K53 road signs
Road signs
South Africa uses standardised road signs. They fall into four categories — learn each category's shape and colour to identify them quickly in the test.
Regulatory signs
Circular signs (mostly red borders). These are laws — you must obey them. Breaking them is a traffic offence.
Stop sign
Come to a complete stop. Yield to all traffic before proceeding.
Yield sign
Inverted triangle. Slow down, yield to all traffic on the road you're entering.
No entry
Red circle with horizontal white bar. Do not enter in this direction.
Speed limit
White circle with red border. Maximum speed in km/h. Common limits: 60 (urban), 100 (rural), 120 (freeway).
No U-turn
Red circle with U-turn arrow crossed out. You may not perform a U-turn here.
No parking
Blue circle with red P crossed out. Stopping to load/unload may still be permitted.
Warning signs
Diamond or triangular shape, yellow/orange background with black symbols. These warn you of hazards ahead — slow down and be prepared to stop.
General warning
Yellow triangle. A general hazard ahead. Slow down and proceed with caution.
Crossroads ahead
Cross symbol inside triangle. An intersection is approaching — check your speed.
Pedestrian crossing
Walking figure inside triangle. Be ready to stop for pedestrians crossing.
Test tip
On the learner's test, road signs account for 33 questions. You need 25 correct (75%). Focus on regulatory and warning signs — they make up most of the signs section.