SA Learner's Theory Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Default speed limit built-up area

In built-up areas the default speed limit is usually 50 km/h unless signs show a different limit. The limit applies to the whole road and to all lanes.

Two-second following rule

In good conditions stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Increase to four seconds in rain, at night, or when following a large vehicle that blocks your view.

Give way to the right

At an uncontrolled intersection of roads of equal status, you must give way to traffic approaching from your right. A vehicle already in the intersection has priority.

Pedestrian crossing obligation

A driver must stop for a pedestrian on a crossing or stepping onto it. Overtaking a vehicle stopped at a crossing is prohibited because it may hide a pedestrian.

Roundabout give-way rule

At a roundabout you give way to traffic already circulating. Signal left to leave and signal right only when moving to an outer lane before exiting.

Novice driver alcohol limit

Novice and learner drivers are usually subject to a zero or near-zero blood alcohol limit. Any alcohol before driving risks a licence refusal or a criminal offence.

Overtaking prohibited locations

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, railway crossings, intersections, and wherever a solid centre line or a no-overtaking sign is displayed.

Keeping left on two-way roads

In left-driving jurisdictions you keep to the left lane on a two-way road. The right lane is used only for overtaking, turning, or when signs direct otherwise.

Red circle sign meaning

A red circle, often with a white bar or a number, indicates a prohibition such as no entry, no stopping, or a maximum speed. It forbids rather than advises.

Red triangle sign meaning

A red triangle with a white background is a warning sign. It alerts drivers to a hazard ahead such as a bend, junction, or pedestrian crossing.

Blue circle sign meaning

A blue circular sign gives a mandatory instruction, such as turn left ahead or keep right. Drivers must comply with the direction shown.

Blue rectangle sign meaning

A blue rectangular sign is informational, giving directions, distances, or facility locations. It does not impose an obligation on the driver.

Yellow box junction rule

You may enter a yellow box junction only if your exit is clear. The exception is when turning right and you are blocked only by oncoming traffic.

Double solid white lines

Double solid white lines may not be crossed in either direction. A single broken white line separates lanes travelling in the same direction and may be crossed.

Stop sign requirement

A stop sign requires a complete stop at the stop line, followed by giving way to all traffic on the road you are joining, regardless of visibility.

Yield sign requirement

A yield sign requires you to slow down and give way to traffic on the road you are joining. You need stop only if traffic is actually approaching.

Zigzag line meaning

Zigzag lines approaching a pedestrian crossing prohibit parking, stopping, and overtaking within the marked zone. They protect sight lines for drivers and pedestrians.

Solid yellow kerb line

A solid yellow line at the kerb means no parking at any time. A broken yellow line means no parking during the times shown on the accompanying sign.

Lane direction arrows

Arrows painted in a lane bind the driver to that direction. Once in a left-turn lane you must turn left unless signs show that other movements are permitted.

Traffic light sequence

The sequence is red, red and amber, green, amber, red. An amber light means stop unless stopping safely is impossible, for example when too close to the line.

Solid versus broken centre line

A solid centre line may not be crossed. A broken centre line may be crossed only when the manoeuvre is safe and does not impede oncoming traffic.

Pedal layout in manual car

The clutch is operated with the left foot, while the brake and accelerator are operated with the right foot. The left foot never rests on the brake pedal.

Mirror-signal-manoeuvre order

Check mirrors, signal your intention, then adjust position and speed before changing direction. This order applies to turning, overtaking, and lane changes.

Parking brake use

Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked and release it fully before moving. A warning light on the dashboard shows it is still engaged.

Legal tyre tread depth

Tyres must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the width, around the entire circumference, to be legally roadworthy.

Dipped beam requirement

Headlights are required between sunset and sunrise and in poor visibility. Dip the beams when within 200 metres of oncoming traffic to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Restarting a stalled engine

Depress the clutch, select neutral, and turn the ignition while holding the brake. Restarting in gear can cause the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly.

Correct steering hand position

Hold the wheel with both hands at about nine-and-three or ten-and-two. Use hand-over-hand movement for sharp turns and return the wheel smoothly after the turn.

Gear selection by speed

First gear is used for pulling away, with upward changes typically at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm in a petrol engine. Select a lower gear before climbing or overtaking.

Clutch control when pulling away

Find the biting point by raising the clutch slowly until the engine note drops, then release the parking brake and add gentle acceleration to move off smoothly.

Windscreen washer and wipers

Use washers and wipers to keep the windscreen clear; a dirty screen scatters low sun and headlight glare, sharply reducing visibility at night and in rain.

Instrument panel warning lights

Red warning lights indicate a fault requiring an immediate stop, such as low oil pressure. Amber lights indicate a fault to check soon, such as low fuel.