General Rules:

1.

Always drive on the left hand side of the road. You may drive on the right hand side of a one-way road when it is safe to do so.

2.

Maintain a safe following distance at all times. A safe following distance for light motor vehicles is at least 2 seconds. For heavy motor vehicles and trucks it is at least 3 seconds. In poor driving conditions these following distances should be increased.

Tip:

To judge your following distance while driving do the following:

Pick a stationary object on the side of the road such as a tree or signpost. As the vehicle ahead of you passes the object start counting by saying "A thousand and one, a thousand and two, etc." (It takes   approximately a second to say "A thousand and one" slowly.) When the vehicle you are driving passes the object note which "Thousand" you are counting and this will give you a good estimate of your following distance.

3.

Ensure that your vehicle's licence is valid and up to date and displayed in a visible position at all times.

4.

Always obey instructions from traffic officers which over rule any traffic signs or rules of the road.

Driving on a divided road:

1.

Always drive on the left hand side of a road division, whether the division is a painted line or a physical barrier.

2.

A barrier or division may only be crossed at an opening where it is specifically indicated that it is safe to do so.

Overtaking and passing other vehicles:

1.

You may overtake another vehicle by passing on the right hand side of the vehicle where it is safe to do so unless road markings or road signs prohibit it.

2.

Only return to the left hand side of the road when you are sure that you have safely passed the vehicle you are overtaking.

3.

Do not overtake where visibility of oncoming traffic is limited. For example, on a bend, on a blind rise or where the sun is shining in your eyes.

4.

You may not overtake a vehicle which is stopped at a pedestrian crossing.

5.

Be aware of pedestrians when passing a stationary bus or taxi.

When you are being overtaken:

1.

Move to the left as far as it is safe to do so and do not accelerate.

Driving on the shoulder of the road:

1.

Do not continuously drive on the shoulder of the road.

Info:

The shoulder of the road is the area to the left of the road demarcated by a yellow line.

2.

When another vehicle indicates that they intend overtaking, you may move on to the shoulder of the road if you can see no pedestrians or other vehicles on the shoulder for at least 150m ahead.

3.

You may only drive on the shoulder of the road on a single lane road   between sunrise and sunset and only under the circumstances described in points 1 and 2 above.

Parking:

You may not park your vehicle in the following places:

1.

The rules in point 1 also apply to stopping your vehicle. Please see the section “Stopping a vehicle” further down in this tutorial.

a) Next to an excavation if you obstruct traffic flow by doing so.

b) On a bridge, in a tunnel or in a subway.

c) Within 6m of a tunnel, subway or bridge.

d) On a roadway which has narrowed or within 6m of where a roadway has narrowed.

e) Where a road sign or road marking specifically prohibits you to do so.

f) On the right hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

g) Next to or opposite another vehicle where the road is less than 9m wide.

h) Within the rail reserve at a level crossing.

i) Within 9m of a pedestrian crossing from the side you are approaching from.

j) Within 1.5m of a fire hydrant.

k) At any place where your vehicle will cause an obstruction.

l) On a freeway

2.

In a place where you would obscure a road sign by doing so.

3.

On the sidewalk unless the vehicle is being used by a street vendor or hawker.

4.

At the entrance to any private or public roads.

5.

Within 1m of the edge of the road outside of an urban area unless it is a designated parking bay.

6.

Within 5m of an intersection.

7.

On the mechanism which controls traffic lights.

8.

With your left hand wheels more than 450mm (45cm) into the road.

9.

On a road which is less than 5.5m wide unless it is a one way roadway.

10.

On a traffic island, a pedestrian lane or a mall.

11.

In a loading zone.

These rules do not apply to emergency vehicles on duty, to police, traffic officer's or road construction and maintenance vehicles.

Traffic circles:

1.

When you approach a traffic circle, always give way to traffic approaching from your right hand side.

2.

At a mini-circle you must give way to any vehicle that has crossed the yield line before you.

Crossing and entering a public road or traffic lane:

1.

A vehicle may only enter a public road when it is free of traffic long enough for the vehicle to safely do so.

2.

A vehicle may only enter or cross into another lane when it is clear enough of traffic to do so.

Signals and indicating:

1.

A driver must always signal his or her intention to turn, reduce speed, or stop by using indicators, brake lights or hand signals.

2.

When using indicators, brake lights or hand signals the driver must do so in a manner which warns other road users of your intentions well before hand.

3.

Hand signal may not be used on a freeway.

Turning:

1.

When turning left, indicate your intention to do so well beforehand and keep as far left as is safe to do so.

2.

When turning right, indicate your intention to do so well beforehand, give right of way to any oncoming traffic and do not cut the corner when turning.

3.

Ensure that you are in the correct lane as indicated by line direction arrows before turning.

Stopping a vehicle:

You may not stop your vehicle in the following places:

1.

Next to an excavation if you obstruct traffic flow by doing so.

2.

On a bridge, in a tunnel or in a subway.

3.

Within 6m of a tunnel, subway or bridge.

4.

On a roadway which has narrowed or within 6m of where a roadway has narrowed.

5.

Where a road sign or road marking specifically prohibits you to do so.

6.

On the right hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

7.

Next to or opposite another vehicle where the road is less than 9m wide.

8.

Within the rail reserve at a level crossing.

9.

Within 9m of a pedestrian crossing from the side you are approaching from.

10.

Within 1.5m of a fire hydrant.

11.

At any place where your vehicle will cause an obstruction.

12.

On a freeway

Compulsory stopping:

You must always stop your vehicle:

1.

When instructed to do so by a traffic officer or directed to do so by a road sign.

2.

When your vehicle has been involved in an accident.

3.

When a pedestrian is about to enter a pedestrian crossing.

4.

When requested to do so by any person who is herding or moving animals across a road.

General duties of drivers and passengers:

When driving you:

1.

May not travel backwards (reverse) longer than it is necessary to do so and only when it is safe to do so.

2.

May not follow another vehicle at a distance at which it is not safe to do so.

3.

May not allow another person (or anything else) to interfere with your complete control of thevehicle at all times. This includes signalling, slowing down and changing direction.

4.

May not allow another person to steer or opertae the vehicle.

5.

May not leave your vehicle without first engaging the handbrake to stop it moving.

6.

May not have any part of your body protrudeout of the vehicle unless you are executing a hand signal. This also applies to any passengers in the vehicle.

7.

May not allow any person or animals on the roof or the running board of the vehicle while it is in motion.

8.

May not drive your vehicle or run an engine in a way which gives off excess smoke or fumes.

9.

May not leave the engine of your vehicle running while the vehicle is unattended.

10.

May not allow anyone to enter or leave the vehicle while it is in motion.

11.

12.

May not push a vehicle on the sidewalk.

13.

May not pull or tow a vehicle on the sidewalk.

14.

May not use any cellular phone or communication device while driving unless an appropriate hand free kit is fitted to the vehicle.

15.

 You must give way to official vehicles using sirens, such as ambulances, police vehicles and vehicles driven by traffic officers.

The general duties as described above do not apply to drivers of emergency vehicles, vehicles driven by traffic officers, or vehicles driven by police officers.

If you are driving a motor cycle, tricycle or quad bike you:

1.

Must sit astride the saddle with both feet on the foot rests when driving.

2.

May not carry a passenger if the engine capacity of the vehicle is 50 cc or less.

3.

May not carry more than one passenger behind you. You may carry two passengers if you have a   suitable side car.

4.

May not carry a bulky object in front of you or carry a passenger in front of you.

5.

May not drive next to each other if you are driving a motor   cycle. Motorcyclists must drive in single file.

6.

Must drive with your headlights on at all times.

7.

You and passengers of the motorcycle must wear a suitable helmet at all times.

8.

You must have at least one hand on the handlebars of the motorcycle at all times.

9.

Must ensure that all the wheels of the motorcycle are in contact with the road all times.

10.

Must ensure that if you are carrying a parcel or load it may not protrude further than 600 millimetres (60 centimetres) to the front, 900   millimetres (90 centimetres) to the back and 450 millimetres (45 centimetres) to the side.

Vehicles may not cause excessive noise.

1.

You may not drive or operate a vehicle which is causing excessive noise.

2.

You may not use your hooter unnecessarily and it must be audible at a distance of at least   90 m.

Pedestrians using a pedestrian crossing.

1.

Pedestrians must obey the signal of the traffic lights when using the crossing situated at a traffic light.

2.

Drivers of vehicles must always give right of way to a pedestrian entering a pedestrian crossing or a pedestrian already on a pedestrian crossing.

3.

Drivers may not overtake other vehicles which are stopped at a pedestrian crossing.

Motor sports on public roads.

1.

Racing or motor sport events on public roads are strictly prohibited unless approved by the relevant authorities.

Traffic obstructions.

1.

You may not, under any circumstances, hinder the free flow of traffic with any object, including your vehicle.

Vehicles abandoned on public roads.

Vehicles may not   be left on public roads. Vehicles   which have been abandoned will be removed and impounded when the vehicle: 

1.

Is causing an obstruction.

2.

Is parked in a prohibited area.

3.

Is left standing unattended for more than 24 hours on a public road outside an urban area.

4.

Is left standing unattended for more than 7 days on a public road in an urban area.

5.

Has no licence or registration number.

6.

Is parked in a no stopping or no parking area.

You may not do the following as this is considered damage to public roads:

1.

Wheel spin, drag your wheels or drift.

2.

Use chocks or shoes between any of your wheels on a public road.

You may not cause any damage to the surface of a public road in any other way.

Rules which apply specifically to freeways:

1.

You may only drive on a freeway with a learner’s license if you are accompanied by someone with a valid driver’s license of the same category.

2.

If you are driving in the right hand lane of a freeway, and a vehicle indicates that they wish to overtake you, you must use your indicator then move over to the left hand lane when it is safe to do so.

3.

Animal drawn vehicles are not allowed on freeways.

4.

Bicycles are not allowed on freeways.

5.

Motor tricycles or quad cycles are not allowed on freeways.

6.

Any vehicle with the mass of less than 230 kg which is specifically constructed for disabled people.

7.

Tractors.

8.

Any pedestrians unless it is with in an area reserved for stopping or in a situation which is beyond their control.

9.

You are not permitted to use hand signals on a freeway unless it is in a situation beyond your control.

10.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 CC or less may not drive on a freeway.

You may only stop your vehicle on a freeway in the following situations:

1.

When you are instructed to do so by a traffic officer.

2.

When you are in an area reserved for stopping all parking.

3.

When you are in a situation beyond your control

Rules which apply when towing a vehicle:

1.

The length of the towing device used between the two vehicles, whether it is a tow rope, towing bar or a chain may not exceed 3.5 m.

2.

Only a licensed driver may be in control of the vehicle being towed unless the vehicle being towed has its wheels clear of the ground or a device is being used to control the steering.

3.

If the brakes of the vehicle being towed are defective or non-functional, then the vehicle must be towed using an appropriate tow bar.

4.

No passengers are allowed in a vehicle which is being towed by means of a tow rope, tow bar or chain.

5.

If a rope or chain is being used to tow the vehicle, the vehicle may not be towed at a speed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour. Only vehicles being towed with a draw bar or a tow bar may be towed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour.

6.

Motorcycles, tricycles, may not be used for towing vehicles.

Rules which apply to speed limits:

General speed limits:

1.

The general speed limit in an urban area is 60 kilometres per hour.

2.

The general speed limit on roads outside an urban area is 100 kilometres per hour.

3.

The general speed limit on freeways is 120 kilometres per hour.

4.

Goods vehicles or combination vehicles exceeding 9000 kg may not travel faster than 80 kilometres per hour.

5.

Buses or mini buses may not travel faster than 100 kilometres per hour.

Rules which apply to motor vehicles and motor vehicle controls:

The lights:

1.

Emergency lights or hazard lights may only be used in an emergency or when the vehicle is stopped in a hazardous position.

2.

Motor cycles must drive with their headlights on at all times.

3.

All vehicles must have their headlights on between sunset and sunrise or when the visibility is less than 150 metres ahead.

4.

The main beam (brights) must light the road for at least 100 metres added and must be dipped (be dimmed) for any oncoming traffic.

5.

Parking lights may only be used when the vehicle is parked outside of a parking bay or in a parking area more than 12 metres from a street light.

6.

Adjustable spotlights are not permitted on vehicles except when those vehicles are being used by doctors, vets, breakdown or other official vehicles.

The seat belts:

1.

Seat belts must be worn at all times by both the driver and passengers of the vehicle. The driver does not need to wear a seat belt when reversing or parking.

2.

If there is not a seat belt in the front passenger seat, any child under the age of 14 years old must sit in the back of the vehicle.

3.

A passenger may not sit in a seat with no seat belt if there is another seat with a seatbelt available.

4.

If a vehicle does not have any seatbelts at all, it may not be driven on a public road.

The tyres:

1.

The tread on a tyre must have a depth of at least 1 millimetre. The tread must be visible.

2.

Motor cycles of 50 CC or less must have tread visible on no less than 80% of the tyre surface.

3.

Tyres must be in good condition with no visible canvas, bulges or metal showing through the surface or the side wall of the tyre.

4.

Re-tread tyres may not be used at all on motorcycles.

Accidents:

General rules governing accidents:

1.

You may not consume any alcohol or drugs before reporting the accident.

2.

If there are any injuries your vehicle may not be moved without the authorisation of an official and only after the position of the vehicle has   been marked.

3.

If there are no injuries you may move your vehicle if it is obstructing traffic.

4.

If you are involved in an accident you must stop your vehicle immediately.

5.

If they have been any injuries you must call the police immediately.

6.

You must provide any possible assistance to the injured.

7.

You must provide your name and address, the registration number of the vehicle as well as the name and address of the owner of the vehicle if you are involved in an accident.

8.

If there had been no injuries you must report the accident to the nearest police station within 24 hours. You must have your driver’s license in your possession when doing so.

Alcohol and narcotics drugs:

1.

You may not be in control of a vehicle if you are under the influence of any narcotic drug or if your blood alcohol level exceeds the legal limit.

2.

You will be considered to be under the influence of alcohol if your blood alcohol limit is more than 0.05 g of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 0.24 mg per 1000 millilitres of breath for and ordinary driver.

3.

You will be considered to be under the influence of alcohol if your blood alcohol limit is more than 0.02 g of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 0.10 mg per 1000 millilitres of breath for a professional driver.

Warning triangles:

1.

All commercial vehicles, caravans and trailers must carry a red emergency triangle to be displayed in case of breakdown or accident.

2.

Emergency triangles must be clearly displayed at least 45 metres behind a vehicle which is stationary on a road for any reason.

Transporting passengers:

1.

Seated passengers may be carried on the back of an open truck where the sides are 350 millimetres above seating level.

2.

Standing passengers may be carried on the back of an open truck with the size on 900 millimetres or higher.

3.

Each adult in a vehicle should be allocated at least 380 millimetres of seat length.

4.

Two children younger than six years of age should be allocated the same amount of space as one adult (380 millimetres)

5.

Three children between 6 and 13 years of age are allocated the same amount of space as two adults (760 millimetres)

Transporting a load:

1.

The load must be securely fastened.

2.

The load may not obstruct the driver’s view.

3.

The load may not obstruct the driver’s use of the vehicle.

4.

The load may not touch the road surface.

5.

The load may not exceed 4.3 metres in height from the ground.

6.

The load it may not exceed half the height of the vehicle (unless it is a bicycle)

7.

The load it may not exceed 2.5 m in width unless it is a goods vehicle with a mass above 12,000 kg in which case it may not exceed 2.6 metres.

8.

The load may not project more than 300 millimetres in front of the vehicle.

9.

The load it may not project more than 1.8 metres to the back of the vehicle.

Visibility and safety markings:

1.

Loads which project more than 150 millimetres to the side of the vehicle and more than 300 millimetres to the rear of the vehicle must have a red flag attached at each corner of the load during the day.

2.

Loads which projects more than 150 millimetres to the side of the vehicle and more than 300 millimetres to the rear of the vehicle, must have white reflectors attached to each front corner, red reflectors to each of the corners and yellow reflectors on the side.