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100+ Free DRTS Instructor Theory Practice Questions

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Sample DRTS Instructor Theory Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your DRTS Instructor Theory exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the generally accepted three-part structure of a well-delivered practical driving lesson?
A.Theory lecture, written test, homework assignment
B.Briefing, guided practice, debriefing
C.Warm-up drive, motorway drive, parking drill
D.Demonstration, written notes, final exam
Explanation: A practical driving lesson is built around a briefing that sets objectives and explains the task, a guided practice phase where the learner performs the skill with appropriate support, and a debriefing that reviews performance and agrees on targets for next time.
2When teaching a new skill such as moving off and stopping, an instructor should generally structure practice so that the learner progresses:
A.From simple tasks in quiet areas to more complex tasks in busier traffic
B.From the most difficult situation first, so easier ones feel simple afterwards
C.Only on the exact roads used in the DRTS practical test
D.At whatever level of traffic the learner says they prefer on the day
Explanation: Sound instruction builds from simple to complex: the learner first masters a skill in a low-demand environment before it is practised where traffic, junctions and hazards add workload. This protects confidence and matches how psychomotor skills are acquired.
3What is the correct instructional role of dual controls in a training vehicle?
A.They should be used routinely to steer the car so the learner can relax
B.They allow the instructor to demonstrate every manoeuvre from the passenger seat
C.They are a safety back-up, used only when necessary to prevent danger or damage
D.They are mainly for use during the DRTS practical test
Explanation: Dual controls are a safety device that lets the instructor intervene when a learner's error would create danger or risk damage. Overusing them undermines the learner's control, confidence and sense of responsibility, so intervention must be timely but minimal.
4The classic three-stage model for dealing with a learner's driving fault is:
A.Punish, repeat, ignore
B.Identify, analyse, remedy
C.Observe, record, report
D.Warn, demonstrate, test
Explanation: Effective fault correction follows identify (spot and describe the fault), analyse (find its cause, e.g. observation, judgement or control), and remedy (agree and practise a fix). Treating only the symptom without analysis means the fault returns.
5Why is question-and-answer (Q&A) technique valuable during a driving lesson?
A.It lets the instructor check the learner knows the Highway Code word for word
B.It fills quiet moments so the learner does not get bored
C.It replaces the need for the learner to practise physically driving
D.It checks understanding, encourages self-analysis and keeps the learner actively involved
Explanation: Well-posed questions confirm the learner has understood instruction, prompt them to analyse their own performance, and keep them mentally engaged rather than passively receiving directions. Q&A is a two-way check on learning, not a memory test.
6The main purpose of the briefing at the start of a lesson on a new topic is to:
A.Explain the objectives, key points and procedure before the learner attempts the task
B.Give the learner a complete theory lecture covering every possible road situation
C.Test the learner on the previous lesson's homework
D.Allow the instructor to complete the paperwork for the lesson
Explanation: A briefing sets out what the learner will do, why it matters and how to do it, so the first practice attempt is informed rather than trial and error. It should be concise and focused on the lesson's objective, not an exhaustive lecture.
7In 'commentary driving' used as a teaching tool, the learner is asked to:
A.Read road signs aloud and nothing else
B.Criticise other drivers' behaviour while driving
C.Describe aloud what they see and intend to do while driving, to reveal their observation and planning
D.Repeat the instructor's directions back word for word
Explanation: Commentary driving has the learner speak their observations, hazard perceptions and intentions aloud, giving the instructor a window into the learner's scanning, anticipation and planning that silent driving cannot provide.
8A learner becomes visibly anxious and makes repeated errors when lessons move to busy multi-lane traffic. The most professionally appropriate instructor response is to:
A.Insist the learner continues in heavy traffic because avoidance reinforces fear
B.Reduce the demand by returning to quieter conditions, rebuild competence and confidence, then reintroduce busier traffic gradually
C.End the course and advise the learner that driving may not suit them
D.Take over with the dual controls for the rest of every lesson in traffic
Explanation: Managing anxiety means grading the task so the learner succeeds: step back to a demand level they can cope with, consolidate skills and confidence, then re-expose progressively. Flooding a learner with a feared situation, or surrendering all control, blocks learning.
9When giving directions to a learner who is driving, the instructor should:
A.Give directions clearly and early enough for the learner to plan and act safely
B.Give directions at the last moment to train quick reactions
C.Stay silent so the learner learns independence
D.Always give directions in technical terminology to build vocabulary
Explanation: Directions must be clear, unambiguous and timed early enough for the learner to check mirrors, signal and position safely. Late or vague instructions cause rushed, unsafe manoeuvres and erode trust.
10The most effective way for an instructor to demonstrate a manoeuvre such as a reverse park is to:
A.Describe it verbally while the learner drives, without any demonstration
B.Hand the learner a diagram to study while driving
C.Perform it at normal speed with no commentary, then ask the learner to copy
D.Drive it slowly with a clear commentary of each step, then let the learner attempt it with guidance
Explanation: A good demonstration is performed slowly with a running commentary linking actions to reference points and observations, so the learner sees and hears the technique together before attempting it with support.

About the DRTS Instructor Theory Exam

The Botswana DRTS driving instructor theory test is the knowledge examination taken after the DRTS driving instructors' training course, required for the driving instructor's certificate that authorizes a person to train learner drivers. Administered by the DRTS Driving Schools Academy, the published theory paper is 45 multiple-choice questions with a pass mark of at least 40, covering road rules and traffic signs at instructor depth, instructional technique, fault diagnosis and learner assessment, vehicle safety with dual controls, and instructor licensing regulations. Candidates must also pass practical parking exercises and a road test of at least 45 minutes. Eligibility: age 21+, a valid Botswana licence for the desired class held at least 2 years, JSCE or equivalent, and — for group 2 heavy vehicles — a Class B instructor's certificate. The certificate is renewed annually.

Assessment

After enrolling with DRTS driver trainers and completing the driving instructors' training course, candidates sit a 45-question multiple-choice theory test (pass mark 40/45; booked at DRTS offices in Fairgrounds, Gold Valley Francistown, or Maru-a-pula Gaborone VTS), then practical parking exercises and a road test of at least 45 minutes at a designated Vehicle Testing Station. Passing both leads to first issuance of the driving instructor's certificate.

Time Limit

Not officially published

Passing Score

40 out of 45 questions (theory); practical parking and road test also required

Exam Fee

Instructor theory training BWP 260.00; instructor practical training (yard and road) BWP 365.00; certificate first issue BWP 338.00; annual renewal BWP 130.00; duplicate BWP 65.00; driving school permit BWP 390.00 (renewal BWP 260.00) (Department of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS) Driving Schools Academy, Botswana Ministry of Transport and Public Works)

DRTS Instructor Theory Exam Content Outline

~25%

Instructional Techniques

Lesson planning, briefings and debriefings, demonstrations, commentary driving, dual-control intervention, fault identification-analysis-remedy, question-and-answer technique, and pacing lessons from simple to complex.

~15%

Learner Assessment and Coaching

Diagnosing driving faults, prioritizing safety-critical errors, delivering constructive feedback, formative assessment, and preparing learners for the DRTS yard and road tests.

~20%

Rules of the Road

Instructor-depth right of way, roundabouts, intersections, overtaking, traffic signals, pedestrian priority, and level crossings.

~15%

Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings

SADC-system prohibitory, mandatory, warning and guidance signs, markings, and signals at teaching depth.

~15%

Instructor Regulations and Licensing

Eligibility (21 years, 2-year licence, JSCE, Class B instructor certificate for group 2), annual renewal within 3 months before expiry, fees, the course-theory-practical sequence, driving school permits, and professional conduct.

~10%

Vehicle Safety

Dual controls, pre-lesson vehicle checks, the cockpit drill (doors, seat, steering, seatbelt, mirrors), and instilling vehicle-safety habits in learners.

How to Pass the DRTS Instructor Theory Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 40 out of 45 questions (theory); practical parking and road test also required
  • Assessment: After enrolling with DRTS driver trainers and completing the driving instructors' training course, candidates sit a 45-question multiple-choice theory test (pass mark 40/45; booked at DRTS offices in Fairgrounds, Gold Valley Francistown, or Maru-a-pula Gaborone VTS), then practical parking exercises and a road test of at least 45 minutes at a designated Vehicle Testing Station. Passing both leads to first issuance of the driving instructor's certificate.
  • Time limit: Not officially published
  • Exam fee: Instructor theory training BWP 260.00; instructor practical training (yard and road) BWP 365.00; certificate first issue BWP 338.00; annual renewal BWP 130.00; duplicate BWP 65.00; driving school permit BWP 390.00 (renewal BWP 260.00)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DRTS Instructor Theory Study Tips from Top Performers

1Learn the fault-correction cycle — identify, analyse, remedy — and always address safety-critical faults before cosmetic ones when coaching a learner.
2Know the eligibility numbers cold: age 21, licence held 2 years for the desired class, JSCE minimum education, and a Class B instructor certificate before teaching group 2 heavy vehicles.
3Memorize the published instructor theory format: 45 multiple-choice questions with a pass mark of at least 40, then parking exercises and a road test of at least 45 minutes.
4Study the administrative sequence: enrol with DRTS driver trainers, complete DL1 and DL31 with eye screening, attend the course, pass theory, pass practical, then first issuance — and renew annually within 3 months before expiry.
5Revise road rules at instructor depth: you must explain WHY the rule exists, not just recognize it — examiners test teaching-level understanding.
6Practice the cockpit drill (doors, seat, steering, seatbelt, mirrors) and pre-lesson dual-control checks until you can brief them without notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Botswana DRTS driving instructor theory test and what is the pass mark?

Road Traffic driving-instructor regulations require a theory test of 45 multiple-choice questions with a pass mark of at least 40 correct answers, followed by parking exercises and a road test of at least 45 minutes.

What are the requirements to become a certified driving instructor in Botswana?

Per the Government of Botswana, you must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid Botswana driving licence for the desired class for at least 2 years, hold a minimum Junior Secondary Certificate in Education (JSCE) or equivalent, and — to instruct on group 2 heavy vehicles (C1, C, EC1, EC) — already hold a valid Class B instructor's certificate.

How do I get a Botswana driving instructor certificate?

Register with driver trainers at the DRTS head office to enrol in the driving instructors' training course, complete the DL1 and DL31 forms with eye screening, attend the course, pass the theory test, then pass the practical test, and finally present your results for first issuance of the certificate.

How much does Botswana driving instructor certification cost?

The instructor theory training fee is BWP 260.00 and the practical training fee is BWP 365.00. First issue of the certificate is BWP 338.00, annual renewal is BWP 130.00, a duplicate is BWP 65.00, and a driving school permit costs BWP 390.00 (renewal BWP 260.00).

How often must the Botswana driving instructor certificate be renewed?

The certificate must be renewed annually, ideally within 3 months before expiry, according to the Government of Botswana driving instructor certification page.

Is this practice bank the official DRTS instructor test?

No. This is a free English-language MCQ study aid aligned to the DRTS instructor syllabus topics. It is not an official translation or format simulation of the DRTS paper, and it does not replace the required practical parking and road tests.