Theory test at the CBR

Before you can take the practical exam for the driving license category B, you must first pass the theory exam.
A passing result remains valid for 18 months.
For example, if you passed on April 4, 2025, you can take the practical exam until October 4, 2026. On October 5, 2026, the result will no longer be valid, and you will be ineligible for admission to the practical exam.

The theory exam consists of 50 questions.

You must answer at least 44 of the 50 questions correctly to pass.

The CBR includes additional questions in the theory exam. These are usually two extra questions. These two questions do not count towards your result. However, the CBR does not disclose which questions these are. These are supposedly new exam questions devised by the CBR.

The 50 questions in the theory exam are divided into the following eight topics:

• Legislation. The general regulations from road traffic law and documents related to car use.
• Vehicle knowledge. The requirements for the vehicle, such as cargo and lighting, as well as expertise in features like dashboard symbols and the use of mirrors.
• Traffic signs and signals. Traffic signs, traffic lights, road markings, and instructions from, for example, police officers.
• Priority. Giving way at junctions, yielding when turning, and yielding to pedestrians.
• Special roads, road sections, road users, and manoeuvres. Including driving on a motorway or in an erf. And what you may and may not do, for example, in a military convoy or during a special manoeuvre.
• Safe driving and responding in emergencies. The use of lights, signalling, seating arrangements, seat belt use, and responding in emergencies, such as breakdowns and accidents.
• Use of the road. The position on the road, merging, overtaking, speed limits, stopping, and parking.
• Responsible traffic participation and environmentally conscious driving. What knowledge and skills are essential for safe road use and fuel-efficient driving? And what are the risks?

Of course, these topics are covered extensively in the theory book and even more comprehensively in our video course.