Why K53?

K53 is a defensive driving system that aims to prevent or minimize potential road situations and collisions with other road users (vehicles, pedestrians), as well as obstructions, animals, and other objects. The K53 driving test system is designed to assess a rookie driver's aptitude in terms of vehicle handling, vehicle control, adherence to traffic laws, signs, signals, and markings, as well as their capacity to deal with traffic conditions and other driving/road issues.

The modules and test samples listed below will assist you in becoming the finest driver possible.

Module 1 (Pre-trip Inspection - exterior)

1. Check under vehicle on approach for obvious leaks, obstructions, etc.
2. Unlock all doors.
3. Inspect vehicle for possible damage, preferably from top to bottom, left to right in an anti-clockwise direction.
4. Check right-hand exterior mirror for damage, cleanliness and stability.
5. Check right-hand portion of windscreen for damage and cleanliness.
6. Check right wiper blade for wear, stability and cleanliness and leave in extended position, if possible.
7. Check right-hand front wheel: tyre tread for wear and damage, sidewall damage, inflation, valve cap, oil, grease leaks and wheel nuts.
8. Check right front lenses and reflector for damage, cleanliness and stability.
9. Check front of vehicle for damage and security of bonnet or boot, grill and bumper.
10. Check front registration plate for damage, cleanliness, stability and validity.
11. Check left front wheel as described in item 7.
12. Check Certificate of Clearance/Roadworthiness disc (if applicable) for validity.
13. Check left-hand doors for operation of doors and window winder(s). (If manually operative)
14. Check seat belts for stability and damage.
15. Mention that spare wheel, jack and wheel spanner should be checked.
16. Check chevron for damage, cleanliness, stability and validity, if applicable.
17. Check rear registration plate and light.

Note A:

On approach to the vehicle the examiner shall request the applicant to conduct a pre-trip exterior inspection prior to entering the vehicle.

Note B:

Minor flaws may be corrected with the examiner's permission, but no further time will be given. (No stopping of the stopwatch is permitted.)

Note C:

The applicant shall not be penalised for the following:

• should he/she fail to execute the pre-trip inspection in an anti-clockwise direction,
• should he/she fail to raise the windscreen wipers from the windscreen,
• when he/she checks one wheel and later only refers to the other wheels,
• when he/she fails to check both sidewalls of a tyre for damage, and
• when checking those parts of the vehicle which he/she has to check it is not expected of him/her to make mention of all the properties of that particular part.

For example, when the wheels are checked, it is not expected of him/her to mention that he/she checks the tyre tread for wear and for damage to the sidewall, tyre pressure and the valve-cap etc.

When it is clear to the examiner that the applicant has paid attention to the specific parts, (whether mentioned or not) he/she shall be credited.

Note C applies only to Module 1.

Module 2 (Pre-trip - interior)

1. Ensure (from driver's seat) that parking brake is applied.
2. Ensure gear lever is in neutral position. (In "P"or "N" for automatic transmission)
3. Check for obstructions.
4. Check for warning lights and gauges, where applicable.
5. Check seat adjustment for correct driving position.
6. Check all mirrors for maximum rear view vision.
7. Turn ignition key to be in the “on” position without starting the engine.
8. Check electric windows operation, if applicable.
9. Check operation of front and rear lights, indicators, horn and wipers.
10. Switch ignition off and return all switches to "off" position.
11. Check pressure on brake and clutch pedals.
12. Return wipers to normal position, where applicable.
13. Check that doors are properly closed and that passengers are conversant with operation of doors.
14. Fasten seatbelt and request passengers to fasten seatbelts.
15. Ensure that passengers are conversant with operation of release mechanism of seatbelts.

Note A:

The examiner shall request the applicant to operate the lights, direction indicators, horn and wipers, where these shall be checked for operation, by such examiner.

Note B:

The examiner may allow minor defects to be rectified, however, no extra time shall be allowed. (The stopwatch shall not be stopped)

Note C:

Item 1 and 2 as well as 5 and 6 shall be checked in sequence.

Module 3 (Starting Procedure - Manual transmission)

1. Ensure that the parking brake is applied.
2. Ensure that gear-lever is in "neutral" position.
3. Check that all gauges and warning lights are in non-function position.
4. Turn ignition key to "on" position without starting engine.
5. Check warning lights and gauges for malfunction.
6. Apply choke if necessary or ensure choke is cancelled.
7. Turn ignition key further to start engine.
8. Release hold on key as soon as engine starts.
9. Check warning lights and gauges for systems malfunction.
10. Cancel operation of choke, where applicable.

For More information download the manual on K53 Pratical Driving Lessons