National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996)

Feature

Definition

Qualification

Acceleration

Act of causing the vehicle to gain speed by depressing the accelerator

Accelerator should be depressed smoothly and progressively to avoid sudden and harsh acceleration which results in uneven jerky movements.

Actual time

The is the actual time of the day in hours and minutes, when the yard and/or road test commenced.

The examiner shall enter this time on the test report in the applicable block.

Approaching distance

The distance from which the over-taking procedure is commenced in order to pass a stationary or moving hazard.

The higher the speed, the greater the distance required from the stationary or moving hazard, when the overtaking procedure is commenced.

Attempt

A single effort in one direction starting from an indicated position moving completely into another indicated area.

In the case of parallel parking, two additional movements shall be allowed, once the vehicle is at least partially within a parking bay, but without leaving the parking bay completely during these two movements.

Blind spots

Areas on either side of a vehicle not visible to a driver, even with the aid of rear-view mirror(s).

Blind spots can only be eliminated by turning the head sufficiently in order to observe areas not otherwise visible - i.e. by looking over the shoulder to the left or right.

Blind spot to the left

Area on the left side of a vehicle not visible to a driver, even with the aid of the left rear-view mirror.

In the case of an enclosed cab, the left blind spot can only be eliminated by leaning forward when looking into the left rear-view mirror.

Braking

Act of causing a vehicle to reduce speed by application of the service-brake. (Foot-brake)

The service/foot brake should be applied timeously, smoothly and progressively using  the right foot, without locking wheels while keeping both hands on the steering wheel in order that the vehicle is kept under control. Braking should, where possible, be applied on a straight course. A lower gear shall not be selected in order to replace or assist braking to reduce the speed of the vehicle. When braking is necessary it shall be completed before selecting a lower gear.

Bumps kerb

When a wheel, tyre or any part of a vehicle comes into contact with the kerb

Cancel signal

See Signal

... cancel

Clear space

Areas surrounding the vehicle which allow manoeuvring room in which to take evasive action, if necessary.

Clear space should be ensured around the vehicle when passing, overtaking, following, merging or stopping behind or alongside vehicles or objects.

Clutch

... control

Using the clutch pedal to obtain clutch contact point, also known as friction point.

This is when the fly-wheel, clutch/driven plate and pressure plate meet, which transfers engine power to the rest of the transmission in order to move. The clutch pedal should be released smoothly in order to obtain contact point without jerking. Clutch control shall be obtained for moving off and when changing gears.

Clutch

... coasting

See Coasting

... disengage

See Disengage

... rides

Resting the foot on the clutch pedal whilst vehicle is in motion or keeping the clutch depressed whilst the vehicle is stationary for any length of time

Since it causes excessive wear it should be restricted to situations requiring extremely slow speed such as for parking, stop-start traffic or where it could be justified.

... slips

Holding the clutch at the friction point so that the power from the engine is only partially transmitted to the wheels.

Since it causes abnormal wear it should be restricted to situations requiring extremely slow speed such as for parking, stop-start traffic or where it could be justified.

Coasting

Driving a vehicle with the clutch depressed or in neutral, disconnecting the engine from the driving wheels.

Since it reduces control of the vehicle and could cause undue wear of the clutch release bearing, it should be restricted to short distances just before coming to a standstill, where it could be justified. Neutral shall never be selected whilst the vehicle is in motion.

Collision

Touching any moving or stationary hazard with a vehicle.

Should any obstacle/object be touched, other than that for the specific manoeuvre being conducted, it shall be regarded as a collision.

Counter steer

See Steering

... counter steer

Cranked

to crank (bend) a combination of vehicles at the coupling

The combination of vehicles is bent at the coupling, so that the full weight of the trailer is not immediately taken up by the drawing vehicle when moving off, so as to limit clutch slipping and wear.

Cutting

See Steering

... cutting

Dangerous actions

See Uncontrolled/Dangerous action

Decelerate

Causing a vehicle to reduce speed by releasing the accelerator only.

The accelerator should be released timeously and gradually to ensure smooth reduction of speed.

Disengage

Depressing the clutch pedal to disconnect the engine from the transmission.

The clutch pedal should be depressed timeously and completely in order to select a gear or bring the vehicle to a standstill without stalling or labouring the engine.

Driving position

The position directly behind the steering wheel which enables a driver to operate the controls of a vehicle safely and efficiently.

The distance from the steering wheel should preferably enable the knee to be slightly bent when the clutch is fully depressed. The arms should be slightly bent when the hands are placed in the twelve o’clock position on the steering wheel.

Duration

The rounded off time of the "Stopwatch" time, to full minutes for both the Yard and Road Tests.

Examiner

An examiner for driving licences as contemplated in the Road Traffic Act

A person who has been appropriately trained, graded, registered and appointed as an examiner for driving licences.

Fast

See Too fast

Following distance

The safe space to be maintained between one vehicle following another.

It is determined when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a fixed reference point - e.g.: lamp post, road sign, mark on the road etc., by the driver of the vehicle directly  behind counting "2001, 2002, 2003". The front of the vehicle should not reach the same point of reference before this count is completed. Under adverse conditions such as rain, slippery surface, poor visibility, etc. the distance should be increased.

Gear changing

Selecting of the gear which will allow the engine to operate at efficient RPM whilst the road speed of the vehicle suits the situation.

The appropriate gear should be selected before moving off and before negotiating a hazard in order that the necessary acceleration can be applied. A lower gear should be selected to minimise the increase of vehicle speed on a decline or to maintain a suitable speed on an incline. The appropriate gear should be selected smoothly without grating and in accordance with engine speed, whilst keeping the eyes on the road. Having completed gear selection, the hand shall be returned to the steering wheel, and the foot then removed from the clutch pedal. Where possible gears should be selected whilst the vehicle is on a straight course. If braking is necessary, it should be completed before selecting a lower gear.

Gear

... automatic transmission

A motor vehicle not fitted with a device known as a clutch to enable the vehicle to be put into motion from a stationary position.

Gear

... manual transmission

A motor vehicle fitted with a device known as a clutch, in order to put the vehicle into motion from a stationary position.

Hazard

Vehicles, persons, animals, objects or substances which may cause damage or injury and may necessitate changing speed and/or direction.

Moving hazards constitute vehicles, persons, animals etc.

Fixed hazards constitute intersections, roundabouts, lamp posts, trees, curves, potholes, rain, dust, smoke etc.

In good time

See Signal

... in good time

Intersection

A junction of two or more streets or roads meeting one another at any angle, whether or not one road crosses the other.

A road meeting a roundabout or roads meeting one another at any angle are regarded as intersections.

Lane changing

Changing position of a vehicle on a roadway from one lane to another by means of steering.

Lanes should only be changed after observation and the appropriate signal has been given.

Loss of control

A situation when a driver has no influence over the speed or direction of a vehicle.

Excessive speed, erratic or harsh steering, braking or acceleration causing a vehicle to deflect from a straight course or the wheels to skid without corrective action being effective.

Maximum rear-view vision

Optimum vision directly to the rear and to the left and right rear of a vehicle.

Rear vision shall be optimised by adjusting the interior rear view mirror to give the most complete picture of the traffic situation to the rear through the rear window. The exterior mirrors shall be adjusted so that a small portion of the rear-most part of the body of the vehicle is visible in the inner side of the mirror.

Minor defects

Defects which occurred to the vehicle whilst on route to the driving licence testing centre.

Tyres, brakes and steering defects shall not be regarded as minor defects.

Mirror(s)

A device to assist the driver to have a view to the rear.

Should a vehicle have a centrally situated interior rear view mirror with a clear view to the rear, it will not be necessary to look into the outside mirrors.

Should the driver not have a clear view in the centrally fitted interior rear view mirror or has no such mirror fitted, the exterior side rear view mirror(s) shall be used.

Mounts kerb

When at least one or more wheels of the vehicle is not in contact with the road surface but is on the kerb or sidewalk.

Moving off

To set a vehicle into motion from a stationary position.

Only when safe and in accordance with road traffic signs, signals, rules and markings, move the vehicle from a stationary position smoothly and progressively and without engine labouring. Ensure there is clear space beyond an intersection. Ensure an intersection is clear before entering.

Needless

See Stopping

... needless

Observe

To look in all directions for hazards and potential hazards.

Observation includes the use of mirror(s) and blind spot checks to determine whether it is safe to the rear, front and sides. An observation can commenced from either the left or right blind spot.

Eyes shall not be taken from the road unnecessarily.

Obstacles

Equipment being use to demarcate manoeuvre.

Obstructions

Vehicles, persons, animals, objects or substances which may cause damage or injury and may necessitate changing speed and/or direction. Obstructions could be inside or outside a vehicle.

Overtaking

Passing a stationary or moving hazard travelling in the same direction

Passing oncoming traffic is not regarded as overtaking.

Parking brake

Known as the handbrake or a device used in the ordinary course of events to keep a vehicle stationary.

To be applied using the release mechanism when parked or stopped for any length of time, or where there is a possibility of rolling. The parking brake should not be applied while the vehicle is in motion except in the case of a service brake failure. To determine whether the vehicle will remain stationary with the parking brake applied, the service brake should be released slowly.

Physical disability

A physical feature of a driver which may prevent the safe control of a vehicle.

A disability necessitating a vehicle to be specially adapted, or the driver to make use of an aid in order that the controls can be operated efficiently and the vehicle driven safely.

Positioning of vehicle

Placing a vehicle in the safest location on a roadway in relation to an actual or potential hazard and in compliance with road traffic signs, signals, rules and markings.

When changing from one longitudinal position to another where there are no road traffic markings, the same procedure as for lane changing shall be followed

Release mechanism

A device whereby the parking brake or the seat belt buckle of a vehicle can be released.

The release mechanism shall be used when applying the parking brake to avoid wear or strain.

Riding clutch

See Clutch

... riding

Roll

Uncontrolled motion of the vehicle from a stationary position

By roll, it is meant, a movement of the vehicle in the direction opposite to that which was intended.

Seat

See Driving position

Signal

... cancel

Discontinuing a driving signal once a manoeuvre has been completed or presence has been established.

... driving

Means of warning other road users of intention or presence.

Driving signals are direction indicators, horn, stop lights, headlamps and hand signals. Rear-view mirrors and/or blind spots, when applicable, shall be checked before activating the signal.

... in good time

Sufficient time to enable other road users to react, if necessary, to the given signal before the manoeuvre is carried out.

Signals shall not be given too early which could result in them being misinterpreted or misleading.

... sufficient duration

A period long enough to enable other road users to react to the signal if necessary.

Slipping clutch

See Clutch

... slipping

Slow

See Too slow

Steering

... counter steer

Turning the steering wheel in a direction opposite to the direction of travel so that the wheels are at least straight immediately prior to coming to a standstill

Counter steering shall be applied to avoid wear to tyres and the steering mechanism, and to complete a manoeuvre with greater ease. The steering wheel shall not be turned whilst the vehicle is stationary.

... cutting

Steering of a vehicle in such a manner when negotiating a bend or corner that it may, unless unavoidable, result in touching the kerb, shoulder of the roadway or lane marking when turning to the left or encroaching onto the right-hand portion of the roadway when turning to the right.

In the case of an articulated or combination of vehicles, this is not always unavoidable.

... position

See Positioning of vehicle

... method

(push-and-pull)

Turning the steering wheel without crossing hands.

Procedure for steering to the left:

Position hands on steering wheel in a ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position with palms of hands and thumbs on circumference of steering wheel, the left hand grips and pulls the wheel smoothly downwards whilst the right hand moves downwards along the circumference of steering wheel but not further than the six-thirty position. The right hand then grips and pushes upwards, whilst the left hand slides upwards, but not beyond the twelve o'clock point, in order to grip and pull downwards, if necessary. It may be necessary to repeat these movements until the desired turn is achieved.

Procedure for steering to the right:

The same method is used but the first steering movement will be the right hand pulling down, as described in steering to the left.

Counter steering should be used where necessary. The steering wheel shall not be turned whilst the vehicle is stationary.

... straddles

Driving a vehicle without reason with the wheels upon, over or on either side of the road traffic markings which demarcate any side of a traffic lane.

... wanders

Allowing a vehicle to deviate from an straight course or to move unnecessarily to the left or right on the roadway.

... wide

Steering of a vehicle in such a manner when negotiating a bend or corner that it may, unless unavoidable, result in touching the kerb unless unavoidable, shoulder of the roadway or lane marking when turning to the right, or encroaching onto the right-hand portion of the roadway when turning left.

In the case of an articulated or combination of vehicles, this is not always unavoidable.

Stopping

Act of bringing a vehicle to a complete standstill.

Stopping should be smooth and progressive and in accordance with road traffic signs, signals, rules and markings. Obtain and/or retain a clear space behind or alongside obstruction or other road user. Both hands shall remain on the steering wheel until stationary.

... needless

Bringing a vehicle to a standstill in the absence of any road traffic sign, signal, instruction, hazard or potential hazard.

Stopwatch

A timing device to determine the duration of the test.

(Cellphones may not be used for this purpose)

"Stopwatch time" means, the total time recorded in minutes and seconds on the stopwatch for both the yard and the road tests.

The examiner shall enter this time on the test report in the applicable blocks.

Straddles

See Steering

... straddles

Sufficient duration

See Signal

... sufficient duration

Too fast

Driving at a speed which is too high to be safe for conditions

Speed should be in accordance with potential hazards and not necessarily in accordance with the traffic pattern or speed limits. Speed lower than the speed limit can also, in some cases, be too fast.

Too slow

Driving at a speed so as to hinder or obstruct the safe flow of traffic.

Speed, which might be slower than speed limits, could however, be in accordance with potential hazards and not necessarily in accordance with the traffic pattern.

Traffic control signals

Traffic control signals are directions given by police or traffic officers, in uniform, members of a scholar patrol, road work men, persons leading, riding or driving bovine animals, signal-men at level crossings and drivers of emergency vehicles sounding a device or bell.

Trailer brake

A hand controlled valve normally situated on the steering column of the hauling vehicle.

The trailer brake controls the application of the trailer‘s brake independent of the vehicle’s service brake. It could be used to induce more braking on the trailer if the trailer runs in on the hauling vehicle on a decline. Excessive use of the trailer brake could reduce its braking effectiveness. The trailer brake’s effectiveness would reduce quicker than that of the towing vehicle and if the combinations brakes are applied, the towing vehicle would stop quicker than the trailer, which could cause a jack knife.

Trailer parking brake

A device used to keep a parked trailer in a stationary position. This device is normally not operated from the cab of the towing vehicle.

It is either in the shape of a valve or a lever found on the chassis of the trailer. The parking brake forms part of the spring brake which comes into operation as the air pressure in the trailer‘s braking system decreases or when the hauling vehicle’s parking brake is put into operation.

The trailer parking brake shall only be applied when the combination is parked or when the trailer is being uncoupled.

Ensure that the trailer brake is in the "off" position or that the lever has been fully released before moving off.

Uncontrolled/ Dangerous action

Any act which results or could result in damage, injury or loss of control of the vehicle.

The driver shall be in full control of the vehicle at all times.

Vehicle position

See Position of vehicle

Waits too long

Not utilising safe opportunities to proceed, merge with cross-traffic or enter intersections.

Wanders

See Steering

... wanders

Warning lights and gauges

Devices used to monitor various engine functions and vehicle systems.

Operation of warning lights and gauges to be checked for malfunction with ignition switched on, before starting engine. After starting engine, operation shall be rechecked for malfunction of systems which are monitored.

Wide

See Steering

... wide