Lesotho Theory Test: Vehicle Fitness

The daily check

A roadworthy vehicle is a legal requirement and a safety one. Before driving, check tyres, lights, brakes, steering, mirrors, wipers, washers, horn and fluid levels. A quick walk-around catches most problems.

Tyres

Tyres need adequate tread depth and correct pressure. Worn or under-inflated tyres reduce grip, lengthen braking distance and increase the risk of blowouts. Check pressure when tyres are cold. Look for cuts, bulges and uneven wear, which can signal alignment problems.

Lights and signals

All lights must work: headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights and reflectors. Dirty or broken lights reduce your visibility to others, especially at night and in rain.

Brakes and steering

Brakes should feel firm and pull the car up in a straight line. A spongy pedal, pulling to one side, or unusual noises mean the vehicle needs attention. Steering should be responsive with no excessive play.

Windscreen and visibility

Keep the windscreen clear, wipers working and washer fluid topped up. A cracked or obscured windscreen impairs vision and may fail inspection.

Traps

1. Candidates confuse tread depth with tyre pressure - both matter but they are different checks.
2. A question may ask when to check pressure: the answer is cold.
3. A soft or spongy brake pedal is a fault, not normal.

Rule of thumb

"Tyres, lights, brakes, steering, glass, fluids - check before you drive, not after something goes wrong."

Worked example: Your steering wheel vibrates at speed and a front tyre shows a bulge. The tyre is damaged and the car is not roadworthy - stop and get it replaced before continuing.

Documentation and Licensing Requirements

What a driver must carry

Driving legally in Lesotho requires a valid driver's licence for the correct class of vehicle, and the vehicle must be registered and licensed. The driver should be able to produce the licence and the vehicle documents when required by an authorised officer.

Vehicle documents

• Registration certificate - proves ownership and registration.
• Vehicle licence (road tax) - must be current.
• Certificate of roadworthiness / inspection - confirms the vehicle meets safety standards.
• Insurance - third-party cover protects others if you cause harm.

Licence classes and fitness to drive

Licences are issued for particular vehicle categories (motorcycle, light vehicle, heavy vehicle). Driving outside your class is an offence. You must also be medically fit to drive: eyesight standards apply, and certain medical conditions or medications may affect your ability to drive safely. If you are unfit through alcohol, drugs, illness or fatigue, you must not drive.

Learner and provisional rules

Learner drivers must display the required identification and be accompanied by a qualified driver as the law requires, and must obey any conditions attached to the licence.

Traps

1. A question may ask whether a photocopy of a document is acceptable - originals are required where the law says so.
2. Candidates forget that insurance is a legal requirement, not optional.
3. Driving a heavier or different class of vehicle on a light-vehicle licence is an offence.

Rule of thumb

"Right licence, right class, current documents, fit to drive - all four before you turn the key."

Worked example: A friend asks you to drive his small truck on your light-vehicle licence. You decline: the vehicle class is outside your licence, so you would be driving illegally and uninsured for that class.

First Aid

Your priorities

At a crash scene your first duty is safety: protect yourself, the casualty and other road users. Switch off engines, warn traffic, and never put yourself in danger. Then follow DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Send for help early.

The primary survey

• Danger: is it safe to approach?
• Response: does the casualty respond to voice or touch?
• Airway: is it clear? Gently open it.
• Breathing: look, listen and feel. If not breathing normally, start CPR and get help.
• Circulation: control severe bleeding with direct pressure.

Common injuries

• Bleeding: apply firm direct pressure with a clean pad; do not remove an embedded object.
• Burns: cool with clean running water; do not burst blisters or apply creams.
• Fractures: immobilise; do not attempt to straighten a limb.
• Unconscious but breathing: place in the recovery position to keep the airway open.
• Suspected spinal injury: do not move the casualty unless there is immediate danger.

Traps

1. Candidates rush to move casualties - only move them if leaving them is more dangerous.
2. "Give an unconscious person a drink" is always wrong.
3. CPR is for casualties who are not breathing normally, not for those who are breathing.

Rule of thumb

"Danger first, then DR ABC - you cannot help anyone if you become a casualty yourself."

Worked example: A motorcyclist is unconscious but breathing. You check the airway, confirm breathing, and place him in the recovery position while someone calls for an ambulance - you do not sit him up or give water.

Emergencies and Accident Procedure

When things go wrong on the road

Emergencies demand calm, quick decisions. Know the difference between a skid, a brake failure, a blowout and a fire, and know what to do for each.

• Skid: ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction you want to go, and avoid harsh braking.
• Brake failure: pump the brake, change down through the gears, use the handbrake gently, and look for a safe escape.
• Blowout: grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight before slowing gradually.
• Fire: stop, switch off the engine, get everyone out and move well away; do not open the bonnet fully.

Accident procedure

If you are involved in a collision: stop, make the scene safe, warn other traffic, check for injuries and call for help. Exchange names, addresses, vehicle registration and insurance details with the other parties. Report the accident to the police as required by law, and do not leave the scene. Never admit liability at the roadside; give facts to the authorities.

Breakdowns

Move the vehicle off the road if possible, switch on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle where it can be seen. At night, wear something visible.

Traps

1. Candidates brake hard during a skid - the opposite of correct.
2. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offence.
3. Hazard lights are for breakdowns and emergencies, not for parking illegally.

Rule of thumb

"Stop, secure, help, exchange, report - in that order after any collision."

Worked example: Your front tyre bursts at speed. You grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator and steer straight, letting the car slow gradually before pulling off the road - you do not stamp on the brakes.