NL Class 5I Test cheat sheet
NL Class 5I Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Rules of the Road and Traffic Signs
Right-hand traffic: keep right except when overtaking, turning left, or when a lane is blocked; a solid centre line may not be crossed, a broken line may be crossed when safe.
Stop sign = complete stop at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the intersecting roadway; a rolling stop is a violation regardless of traffic volume.
Traffic light sequence: red → red plus amber (prepare to stop) → green → amber (stop unless stopping is unsafe) → red; a green arrow gives protected right of way only in the arrow direction.
Default speed limits in built-up areas are commonly 50 km/h and outside built-up areas 80 km/h unless a sign states otherwise; always obey the posted sign over the default.
At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to traffic approaching from the right; when turning left across oncoming traffic, yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right.
Pedestrian crossings: drivers must yield to pedestrians on or entering the crossing; overtaking a vehicle stopped at a crossing is prohibited.
Sign shapes carry meaning: triangles warn, circles give prohibition or obligation, octagons mean stop, rectangles give information or direction.
Roundabout rule: traffic already circulating has priority; entering drivers yield and signal right on exit.
Parking is prohibited within 5 m of a pedestrian crossing or intersection, at bus stops, on pavements, and where the vehicle blocks sight lines.
Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness
Two-second following rule: stay at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions, double to 4 seconds in rain and at least triple in ice, fog, or darkness.
Stopping distance = thinking distance (speed × reaction time) + braking distance (rises with the square of speed); doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.
Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard or steer sharply, hold the wheel steady until grip returns.
Skid recovery: release the brake or accelerator, steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, and avoid sudden inputs.
Alcohol and drugs reduce reaction time and judgement; the only safe limit is zero, and fatigue is countered only by stopping and resting, not by fresh air or coffee.
In fog use dipped headlights and fog lamps, reduce speed to a level where you can stop within the visible distance, and never use full beam.
Hazard scanning cycle: look far ahead, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and check blind spots before any lane change or manoeuvre.
Emergency braking with ABS: press the pedal firmly and keep it pressed; ABS prevents wheel lock but does not shorten stopping distance on all surfaces.
Sharing the Road with Other Users
Overtaking a cyclist: leave at least 1 m clearance at speeds up to 50 km/h and at least 1.5 m above that; if you cannot, wait behind.
Pedestrians have priority at marked crossings and when already on the roadway; children, older people, and people with reduced mobility need extra margin.
Motorcycles and mopeds are entitled to a full lane; do not share the lane beside them and check mirrors twice before changing lanes.
Large trucks have large blind spots on both sides, directly behind, and in front; if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
Long vehicles swing wide when turning; never pass on the inside of a turning truck or bus, and give way when they signal a turn.
Following a bus or tram that stops: expect passengers to cross in front of it; passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights is prohibited.
Cyclists may ride side by side where permitted; treat them as vehicles, signal your intentions early, and avoid revving or sounding the horn aggressively.
Emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens: yield, move right and stop if necessary; do not follow closely behind them.
Licensing Requirements and Vehicle Fitness
A learner permit requires passing a theory test and holding the permit for a minimum period before the practical driving test; a qualified driver must accompany a learner.
Categories follow vehicle mass and seats: passenger car (B), light motorcycle (A1), motorcycle (A2/A), light truck (C1), heavy truck (C), bus (D); each category has its own minimum age.
Penalty points accumulate on the licence; reaching the threshold triggers suspension, and novice drivers typically have a lower threshold than experienced drivers.
Periodic technical inspection (roadworthiness test) is required at set intervals based on vehicle age and category; driving without a valid inspection certificate is an offence.
Compulsory insurance (third-party liability) and valid registration documents must be carried or available in the vehicle at all times.
Vehicle fitness checks: tyres need at least 1.6 mm tread depth, correct pressures, working lights, effective brakes, and a clear windscreen.
Medical fitness certificate and eyesight standard (corrected vision permitted) are conditions of holding a licence; report any condition that affects driving.
Licence suspension or revocation follows serious offences such as drink-driving, excessive speeding, or leaving the scene of an accident.
Rules of the Road and Traffic Signs
Right-hand traffic: keep right except when overtaking, turning left, or when a lane is blocked; a solid centre line may not be crossed, a broken line may be crossed when safe.
Stop sign = complete stop at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the intersecting roadway; a rolling stop is a violation regardless of traffic volume.
Traffic light sequence: red → red plus amber (prepare to stop) → green → amber (stop unless stopping is unsafe) → red; a green arrow gives protected right of way only in the arrow direction.
Default speed limits in built-up areas are commonly 50 km/h and outside built-up areas 80 km/h unless a sign states otherwise; always obey the posted sign over the default.
At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to traffic approaching from the right; when turning left across oncoming traffic, yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right.
Pedestrian crossings: drivers must yield to pedestrians on or entering the crossing; overtaking a vehicle stopped at a crossing is prohibited.
Sign shapes carry meaning: triangles warn, circles give prohibition or obligation, octagons mean stop, rectangles give information or direction.
Roundabout rule: traffic already circulating has priority; entering drivers yield and signal right on exit.
Parking is prohibited within 5 m of a pedestrian crossing or intersection, at bus stops, on pavements, and where the vehicle blocks sight lines.
Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness
Two-second following rule: stay at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions, double to 4 seconds in rain and at least triple in ice, fog, or darkness.
Stopping distance = thinking distance (speed × reaction time) + braking distance (rises with the square of speed); doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.
Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard or steer sharply, hold the wheel steady until grip returns.
Skid recovery: release the brake or accelerator, steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, and avoid sudden inputs.
Alcohol and drugs reduce reaction time and judgement; the only safe limit is zero, and fatigue is countered only by stopping and resting, not by fresh air or coffee.
In fog use dipped headlights and fog lamps, reduce speed to a level where you can stop within the visible distance, and never use full beam.
Hazard scanning cycle: look far ahead, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and check blind spots before any lane change or manoeuvre.
Emergency braking with ABS: press the pedal firmly and keep it pressed; ABS prevents wheel lock but does not shorten stopping distance on all surfaces.
Sharing the Road with Other Users
Overtaking a cyclist: leave at least 1 m clearance at speeds up to 50 km/h and at least 1.5 m above that; if you cannot, wait behind.
Pedestrians have priority at marked crossings and when already on the roadway; children, older people, and people with reduced mobility need extra margin.
Motorcycles and mopeds are entitled to a full lane; do not share the lane beside them and check mirrors twice before changing lanes.
Large trucks have large blind spots on both sides, directly behind, and in front; if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
Long vehicles swing wide when turning; never pass on the inside of a turning truck or bus, and give way when they signal a turn.
Following a bus or tram that stops: expect passengers to cross in front of it; passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights is prohibited.
Cyclists may ride side by side where permitted; treat them as vehicles, signal your intentions early, and avoid revving or sounding the horn aggressively.
Emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens: yield, move right and stop if necessary; do not follow closely behind them.
Licensing Requirements and Vehicle Fitness
A learner permit requires passing a theory test and holding the permit for a minimum period before the practical driving test; a qualified driver must accompany a learner.
Categories follow vehicle mass and seats: passenger car (B), light motorcycle (A1), motorcycle (A2/A), light truck (C1), heavy truck (C), bus (D); each category has its own minimum age.
Penalty points accumulate on the licence; reaching the threshold triggers suspension, and novice drivers typically have a lower threshold than experienced drivers.
Periodic technical inspection (roadworthiness test) is required at set intervals based on vehicle age and category; driving without a valid inspection certificate is an offence.
Compulsory insurance (third-party liability) and valid registration documents must be carried or available in the vehicle at all times.
Vehicle fitness checks: tyres need at least 1.6 mm tread depth, correct pressures, working lights, effective brakes, and a clear windscreen.
Medical fitness certificate and eyesight standard (corrected vision permitted) are conditions of holding a licence; report any condition that affects driving.
Licence suspension or revocation follows serious offences such as drink-driving, excessive speeding, or leaving the scene of an accident.