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Free Practice Questions for DRTSS Practical Driving

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Malawi DRTSS Learner's Licence Knowledge Test

Practice Questions

Sample DRTSS Practical Driving Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the DRTSS Practical Driving exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 60+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1How should you check the engine-oil level with a dipstick before driving?
A.Run the engine and read the dipstick while oil is circulating
B.Park on level ground, switch off the engine, wipe and reinsert the dipstick, then read the level
C.Park on a steep slope and read the dipstick without wiping it
D.Remove the oil filler cap and judge the level by looking into the engine
Explanation: A reliable dipstick check needs the vehicle level and the engine switched off so oil can settle in the sump. Wiping, fully reinserting, and then withdrawing the dipstick gives a readable level between the minimum and maximum marks.
2A pre-drive inspection reveals a bulge caused by separation in a tyre's structure. What should the driver do?
A.Reduce the tyre pressure and continue at low speed
B.Move the tyre to a non-steering axle before driving
C.Do not use the vehicle on a public road until the defective tyre is replaced
D.Increase the pressure to restore the tyre's shape
Explanation: Malawi's Road Traffic Regulations prohibit using a motor vehicle with a pneumatic tyre that has a lump or bulge caused by structural separation or partial break. A bulge can precede sudden tyre failure, so repositioning or changing pressure does not make the tyre roadworthy.
3Why should a driver avoid removing a cooling-system pressure cap while the engine is hot?
A.The coolant level can only be checked while the engine is accelerating
B.Releasing the cap can eject hot coolant and steam under pressure
C.Removing the cap permanently changes the thermostat setting
D.Outside air immediately makes the coolant unusable
Explanation: A hot cooling system can be above atmospheric pressure, which raises the coolant's boiling point. Opening the cap suddenly can release pressure and cause very hot coolant or steam to escape and burn the person checking it.
4What is the main aim when adjusting the interior rear-view mirror?
A.To frame the rear window and road behind with minimal head movement
B.To show mainly the rear-seat passengers
C.To cover the driver's right-side blind spot instead of using an exterior mirror
D.To show the rear parcel shelf so loose items can be watched
Explanation: The DRTSS Driver Training Handbook tells drivers to adjust mirrors for the best possible view without changing driving position. Framing the rear window provides a quick view behind while normal mirror and shoulder checks cover other areas.
5Which exterior-mirror adjustment best supports observation of adjacent traffic while retaining a position reference?
A.Aim both mirrors mainly at the vehicle's own rear doors
B.Show a small part of the vehicle at the inner edge and as much adjacent road as practical
C.Aim both mirrors downward so only the road beside the rear wheels is visible
D.Aim the mirrors upward so tall vehicles can be seen first
Explanation: An exterior mirror should devote most of its area to the adjacent road while a small part of the vehicle provides orientation. Mirrors reduce blind areas but do not replace a direct shoulder check before lateral movement.
6A red brake-system warning lamp remains on after the parking brake is fully released. What is the safest response?
A.Continue because a red lamp normally confirms the brakes are ready
B.Stop safely and investigate the brake system before continuing
C.Pump the accelerator until the lamp goes out
D.Rely on the parking brake for the remainder of the journey
Explanation: A persistent red brake warning can indicate low brake fluid or another serious brake-system fault. The driver should stop in a safe place and have the cause checked rather than assume normal service braking remains dependable.
7Before moving off, how can a driver check whether the hydraulic footbrake develops firm pressure?
A.Apply steady pedal pressure while stationary and check that the pedal feels firm rather than sinking
B.Test the pedal for the first time after reaching normal road speed
C.Release all brakes and see whether the vehicle rolls
D.Hold the accelerator down while repeatedly applying the parking brake
Explanation: With the vehicle stationary, firm steady pressure should produce a stable pedal rather than a spongy feel or continuing movement toward the floor. An abnormal feel calls for investigation before the vehicle is driven.
8How should a driver's head restraint be positioned for useful rear-impact protection?
A.Low behind the neck with a large gap to the head
B.With its supportive area near head height and as close to the back of the head as practical
C.Fully removed so the driver can turn more easily
D.Tilted far backward so it cannot touch the driver's hair
Explanation: The restraint should support the head rather than act as a low pivot behind the neck. Correct height and a small head-to-restraint gap reduce rearward head movement in a collision.
9What does an illuminated ABS warning lamp normally mean when the base hydraulic brakes still feel normal?
A.The parking brake cable has tightened automatically
B.The anti-lock function has a fault, so wheels may lock under hard braking even though normal braking remains
C.The vehicle will apply its brakes without driver input
D.The brake-fluid level is confirmed full
Explanation: An ABS warning normally indicates that anti-lock modulation is unavailable. Conventional braking may remain, but the fault should be inspected because hard braking can now lock a wheel, especially on a slippery surface.
10Before starting a manual-transmission vehicle, which setup best prevents an unintended lurch?
A.Parking brake applied, gear lever in neutral, and clutch depressed
B.Parking brake released, first gear selected, and clutch fully raised
C.Reverse selected with the accelerator partly pressed
D.Highest gear selected so the starter turns the wheels slowly
Explanation: The handbook's starting exercise begins with the parking brake applied and the gear lever in neutral before the engine is started. Depressing the clutch adds separation from the transmission and helps prevent movement if the gear position was misidentified.

About the DRTSS Practical Driving Exam

The Malawi DRTSS practical driving test is an in-person driver's-licence assessment conducted by an authorized examiner. Malawi's Road Traffic Regulations describe observation, inquiry, and a practical test covering the applicant's learner-licence status, road signs, road rules and signals, and general driving capability. This free OpenExamPrep resource provides 60 English-language multiple-choice questions for independent study of vehicle checks, control skills, on-road decisions, hazards, and licensing rules drawn from the DRTSS Driver Training Handbook and Malawi road-traffic law. It is not an official translation or test simulation and does not replace supervised practical training.

Exam sponsor: Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS), Malawi Ministry of Transport and Public Works. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Under regulation 12, an authorized examiner checks the applicant's valid learner's licence, knowledge of road signs, rules and signals, and general capability through observation, inquiry, and a practical test in an appropriate vehicle for the requested class. An initial driver's-licence applicant is not required to take a written knowledge test as part of this examination, and the test must comply with SADC minimum requirements.

Time Limit

not-published

Passing Score

Performance-based; no numeric pass mark is published

Exam / Certification Fees

MK 15,000 application-for-driving-test fee under Government Notice 39 of 2026; a separate MK 30,000 five-year driving-licence application fee applies

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Bank coverage: 25%

Pre-Drive Safety Inspection and Cockpit Preparation

Vehicle condition, tyres, lights, fluids, mirrors, seat position, safety belts, instruments, and preparation before moving.

Bank coverage: 25%

Low-Speed Manoeuvres and Vehicle Control

Moving off and stopping, steering, reversing, quick braking, turning on the road, kerb parking, and parallel parking.

Bank coverage: 25%

On-Road Observation and Traffic Decisions

Observation, signals, speed selection, following distance, junctions, roundabouts, overtaking, railway crossings, and pedestrian safety.

Bank coverage: 25%

Hazards, Emergencies, and Licensing Rules

Skids, aquaplaning, braking distance, breakdown warnings, alcohol, mobile-phone and safety-belt rules, licence classes, and examination procedure.

Preparing for the DRTSS Practical Driving Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Performance-based; no numeric pass mark is published
  • Assessment: Under regulation 12, an authorized examiner checks the applicant's valid learner's licence, knowledge of road signs, rules and signals, and general capability through observation, inquiry, and a practical test in an appropriate vehicle for the requested class. An initial driver's-licence applicant is not required to take a written knowledge test as part of this examination, and the test must comply with SADC minimum requirements.
  • Time limit: not-published
  • Exam / certification fees: MK 15,000 application-for-driving-test fee under Government Notice 39 of 2026; a separate MK 30,000 five-year driving-licence application fee applies Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 60 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DRTSS Practical Driving: Suggested Study Strategy

1Use the DRTSS handbook's pre-drive sequence to check tyres, lights, fluids, mirrors, seating, safety belts, and controls before moving.
2Practise moving off, stopping, steering, reversing, quick braking, turning, and parking with a qualified supervisor in a suitable training area.
3Apply the handbook's OBSERVE–DECIDE–ACT approach: identify changing hazards early, choose a safe response, and act smoothly.
4Learn Malawi's default limits: 50 km/h in urban or built-up areas, 80 km/h outside those areas on a non-highway road, and 100 km/h on a highway outside an urban or built-up area.
5Treat these questions as knowledge review only; practical competence requires lawful supervised training in the correct vehicle class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the Malawi DRTSS practical driving test?

Regulation 12 describes observation, inquiry, and a practical test by an authorized examiner. The applicant is checked on a valid learner's licence, road signs, road rules and signals, and general ability to drive the relevant vehicle class. The official rules do not publish a fixed yard-and-road sequence, duration, item count, or numeric pass mark.

What must an applicant bring or provide for the driver's-licence examination?

The Regulations require Form DL 1, acceptable identification, every licence already held, two recent photographs, and a receipt for the testing fee. The applicant also needs a valid learner's licence and must provide a vehicle appropriate to the requested licence class.

What is the current application fee for the driving test?

Government Notice 39 of 2026 lists MK 15,000 for an application for a driving test. It separately lists MK 30,000 for a five-year driving-licence application. DRTSS should be consulted for the current payment and booking process.

What happens after an applicant passes the examination?

The examiner completes a certificate stating the vehicle class for which the applicant has passed and gives the duplicate certificate to the applicant for the licence application.

Is this practice bank the official DRTSS practical test?

No. It is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation of handbook and regulatory topics. The official assessment is practical, and this bank is not an official translation, an official format simulation, or a substitute for supervised driving practice.