Zimbabwe VID Provisional Test cheat sheet

Regulatory signs (circular with red border) impose prohibitions or obligations; ignoring them is an offence.

Warning signs are triangular with a red border and warn of hazards ahead; distance to the hazard is often shown on a supplementary plate.

Information signs are rectangular, usually blue or green, and give direction, distance or facility information.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means No Entry; a red octagon means STOP - a full stop is required even if the road appears clear.

A red inverted triangle (Give Way) requires yielding to traffic on the major road; a broken white line marks the give-way position.

Speed limit signs show the maximum permitted speed in km/h inside a red circle; the limit applies from the sign to the next limit or derestriction sign.

A yellow diamond with a black symbol is a priority road sign, indicating the driver has right-of-way at junctions ahead.

Temporary warning signs have a yellow background; they take precedence over permanent signs for the duration of the works.

A steady red traffic light means stop before the stop line; a steady amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

A flashing amber at a pedestrian crossing means proceed only if no pedestrian is on the crossing.

A green arrow permits movement only in the direction of the arrow, provided the way is clear.

A solid white centre line prohibits crossing or straddling; a broken white line may be crossed when overtaking is safe.

A double solid yellow line along the edge means no stopping at any time; a single broken yellow line means no parking during stated times.

Zebra crossing markings are broad white stripes parallel to the road; pedestrians on the crossing have priority.

A yellow box junction may be entered only if the exit is clear, except when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic.

Traffic light signals override road signs and markings; a police officer's signals override traffic lights.

At an uncontrolled four-way junction, yield to traffic already in the junction and to vehicles approaching from the right.

Zimbabwe drives on the left; overtaking is normally done on the right except when the vehicle ahead is turning right.

A vehicle turning right must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning left.

At a roundabout, give way to traffic already circulating from the right unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.

Emergency vehicles with sirens or flashing lights have priority; pull to the left and stop if necessary to let them pass.

Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have absolute priority; a driver must stop and remain stopped until they have cleared it.

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, on blind rises, on bends and where a solid white line is present.

The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 60 km/h unless signs indicate otherwise; outside urban areas it is 100 km/h for light vehicles unless signed.

The clutch is operated with the left foot; the brake and accelerator with the right foot - never brake with the left foot in a manual vehicle.

Mirror-signal-manoeuvre sequence is performed before every change of direction or speed.

The safe following distance is at least two seconds in dry conditions, doubled to four seconds in rain or at night.

Gears should be selected to match speed; engine braking in a low gear assists control on long descents.

The handbrake (parking brake) is applied when parked and released fully before moving off.

Steering should be with both hands at the nine-and-three or ten-and-two positions for maximum control.

Headlights must be used between sunset and sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced; dip headlights for oncoming traffic.

A tyre's minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.

The system of car control: information, position, speed, gear, acceleration - applied to every hazard.

Hazard perception requires scanning far ahead and checking mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds.

Blind spots are checked by a shoulder glance in addition to mirrors before changing lanes.

In wet conditions, stopping distances roughly double; in ice they can increase up to ten times.

Aquaplaning occurs when water lifts the tyres off the road; ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard.

At night, reduce speed so you can stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights.

Fatigue impairs reaction time; a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours is recommended on long journeys.

When a large vehicle is turning left, do not overtake on its left - it may swing wide and cut across.

A valid certificate of fitness is required for public service and goods vehicles; private vehicles require a valid vehicle examination certificate.

Brakes must operate efficiently and evenly on all wheels; a pulling brake is a defect that fails inspection.

All lights - headlights, indicators, brake lights and reflectors - must be present, clean and functional.

Tyres must be free of cuts, bulges and exposed cords, and must be of a type and size approved for the vehicle.

The windscreen must be free of cracks or obstructions that impair the driver's view; wipers must clear the screen effectively.

The exhaust must not emit excessive smoke, and the silencer must be intact to control noise.

The horn must be audible, and the speedometer and seat belts must be in working order.

A vehicle must not be used on a public road if it is unroadworthy, even if its certificate is still valid.

A provisional learner driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver who has held a full licence for the class for at least the prescribed period.

A provisional licence holder must display L plates (red on white) clearly at the front and rear of the vehicle.

The driver must carry a valid driving licence and the vehicle's registration certificate and insurance certificate.

A learner may not carry passengers other than the supervising driver and the examiner during the test.

Third-party insurance is the minimum legal cover required to drive on a public road.

A vehicle licence (road tax) must be renewed annually and displayed on the vehicle.

Driving without a valid licence or while disqualified is an offence carrying penalties including fines and imprisonment.

The provisional licence is valid only for the class of vehicle for which it was issued.

In a collision, stop immediately, render assistance, and report to the nearest police station within 24 hours if there are injuries or damage.

Place warning triangles approximately 45 metres behind a broken-down vehicle on a straight road, further on a bend or hill.

Switch on hazard warning lights when stationary in a hazardous position.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire; keep them warm and still.

Apply the handbrake and engage a low gear or park when leaving a vehicle unattended.

If a tyre bursts, grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard until the vehicle is controlled.

If brakes fail, pump the pedal, use engine braking through lower gears and apply the handbrake gradually.

In the event of a fire, switch off the engine, evacuate occupants upwind and call the fire service.

The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers in Zimbabwe is 0.08 g per 100 ml of blood (0.08%).

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence; refusal to provide a specimen is also an offence.

Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgement and reduces peripheral vision - effects begin below the legal limit.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair driving; check the label and consult a pharmacist before driving.

A driver must not drive while unfit through illness, fatigue or drugs; the offence applies regardless of the substance.

A driver suspected of drink-driving may be required to provide a breath sample; a positive result can lead to arrest.

Penalties for drink-driving include fines, disqualification and imprisonment; disqualification periods increase for repeat offences.

Drivers must report to the licensing authority any medical condition that affects their ability to drive safely.

Regulatory signs (circular with red border) impose prohibitions or obligations; ignoring them is an offence.

Warning signs are triangular with a red border and warn of hazards ahead; distance to the hazard is often shown on a supplementary plate.

Information signs are rectangular, usually blue or green, and give direction, distance or facility information.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means No Entry; a red octagon means STOP - a full stop is required even if the road appears clear.

A red inverted triangle (Give Way) requires yielding to traffic on the major road; a broken white line marks the give-way position.

Speed limit signs show the maximum permitted speed in km/h inside a red circle; the limit applies from the sign to the next limit or derestriction sign.

A yellow diamond with a black symbol is a priority road sign, indicating the driver has right-of-way at junctions ahead.

Temporary warning signs have a yellow background; they take precedence over permanent signs for the duration of the works.

A steady red traffic light means stop before the stop line; a steady amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

A flashing amber at a pedestrian crossing means proceed only if no pedestrian is on the crossing.

A green arrow permits movement only in the direction of the arrow, provided the way is clear.

A solid white centre line prohibits crossing or straddling; a broken white line may be crossed when overtaking is safe.

A double solid yellow line along the edge means no stopping at any time; a single broken yellow line means no parking during stated times.

Zebra crossing markings are broad white stripes parallel to the road; pedestrians on the crossing have priority.

A yellow box junction may be entered only if the exit is clear, except when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic.

Traffic light signals override road signs and markings; a police officer's signals override traffic lights.

At an uncontrolled four-way junction, yield to traffic already in the junction and to vehicles approaching from the right.

Zimbabwe drives on the left; overtaking is normally done on the right except when the vehicle ahead is turning right.

A vehicle turning right must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning left.

At a roundabout, give way to traffic already circulating from the right unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.

Emergency vehicles with sirens or flashing lights have priority; pull to the left and stop if necessary to let them pass.

Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have absolute priority; a driver must stop and remain stopped until they have cleared it.

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, on blind rises, on bends and where a solid white line is present.

The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 60 km/h unless signs indicate otherwise; outside urban areas it is 100 km/h for light vehicles unless signed.

The clutch is operated with the left foot; the brake and accelerator with the right foot - never brake with the left foot in a manual vehicle.

Mirror-signal-manoeuvre sequence is performed before every change of direction or speed.

The safe following distance is at least two seconds in dry conditions, doubled to four seconds in rain or at night.

Gears should be selected to match speed; engine braking in a low gear assists control on long descents.

The handbrake (parking brake) is applied when parked and released fully before moving off.

Steering should be with both hands at the nine-and-three or ten-and-two positions for maximum control.

Headlights must be used between sunset and sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced; dip headlights for oncoming traffic.

A tyre's minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.

The system of car control: information, position, speed, gear, acceleration - applied to every hazard.

Hazard perception requires scanning far ahead and checking mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds.

Blind spots are checked by a shoulder glance in addition to mirrors before changing lanes.

In wet conditions, stopping distances roughly double; in ice they can increase up to ten times.

Aquaplaning occurs when water lifts the tyres off the road; ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard.

At night, reduce speed so you can stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights.

Fatigue impairs reaction time; a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours is recommended on long journeys.

When a large vehicle is turning left, do not overtake on its left - it may swing wide and cut across.

A valid certificate of fitness is required for public service and goods vehicles; private vehicles require a valid vehicle examination certificate.

Brakes must operate efficiently and evenly on all wheels; a pulling brake is a defect that fails inspection.

All lights - headlights, indicators, brake lights and reflectors - must be present, clean and functional.

Tyres must be free of cuts, bulges and exposed cords, and must be of a type and size approved for the vehicle.

The windscreen must be free of cracks or obstructions that impair the driver's view; wipers must clear the screen effectively.

The exhaust must not emit excessive smoke, and the silencer must be intact to control noise.

The horn must be audible, and the speedometer and seat belts must be in working order.

A vehicle must not be used on a public road if it is unroadworthy, even if its certificate is still valid.

A provisional learner driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver who has held a full licence for the class for at least the prescribed period.

A provisional licence holder must display L plates (red on white) clearly at the front and rear of the vehicle.

The driver must carry a valid driving licence and the vehicle's registration certificate and insurance certificate.

A learner may not carry passengers other than the supervising driver and the examiner during the test.

Third-party insurance is the minimum legal cover required to drive on a public road.

A vehicle licence (road tax) must be renewed annually and displayed on the vehicle.

Driving without a valid licence or while disqualified is an offence carrying penalties including fines and imprisonment.

The provisional licence is valid only for the class of vehicle for which it was issued.

In a collision, stop immediately, render assistance, and report to the nearest police station within 24 hours if there are injuries or damage.

Place warning triangles approximately 45 metres behind a broken-down vehicle on a straight road, further on a bend or hill.

Switch on hazard warning lights when stationary in a hazardous position.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire; keep them warm and still.

Apply the handbrake and engage a low gear or park when leaving a vehicle unattended.

If a tyre bursts, grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard until the vehicle is controlled.

If brakes fail, pump the pedal, use engine braking through lower gears and apply the handbrake gradually.

In the event of a fire, switch off the engine, evacuate occupants upwind and call the fire service.

The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers in Zimbabwe is 0.08 g per 100 ml of blood (0.08%).

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence; refusal to provide a specimen is also an offence.

Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgement and reduces peripheral vision - effects begin below the legal limit.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair driving; check the label and consult a pharmacist before driving.

A driver must not drive while unfit through illness, fatigue or drugs; the offence applies regardless of the substance.

A driver suspected of drink-driving may be required to provide a breath sample; a positive result can lead to arrest.

Penalties for drink-driving include fines, disqualification and imprisonment; disqualification periods increase for repeat offences.

Drivers must report to the licensing authority any medical condition that affects their ability to drive safely.