the official k53 pass your learner's easily (extract)

7/23/2019 The Official K53 Pass Your Learner's Easily (Extract)

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Contents

1 Introduction 5

2 The learners licence test 6 3 Vehicle controls 7

4 The test-yourself system 9

5 The defensive driving system (K53) 10

6 Rules of the road 11

7 Road traffic signs and markings 26

8 Regulatory road signs 27

9 Warning road signs 43

10 Guidance and information road signs 58

11 Traffic signals 67

12 Road markings 70

? Test-yourself answers 79


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6

2The licence

To obtain a learners licence you must pass a knowledge test covering traffic

rules, road traffic signs and the controls of the type of vehicle you intend to

drive.

requiremenTs

You will not be able to obtain a learner's licence if:

you have been previously disqualified by a court of law and this

disqualification is still in force, or

you already have a licence for the same class of vehicle, or your licence has been suspended temporarily and the suspension has

not yet expired.

When you apply to write the test, you must produce two passport-size photo-

graphs, which may be black-and-white or colour.

When you pass the test, you will be issued with a learners licence. Thiswill allow

you to drive a motor vehicle on a public road subject to certain conditions:

You must drive under the supervision of a person in possession of a valid

drivers licence for the same category vehicle as that which you intend to drive.

The person should be seated right next to you, or directly behind you

only if he/she cannot sit next to you.

In the case of a motorcycle without a sidecar, you may not carry a

passenger and therefore may not be accompanied by your instructor.

The minimum age for obtaining a learners licence is:

For a motorcycle without a sidecar and with an engine cylinder capacity

not exceeding 125 cm: 16 years.

For light motor vehicles with a mass not exceeding 3 500 kg: 17 years.

For all other vehicles: 18 years.

Your learners licence will be valid for 24 months. Before you can make a

booking for the written test, you must pass an eye test to make sure that

your vision is good enough for driving on public roads. The testing centre

will give you all the details and fees involved.

vehicle licence

The vehicle clearance certificate (licence disc) is valid for 12 months, and

must be renewed annually.

The TesT

The written theory test is not an easy test to pass. It is therefore important that

youstudy everything in this book thoroughly before you make your booking for the

test. The test is given in a multiple-choice format, and each question has three

possible answers. In some cases only one option is correct, in others more

than one option is correct, and in some cases one option is more correct than

the others. Make sure you select the most appropriate option.

When you write the official test you will be given a book of questions,an answer sheet, a chart of road signs and a book containing pictures of the

vehicle controls and various road layouts. The use of these will be explained to

you before you write the test. Be sure to listen carefully to the instructions. It

will be useful to take your own pencil and suitable eraser, just in case.

noTe: Cheating during the official

test is an offence. If convicted,

a candidate will be disqualified

from writing the test for at least

12 months.

PAss mArKs requireD

You need to pass each of the three

sections of the test. If you fail one

section, you will fail the entire test.

The required pass marks are:

rules of the oad: 22 out of 28

road signs: 23 out of 28

vehicle contols: 6 out of 8

The

learners

licence

test


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Always comply with the following

rules of the road unless otherwise

directed by a traffic officer, a police

officer or a road sign.

Drivers control

The driver must have full control

of the vehicle and have a clear

view of the road ahead.

Keep left, pass right

The rule of the road is: Driveon the left side of the roadway.

Dont endanger oncoming traffic

by encroaching onto the right-

hand side of the road.

Overtake other vehicles on their

right-hand side only if

it is safe to do so; it is not prohibited by a road

sign or marking.

You may drive on the right-hand

side of a one-way road.

On divided roads, dont drive

over the dividing space or barrier,

except at an intersection or

opening where it is not prohibited

by a road sign or traffic officer.

general speeD limitson public roaDs(Unless otherwise indicated by

a regulatory road sign)

u ( d)

60 km/h: all vehicles

o d

100 km/h: rural and national roads

120 km/h: freeways

Exceptions for Other roads:

80 km/h: Vehicles/combinations

over 9 000 kg

100 km/h: Buses and minibuses

conveying passengers

note: Drivers of medical andfire-fighting response vehicles,

and persons specifically authorised

to do so, are permitted to exceed

the speed limit and to disregard

road signs during the execution

of their duties.

11

6

80 km/h

Rules of

the road


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overtaKing safely

First make sure it is safe to

overtake.

Pass to the right of the vehicle

you are overtaking.

Dont endanger oncoming traffic.

Dont pass too close to the

other vehicle.

Make sure you are safely clear of

the other vehicle before returning

to the left-hand side of the road.

When passing a stationary bus,

keep a lookout for people moving

away from the bus.

ok :

In the far right lane you may flash

your headlights at the vehicle in

front of you to show that you want

to overtake it, and it should move

over to the next lane to the left.

overtaKing on the left

You may pass on the left when

it is safe to do so:

on a one-way urban road

wide enough for two or more

vehicles to drive abreast;

if the vehicle you are passing

is-turning right;

on a two-way urban road with

more than one traffic lane going

in the same direction (with or

without painted lane lines).

Dont drive on the verge or

shoulder to overtake on the left.

Dont drive to the left of the

edge line marking to overtake

on the left.

Dont overtaKe

When approaching the crest

of a hill or rise.

On a curve.

If your view of the road ahead

is obstructed or restricted.

The above three rules dont apply if:

the road is wide enough toovertake without encroaching

onto the right-hand side of

the roadway;

the road is a one-way road.

If it will create a hazard to any

vehicles, people or property.

.

12


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A vehicle stopped at a pedestrian

crossing or scholar patrol.

By crossing a solid white line.

being overtaKen

Keep as far to the left as possible.

Dont accelerate while being

overtaken.

If you are driving in the

right-hand lane and the driver

behind indicates his intention

to overtake, carefully move over

to a left-hand lane.

You may drive on the left-hand

shoulder of a single-lane road

between sunrise and sunset to

allow other vehicles to overtake,

provided it is safe to do so and

people and vehicles are clearly

visible for 150 metres ahead.

This is not permitted where there

is more than one lane in each

direction (e.g. freeways).

b k :

If you are driving in the far

right-hand lane and the driver

behind indicates that he wants

to overtake, carefully move over

to the next lane on the left, and

dont accelerate until the other

vehicle has passed.

traffic lanes

Keep within the lane lines.

Dont straddle the lane lines.

Change lanes only when

necessary and when safe to do so.

Signal early enough beforechanging lanes.

The last action before changing

lanes is to check the blind spot

to ensure it is still safe to

change lanes.

intersections

Stop for pedestrians on or entering

a pedestrian crossing.

Dont block the traffic flow when

entering an intersection; crossing a traffic lane.

turning left

Keep as far to the left as possible

when preparing to turn.

Adjust your speed to merge into

the traffic flow safely.

turning right

Give way to approaching traffic

when about to turn.

Keep as far as possible to the right of

your half of the road so that vehicles

can pass safely on your left.

Whilewaitingtoturn,keepthe

vehicle facing straight ahead, with

the wheels straight, to avoid being

bumped from behind into the path of

oncoming traffic.

Turn across the centre line only

when there is a clear space in

the flow of oncoming traffic.

remember: When about to turn

or change direction, the last

action before moving to the rightor left is, with the front wheels

still straight, ALWAYS to check in

the blind spot on the side to

which you are about to move.

13


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Keep to the left of any traffic island

in the intersection and comply with

any road signs.

Cross the centre line of the

cross street before turning right,

except when turning into another

one-way street.

rules for signals

Always signal your intention,

using hand signals, electric or

mechanical indicators or stop

lamps, before:

stopping; suddenly reducing speed; turning to the left or the right; changing lanes; moving to the left or the right

of the road.

Allow enough time to warn others

so that they can react if necessary.

Make sure your signals can

be clearly seen.

hanD signals

passengers on trucKs

Passengers are permitted on the

back of a truck or van only if the

sides of the rear body are

for seated passengers: 350 mmabove the seating surface;

for standing passengers: 900 mm

above the standing surface.

alcohol anD Drugs

Dont drive or sit in the driver's

seat with the engine running if you

are under the influence of intoxi-

cating liquor or a narcotic drug, or

medication that can affect your

attention and reactions.

Alcohol levels in grams per 100 ml

of blood must be less than:

0.05 for ordinary drivers 0.02for professional drivers

Alcohol levels in milligrams per

1 000 ml of breath must be less

than:

0.24 for ordinary drivers 0.10for professional drivers

freeways

v d :

Animal-drawn vehicles.

Pedal cycles.

Motorcycles 50 cm or less.

Electrically powered pedal and

motorcycles.

Motor tricycles and quadrucycles.

Tractors, except when doing

freeway maintenance.

Special vehicles 230 kg or less,

designed for people with disabilities.

n d :

Animals, except inside a vehicle

or within a designated stopping

or parking area.

(The following rules dont apply

to traffic officers on duty, or persons

involved with emergency, rescue,

salvage, construction, maintenance,

civil protection or essential public

service work, or where directed

otherwise by a road sign or traffic

officer, or for a reason beyond yourcontrol.)

Stopping a vehicle, except in a

designated stopping area.

Hand signals, except in emergencies.

Alighting from the vehicle, except

when acting in an emergency;within a designated stopping or

parking area.

Stop or suddenreduction in speed

Right turn

Overtake

Left turn

Slowing down

14


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t

1w d

d?

a 60 km/h

b 120 km/hc 100 km/h

4w k,

d?

a Exceed the speed limit.

b Overtake a vehicle that has stopped

at a pedestrian crossing.

c Pass on the left in a one-way

street that is wide enough for two

vehicles to drive abreast.

7w d d

, d

d?

a Change lanes.

b Keep in your lane.

c Straddle the lines of the lanes.

2t k ,

a Pass on the left-hand side of the

vehicle if it is safe to do so.

b Change gear before overtaking.c Make sure you are safely clear of

the other vehicle before returning

to the left-hand side of the road.

5w k,

d?

a Look out for people getting on or

off a stationary bus.

b Exceed the speed limit to get

past quickly.

c Give a courteous wave to the driver

of the vehicle you are overtaking.

8w

?

a When it is safe to do so.

b When you have given clear indication

early enough to warn other persons.

c Both of the above.

3y k

a You are overtaking a bus or a truck.

b The other driver is turning right.

c You are driving a left-hand drivevehicle.

6w k

,

?

a Hoot and wave.

b Check your speed.

c Dont accelerate.

9y k

a You are in a one-way street thatis wide enough for two or more

vehicles to drive abreast.

b You are directed to do so by

a traffic officer.

c Both of the above.

a b c a b c a b c

a b c a b c a b c

a b c a b c a b c

15


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26

7

26

Rd g

Each set of signs has its own shape

and colour-coding system. The

different categories of road signs arecovered in the following chapters. It

is important to study all the examples

given at the beginning of each chapter,

and to use the test sections to check

your understanding of those signs

specially selected for these trial tests.

Tprr g have a yellow

background to attract attention and

indicate a change from normal

circumstances. These may requirea higher degree of driver attention.

Temporary signs take precedence

over permanent signs.

Rd rkg dont have the same

colour coding as signs. These are

explained in detail in chapter 12.

In order to prevent confusion on the

roads, a system of road traffic signs

and road markings has been devised

to help direct and guide the traffic

flow. Signs may be mounted on poles

or overhead structures, or may be

painted on the road surface.

These signs have been divided into

three basic categories:1 Rgtr g control and

direct traffic flow.

2 Wrg g warn of potential

hazards.

3 Gdc d rt g

serve as navigational aids.

Road trafficsigns and

markings

Regulatory GuidanceWarning

Road markings

Stop line Paintedisland

Bus lane Loadingzone

Kerbface marking No stopping Lane toairport

Extra laneahead

Compulsoryright turnahead*

Maximumheight limit

Parking forconstruction

vehicles

Warning:Road workers400 m ahead

Warning:Falling rocks

ahead*


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8

.

.

.

.

27

ConTRol siGns(Control the flow of traffic.)

They tell you when to stop, go,

yield, not enter, and which direction

to travel in. They are white on a red

background, except the temporary

go sign.

Drr rp:

Obey each sign as explained later

in this chapter.

CommanD siGns(Give commands as to what actions

you must take and which class of

road user must act or use a certain

portion of the roadway.)

They are round signs with a white

symbol on a blue background, and

a white border, unless they are the

yellow temporary versions.

Drr rp:

Always comply with the command

given and, if you are driving the

class of vehicle indicated on the sign,

make sure you stick to the lane or

road portion governed by the sign.

Regulatory signs regulate traffic flow.

They have permanent and temporary

versions.

They must always be obeyed and

failure to do so can result in a heavy

fine. There are different categories of

regulatory signs and each conveys

a specific type of message to the

motorist. Understand each category

and you will understand everyvariation of these signs more easily.

Examples:

Examples:

Regulatoryroad signs

Yield

Minimumspeed

Switch onheadlights

Abnormalvehiclesmust use

Vehicles over10 t must use

Keep left* Cyclists andpedestrians

must use

Busesmust use

Yield topedestrians

Yield atminicircle

Pedestrianpriority

Stop Stop/Go 4-way stop Stop-yield

noTe: Drivers of medical and fire-fighting response vehicles, and persons

specifically authorised to do so, are permitted to exceed the speed limit

and to disregard road signs during the execution of their duties.


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2828

Bus stop forspecified

buses

PRohibiTion siGns(Prohibit certain actions or certain

classes of road users.)

They are also round signs but have a

black symbol on a white background

with a red border, unless they are the

yellow temporary versions. Except for

the limit signs, they usually have a

red line across them to representthat they are not allowed.

Drr rp:

Dont contravene any prohibition

indicated on the sign.

ReseRvaTion siGns(Indicate that a road, road portion

or a parking area is reserved

exclusively for the class of vehicle

indicated on the sign. No other

vehicles may use that portion of

the road or parking area.)

They are rectangular in shape

and have a white symbol on a

blue background with a white

border, unless they are the yellow

temporary versions.

Drr rp:

If you are not driving the class of

vehicle indicated on the sign, stayout of the reserved lane or road

portion and comply with any other

reservation indicated.

ComPRehensive siGns(Indicate that a comprehensive set

of rules applies to that particular

situation. These rules are detailed fur-

ther on in this chapter for each

of these signs.)

These signs are rectangular and

have a white symbol on a blue

background with a red border.

Drr rp:

Comply with all the rules applicable

to the sign until the cancelled version

of the sign is displayed.

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Dual-carriagefreeway begins

Single-carriagefreeway begins

Residentialarea

Parking forbuses

Beginning ofbus lane

Parking forconstruction

vehicles

Reserved forparking

Bus lane Reserved fortaxis

Speed limit

No stopping No deliveryvehicles

Maximumaxle load

limit

No hootingor noise

No left turnahead*

No overtaking bygoods vehicles


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CommanD siGns(Indicate what must be done

by the road user.)

minimum sPeeD

Youmusttravel at or faster than

the speed indicated.

vehiCles oveR This mass:DRive only heRe

Vehicles with a gross vehicle

mass more than that indicated,

mustuse only the section of the

road designated by this sign.

The sign may indicate any mass,

according to the condition of the road.

sPeCifieD RoaD useRs:DRive only heRe

If you are driving the class of vehicle

shown on the sign, youmustuse onlythis lane or portion of the roadway.

These signs can show any vehicle

class symbol.

KeeP lefT*

Usually at a traffic island or

obstruction.

Youmustdrive to the side of the

sign indicated by the arrow.

58a Maximum speed allowed.

b Recommended maximum speed.

C Minimum speed allowed.D Road only 50 m wide.

e 50 km to next town.

59a Vehicles exceeding 10 t GVM may

not proceed beyond the sign.

b Vehicles with a GVM of 10 t or more

must use only this portion of the road.

C Parking for heavy vehicles only.

D Parking for only 10 trucks.

e C and D.

60a Buses permitted.

b Parking reserved for buses only.

C Buses must use only this lane or

roadway.

D Buses prohibited.

e Bus passenger loading zone.

61a One-way traffic.

b Road curves to the right.

C Overtake on the right in this section.

D Drive to the right of the sign.

e Steep downhill to the right.

a b C D e

a b C D e

a b C D e

a b C D e

Keep left Keep right

33


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46

sHaRp cuRve aHead*

The road takes a sharp curve ahead

in the direction of the arrow.

Slow down substantially and complywith any speed advisory plates.

gentle cuRve aHead*

The road takes a gentle curve ahead

in the direction of the arrow.

Approach with caution and look out

for approaching vehicles that may

be overtaking.

tRaffic ciRcle aHead

There is an intersection with a

minicircle or roundabout ahead.

Slow down and look out for anyregulatory signs. If there are none,

give way to traffic already in the

circle, approaching from the right.

HaiRpin bend aHead*

The road makes a very sharp

bend ahead.

Slow down substantially and comply

with any speed recommendations

and regulatory signs. Ensure a firm

control of the steering.

90

a Intersection ahead.

b Hairpin bend ahead.

c Sharp curve ahead.

dNo right turn ahead.

e Caution: Vehicles passing

on your right.

91

a Dangerous curve ahead.

b Gentle curve ahead.

c Sharp curve ahead.

d Detour ahead.

e Steep uphill ahead.

92

a Traffic circle ahead.

b Multiple U-turns ahead.

c Detours ahead: slow down.

d Danger: whirlwinds ahead.

e No through road; turn back.

93

a U-turns permitted at this point.

b Slow down; vehicles make U-turns

on this road.

c Turn back; no through road ahead.

d Turn back; road closed.

e Hairpin bend ahead.

46

To the right To the left



a b c d e

a b c d e

a b c d e

a b c d e


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cul-de-sac*

The road leads to a dead end and

there is no through road.

fReeway diRecTion

Shows the direction to a freeway.

The turn-off to regional route R33 to

Nylstroom and Marble Hall is 1 km

ahead, at exit number 272.

The road ahead leads to the N1

freeway which is a toll road.

advance diRecTion

At the next junction the crossroad

is the regional route R45, leading

to Hopefield and Vredenburg to theright, and to Malmesbury to the left.

The road straight ahead is the

national route N7 to Cape Town.

TRaffic movemenT

The right-hand lane ends 500 m

ahead and traffic merges into the

next lane to the left.

Approach with caution and expect

traffic to merge from the right.

138

a Tearoom ahead.

b T-junction ahead.

cTurning prohibited.

d Cul-de-sac.

e Lane reserved for trucks.

139

a Nylstroom is 272 km from the next

turn off.

b The turn-off to the R33, which leads

to Nylstroom, is 1 km further on.

c The road ahead leads to the N1

freeway, which is a pay toll road.

d A and B.

e B and C.

140

a The road ahead

is the N7 freeway to Cape Town.b The road ahead is the national route

N7 to Cape Town.

c The road ahead leads to the N7 to

Cape Town.

d The road ahead leads to the N7, the

national route freeway to Cape Town.

e None of the above.

141

a Construction vehicles

entering the road from the right.

b There are three traffic lanes ahead,

500 m from this point.

c The right-hand lane ends 500 m

ahead.

d There is a traffic island 500 m ahead.

e None of these.

65

a b c d e

a b c d e

a b c d e

a b c d e


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FLASHING SIGNAL

Red: Regard this as a stop

sign. Proceed only when safe

to do so. At a railway crossing

proceed only when the signal

stops flashing.

Amber: Warns of a hazard or

traffic control device ahead.

OVERHEAD LANE DIRECTION

CONTROL SIGNAL

The lane beneath this sign is

reserved for oncoming traffic only.

Dont use this lane. Leave the lane

in the direction of the amber arrow.

OVERHEAD LANE DIRECTION

CONTROL SIGNAL

The lane beneath this sign is

reserved for traffic proceeding ahead.

You may use this lane safely.

146

A Stop as for a yield sign.

B Stop as for a 4-way stop.

C Slow down and proceed carefully.

D Stop as for a stop sign.

E Yield to traffic and pedestrians.

147

A Lane reserved for oncoming

traffic only.

B Railway crossing ahead.

C Crossroad ahead.

D No entry to traffic.

E Freeway ends here.

148

A Steep downhill ahead.

B Lane for oncoming traffic only.

C Lane safe to be used in the direction

in which you are travelling.

D One way traffic straight ahead.

E Hazard below this structure.

67

11Traffic signals are used to regulate the flow of traffic and pedestrians.

They take the form of traffic lights (robots), flag-signals and hand signals,

or overhead signals.

Trafficsignals

Leave the lane in thedirection of the arrow

Lane reservedfor oncoming

traffic only

A B C D E

A B C D E

A B C D E

Traffic light signals Flag signals Overhead signals


16/18

70

DiviDing line

Indicates that traffic on either side of

the marking is travelling in opposite

directions.

Keep to the left of the line. You may

cross over if you wish to overtake

another vehicle and if it is safe

to do so.

no overtaking line

A solid white line separating two

lanes of traffic moving in opposite

directions.Keep to the left of it.

Dont cross this line with any wheel

of the vehicle except to access

private property or to avoid an

obstruction on the roadway.

no overtaking line

next to DiviDing line

A solid white line next to a dividing

line separating two lanes of traffic

moving in opposite directions.

Dont cross the barrier line where

it is to the left of the centre line.

You may cross the no overtaking line

to access private property, to avoid

an obstruction on the roadway, or if

it is on the right of the dividing line.

157

a Centre island.

B Barrier line.

C Lane line.

D Dividing line.

e Broken barrier line.

158a You may cross this line

to overtake.

B You may not cross this

line to overtake.

C No overtaking line.

D A and C.

e B and C.

159

a Double barrier line.

B Overtake only if it is

safe to do so.

C Traffic on the same side

as the solid line may

cross it if safe to do so.

D Traffic on the same

side as the solid line

may not cross it.

e No traffic may cross the solid line.

Road markings are painted on the surface of the roadway in white, red

or yellow paint.

Like road signs, road markings must be obeyed. Failure to do so could

result in a serious collision or a traffic fine, or both.

No parking line

70

21 Roadmarkings Bicycle Painted island Disabled persons Minicircle Kerbface marking a B C D e

a B C D e

a B C D e


17/18

2

AcknowledgementsWe wish to thank the Department of Transport for the cooperation given us during the compilation

of this book in its original edition and for their continued assistance. Our special thanks go to

Fleming Meyer for so kindly agreeing to read through that original manuscript, and for his comments

on the technical content of the book at that time. Our thanks also go to the Port Elizabeth Traffic

Department. Their enthusiastic response to our initial ideas and concepts, and their suggestions

in those early days, inspired us to go ahead with the book. Their ongoing support since the first

edition is much appreciated too. Finally, we acknowledge the outstanding response from the public,

who have made this book the leader in its field through word-of-mouth advertising of the book

that has helped many of our citizens to pass their learners easily.

Clive Gibson, Gavin Hoole, Bata Passchier

Port Elizabeth, 1997

Struik Lifestyle

(an imprint of Random House Struik (Pty) Ltd)

Company Reg, No. 1966/003153/07

Wembley Square, Solan Road, Gardens 8001

PO Box 1144, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

www.randomstruik.co.za

First published in 1984 by Struik Publishers

Second edition 1985 (reprinted 17 times)

Third edition 1995 (reprinted 4 times)

Fourth edition 1997

Fifth edition 1999 (reprinted 4 times)

Sixth edition 2000 (reprinted 5 times)

Seventh edition 2003

Reprinted 2003, 2004 (twice), 2005 (twice), 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Eighth edition in 2012 by Struik Lifestyle

Copyright in published edition: Random House Struik (Pty) Ltd 1984, 1985, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2012Copyright in text and illustrations: Engage the Brain Training Systems 1984, 1985, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003 , 2012

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted,

in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior

written permission of the publishers and the copyright holders.

Publisher: Linda de Villiers

Editor: Joy Clack

Designer: Beverley Dodd

Editorial assistant: Zulfa Orrie

ISBN 978-1-43230-074-6 (Print)

ISBN 978-1-43230-075-3 (ePub)

ISBN 978-1-43230-076-0 (PDF)

Extracts from Road Ordinance are reproduced under Government Printers Copyright Authority 7975 of 25 June 1983.

The National Road Traffic Act, Regulations and test requirements are revised by the authorities from time to time. This book is constantly

updated to incorporate such changes, and every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and current validity of the information

provided in this book. Nevertheless, the Publishers and the Authors shall not be held responsible or liable in any way whatsoever for any

omissions or errors contained herein, whether due to timing of the release of the updated editions or for any other reason.


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the official k53 pass your learner's easily (extract)

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