicle details, and the problem.
Your insurance details and last service date.

Road numbers, junctions, location markers, direction of travel, and a clear description of the incident help assistance reach you quickly.

Requesting help after a vehicle breakdown
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a temporary lane closure?

305. What should you do when approaching a temporary lane closure?

Merge without checking if traffic is moving slowly.
Reverse back the way you came.
✓ Follow the temporary signs and merge safely when required.
Ignore the temporary signs if your lane is still open.

Observe the temporary signs, adjust your speed, and merge safely according to the traffic situation and local rules.

Temporary traffic-lane closure ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

306. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Central door locking.
✓ Electric window control.
Window lock.
Mirror adjustment.

This control operates the vehicle's electric windows. Pressing or pulling the switch lowers or raises the corresponding window.

Switch for operating an electric window
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

307. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Headlight flash.
Hazard warning lights.
✓ Horn.
Cruise control.

This symbol indicates the horn control. The horn is used to warn other road users of your presence when necessary.

Vehicle horn control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when meeting another vehicle on a narrow mountain road?

308. What should you do when meeting another vehicle on a narrow mountain road?

Move toward the centre so the other driver gives way.
Maintain speed and pass as closely as possible.
✓ Slow down and use a safe passing place if necessary.
Drive onto the roadside without checking the surface.

Narrow mountain roads may not provide enough space for two vehicles. Reduce speed and cooperate to pass safely.

Vehicles meeting on a narrow mountain road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a seat belt is frayed or damaged?

309. What should you do if a seat belt is frayed or damaged?

Twist the damaged section so it cannot tear further.
Wear the belt loosely to reduce strain on it.
✓ Have it inspected and replaced before relying on it.
Use it normally if the buckle still locks.

A damaged seat belt may not provide proper protection in a collision. Frayed webbing, damaged buckles, faulty retractors, or other defects should be professionally inspected and repaired or replaced before the seat belt is relied upon.

Frayed or damaged seat-belt webbing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What can slow engine cranking or dim lights indicate?

310. What can slow engine cranking or dim lights indicate?

Worn brake pads.
A wheel-alignment problem.
✓ A weak battery or charging-system problem.
A blocked air filter.

Slow starting, dim lights, or repeated battery warnings can indicate a weak battery, poor electrical connection, or a fault in the charging system.

Vehicle battery and difficulty starting the engine
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you feel tired while driving?

311. What should you do if you feel tired while driving?

Open a window and continue driving.
Drive faster to reach your destination sooner.
✓ Stop in a safe place and take a break.
Turn up the radio to stay alert.

Driving while tired reduces concentration and reaction time. Stop somewhere safe and rest before continuing.

Tired driver taking a break from a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave space when cycling beside parked cars?

312. Why should you leave space when cycling beside parked cars?

Because parked vehicles have priority over cyclists.
Because the road could be slippery beside parked cars.
✓ A door may open suddenly.
To make it easier for traffic to overtake you.

A driver or passenger may open a door without seeing you. Leaving space reduces the risk of a dooring collision.

Cyclist riding beside parked cars
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

313. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Boot or tailgate release.
Central door locking.
Bonnet release.
Window lock.

This symbol indicates the boot or tailgate release. Operating the control unlocks or opens the luggage compartment, depending on the vehicle.

Boot or tailgate release control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can a roof load affect vehicle handling?

314. How can a roof load affect vehicle handling?

It affects only fuel consumption, not handling.
✓ It can raise the centre of gravity and reduce stability.
It lowers the vehicle's centre of gravity.
It makes the vehicle more stable in bends.

Weight carried high on the vehicle can increase body movement and make sudden steering or cornering less stable.

Vehicle carrying a raised roof load
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why are reversing and making a U-turn on a motorway extremely dangerous?

315. Why are reversing and making a U-turn on a motorway extremely dangerous?

The vehicle may use more fuel during the manoeuvre.
✓ Other drivers approach quickly and do not expect traffic facing them.
The speedometer may become less accurate.
Motorway cameras may not recognise the vehicle correctly.

Motorway traffic travels at high speed. Unexpected reversing or turning can cause a severe collision.

Vehicle on a motorway hard shoulder
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep the driver's footwell free of loose objects?

316. Why should you keep the driver's footwell free of loose objects?

✓ They could roll into the pedals and interfere with control.
They could block the footwell ventilation.
They could make it harder to adjust the driver's seat.
They could damage the carpet around the pedals.

Loose objects in the driver's footwell, such as bottles, cans, or rubbish, can roll into the pedal area and interfere with the accelerator, brake, or clutch. Keep the footwell clear so you can operate the pedals safely and without obstruction.

Loose objects in the driver's footwell
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when construction vehicles enter or leave the road?

317. What should you do when construction vehicles enter or leave the road?

✓ Slow down and be prepared for them to move across your path.
Accelerate before the vehicle reaches the road.
Use your horn so the driver waits for you.
Drive closely behind it until there is room to pass.

Construction vehicles may move slowly, have limited visibility, or carry loose material. Give them time and space to manoeuvre.

Construction vehicle entering or leaving a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can strong crosswinds affect a vehicle towing a trailer?

318. How can strong crosswinds affect a vehicle towing a trailer?

They make the trailer more stable at higher speeds.
✓ They can push the trailer sideways and reduce stability.
They matter only when the trailer is empty.
They improve tyre grip on exposed roads.

Trailers have large side surfaces and may be affected strongly by wind, especially on bridges and exposed roads.

Vehicle and trailer exposed to crosswinds
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

319. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Low washer fluid.
Charging-system warning.
Engine-temperature warning.
✓ Low fuel level.

This symbol indicates that the fuel level is low. Refuel soon to reduce the risk of running out of fuel.

Low-fuel warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a motorcycle helmet be worn correctly and securely fastened?

320. Why should a motorcycle helmet be worn correctly and securely fastened?

To improve the rider's hearing in traffic.
To prevent the motorcycle from skidding.
To reduce fuel consumption at higher speeds.
✓ To reduce the risk of serious head injury in a collision.

A correctly fitted and securely fastened motorcycle helmet helps protect the rider's head and can reduce the risk and severity of head injury in a collision or fall.

Motorcyclist wearing a securely fastened helmet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the pedestrian light is red?

321. What should you do if the pedestrian light is red?

Cross if there is a large enough gap in traffic.
✓ Wait until it turns green.
Start crossing if the signal is about to change.
Cross if nearby vehicles appear to have stopped.

A red pedestrian signal means you should wait before crossing.

Red pedestrian signal at a crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

322. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Four-wheel-drive system.
Electronic stability control.
Low tyre pressure.
Differential lock.

This symbol relates to the vehicle's four-wheel-drive system, which can transmit power to all four wheels. The exact symbol and operating modes vary between vehicles.

Four-wheel-drive system symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you not drive too close behind another vehicle?

323. Why should you not drive too close behind another vehicle?

It increases tyre pressure.
It makes your headlights less effective.
It causes the vehicle ahead to use more fuel.
✓ You may not have enough time to stop.

Driving too close, or tailgating, reduces the time and space available to react and increases the risk of a rear-end collision. Use defensive driving and keep a safe following distance.

Vehicle tailgating the traffic ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you adjust your speed in bad weather?

324. Why should you adjust your speed in bad weather?

To reduce fuel consumption.
To make the windscreen wipers work better.
✓ Because visibility and grip may be reduced.
To prevent the tyres from losing air pressure.

Rain, snow, fog, and ice can reduce visibility and tyre grip. Lower speed gives you more time and distance to react and stop safely.

Vehicle travelling in poor weather
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What word is commonly shown on STOP signs in South Africa?

325. What word is commonly shown on STOP signs in South Africa?

PARE.
DUR.
✓ STOP.
ALTO.

In South Africa, STOP signs commonly display the word STOP.

Different wording used on stop signs
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which side is normally used for overtaking in South Africa?

326. Which side is normally used for overtaking in South Africa?

✓ Right-hand side.
Left-hand side.

Drivers normally overtake on the right-hand side in South Africa.

Vehicle overtaking on the right
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should loose items inside a vehicle be secured?

327. Why should loose items inside a vehicle be secured?

✓ They can become dangerous projectiles during sudden braking or a collision.
They can make the engine overheat.
They can interfere with the vehicle's exterior lights.
They can increase the vehicle's fuel consumption.

Loose objects can move or be thrown forwards during sudden braking or a collision. Secure luggage and other items so they cannot injure occupants or interfere with the driver or vehicle controls.

Loose luggage and objects inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be especially alert for wild animals at dawn and dusk?

328. Why should you be especially alert for wild animals at dawn and dusk?

Wild animals avoid roads during the rest of the day.
✓ Many animals are more active at these times.
Animals cannot see vehicles during daylight.
Speed limits change automatically at dawn and dusk.

Many wild animals are most active around dawn and dusk, when visibility may also be reduced.

Wild animal beside a road in low light
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the button on a seat-belt buckle used for?

329. What is the button on a seat-belt buckle used for?

To lock the seat in position.
To adjust the belt height.
To tighten the shoulder belt.
✓ To release the seat belt.

Pressing the button on the seat-belt buckle releases the latch so the belt can be unfastened. Keep the seat belt fastened whenever required while the vehicle is moving.

Release button on a seat-belt buckle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you press the clutch pedal fully when changing gear?

330. Why should you press the clutch pedal fully when changing gear?

To increase engine speed.
To apply the brakes.
To lock the gear lever in position.
✓ To disengage the engine fully from the transmission.

Pressing the clutch pedal fully disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing the gear to be changed smoothly and reducing unnecessary wear on the gearbox and clutch.

Clutch pedal pressed fully for a gear change
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You may ignore a stop sign if the road looks empty.

331. You may ignore a stop sign if the road looks empty.

✓ False.
True.

A stop sign means you must come to a complete stop, even if no other traffic is visible.

Stop sign at a quiet junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle carrying animals?

332. Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle carrying animals?

Because they cannot use brake lights.
✓ Because it may move slowly or stop unexpectedly.
Because they must always travel in the centre of the road.
Because these vehicles always have priority.

Vehicles transporting animals may accelerate slowly, take bends carefully, or brake gently to protect their load.

Vehicle following an animal transporter
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can alcohol affect your driving ability?

333. How can alcohol affect your driving ability?

It makes your reactions faster.
It improves your vision in poor light.
It has no effect if you drive slowly.
✓ It can reduce judgement, coordination, and reaction speed.

Alcohol affects several abilities needed for safe driving, including concentration, decision-making, coordination, and hazard perception.

Alcohol impairment and driving ability
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching an uncontrolled junction?

334. What should you do when approaching an uncontrolled junction?

Enter first if you reach the junction before another vehicle.
Continue at normal speed unless another vehicle is visible.
✓ Slow down, look carefully in all directions, and proceed only when safe.
Check only the direction from which traffic usually has priority.

At an uncontrolled junction, priority may not be obvious. Reduce speed, check carefully, and only enter when you are sure it is safe.

Vehicle approaching an uncontrolled junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

335. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Boot release.
Central door locking.
✓ Fuel-filler flap release.
Parking brake.

This control releases the fuel-filler flap, allowing access to the vehicle's fuel filler.

Release control for the fuel-filler flap
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

336. What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

✓ Select a lower gear and stop safely to allow the brakes to cool.
Shift into neutral and let the vehicle roll freely.
Keep pressing the brakes continuously all the way downhill.
Switch off the engine to help slow the vehicle.

Continuous braking can cause overheating and reduced braking performance. A lower gear provides engine braking and reduces demand on the brakes.

Vehicle descending a hill with overheating brakes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Should motorcyclists wear protective clothing?

337. Should motorcyclists wear protective clothing?

Yes, but only when riding on motorways.
No, protective clothing is only needed in bad weather.
No, it is only useful when riding at high speeds.
✓ Yes, it can reduce injuries from falls and contact with the road.

Motorcyclists should wear protective clothing because it can reduce injuries from falls, impacts and sliding on the road. Suitable jackets, trousers, gloves and boots provide additional protection, but they do not replace a securely fitted helmet or safe riding.

Motorcyclist wearing protective riding clothing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can a heavy load affect stopping distance?

338. How can a heavy load affect stopping distance?

It makes the brakes respond more quickly.
It reduces the driver's reaction time.
It affects stopping distance only on steep roads.
✓ It can increase the distance needed to stop.

A heavily loaded vehicle has more mass and may require additional distance to slow down or stop safely.

Loaded vehicle and the space needed for braking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a three-point seat belt normally be worn during pregnancy?

339. How should a three-point seat belt normally be worn during pregnancy?

✓ With the lap belt low across the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest.
Using only the lap section of the seat belt.
Loosely fitted so it does not press against the body.
With the lap belt positioned across the abdomen.

During pregnancy, a three-point seat belt should be worn correctly. The lap belt should sit low across the hips, below the abdomen, while the shoulder belt should pass across the chest and to the side of the abdomen. The belt should fit snugly and should not be placed behind the back or under the arm.

Seat-belt positioning during pregnancy
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should check your mirrors before changing lanes.

340. You should check your mirrors before changing lanes.

✓ True.
False.

Checking your mirrors helps you see surrounding traffic before moving into another lane.

Driver checking a mirror before changing lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do with the accelerator when changing to a higher gear?

341. What should you normally do with the accelerator when changing to a higher gear?

✓ Ease off it while pressing the clutch.
Press it fully while pressing the clutch.
Keep it pressed at the same position.
Press the brake pedal instead.

When changing to a higher gear, ease off the accelerator as you press the clutch and select the next gear. Release the clutch smoothly and then apply the accelerator progressively.

Changing to a higher gear in a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before rejoining traffic after a breakdown?

342. What should you do before rejoining traffic after a breakdown?

✓ Check all around, signal, and enter only when there is a safe gap.
Enter the lane slowly so other traffic has time to react.
Signal and expect approaching traffic to slow down.
Check your mirrors only and pull out if they look clear.

Check mirrors and blind spots, signal clearly, and build up speed safely without causing approaching traffic to brake suddenly.

Vehicle preparing to rejoin traffic after a breakdown
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

343. Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

They show where overtaking is prohibited.
They provide shortcuts to nearby roads.
✓ You may need to reach one quickly during an emergency.
They mark areas where vehicles may stop temporarily.

Knowing where emergency exits and refuge areas are located can save valuable time during a fire, collision, or evacuation.

Emergency exit inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

344. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Oil-pressure warning.
Charging-system warning.
✓ Diesel particulate filter warning.
Engine-management warning.

This symbol indicates a problem with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), often because soot has accumulated in the filter. The vehicle may require regeneration or professional inspection, depending on the vehicle and warning status.

Diesel particulate filter warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid wearing dark clothing at night?

345. Why should you avoid wearing dark clothing at night?

✓ Drivers may have difficulty seeing you.
Street lighting makes dark clothing easy to see.
Headlights make clothing colour unimportant.
Dark clothing reflects more light from vehicles.

Dark clothing makes pedestrians harder to see in low-light conditions. Bright or reflective clothing improves visibility.

Pedestrian wearing dark clothing at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicles are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds?

346. Which vehicles are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds?

Vehicles without winter tyres.
Low, heavily loaded vehicles.
✓ High-sided vehicles such as trucks, buses, and vans.
Vehicles with full fuel tanks.

High-sided vehicles can be pushed sideways because of their large side area. Cyclists and motorcyclists can also be strongly affected by sudden gusts.

High-sided vehicle exposed to crosswinds
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What can happen if you use the brakes continuously on a long descent?

347. What can happen if you use the brakes continuously on a long descent?

✓ The brakes may overheat and become less effective.
The brakes may become more effective as they heat up.
The engine may automatically slow the vehicle.
The brakes will automatically cool while being used.

Continuous braking can cause the brakes to overheat and fade, reducing braking performance. Use a lower gear to help control speed with engine braking.

Vehicle braking during a long descent
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
It is safe to look at your phone briefly while driving.

348. It is safe to look at your phone briefly while driving.

True.
✓ False.

Using your phone while driving is distracting and dangerous, even for a very short moment.

Driver glancing at a phone while driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

349. Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

✓ They can make important warning sounds harder to hear.
They can make the mirrors more difficult to adjust.
They can make road signs harder to read.
They can prevent the horn from working properly.

Headphones or very loud music can reduce your awareness of horns, sirens, warning sounds, and surrounding traffic. Keep the volume at a level that allows you to remain aware of what is happening around the vehicle.

Driver wearing headphones at the wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be cautious when following a vehicle carrying a loose load?

350. Why should you be cautious when following a vehicle carrying a loose load?

✓ Objects may fall onto the road.
The vehicle must stop whenever the load shifts.
Loose loads prevent the driver from using the mirrors.
The vehicle must always travel at a lower speed.

A poorly secured load can fall or shift suddenly. Keep extra distance and avoid following too closely.

Vehicle carrying an unsecured load ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA