k53 pre trip inspection code 8

The K53 pre-trip inspection of the vehicle

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A pre-trip vehicle inspection made easy

Anyone who took the K53 driver’s licence test will also recall the tedious 30-point exterior and 8-point interior pre-trip vehicle inspection. This includes checking everything from the exterior mirrors and windscreen to the number plate, indicator lenses and seat belts.

The day you passed the test was probably the last time you did such a thorough check of your car but all drivers should in fact regularly check their vehicles to ensure that everything is in good working order, both inside and out.

Daily checks

Every morning when you approach your vehicle, it’s a good idea to glance at the tyres to ensure that they are not deflated. Also check that all valve caps are in place and that there are no objects such as nails or pieces of wire protruding from any of the tyres. You should check for serious damage to the tyre walls.

Number plates

Take note of your number plates. If these are loose, they could fall off during your daily commute. Not only will replacing them be expensive, but you could also get a fine!

Lights and indicators

Take note of the lights and indicator lenses – are they cracked or broken? If there is any obvious damage, it would be wise to have the items repaired or replaced sooner rather than later.

Is there any other noticeable damage? This could include a loose bumper, side mirror or window beading. These could come off completely during your drive and cause further – possibly expensive – damage.

Is the fuel filler flap closed? If not, make sure that the filler cap is still in position.

Windscreen and windows

Once inside the vehicle, check for damage to the windscreen or other windows. Remember that a small chip could potentially become a big crack so it’s wise to keep an eye on it and have it seen to before it becomes a safety issue.

Under the vehicle

Take a quick look under the vehicle for any obvious oil and water leaks or obstructions. These could be an indication of loose engine hoses, perished seals or worse. If there are noticeable leaks, fluids and oil will need to be topped up, but you will also need to identify the cause of the problem.

Before you drive off, check for obstructions in the foot well before checking the pressure of the clutch and brake pedals. Make sure that all the gauges work and keep an eye out for any warning lights that might come on when you turn the key in the ignition.

Once a week

Windscreen wipers.

Even out of the rainy season you should check that the windscreen wipers work properly. There’s nothing worse than being surprised by a sudden rain storm and discovering that the wiper blades have perished. You also never know when you’ll need to clean the windscreen while driving so ensure that the water reservoir is full.

Have someone stand outside the vehicle while you activate the headlights and indicators to ensure that they work, front and rear. Depress the brake pedal to check the brake lights and put the vehicle in reverse to ensure that those lights work too.

If any of the lights aren’t working you could be fined or worse, you could cause a collision.

Once a month

Tyres and wheels.

Check the tread on all tyres (including the spare) at regular intervals and replace or rotate them if necessary. Also, check that the wheel nuts are secure.

While checking the spare wheel, make sure that the jack and wheel spanner are still in the vehicle and in good working order.

Fluid levels

It is also advisable to check oil, water and brake and power steering fluid levels at regular intervals. These will need to be topped up if they’ve dropped below the required levels. The same goes for battery fluid levels.

Remember to check fluids while the engine is cold and if you aren’t sure how or where to do the checks, refer to the owner’s manual.

Doors and windows

If you normally travel alone, it’s wise to check all doors and windows on the vehicle regularly to ensure that they open and close properly. The same goes for the boot and bonnet lids. 

Keep it clean

The easiest way to pick up on any issues with your vehicle is by washing it yourself. If done thoroughly and regularly, you should be able to detect problems ranging from damage to the tyre sidewalls, to radiator leaks and moisture behind the headlight lenses. 

Although none of us have the time to do a full K53-prescribed pre-trip inspection every time we set off, basic awareness of the condition of your vehicle could go a long way towards avoiding dangerous situations. Take a few extra minutes every day to ensure that your vehicle is in top shape.

It could just save your life!

Pre-trip inspection checklist

Inspecting your vehicle before a long trip is essential...

20 emergency items you should always have in your car

Be ready for any emergency situation on your trip...

How do you know if your car is roadworthy?

A guide to main items checked during a roadworthy test.

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Our instructors have helped thousands of drivers pass their tests and drive around safely. Structured lessons emphasise safety and skills preparation so you can confidently pass your test.

Code 08 (or Code B) is the most common driver’s license, allowing you to drive any vehicle (except motorcycles and agricultural vehicles) lighter than 3 500 Kg. A learner’s license is required to take the test.

What We Cover

• K53 curriculum – All the theory, including the various checks, rules, procedures, signals and markings.
• Pre-trip inspection – Structured steps for demonstrating the road-worthiness of your vehicle to the examiner.
• Vehicle controls – How to use and adjust the functions and features of the car to drive safely in various conditions. These include: headlights, windscreen wipers, emergency lights, rear-view mirrors, etc.
• Yard test – 20 min test of your vehicle handling and parking skills, carried out at the test station. This tests: emergency breaking, taking off an incline, alley docking, parallel parking, reversing and 3 point turns.
• Road test– The 20-40 min practical test of your driving skills in navigating Gauteng streets safely and legally. To prepare, we include a mock driver’s license test along your licensing centre’s test route.

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• Low-pressure lesson environment.
• Only fully insured, well maintained dual control vehicles are used.
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K-53 Licence Training – Exam Requirements

Whenever we think of obtaining a valid motorcycle bike licence. The feeling of pure pressure can consume one. Some riders avoid this proposes so intensely that they prefer re-writing their learners every two years.

Although it’s a tough exam to pass, it’s fair and well-constructed.

My main piece of advice I can give any learner rider who are in the process of getting their licence, go for training at a reputable training school/academy. Even if you are a well experienced motorcycle rider, there is an 80% chance that you can fail based on not understanding the technicalities. There is a definite process to follow when doing your K-53 licence exam.

If the instructor sees that you have no idea of the process, you will already find yourself on the wrong side of the marking sheet.

The instructor will briefly explain to you what he or she wants, but they will not go into detail of what is expected. This means that there are definite do’s and don’ts that you need to know. Common errors riders make are for example showing up with a bike that is not 100% roadworthy. This means every single part or the bike must be working, safe and secure without any damages. The licence disk must be the original.

Some riders when entering the licence testing ground, do not follow the road signs. This is crucial. Instructors may sit and wait to see who they can fail before they’ve even started. Is it a money making thing or just to save time…well this is debatable. The point is to follow the road signs and rules.

Make sure that you are wearing appropriate motorcycling gear for your exam. Even though there is no specific rule that says you are not allowed to wear open shoes, it should be logic in terms of safety and overall first impression. Avoid shorts/skirts at all costs.

Ensure that you have a helmet, gloves and if possible a jacket. The actual exam takes between 7 – 15 minutes to be completed. It’s only 15 minutes expected of you to put your best foot forward. After that, if you pass, you have your K-53 licence for life in South Africa.

What does the K53 Licence exam consist off?

Step 1 – Pre trip inspection (this includes on board inspection)

The pre-trip inspection is where you are required to start on the one side of the motorcycle, walk around it while explaining to the instructor what you are looking at and why to ensure that your motorcycle is roadworthy and ready for you to ride.

The terms most used will be Safe, Secure and not damaged. An example of what you will say is “the front light is safe, secure and not damaged”. I recommend that you start where the side stand is, move to the front, around and end up back at the side stand before you move to the on-board inspection.

There are some specific terms that you will also need to use for example “the tyre tread is more than the minimum 1mm legal requirement, therefore it’s roadworthy and safe to use.” Some other points you will need to mention is, fairings (if you have on the bike), no oil leaks (underneath the bike), indicator and light covers, Brake levers and the side stand.

If you move to the on-board inspection you will have to turn the motorcycle on and indicate as well as show that that brake lights are in perfect working condition. You will be expected to start the motorcycle as well. Ensure that the bike is in neutral, but I recommend that you always hold the clutch in as well. Even if you explain your intention, you cannot be failed on this because it’s a safety precaution Step 2 – Speed Control Test

This is the first exercise. Ensure that you move into position A, the first position where the instructor wants to you move off from. He/she is going expect you to always observe, reach an average speed of 25km p/h, avoid touching the boundary lines whilst changing to second gear and stop with the front wheel on the cross. This first exercise says a lot about a motorcycle rider’s ability to the instructor Step 3 – Turning Left exercise

The requirement of this exercise is to pull off, change to second gear, observe – indicate – observe, turn left and stop at the stop street. Switch off the indicator and wait for the instructor to mark you and explain the next step. Observe – indicate – observe, pull off and turn sharp left Step 5 – Turning Speed Judgement

For this exercise you are expected to turn right and left while averaging a speed of between 20 and 25km p/h. You are not allowed touch the outside lines while turning. The purpose of this exercise is to see if you can follow the bend in the road whilst staying in your lane. Remember to observe before you pull off Step 6 – Emergency braking and swerving

This exercise requires you to use both brakes, front and back. You will be asked to exit off point A, reach and average speed of 25km p/h over the speed trap and react to the lights at the end of the course. The instructor will show you a red light that requires you to stop in a straight line as quickly as possible.

The swerving will be indicated through a yellow light. You will have to swerve in the direction of the yellow light whilst being in control and stop as quickly as possible within a certain block/boundary line. You are not expected to observe while reacting to the lights because it’s an emergency. Step 7 – Incline Pull Away

You will need to stop, ensure that you are in first gear and move off using your back/foot brake only. The key thing to remember here is to not roll backwards and to remember all your observations and road signs Points that you can fail on instantly.

•    Never touch boundary lines, painted lines that are not part of the exercise
•    Never roll back. Always have your brake in position
•    Never lock the front or rear wheel
•    Never skid or fall (rather put your foot out to avoid falling)
•    Never exit the course without the permission of the instructor

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• Driving Lessons - K53 Driver's License Test Pre-trip Inspection

Driving Lessons - Your K53 Pre-trip Inspection

The pre-trip inspection is a requirement for your driver's test and is usually tested before the parking and driving. 

Learn the following steps and you'll create a good first impression in the eyes of the driving examiner.

Inspect the vehicle and recite the following:

• No leaks or obstructions under the car.
• Seat belt & door in working order.
• Mirror & windshield secure.
• Wiperblade un-perished.
• Tyre tread & pressure checked, wheel secure
• Headlights & bonnet secure.
• Water, oil, brake fluid & fanbelt checked.
• Left side of car same as previous.
• Licence disc valid & petrol cap secure.
• Back window & tail lights secure / not cracked, boot securely closed.
• Back door & tyre same as previous.

Additional tips for your pre-trip inspection

• Remember to speak clearly during your inspection.
• Start at the driver's side and then walk slowly and counter clockwise around the car. Doing so will make it easier to remember the steps.

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Possibly related posts:.

• Driver's License - South African Rules of the Road
• Driving Lessons - How to Pass Your K53 Driver's License Test

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• 1 What do you have to do in the Pre-trip inspection?
• 2 Light Motor Vehicles
• 2.1 Exterior Inspection
• 2.1 Interior Inspection
• 3 Heavy Motor Vehicles and Vehicles Towing a Trailer over 750kg
• 3.1 Exterior Inspection
• 3.1 Interior inspection

Learn about how to conduct a Pre-trip inspection for your car and truck driver’s licence test.

The Pre-trip inspection is to show the examiner that your vehicle is roadworthy. Make sure you go over the pre-trip inspections with your driving instructor – they will be able to explain any specific terms you are having trouble with. You should practice with your instructor before your driving test so that they can assess how well you did.  

What do you have to do in the Pre-trip inspection?

You have to conduct an interior and exterior check on the vehicle in order to show that it is roadworthy for the driving test. You should know which items need checking and what order they need to be checked in: start on the right hand side mirror and work your way around the vehicle in a counter-clockwise circle (remember to repeat items which occur both on the right and left hand side of the vehicle, such as mirrors).

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K53 Motor Vehicle Inspection

OBSERVE UNDERNEATH CAR (No oil leaks or obstructions) UNLOCK DOOR (Check wondow winder & seat belt) R REAR-VIEW MIRROR (Secure, undamaged & clean) R SIDE OF WINDSCREEN (Secure, undamaged & clean) R FRONT WHEEL (1mm thread or more, 4 nuts, valve cap, no brake fluid leak) R HEAD LIGHTS (Secure, undamaged & clean) BONNET (Mention only – Water, oil, brake fluid & fan belt) NUMBER PLATE (Valid, secure & corresponds) SAME PROCEDURE (On L side Tyres) L SIDE WINDSCREEN (Clean & undamaged) LICENCE VALID WIPER RUBBER (Soft & secure) remember to lift wiper blades off the windscreen LEFT MIRROR (Same procedure as for R side) L DOOR (Same procedure as for R side) L TYRES (Same procedure as for R side) L REAR TAIL LIGHT (Clean & secure) REAR WINDOW (Clean & undamaged) BOOT (Mention – Spare wheel, Jack, Wheel spanner, Triangle) REAR NUMBER PLATE EXHAUST (Secure) R REAR LIGHT (Secure & undamaged) PETROL CAP (Closed & no leaks) R REAR TYRE (Same as for R front wheel)

1. DOORS PROPERLY CLOSED 2. HANDBRAKE – NEUTRAL 3. NO OBSTRUCTIONS (In front or underneath) 4. ADJUST MIRRORS AND SEAT (No play steering wheel) 5. HOOTER, LIGHTS, INDICATOR, WIPER & BRAKE LIGHTS