K53 Driver Licence Test (2024)

K53 DriverLicence Test

• K53 is the term for the current driver licence test.
• The number given to the test was based on proposals submitted in the 1980's and then the reworked versions were upgraded numerically.
• Test number K53 was finally accepted as the way to test aspirant drivers.
• This test fully involved/included/incorporated the System of Vehicle control.
• The K53 test is, in fact, a copy of what was done in the UK in the 1980's.

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

1. An applicant for a driving licence shall be examined and tested by an examiner for driving licences.
2. The examiner for driving licences shall by observation, enquiry and practical test, satisfy himself or herself that the applicant -
   • holds a learner's licence which authorises him or her to drive the class of motor vehicle to which his or her application relates;
   • knows and understands the road traffic signs;
   • has a sound knowledge of the rules of the road and the different signals which a driver of a motor vehicle is required to give when driving on a public road;
   • is not subject to any disqualification referred to in section 15 of the Act read with regulation 102; and
   • is generally capable of driving a motor vehicle of the class to which the application relates.
3. 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.
4. For the purposes of sub-regulation (2), an applicant shall not be required to undergo a written test.
5. An examiner for driving licences shall in compliance with the provisions of paragraph (e) of sub-regulation (2) -
   • in the case of a code B driving licence, test an applicant according to the manual of the Corporation "K 53 Practical driving test for motor vehicle drivers, Volume 1 - Light Motor Vehicles" published by the chief executive officer by notice in the Gazette;
   • in the case of a code C1, C, EB, EC1 or EC driving licence, test an applicant according to the manual of the Corporation "K53 Practical driving test for motor vehicle drivers, Volume 2 - Heavy Motor Vehicles", published by the chief executive officer by notice in the Gazette; and
   • in the case of a code A1 or A driving licence, test an applicant according to the manual of the Corporation "K53 Practical driving test for motor vehicle drivers, Volume 3 - Motor Cycles" published by the chief executive officer by notice in the Gazette.

New Updated K53 Test Manuals [To Be Implemented From 7 April 2006]

• Practical driving test for motor vehicle drivers - Volume 1 - Light Motor Vehicles - Code B - August 2005
  Part 1 Part 2
• Practical driving test for motor vehicle drivers - Volume 2 - Heavy Motor Vehicles - Codes C1, C, EC1 & EC - August 2005
  Part 1 Part2
• Practical driving test for motor vehicle drivers - Volume 4 - Light Motor Vehicles Combinations - Code EB - August 2005
  Part 1 Part 2
• Practical driving test for motorcycles - Volume 3 - Motorcycles - Codes A1 & A - August 2005
  Part 1 Part2
• Minimum Requirements for Registration and Retention of Grading for Driving Licence Testing Centres
  Requirements

The new K53 test manuals for the driving licence test are available at the Government Printers Works Publication Store, 196 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria. It sells at R43.18 per manual. Contact Ms Maureen Toka at 012 334 4507 for more information.

Imperial K53 Book

Also view:

SA Learners Tests

History of the K53 Driving Test