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

Feature

Definition

Qualification

Acceleration

Act of causing the motorcycle to gain speed by opening the throttle.

Throttle should be opened smoothly and progressively to avoid sudden and harsh acceleration which results in uneven, jerky movements.

Approaching distance

The distance from which the overtaking 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.

Balance

To keep the motorcycle in such a position while it is stationary or moving that it does not fall over or go out of control.

Balance shall be maintained while riding straight, moving off, stopping and while turning at high and low speeds. When moving off and riding straight, the feet must be placed on the front foot pegs for maximum balance.

When stopping do not put the feet on the ground until immediately prior to when the motorcycle has stopped.

Do not remove the fee from the foot pegs unnecessarily.

Blind spots

Areas on either side of the motorcycle which, even with the aid of rear-view mirrors, are not visible to the rider.

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.

Boundary lines

Painted lines marking the boundaries of each manoeuvre of the motorcycle test as indicated.

Certain boundary lines may not be touched, since the test has been designed so that the manoeuvres can be performed within the limits set by these boundary lines.

Braking

Act of causing a motorcycle to reduce speed by the application of the front and rear brake.

Both brakes must be applied in good time, smoothly and progressively, without locking either wheel, and with both hands on the handgrips in order to keep the motorcycle under control.  If possible, brake only while riding straight. Due to the design of motorcycle gearboxes, lower gears must be selected as the speed decreases.

Calibration marks

Short painted lines used to determine stop and swerve distances .

Cancel signal

See Signals

... cancel

Clear space

Areas surrounding the motorcycle which allows 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 lever to reach  contact point or friction point.

Clutch control is obtained whilst the engine is running in gear, the clutch lever is released through its arc to the point where the sound of the engine slowing indicates that the clutch plates are beginning to engage in order to transfer power, through friction, from the engine to the drive system. (Chain or shaft) The clutch lever should be released smoothly in order to reach the friction point without any jerking. Clutch control shall be obtained for moving off and when changing gears.

... disengage

See Disengage

... rides

Resting the foot on the clutch lever whilst motorcycle is in motion.

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

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

Riding a motorcycle with the clutch lever squeezed or in neutral, disconnecting the engine from the driving wheel.

Since it reduces control of the motorcycle 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 motorcycle is in motion.

Collision

Touching any moving or stationary hazard with a vehicle.

Controlled stop

Bringing a motorcycle to a complete standstill, maintaining a straight course.

Both hands should be on the handgrips. Should the motorcycle deviate from a straight course and corrective action is taken it is regarded as a controlled stop. Pressure on the rear-brake lever must be reduced as necessary if the wheels should lock.

Cutting

See Steering

... cutting

Dangerous actions

See Uncontrolled/Dangerous action

Decelerate

Causing a motorcycle to reduce speed by closing the throttle only

The throttle should be closed timeously and gradually to ensure smooth reduction of speed.

Disengage

Pulling in the clutch lever to disconnect the engine from the transmission.

The clutch lever should be pulled in timeously and completely in order to select a gear or bring the motorcycle to a standstill without stalling or labouring the engine.

Emergency Stop

Act of bringing a motorcycle to a complete standstill, in the shortest possible distance.

In the case of an emergency stop, both brakes should be applied as quickly as possible and the motorcycle brought to a controlled stop in the shortest possible distance.

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.

Engine "kill" switch

A switch that cuts off the electrical supply to the engine.

The switch is part of the controls next to the right handgrip so that it can easily be switched to RUN or OFF using the thumb. Make sure that it is in the RUN position before attempting to start the engine.

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 motorcyclist directly behind counting "2001, 2002". The front of the motorcycle 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.

Fuel tap

The tap/valve that controls the supply of fuel to the engine.

The tap is normally situated on the left-hand side to the rear of and underneath the fuel tank. It may have as many as four (4) positions to regulate the flow of fuel, namely: ON for normal use, RESERVE for use when the fuel level has reached a low level and reminds the rider to refill the tank PRIME to be used only when motorcycle has not been in use for along period, and OFF, to be used when parking the motorcycle.

Gear changing

Selection of the gear which will allow the engine to operate at efficient RPM whilst the road speed of the motorcycle 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.

Where possible gears should be selected whilst the motorcycle is on a straight course.

Make sure what the gear change pattern is before moving off. The gear lever must be depressed or lifted in order to select a lower or a higher gear. After selecting the gear remove the foot from the lever. A green light on the instrument panel will indicate when the gear is in neutral.

Hazard

Vehicles, persons, animals, objects or substances which could cause damage or injury and could 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.

Ignition lock

A mechanism whereby electrical power is distributed to the engine and other electrical accessories.

Normally in the form of a lock and key with various positions to control the electric current distribution, and usually in the centre near the steering head. The key must be turned to the "ON" position before the engine can be started. In some cases the parking light can also be activated by turning the key to  the appropriate position.

In good time

See Signals

... 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.

Kick starter

A lever that is kicked down with the foot to start the engine.

The lever is usually on the right-hand side of the engine and must be kicked down quickly and fully to start the engine.

Lane changing

Changing position of a motorcycle 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 rider has no influence over the speed or direction of a motorcycle.

Excessive speed, erratic or harsh steering, braking or acceleration causing a motorcycle 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  left and right behind a motorcycle.

The mirrors shall be adjusted so that a small portion of the riders body is visible in the inner side of each mirror.

Minor defects

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

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

Measurements

See calibration marks.

Moving off

To set a motorcycle into motion from a stationary position.

Only when safe and in accordance with road traffic signs, rules, signals and markings, move the motorcycle from a stationary position smoothly and progressively and without engine labouring. Ensure there is clear space beyond an intersection before moving off. Ensure an intersection is clear before entering. Maintain balance throughout with both feet on the front footpegs and do not lift the front wheel off the ground.

Needless

See Stopping

... needless

Observe

To look in all directions for hazards and potential hazards.

Observation includes the use of mirrors and blind spot checks to determine whether it is safe to the rear, front and sides.

Observation can commence from either the left or the right blind spot.

Eyes shall not be taken from the road unnecessarily.

Obstructions

Vehicles, persons, animals, objects or substances which could cause damage or injury and may necessitate changing speed and/or direction. Because a motorcyclist is more vulnerable, obstructions must be identified in good time in order to predict and decide how to react.

Overtaking

Passing a stationary or moving hazard travelling in the same direction

Passing oncoming traffic is not regarded as overtaking.

Physical disability

A physical feature of a rider which may prevent the safe control of a motorcyle.

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

Positioning of motorcycle

Placing a vehicle in the safest location on a roadway in relation to actual or potential hazards 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

Prescribed distance

... "Speed management"

This is the area where the front wheel of the motorcycle must come to a standstill in order for the test to continue .

Any portion of the outer circumference of the front wheel, must cover line "K -L" between the first calibration marks on either side of cross point "D".

Riding clutch

See Clutch

... riding

Roll

Uncontrolled motion of the vehicle from a stationary position

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

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, brake 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.

Signal lights

Three lights indicating various collision avoidance actions.

The signal lights are controlled through an electronic clipboard which preselects the various manoeuvres

Slow

See Too slow

Starter button

The button that must be pressed to turn the engine.

The button is part of the controls next to the right handgrip and is easily pressed with the thumb. Make sure that the gear is in neutral. As soon as the engine starts, release the button.

Steering

... cutting

Steering of a motorcycle in such a manner when negotiating a bend or corner that it may 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 motorcycle

... swerve

To change direction as quickly as possible.

To swerve to the right, push the right handgrip forward. To swerve to the left, push the left handgrip forward.

At higher speeds it is necessary to push harder to achieve the required swerve. A swerve in any direction is usually followed in quick succession by a swerve in the opposite direction in order to remain on the roadway. It is an effective collision avoidance- technique when unable to stop in time.

... wanders

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

... wide

Steering of a motorcycle in such a manner when negotiation a bend or comer that it may result in touching the kerb, 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.

Stopping

... (see also "Controlled stop")

Act of bringing a motorcycle to a complete standstill

Stopping should be smooth and progressive and in accordance with road traffic signs signals, rules and markings using both front and rear brakes simultaneously. Obtain and/or retain a clear space behind or alongside obstruction or other road user. Whilst braking, change down. Both hands shall remain on the handgrips until stationary. When stopping do not put the feet on the ground until immediately prior to when the motorcycle has stopped. Maintain balance throughout by looking ahead and keeping the front wheel straight.

... needless

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

Stopping point

..." Emergency stop"

This is the actual point where the front wheel of the motorcycle comes to a complete standstill.

This will be the last calibration mark  which was passed by the front-end of the front wheel of the motorcycle before stopping.

..."Speed management"

This is the point where the front wheel of the motorcycle comes to a complete standstill

Any portion of the outer  circumference of the front wheel, must cover line "K-L" between the first calibration marks on either side of cross point "D".

Throttle grip

The right-hand handgrip with which engine speed is controlled.

To make the engine run faster, roll the handgrip backwards by lowering the wrist. To slow the engine down, roll the handgrip forward, by raising the wrist. The thumb and fingers must encircle the handgrip in such a way that the front brake lever can be easily handled.

Too fast

Riding 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

Riding at a speed as to hinder or obstruct the safe flow of traffic. (This is not applicable when using the electronic testing apparatus).

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.

Uncontrolled/ Dangerous action

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

The rider shall be in full control of the motorcycle at all times.

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 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