History of K53
In the 1980's, based on the UK system known as the Highway Code, the K53 was a project reference number initially given by the CSIR to the development of standard means of measuring driver proficiency and skills. The number given to the test was based on proposals that were submitted and the reworked versions were upgraded numerically.
Test number K53 was finally accepted as the way to test applicant drivers.
The National Road Safety Council, as it was called then, originally published the K53 system, “K53 Driving Licence Test”, and it comprised of three volumes – one for light motor vehicles one for heavy vehicles and one for motor cycles.
On 1 January 1992, the system for testing heavy vehicle drivers was officially implemented.
As part of the Road Traffic Act Regulations, the K53 was later gazetted by the DoT (Gov Gaz 19571 of 8 December 1998).
An amended version, compiled in August 2005, was published and promulgated with immediate effect in Gov Gaz 28446 of 7 April 2006. A fourth volume was added to provide for the testing of light motor vehicle combinations (EB). Another important addition was the introduction of a minimum vehicle length of 3 metres for a light motor vehicle test (category B) and 6 metres for a heavy vehicle test (categories C1, C). The level of proficiency required to pass the heavy vehicle yard test was significantly increased by reducing the number of allowable penalty points from 50 down to 20.
What is K53 & what is the purpose of the K53 driving test?
K53 is a defensive driving system aiming at keeping a clear space around your vehicle at all times in order to prevent / minimize possible road predicaments and collisions with other road users (vehicles, pedestrians) and\or obstructions, animals etc.
The purpose of the K53 driving test system is to measure the capability of a novice driver regarding the handling of a vehicle; vehicle control; obedience to traffic rules, signs, signals and markings as well as the ability to cope with traffic situations and driving/ road problems.
BILKIS DRIVING SCHOOL PURPOSE WHEN TRAINING NOVICE DRIVERS
TO COMPLY TO THE K53 DRIVING TEST
Most learner drivers fail the K53 driving test because of no or inadequate training. The test is really not that complicated. Basic driving skills can be taught by a family member or friend; however, formal training is required from an experienced, professional and accredited instructor in order to learn the finer points of the K53 Test syllabus.
We strive to provide our students with the highest quality of driver training and education. Our aim is to not only to train learner drivers to pass the K53 driving test with ease and brilliance but to impart additional knowledge of gaining a responsible attitude and being a safe, low-risk, competent and confident road user; even after the driving license has been acquired. We train our students to observe, recognize, predict and decide / resolve to the best of their abilities.
Observe:
Be and remain aware of everything going on around your vehicle; keep a constant look-out for possible hazards, both nearby and in the distance so that you can be prepared for the necessary reaction.
Recognize:
Identify what kind of hazard it is: Is it stationary, moving or can it move suddenly? Also keep in mind how it will affect your direction of travel and speed.
Predict:
Predict the kind of dangers the potential hazard might cause to both you and the other road users. Predict your needed reaction and the consequences of your actions to yourself and other road users.
Decide / Resolve:
Decide, as quickly as possible, the safest course of action you should take to ensure all road users are safe and carry out your decided actions in a calm, controlled and decisive manner to avoid any form of accident.
We are dedicated in providing the very best driver instruction to both novice drivers and refresher course drivers of all ages.
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LAW / REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE K53 LICENCE TEST
National Road Traffic Act, 1996
National Road Traffic Regulations, 1999
Chapter V: Fitness of Drivers
Part II: Learner's and driving licences
107. Manner and contents on which applicant for driving licence to be examined
An applicant for a driving licence shall be examined and tested by an examiner for driving licences. The examiner for driving licences shall by observation, inquiry and practical test, satisfy himself or herself that the applicant –
In the case where a person applies for a driving licence which authorises him or her to drive an articulated motor vehicle, or a combination of a motor vehicle and trailer, the practical test shall be conducted while the semi-trailer is attached to the truck-tractor, or the trailer is attached to the drawing vehicle, whichever the case may be. For the purposes of sub regulation (2) an applicant shall not be required to undergo a written test. An examiner for driving licences shall in compliance with the provisions of paragraph (e) of sub regulation (2) –
Turning & Intersections
Are you a nuisance when entering an intersection or crossing a traffic lane?
Turning can be dangerous, because it usually means you have to cross the path of other vehicles. You should not turn unless you can do so without obstructing or endangering other traffic and unless you can do so within the restrictions of the rules of the roads and any signals, signs and road markings.
Intersections have specific rules attached to them. You have to stop for pedestrians on or entering a pedestrian crossing and you are not allowed to block the traffic flow when entering an intersection or crossing a traffic lane.
Intersections are one of the most common locations for traffic accidents. Besides having vehicles moving in up to four directions, there might also be stopped, slowing or speeding vehicles; red light runners; drivers changing lanes; pedestrians; and drivers attempting to enter moving traffic. Because intersections present so many unpredictable situations you will always have anticipate what might happen before you arrive at one.
Don't block the road
Whenever you enter an intersection, even if you have a green light, make sure there is enough room to get completely across it. Vehicles coming from the front have right of way. You are a nuisance and a danger if some portion of your vehicle is blocking the oncoming traffic lane.
The vehicles who are already in the intersection may cross even when the light changes to red but do not enter the intersection if there is not enough space for you in the lane you want to cross/ turn into. This will lead to an intersection block and will cause traffic delays, confusion and danger.
Don't lane change
Don't make any unexpected moves in an intersection. At multi-lane intersections a driver wanting to turn right into traffic might see the lane nearest to him is open and pull in. Pedestrians also have a tendency to step into the cross walk if the nearest lane is open. If you suddenly change lanes you might find yourself occupying the same space with them.
If you are in a lane where traffic is allowed to either turn right or carry on straight ahead, do not jackrabbit past the vehicle who is waiting for a right turn. This will cause you to enter another road user's space in the intersection – this will lead to unnecessary confusion and danger.
Pay attention
While attempting to turn into an intersection from a stop, remember that traffic coming from the front has the right of way. If you cannot make the turn without causing traffic to slow for you, then wait until the road is clear of traffic for a long distance. If you do have plenty of space to enter, watch for vehicles around you and pay particular attention to pedestrians and other road users.
Do not stop over the oncoming traffic lane once you have entered the intersection, make sure that you are not an obstruction to any oncoming traffic.
Everyone is welcome! A Cape Town based operator offering driver training and online learner training. The instructors at our school have a great total of teaching experience and are all accurately aware of the qualities that makes a competent driver. We are well known in Cape Town and are dedicated to the highest quality of training delivered to all students . Recommendations from satisfied clients are the reason we continue to receive so many inquiries each day.
Learners Licence
Being a good driver is about more than handling a car. You also need to know what road signs mean, what makes for good road etiquette and how to anticipate dangers before they happen. This is why the learners test is designed, to help keep you and others safe. Use our learner's classes and online test to pass your learners licence the first time. Our test material has been compiled from our years of experience and all of the questions in the actual test are inside of Drive Co's online test. If you pass our online test you will pass the actual test and ensure your knowledge of the road. Enjoy your experience and Good Luck!
Driving Lessons
Whatever the reason for learning to drive or previous level of driving experience, at Drive Co we will ensure that your end result is a confident driver who is able to read the road. We are a registered driving school with certified instructors, we also regularly conduct internal training with our instructors. Our team is geared up and committed to training safe road users.
Make sure you know the exact procedure of what is going to happen on the test day. Knowing what is going to happen will help ease the pressure of being tested and give you a sense of confidence.
Time your schedule that you are comfortably prepared prior to the test. On the last few days before your test stress is high and being prepared before this time will help keep you calm.
Book a mock test near to your test date to give you some insight as to the type of instructions you will receive from the examiner as well as the tone and pace of the test. Once you are done you will have an idea of your standard of driving.
Practice you're driving on the actual test routes, this will be of benefit to you. Being familiar with the roads will no doubt assist you with complying with their rules.
Many learners tell a minimum amount of people about their driving test date. The more people that know, the more pressure you will be under.
Ask your driving instructor to assist with booking your driver's test at the quietest time of the day.
Make sure you are confident with your ability to perform all the tasks required on your driving test day. Ask your driving instructor if he is concerned with any area of your driving skill.
Practice breathing exercises before your test and/or brisk walking will assist in calming your nerves before driving.
If you make an error during your driving test and many learners do make errors during the test, do not dwell on the mistake. Make a mental note of the error made, try not to make it again and move on with the driving task at hand.
Try not to think of your driving test in total while you are on the test. Complete each task one at a time as the examiner asks you to perform them.
One can be a fairly competent learner driver yet still fail the K53 driving licence test, for one or more of several reasons. So it really is essential to prepare yourself well before doing the official test.
IMPORTANT: The K53 driving test is a practical test where you get to show the examiner that you are competent enough to drive alone on public roads. You cannot learn to drive from a book. The driver's licence books mentioned at this website explain everything about the test so that you'll know exactly what and how you will be tested.
However, in addition to the preparatory knowledge you'll gain from the manual or CD-ROM, you do need to take driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor, preferably one who is registered with SAIDI – The Southern African Institute of Driving Instructors.
When you are ready to make a booking for driving lessons, don't be shy to ask the driving school to show you proof of membership of SAIDI. After all, YOU are paying for the lessons, so you want to be sure you have a competent instructor.
Make your booking at your preferred traffic department
Have your ID document and 2 learners photos with you (A photo facility is often near or at the traffic department)
Request a learner's licence form.
Once the form is completed and payed for, you will be issued with a test date and time.
Use our online learners class to prepare for your test
Rule of South African Roads