Driving Basics for Class 1 and Class 5 Provisional Licenses

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MAIN THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE OUT ONTO THE ROAD

1. Cockpit Check

Before driving, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy:

  • Check coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, steering fluid, battery, and engine condition.
  • Inspect all lights, tyres (including the spare), seatbelts, registration, and safety stickers.
  • Confirm your driver’s license is current and appropriate for the vehicle.
2. Road Rules
  • Keep Left: Always drive on the left side of the road.
  • License: Carry your valid driver’s license at all times.
  • Signals: Always signal at least 30 meters before turning.
  • Overtaking: Only overtake when it is safe and allowed. Avoid overtaking near bends, pedestrian crossings, and on narrow roads.
3. Speed Limits

Before driving, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy:

  • Town areas: 60 km/h
  • Outside town: 75 km/h
  • Near crossings/intersections: 25 km/h
4. Intersections & Roundabouts
  • At intersections, give way to vehicles on your right.
  • At roundabouts, give way to vehicles already in the roundabout and use appropriate lanes
5. Parking Guidelines
  • Park with the left wheels near the curb.
  • Do not park near traffic lights, bends, pedestrian crossings, or intersections.
  • Always use your handbrake, lock the car, and close windows before leaving.
6. Traffic Signs & Lights
  • Stop: Stop at the white line or near the stop sign.
  • Give Way: Yield to other vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.
  • Traffic Lights: Follow the signals: red (stop), amber (prepare to stop), green (go if safe).
7. Night Driving
  • Ensure all lights are working and clean.
  • Use high beam sparingly and avoid blinding other drivers
8. Emergency Situations
  • For accidents, prioritize injured passengers by calling an ambulance, then report to the police.
  • Pull over for emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, or police cars.
9. General Road Safety Tips
  • Keep a safe following distance, especially in bad weather.
  • Avoid sudden braking or harsh turns to prevent skidding.
  • Always wear your seatbelt.
  • Check mirrors and blind spots regularly
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