General Rules
The fundamental rules every driver must know when driving on South African roads.Audio Summary
Sign in to listenDriving on South African Roads
Keep left, pass right!
This is the main rule of the road in South Africa. You must always drive on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right.
Staying left keeps you and other road users safe and is one of the most frequently tested rules in the K53 learner’s test.
Driving on a Two-Way Road
When driving on a two-way road, always keep to the left side of the road.
Oncoming traffic will be on your right. Only move to the right when it is safe to overtake, and return to the left as soon as it is safe to do so.
Driving on a One-Way Road
On a one-way road, you may proceed on the right-hand side, but only if it is safe to do so.
You can use any lane, but you should still keep left when possible and only move right when it is safe. Always follow the direction indicated by the one-way signs.
Safe Traveling Distances
Always maintain a safe traveling distance, considering the speed of the vehicle you are following and the conditions of the road.
The gap is measured from the front of your car to the back of the car in front of you in the same lane.
Good conditions: Use the two-second rule.
Bad conditions (rain, night, or following large vehicles): Increase the gap to 3–4 seconds.
Traffic & Police Officers
Traffic & Police Officers
A traffic officer or police officer’s instructions always override road signs and the rules of the road.
If an officer tells you to stop, go, or take a certain route, you must obey immediately — even if it contradicts a sign or robot.
Valid Vehicle License
Valid Vehicle Licenses
All vehicles must, at all times, have and display a vehicle license disc, which is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Grace Period
If the disc has expired you have a grace period of 21 days to renew it. After that the vehicle is not legally licensed.
Learner Licenses
Age Requirement
You may apply for a Learner's License for a Code 8 (EB) at the age of 17 Years.
You may apply for a Learner's License for a Code 10 (C or C1) at the age of 18 Years.
Learner License Period
Your learner license is valid for a period of only 24 months.
Presenting a Learner License on Request
When requested by a traffic officer, you must present your learner license immediately. Your learner license must be in your possession or inside the vehicle you are driving at all times.
You May Not Qualify for a Learner License if?
i. You already have a licence that authorises the driving of the same vehicle class.
ii. You are declared unfit to obtain a driving licence for a certain period and that period still prevails.
iii. Your licence was suspended temporarily and the suspension has not yet expired.
Number Plate Visibility
Number Plate Visibility
Your number plates on the front and/or back of your vehicle or motorcycle must be visible for a distance of at least 20 meters.
Vehicle Turning Radius
Valid Vehicle Turning Radius
The maximum allowed turning radius for a vehicle is 13.1 meters.
