K53 car controls & the defensive driving method

K53 car controls & the defensive driving method

Understanding the K53 car controls & the defensive driving method lays a solid foundation for how to manoeuvre a vehicle correctly.

The K53 car controls

Study the K53 car control diagram below and then read through each description for the K53 car controls & the defensive driving method. When you ready, test your knowledge.

K53 car Controls, Learners License Test, Drivers Test
K53 car controls

1. Rear-view mirror

This K53 car control is used for observing objects behind a vehicle.

2. Windscreen wipers

Windscreen wipers are used in rainy weather to keep the windshield clear or for cleaning the windshield.

3. Side mirrors

Use side mirrors for visibility of objects on either the left or right-hand side of the vehicle.

4. Steering wheel

Turns a vehicle in the direction in which it should go.

5. Indicator lever

Indicates an intention to move a vehicle in either a left or right direction.

6. Gear lever

Change gears into a higher gear, a lower gear, or reverse by using the gear lever. Use the gear lever in conjunction with the clutch.

7. Handbrake

Fully engage the handbrake control when a vehicle is stationary and parked on a decline.

8. Clutch

Fully engage the clutch to change the gear lever into a lower gear, a higher gear or reverse.

9. Brake

Make use of the brake control to slow a vehicle down or bring a vehicle to a complete stop.

10. Accelerator

Engage the accelerator control to provide a vehicle with the power to move the car forward or backwards.

11. Hooter

Use the hooter to warn other pedestrians or drivers that a vehicle is nearby. Using the hooter can help avoid a collision.

The K53 defensive driving method

K53 is a method of driving called ‘defensive driving’. It was designed to keep all road users safe and is essential to know and understand.

The defensive driving method explained.

1. Search

Be constantly looking in all directions for any potentially dangerous or hazardous condition. A hazard is anything that has the potential of causing a driver to change direction or speed suddenly.

2. Identify

Identify hazards on the road that may affect behaviour while driving. For example, keep a lookout for road repairs taking place.

3. Predict

Predict what may happen as a result of a hazardous condition, and be prepared to respond accordingly.

4. Decide

Decide on an appropriate response to the hazard that will ensure the safety of all road users.

5. Safety first

Keep a safe following distance of at least two seconds, on a dry road, between two vehicles. Increase the following distance when:

  • Visibility is poor
  • Being tailgated (a vehicle behind you that is too close to you)
  • The road is wet
  • A car is heavily loaded

The defensive driving method in practice

1. First

When signalling to move into another lane:

Observe 360º

Look to the front, left, right, and relevant mirrors to ensure it is safe all around the vehicle before signalling.

Check the blind spots.

Look over the relevant shoulder to make sure that it is safe in the ‘blind spot’.

Signal the intention to move

Use the indicator lever (see K53 car controls) to signal an intention to other road users that a vehicle is about to change lanes.

2. Second

When braking and changing gears to move into the next lane:

Observe again

Having signalled, use the mirrors to view all around the vehicle that it is still safe to move into the next lane.

Apply the brakes

Gently apply the brakes to reduce speed, if necessary.

Use the gears

Select the appropriate gear if needed.

3. Third

Lastly, when moving into the next lane:

Check the blind spots again

Look over the relevant shoulder again to make sure it is still safe.

Steer

If it is safe to do so, steer in the direction the vehicle needs to go.

Accelerate

If necessary, increase speed and recheck the mirrors to make sure it is safe behind the vehicle.

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