Lesotho Theory Test common mistakes
Lesotho Theory Test · Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
Confusing the meaning of a circular sign with a red border versus a circular sign that is solid blue, and treating give-way and stop signs as interchangeable.
Candidates memorise sign shapes as isolated pictures rather than learning the rule that shape and colour encode the type of instruction (red border circle = prohibition, blue circle = mandatory instruction, triangle = warning, octagon = stop).
What to do instead
Learn the shape-and-colour code first, then sort every sign you study into prohibition, mandatory, warning, priority and information groups so an unfamiliar sign can still be classified by its outline.
Rolling through or failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or stop line, and entering a junction without giving way to traffic already on the priority road.
Habit from low-traffic local roads and misjudging approach speed; candidates also assume that slowing down is equivalent to stopping.
What to do instead
Practise the full sequence until automatic: stop behind the line with all wheels stationary, look left-right-left, move only when the junction is clear; on give-way, treat it as a yield and be ready to stop rather than expecting others to slow for you.
Misreading road markings, for example crossing a solid centre line, treating a broken line as permission to overtake without checking, or stopping in a hatched or yellow-marked area.
Markings are learned as facts to recall rather than as rules tied to a specific manoeuvre, and candidates do not connect a marking to the action it permits or forbids.
What to do instead
For each marking, state the rule aloud as an action ('solid line: do not cross or straddle except to avoid an obstruction'), and rehearse which markings may be crossed and under what exception.
Failing to make the required mirror and blind-spot checks before moving off, changing lane, or opening a door, and signalling after rather than before the manoeuvre.
Candidates perform the checks as a ritual at the wrong moment, or skip them under test pressure because they are watching the road ahead only.
What to do instead
Use a fixed routine for every manoeuvre: mirrors, signal, blind-spot check, then act; say the routine silently in order so the sequence cannot collapse under stress.
Following too closely for the conditions and driving at a speed that is legal but not safe for rain, gravel, or reduced visibility.
Candidates equate the posted limit with a target speed and underestimate stopping distance, especially on wet or unsealed surfaces.
What to do instead
Learn the two-second rule and apply it in dry conditions, doubling it in rain or on gravel; treat the limit as a maximum and choose speed from what you can actually see and stop within.
Failing to anticipate hazards such as pedestrians stepping out from between parked vehicles, animals on rural roads, or an oncoming vehicle overtaking into your path.
Candidates scan only the vehicle directly ahead and do not build a picture of what could happen next, so they react instead of planning.
What to do instead
Practise commentary driving: continuously name what you can see, what is hidden, and what you would do if it emerged; scan far ahead and check mirrors every few seconds to keep a full picture.
Not knowing which vehicle defects make a vehicle unroadworthy, such as bald tyres, faulty lights or brakes, or a cracked windscreen in the driver's line of sight.
Candidates learn defect names but not the pass/fail threshold, so they cannot judge whether a vehicle is legal to drive.
What to do instead
Learn the specific limits (for example minimum tyre tread depth and the requirement for correct tyre pressure and no cuts or bulges) and do a walk-around check of lights, tyres, brakes and glass before driving.
Driving without the correct licence class, without valid insurance or road tax, or failing to carry and produce the required documents when asked.
Candidates assume the licence they hold covers any vehicle and do not link vehicle categories to licence codes or understand what documents must be valid at the time of driving.
What to do instead
Match licence codes to the vehicle you intend to drive, confirm insurance and vehicle fitness are current before a journey, and keep the required documents accessible in the vehicle.
Giving incorrect first aid at a crash scene, such as moving an injured person unnecessarily, removing a helmet, or giving food and drink to a casualty.
Candidates rely on instinct or film-style rescues rather than the priority order of scene safety, calling for help, and not worsening injuries.
What to do instead
Learn the fixed order: make the scene safe, call emergency services, then treat life-threatening bleeding and breathing problems; leave casualties in place unless there is immediate danger, and never give food or drink.
Leaving the scene of a collision or failing to report it, exchange details, or warn other traffic with a warning triangle at the correct distance.
Candidates panic and do not know their legal duties after a crash, or place a warning triangle too close to be useful.
What to do instead
Memorise the post-crash duties: stop, make the scene safe, help the injured, exchange names and insurance details, report to the police where required, and place the triangle well back from the vehicle on the same side of the road.