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

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

The vehicle may use more fuel during the manoeuvre.
The steering may become heavier while turning around.
✓ Other drivers approach quickly and do not expect traffic facing them.
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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle carrying animals?

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

Because they cannot use brake lights.
Because they cannot use their horn.
Because they must always travel in the centre of the road.
✓ Because it may move slowly or stop unexpectedly.

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

Vehicle following an animal transporter
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be especially alert for wild animals at dawn and dusk?

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

Road signs are harder for animals to recognise.
Animals cannot see vehicles during daylight.
✓ Many animals are more active at these times.
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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

304. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Fuel-filler flap release.
Boot release.
Parking brake.
Bonnet release.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do with the accelerator when changing to a higher gear?

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

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

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
It is safe to look at your phone briefly while driving.

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

✓ False.
True.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

307. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Headlight flash.
✓ Horn.
Hazard warning lights.
Parking assistance.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the seat-belt height be adjusted correctly?

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

To prevent the seat from moving.
To make the belt easier to unfasten.
To increase the length of the lap belt.
✓ 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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you press the clutch pedal fully when changing gear?

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

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

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should cyclists avoid riding in a large vehicle's blind spot?

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

✓ The driver may not be able to see them.
Blind spots matter only when a vehicle is reversing.
The driver can always hear a cyclist beside the vehicle.
Large vehicles always have priority when turning.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the button on a seat-belt buckle used for?

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

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

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What can slow engine cranking or dim lights indicate?

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

✓ A weak battery or charging-system problem.
Worn brake pads.
A wheel-alignment 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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a seat belt is frayed or damaged?

313. 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.
Cover the damaged section and continue using it.
✓ Have it inspected and replaced before relying on it.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can strong crosswinds affect a vehicle towing a trailer?

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

They affect only the towing vehicle, not the trailer.
✓ They can push the trailer sideways and reduce stability.
They make the trailer more stable at higher speeds.
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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave space when cycling beside parked cars?

315. 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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be cautious when following a vehicle carrying a loose load?

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

The vehicle must always travel at a lower speed.
✓ Objects may fall onto the road.
The vehicle must stop whenever the load shifts.
Loose loads give the vehicle priority when changing lanes.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What can happen if you use the brakes continuously on a long descent?

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

The engine may automatically slow the vehicle.
The brakes may become more effective as they heat up.
✓ The brakes may overheat and become less effective.
Nothing, if the brake fluid level is correct.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should check your mirrors before changing lanes.

318. You should check your mirrors before changing lanes.

False.
✓ True.

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

Driver checking a mirror before changing lanes
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you feel tired while driving?

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

Turn up the radio to stay alert.
✓ Stop in a safe place and take a break.
Open a window and continue driving.
Drink coffee and continue without stopping.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should loose items inside a vehicle be secured?

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

✓ They can become dangerous projectiles during sudden braking or a collision.
They can reduce tyre pressure while driving.
They can increase the vehicle's fuel consumption.
They can interfere with the vehicle's exterior lights.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which side is normally used for overtaking in South Africa?

321. 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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you adjust your speed in bad weather?

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

To make the windscreen wipers work better.
To prevent the tyres from losing air pressure.
To keep the engine from overheating.
✓ Because visibility and grip may be reduced.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • 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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep the driver's footwell free of loose objects?

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

They could damage the carpet around the pedals.
They could block the footwell ventilation.
They could make the pedals noisier to operate.
✓ They could roll into the pedals and interfere with control.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

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

Keep pressing the brakes continuously all the way downhill.
✓ Select a lower gear and stop safely to allow the brakes to cool.
Switch off the engine to help slow the vehicle.
Accelerate between bends to reduce brake use.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the pedestrian light is red?

326. 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.
Cross if another pedestrian has already started.
Start crossing if the signal is about to change.

A red pedestrian signal means you should wait before crossing.

Red pedestrian signal at a crossing
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can alcohol affect your driving ability?

327. 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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a three-point seat belt normally be worn during pregnancy?

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

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

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid stopping in a blind spot of a large vehicle?

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

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

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What word is commonly shown on STOP signs in South Africa?

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

ALTO.
PARE.
✓ STOP.
DUR.

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

Different wording used on stop signs
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when meeting another vehicle on a narrow mountain road?

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

✓ Slow down and use a safe passing place if necessary.
Move toward the centre so the other driver gives way.
Maintain speed and pass as closely as possible.
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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You may ignore a stop sign if the road looks empty.

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

True.
✓ False.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can a roof load affect vehicle handling?

333. 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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

334. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Central door locking.
Mirror adjustment.
Child safety lock.
✓ Electric window control.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

335. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Oil-pressure warning.
Charging-system warning.
Engine-temperature warning.
✓ Diesel particulate filter 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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a temporary lane closure?

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

Ignore the temporary signs if your lane is still open.
Reverse back the way you came.
✓ Follow the temporary signs and merge safely when required.
Follow construction vehicles through the closed lane.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What information is needed when requesting emergency assistance?

337. What information is needed when requesting emergency assistance?

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

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicles are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds?

338. Which vehicles are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds?

✓ High-sided vehicles such as trucks, buses, and vans.
Electric vehicles.
Vehicles with full fuel tanks.
Low, heavily loaded vehicles.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid wearing dark clothing at night?

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

Clothing colour matters only on unlit roads.
Street lighting makes dark clothing easy to see.
✓ Drivers may have difficulty seeing you.
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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can a heavy load affect stopping distance?

340. How can a heavy load affect stopping distance?

It makes the brakes respond more quickly.
It always shortens the stopping distance.
✓ It can increase the distance needed to stop.
It affects stopping distance only on steep roads.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching an uncontrolled junction?

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

Rely on the priority rule without reducing your speed.
✓ Slow down, look carefully in all directions, and proceed only when safe.
Enter first if you reach the junction before another vehicle.
Continue at normal speed unless another vehicle is visible.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

342. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

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

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

343. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

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

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before rejoining traffic after a breakdown?

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

Check your mirrors only and pull out if they look clear.
✓ Check all around, signal, and enter only when there is a safe gap.
Pull out as soon as there is enough space for your vehicle.
Signal and expect approaching traffic to slow down.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

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

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

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

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

They can prevent the horn from working properly.
They can make road signs harder to read.
✓ They can make important warning sounds harder to hear.
They can cause the speed limiter to switch off.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

347. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Low fuel level.
Charging-system warning.
Low engine oil.
Low washer fluid.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a motorcycle helmet be worn correctly and securely fastened?

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

To make the motorcycle easier to balance.
✓ To reduce the risk of serious head injury in a collision.
To reduce fuel consumption at higher speeds.
To prevent the motorcycle from skidding.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when construction vehicles enter or leave the road?

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

✓ Slow down and be prepared for them to move across your path.
Assume it will stop before entering your lane.
Use your horn so the driver waits for you.
Accelerate before the vehicle reaches the road.

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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Should motorcyclists wear protective clothing?

350. Should motorcyclists wear protective clothing?

No, protective clothing is only needed in bad weather.
No, it is only useful when riding at high speeds.
Yes, but only when riding on motorways.
✓ 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 Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA