The term K53 is simply a file reference that was used when the driving test was changed to incorporate a particular method of ‘defensive driving’. The K53 defensive driving system is now an essential requirement of the practical driving test. It means being fully alert and attentive all the time while driving, in order to maintain a clear space around your vehicle and avoid a collision with other road users, including pedestrians and animals.
It also means that you must give other road users advance warning of your intentions so that they too can use the road in safety. Here are some important aspects you must know about the K53 defensive driving system.
Keep a safe following distance
- Always maintain a safe following distance as part of maintaining a clear space around your vehicle.
- Remember to increase this distance: when visibility is poor, in wet conditions, when travelling fast or when carrying a heavy load or several passengers or when travelling on a loose surface.
Use the mirrors correctly
- Ensure that the rear-view mirrors are correctly adjusted so that you have a clear view behind your vehicle
- If you need to adjust the mirror/s, do this only while the vehicle is stationary.
- Glance in the mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds and only for long enough to check the situation behind you, i.e. don’t keep your eyes off the road ahead longer than is absolutely necessary.
- Whenever you approach a potential hazard, check in the mirrors in case you need to signal a change in direction, e.g. to change lanes or swerve.
- Before moving off from a stationary position, fi rst gain clutch control, i.e. have the vehicle in gear with the clutch pedal released slightly, to the point where the clutch ‘takes’, before you look in the mirrors.
Check in the blind spots
- Turn your head to the appropriate side to check in the areas that are not visible in the mirrors (these areas are called blind spots).
- The appropriate side is the one to which you intend moving, e.g. changing lanes, moving off from the side of the road, turning.
- The last thing you must do before changing direction is always to check in the blind spot on the side to which you intend to move.
Signal your intention
- Always check in the rear-view mirrors before signalling, to ensure that it is safe to move in that direction after indicating your intention.
- If it is not yet safe to start the maneuver, then don’t signal until it is safe.
- Indicate in good time to warn other road users of your intention, but not so early that it could confuse other road users.
- Place your hand back in the correct position on the steering wheel or handlebars before applying the brake, after changing gears and before negotiating a manoeuvre, so that you are in full control of the vehicle.
- Always check to ensure that the indicator has cancelled immediately after a manoeuvre has been completed. Cancel it if necessary.
- Use hand signals if the electric indicators are not working.
- Use the hooter in good time, and only if it is an emergency.
Use the clutch correctly
- When you intend moving off, follow this sequence:
- Obtain clutch control
- Check in the mirror(s) and blind spot(s).
- Indicate
- Check the blind spot again.
- Accelerate to move off.
- Do not cause the clutch to slip, i.e. don’t drive with the clutch pedal lightly depressed.
- Do not ride the clutch, i.e. press and release, press and release, while accelerating.
- Keep your foot clear of the clutch pedal when you don’t need to use the clutch.
Use the steering correctly
- Always keep both hands on the steering, except when you need to change gear or give a hand signal.
- Turn the steering wheel only when the vehicle is moving, never when stationary
- In a motor vehicle, place your hands in the ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position on the steering wheel.
- Steer smoothly, not jerkily, and use the push-pull method with your hands so that they stay in the ten-totwo or quarter-to-three position as far as possible while you are turning
- Use the steering to adjust your position on the road according to the situation ahead.
- When turning a corner, do not turn too wide or cut the corner
- Where there are traffic lanes, stay in one lane at a time and don’t wander from lane to lane.
Control your speed properly
- Before changing speed, check in the mirrors to make sure it is safe to do so.
- Adjust your speed according to the pattern of traffi c fl ow, the slope of the road, the type of road surface, visibility and weather conditions.
- Always comply with the speed limit applicable to the road you are travelling on.
- Do not increase speed when you are being overtaken by another vehicle.
Use the brakes correctly
- Use the brakes (not the gears) to slow down or stop
- Before braking to slow down or stop, check in the mirrors to make sure that it is safe to do so.
- Avoid locking the brakes, i.e. pressing the brake pedal down very hard so that the wheels stop turning, when you brake under normal (non-emergency) circumstances.
- Always be aware that the distance required to bring the vehicle to a stop increases under certain conditions:
- when the road surface is wet;
- when the road surface is loose (e.g. gravel);
- when the vehicle is heavily laden with goods or passengers; and
- when you are travelling fast.
- Brake as necessary to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, so that if you need to stop suddenly you can do so safely without swerving.
- Apply the parking brake (not applicable to motorcycles) when the vehicle will be stationary for some time, or whenever you leave the vehicle unattended.
- Press the ratchet release button in when applying the parking brake, and release it when the brake is holding. This is to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
