If you want to drive, then before anything else you're going to need to take your learner’s test. In South Africa, before you can get behind the wheel of a vehicle (even to start taking driving lessons), you first have to prove that you'll be safe on the road. And the only way to do that is to take the learner's test, sometimes also called the K53 test, and pass it to get your learner's licence. So what is this learner's test all about? And how do you go about taking (and passing!) it? That's what we're here to tell you!
The learner’s test: How it Looks
So, the learner's test has a pretty simple lay out. All the questions are multiple choice (there's no essay writing, which is good news!), and you'll have an hour to take the test. There are three sections to the learner's test. The first section is 30 questions about road signs, road markings and traffic signals, and you'll need to get 23 of those correct to pass. The second section is another 30 questions about the rules of the road, and you'll need to get 22 correct to pass. Finally, the third section is 8 questions about the controls inside a car, and you'll need to get 6 of those correct. Be aware that the number of correct questions you need can vary a little between districts, so you might want to check with your local testing centre!
How to Take the learner’s test
Before you can take the test, you'll need to book an appointment. Find your local DLTC (driver's licence testing centre- a quick online search should tell you where that is), and head on down there. You'll need to book your appointment in person, not online or over the phone. Hold on though, you'll need to take a few things with you!
For your trip to book an appointment you'll need to take your valid ID card or passport, and you'll also need a completed LL1 form (you can print one online and fill it out, or fill it out when you get to the DLTC). You'll need two photos, either colour or black and white, and most photo shops will know the correct format, so it's best to get them done there. And if you need glasses or contacts, then make sure you wear them, because your eyes will be tested! If you don't fancy having your eyes checked there, you can have them checked beforehand with a qualified optician, but don't forget to get an eye test certificate from him to show to the testing centre!
And, of course, you'll need some money to pay the booking fee. Prices vary by testing centre and can be between about R55 and R220, so you might want to call ahead and check this.
Once you've booked an appointment, then you're good to go.
On Testing Day…
On the day of the learner's test you'll need to take again some valid ID, and also the receipt that you got when you booked your appointment. You'll also need to pay a fee for taking the learner's test, which will be between about R35 and R130, depending on where you're taking the test. Many testing centres give computer tests these days, so again, you might want to check on this. If you pass the test, you'll get your learner's licence immediately.
How to Pass the Learner's Test
Taking the test isn't enough, you need to pass it too! If you're looking to pass the learner's test then you'll need to get some study materials and learn them. And you'll want to take practice tests too. Taking online K53 test is easy, and there are plenty of benefits to doing online test versions. You'll get immediate feedback, and you'll be getting the most up to date test questions available. Be aware of the fact that if you fail the test, you'll have to book another appointment and pay all over again, so it's a great idea to take a few practice tests to find out if you're likely to pass! If you want to get more in depth info on passing your test, then check out our article on How to Pass Your Learner's Test First Time.
And that's all you really need to know about the South African learner's test. Study hard, be prepared, and make sure you get all the paperwork you need, and you should be ready to start those driving lessons in no time!
Main subject: learner’s test
