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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 sounding the horn near horses?

351. Why should you avoid sounding the horn near horses?

Using the horn gives the horse rider priority.
✓ The noise may frighten them.
The rider may think you are signalling them to stop.
The horn may make the horse move faster.

Horses can be startled by sudden or loud noises and may move unpredictably. Slow down, give them plenty of space, and avoid using the horn unless necessary.

Vehicle approaching a horse and rider
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should motorcyclists take extra care on wet metal covers?

352. Why should motorcyclists take extra care on wet metal covers?

They can cause the tyre pressure to rise suddenly.
They can make the suspension become stiffer.
They can increase the motorcycle's braking power.
✓ They can provide much less grip than the surrounding road.

Wet metal surfaces, such as drain or inspection covers, can provide much less grip than the surrounding road. Cross them smoothly, keep the motorcycle as upright as practical and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering.

Wet metal cover in a motorcycle's path
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

353. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Front fog lights.
Rear fog lights.
Sidelights.
Dipped headlights.

This symbol indicates that the front fog lights are switched on. Front fog lights are designed to improve illumination close to the road in conditions of severely reduced visibility. Rules governing their use vary by country.

Front fog-light symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why must you take wider turns when towing a trailer?

354. Why must you take wider turns when towing a trailer?

Wider turns reduce the trailer's stopping distance.
Wider turns decrease tyre wear.
Wide turns prevent the trailer from swaying.
✓ The trailer follows a tighter path than the towing vehicle.

Trailer wheels cut closer to the inside of a turn. Allow enough clearance from kerbs, signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

Towing vehicle and trailer negotiating a turn
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when a traffic light turns red?

355. What should you do when a traffic light turns red?

Cross the stop line before stopping.
✓ Stop and wait until you may proceed.
Continue if the junction appears clear.
Follow the vehicle ahead through the junction.

A red traffic light means you must stop before the stop line, pedestrian crossing, or intersection unless a sign or signal indicates otherwise.

Red traffic light at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do about a flat tyre on a high-speed road?

356. What should you do about a flat tyre on a high-speed road?

Ask passengers to help change the wheel quickly.
Stop immediately and change the tyre where you are.
✓ Move to a protected location if possible and call for professional recovery.
Repair the tyre beside the traffic lane using hazard lights.

Changing a wheel close to high-speed traffic is extremely dangerous. Move away from traffic and use professional assistance.

Vehicle stopped with a flat tyre on a high-speed road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should always wear a seat belt, even on short trips.

357. You should always wear a seat belt, even on short trips.

✓ True.
False.

Seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury and should be worn on every trip, even short ones.

Driver wearing a seat belt for a car journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which selector position is used for normal forward driving?

358. Which selector position is used for normal forward driving?

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

Select D (Drive) for normal forward driving in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The transmission then selects the appropriate gear automatically.

Automatic gear selector with P, R, N and D positions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of cruise control?

359. What is the purpose of cruise control?

To prevent the vehicle from exceeding any speed limit.
To steer the vehicle automatically.
✓ To maintain a selected speed without continuous accelerator use.
To keep a fixed distance from the vehicle ahead.

Cruise control can maintain a selected speed without the driver continuously pressing the accelerator. The driver must remain attentive and ready to brake or take control when necessary.

Vehicle cruise-control buttons and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if someone is injured in a road collision?

360. What should you do if someone is injured in a road collision?

Give them food or drink while waiting for help.
Help them stand up and check whether they can walk.
✓ Call for help and avoid moving them unless there is immediate danger.
Remove a motorcyclist's helmet to check for injuries.

Moving an injured person can worsen spinal or other injuries. Keep them calm, protect them from further danger, and provide first aid only within your level of training.

Assistance for an injured person after a road collision
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

361. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Parking brake applied.
Brake-system fault.
✓ Brake-pad wear warning.
ABS fault.

This symbol indicates that the brake pads may be worn and should be inspected. Continuing to drive with excessively worn brake pads can reduce braking performance and damage other brake components.

Brake-pad wear warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

362. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Low tyre pressure.
Electronic stability control.
✓ Power-steering warning.
Brake-system warning.

This symbol indicates a possible fault with the power-steering system. Steering assistance may be reduced or unavailable, making the steering wheel harder to turn.

Power-steering warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

363. What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

✓ Sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp steering.
Stay calm and maintain control.
Look where you want the vehicle to go.
Allow the tyres time to regain grip.

Sudden braking, acceleration, or steering can make a skid worse. Stay calm and use smooth controls while the tyres regain grip.

Vehicle beginning to skid
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does it mean to cover the brake pedal?

364. What does it mean to cover the brake pedal?

Rest your foot lightly on the brake while driving.
✓ Position your right foot over the brake, ready to press it.
Apply the parking brake slightly.
Press the brake and accelerator together.

To cover the brake, move your right foot over the brake pedal without pressing it, so you are ready to brake quickly if a hazard develops.

Right foot positioned over the brake pedal
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why must you avoid smoking or open flames at a filling station?

365. Why must you avoid smoking or open flames at a filling station?

Smoke can interfere with the fuel gauge.
✓ Fuel vapours can ignite and cause a fire.
Open flames can reduce the fuel's quality.
Heat can make the fuel nozzle stop automatically.

Petrol and other fuels can produce flammable vapours. Smoking, open flames, sparks, or other ignition sources can ignite these vapours and cause a serious fire. Follow all filling-station safety rules while refuelling.

No-smoking warning at a filling station
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is counting drinks an unreliable way to decide whether you can drive?

366. Why is counting drinks an unreliable way to decide whether you can drive?

✓ Drink strength, serving size, and individual effects can vary.
Food makes each drink count as less alcohol.
The number of drinks matters more than their strength.
One drink affects every person in the same way.

Alcohol concentration and serving sizes vary, and factors such as body size, food, medication, and time can affect impairment.

Alcoholic drinks with different strengths and serving sizes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when traffic lights change to amber as you approach?

367. What should you do when traffic lights change to amber as you approach?

✓ Stop if you can do so safely.
Continue at the same speed if the junction looks clear.
Treat it like a green light until it turns red.
Accelerate to pass before the light turns red.

An amber light warns that the signal is changing. Stop if it is safe, but avoid sudden braking that could cause danger behind you.

Vehicle approaching an amber traffic light
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a direction indicator does not cancel after a turn?

368. What should you do if a direction indicator does not cancel after a turn?

Leave it flashing until the next turn.
✓ Return the indicator control to its neutral position.
Press the horn.
Switch on the hazard warning lights.

Direction indicators often cancel automatically after a turn, but if an indicator remains on, return the indicator control to its neutral position so you do not mislead other road users.

Returning the indicator stalk to its neutral position
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving?

369. Why should you avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving?

It can lock the steering.
It can apply the parking brake.
It can increase tyre pressure.
✓ It can cause unnecessary clutch wear.

Resting your foot on the clutch pedal can apply slight pressure to the clutch mechanism and cause unnecessary wear. Keep your left foot off the clutch when it is not needed.

Foot position near the clutch pedal
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you are unsure who has priority at a junction?

370. What should you do if you are unsure who has priority at a junction?

Rely on eye contact and enter the junction first.
Check only the direction that normally has priority.
Enter slowly so the other driver has time to react.
✓ Slow down and proceed only when it is safe.

If priority is unclear, reduce speed, observe carefully, and avoid entering the junction until you are sure it is safe.

Vehicles approaching a junction with uncertain priority
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving away after charging an electric vehicle?

371. What should you do before driving away after charging an electric vehicle?

Leave the cable connected until the vehicle starts moving.
✓ Disconnect the charging cable and secure it properly.
Drive forward slowly to disconnect the plug.
Place the cable loosely beside the charging bay.

Before driving away, disconnect the charging cable correctly and return it to the charger or store it securely in the vehicle, as appropriate. Close the charging port and check that the area around the vehicle is clear.

Disconnecting an electric vehicle after charging
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should luggage be carried on a bicycle?

372. How should luggage be carried on a bicycle?

✓ Securely, without affecting steering, braking, or balance.
On one handlebar if the bag is not very heavy.
On one side of the bicycle to leave the other side clear.
On the rear carrier without securing it for a short trip.

Loose or badly positioned luggage can interfere with control, become caught in the wheels, or hide bicycle lights.

Luggage carried on a bicycle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can fog make it difficult to judge the speed of other vehicles?

373. Why can fog make it difficult to judge the speed of other vehicles?

Fog causes vehicles to travel at uneven speeds.
Fog makes road markings appear closer together.
Fog changes the way mirrors show moving vehicles.
✓ Limited visibility makes distances and movement harder to estimate.

Fog reduces visual information, making it harder to judge how far away another vehicle is and how quickly it is approaching.

Other traffic partly obscured by fog
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is black ice?

374. What is black ice?

A dark patch of wet asphalt.
Ice that forms only during darkness.
✓ A thin, often transparent layer of ice that can be difficult to see.
Frozen mud covering the road surface.

Black ice is difficult to detect because the road surface may look merely wet. It can cause a sudden and severe loss of grip.

Thin ice covering a road surface
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the legal blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers in South Africa?

375. What is the legal blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers in South Africa?

0.0 g/L.
0.8 g/L.
✓ 0.5 g/L.
0.2 g/L.

The legal blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers in South Africa is 0.5 g/L.

Alcohol limits for ordinary drivers
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the clutch during emergency braking in a manual vehicle?

376. What should you do with the clutch during emergency braking in a manual vehicle?

✓ Press it fully while maintaining firm brake pressure.
Pump it repeatedly.
Keep it partly pressed.
Release it suddenly.

During emergency braking in a manual vehicle, maintain firm pressure on the brake and press the clutch pedal fully so the engine does not stall as the vehicle slows. Do not reduce braking pressure while operating the clutch.

Brake and clutch operation during an emergency stop
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What wording is commonly shown on give-way signs in South Africa?

377. What wording is commonly shown on give-way signs in South Africa?

STOP.
YIELD.
✓ No wording.
GIVE WAY.

Give-way signs in South Africa normally use the inverted triangular symbol without wording.

Wording used on give-way and yield signs
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can bridges be dangerous in strong winds?

378. Why can bridges be dangerous in strong winds?

✓ They are often exposed to stronger gusts.
Vehicles require more engine power on bridges.
Vehicles automatically accelerate on bridges.
Steering works less effectively above water.

Bridges are often open and exposed, allowing strong winds to affect vehicles more suddenly.

Exposed bridge in strong wind
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving down a long, steep hill?

379. What should you do before driving down a long, steep hill?

Accelerate before the descent to maintain momentum.
Coast in neutral to save fuel.
Rely mainly on continuous braking to control speed.
✓ Reduce speed and select a suitable lower gear.

A lower gear helps control your speed and reduces the amount of continuous braking needed on a long descent.

Vehicle approaching a long, steep descent
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is it dangerous to cross while listening to loud music?

380. Why is it dangerous to cross while listening to loud music?

✓ You may not hear approaching traffic.
It makes you walk more slowly across the road.
You may not see approaching traffic clearly.
Music can make you lose your balance.

Loud music can reduce your awareness of vehicles, bicycles, horns, and other warning sounds.

Pedestrian listening to music while crossing the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid braking hard on a curve?

381. Why should you avoid braking hard on a curve?

✓ It can reduce control and increase the risk of skidding.
It can increase tyre pressure during the turn.
It can make the tyres grip the road more strongly.
It can make the steering feel heavier.

Hard braking on a curve can upset the vehicle's balance and reduce grip. Slow down before the curve and steer smoothly.

Vehicle braking while negotiating a bend
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you take regular breaks during a long journey?

382. Why should you take regular breaks during a long journey?

To allow the engine to cool down.
✓ To help prevent fatigue and maintain concentration.
To make the journey feel shorter.
To reduce tyre pressure.

Regular breaks during a long journey help reduce fatigue and maintain concentration. Do not wait until you are struggling to stay awake before stopping to rest.

Driver resting during a long journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do after completing an overtake?

383. What should you normally do after completing an overtake?

Remain in the overtaking lane until another vehicle approaches.
✓ Return to the normal driving lane when it is safe.
Slow down before returning to the normal lane.
Move back immediately in front of the vehicle you passed.

After overtaking, return to the normal driving lane when you have passed the other vehicle by a safe distance. Check your mirrors, signal when appropriate, and avoid moving back too soon.

Vehicle returning to its lane after overtaking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

384. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Lane-departure warning.
✓ Forward-collision warning.
Electronic stability control.
Adaptive cruise control.

This symbol relates to the forward-collision warning or automatic emergency braking system. It may warn the driver when the vehicle detects a risk of collision with traffic ahead.

Forward-collision warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when people are waiting at a pedestrian crossing?

385. What should you do when people are waiting at a pedestrian crossing?

Sound your horn so pedestrians wait.
Maintain your speed until someone starts crossing.
Drive through if the pedestrians are still waiting.
✓ Slow down and stop if they want to cross.

When people are waiting near a pedestrian crossing, reduce your speed and be ready to stop. Pedestrians may begin crossing at any moment.

People waiting at a pedestrian crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid following another vehicle too closely in fog?

386. Why should you avoid following another vehicle too closely in fog?

✓ You may have too little time to react if it brakes suddenly.
To keep the windscreen clearer.
To reduce fuel consumption in poor visibility.
To increase stopping distance.

Following too closely reduces your reaction time and can lead to a collision if the vehicle ahead slows unexpectedly.

Following another vehicle in fog
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

387. What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

Walk along the road to find assistance.
Leave the vehicle and wait beside it for help.
✓ Stay inside, use hazard lights, and call the emergency services.
Try to push the vehicle out of the traffic lane.

If leaving the vehicle would put you in greater danger, remain restrained, make the vehicle visible, contact the emergency services, and follow their instructions.

Vehicle stranded among moving traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Rain can reduce tyre grip and increase stopping distance.

388. Rain can reduce tyre grip and increase stopping distance.

✓ True.
False.

Wet roads reduce traction, so your vehicle may need more distance to stop safely.

Vehicle travelling on a wet road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before connecting an electric vehicle to a charger?

389. What should you check before connecting an electric vehicle to a charger?

That the charger provides its maximum power.
That the vehicle doors remain unlocked.
That the vehicle's headlights are switched on.
✓ That the connector and charging equipment are suitable for the vehicle.

Charging connectors and charging capabilities can vary between vehicles and charging stations. Use compatible charging equipment that is suitable for the vehicle and follow the vehicle and charger manufacturer's instructions.

Matching an electric vehicle's connector to suitable charging equipment
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
It is safer to drive faster than the speed limit when overtaking.

390. It is safer to drive faster than the speed limit when overtaking.

True.
✓ False.

You must still drive safely and obey traffic laws. Speeding increases risk and is not automatically justified by overtaking.

Vehicle overtaking another road user
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

391. How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

Keep your speed and pass as close as possible.
Brake hard just before reaching the pothole.
Focus only on the pothole and not the traffic around you.
✓ Check surroundings, reduce speed, and avoid it smoothly.

Sudden swerving can place you in the path of traffic. Check your surroundings and change direction gradually.

Cyclist approaching a pothole
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Can coffee, energy drinks, fresh air, or loud music replace proper rest when you are tired?

392. Can coffee, energy drinks, fresh air, or loud music replace proper rest when you are tired?

✓ No, they may only increase alertness temporarily.
Yes, if the journey is less than one hour.
Yes, if you use several of them together.
Yes, but only during daylight.

Coffee, energy drinks, fresh air, or loud music may make you feel more alert for a short time, but they do not remove fatigue. If you are too tired to drive safely, stop somewhere safe and get proper rest.

Stimulant drinks and driver tiredness
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do when an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches?

393. What should cyclists do when an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches?

Keep riding normally and let the driver find a way past.
Stop immediately, even if you are in the traffic lane.
✓ Stay alert and move to a safe position without obstructing it.
Follow closely behind it once it passes.

Emergency vehicles need a clear route. Move predictably and stop only where doing so is safe.

Cyclist near an approaching emergency vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down inside a road tunnel?

394. What should you do if your vehicle breaks down inside a road tunnel?

Reverse toward the tunnel entrance if traffic is light.
Leave the vehicle and walk along the road to find help.
Make a U-turn and drive toward the nearest exit.
✓ Move aside if possible, use hazard lights, and call for assistance.

If possible, stop in an emergency bay or another safe place and use the hazard lights. Contact tunnel control using an emergency telephone or other available assistance system, and follow the tunnel signs and instructions.

Broken-down vehicle inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the main purpose of a booster seat?

395. What is the main purpose of a booster seat?

✓ To position the vehicle seat belt correctly on the child.
To move the child closer to the front seats.
To allow the child to sit without wearing a seat belt.
To make the child high enough to see through the windscreen.

A booster seat raises and positions a child so the vehicle seat belt fits correctly. The lap belt should sit low across the hips and the shoulder belt should pass across the chest and shoulder, rather than the neck or abdomen.

Child seated in a booster with a vehicle seat belt
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if passengers are distracting you while driving?

396. What should you do if passengers are distracting you while driving?

Drive faster so you can finish the journey sooner.
Continue the conversation while watching the road.
Ignore the traffic until the distraction has passed.
✓ Ask them to stop and keep your attention on the road.

Passengers can reduce a driver's attention and concentration. If their behaviour becomes distracting, ask them to stop and keep your focus on driving. If necessary, stop somewhere safe before dealing with the situation.

Passengers distracting a driver
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should happen after an airbag has deployed?

397. What should happen after an airbag has deployed?

The airbag can be removed and the vehicle used normally.
The airbag can be reused if it is not torn.
Only the airbag warning light needs to be reset.
✓ The restraint system should be professionally inspected and repaired.

A deployed airbag is a single-use safety component. After deployment, the restraint system should be professionally inspected and the airbag and any other affected components replaced or repaired as required before the system is relied upon again.

Deployed airbag inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

398. What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

Drink coffee before driving.
Eat something and wait a short while.
Drive only if you do not feel drunk.
✓ Do not drive and arrange a sober form of transport.

Alcohol can impair judgement, coordination, vision, and reaction time. A sober driver, taxi, public transport, or an overnight stay is the safer choice.

Alcohol consumption and the decision not to drive
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which selector position is used to drive the vehicle backwards?

399. Which selector position is used to drive the vehicle backwards?

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

Select R (Reverse) when you need to drive the vehicle backwards. The vehicle should be stationary before selecting Reverse.

Automatic gear selector with P, R, N and D positions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the steering wheel after completing a turn?

400. What should you do with the steering wheel after completing a turn?

Turn it quickly in the opposite direction.
Hold it in the turned position.
✓ Guide it smoothly back towards the straight-ahead position.
Release it completely and let it spin freely.

After completing a turn, guide the steering wheel smoothly back towards the straight-ahead position while maintaining control. Do not allow the wheel to spin freely through your hands.

Guiding the steering wheel back after a turn
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA