The six basic rules of the road, also known as the “Six Point Check,” are fundamental guidelines that help ensure safe and responsible driving practices. These rules are designed to promote safety, courtesy, and efficient traffic flow. While the specific rules might vary slightly from one country to another, the core principles remain consistent. Here are the generally recognized six basic rules of the road:
- Obey Traffic Signs and Signals: Always follow traffic signs, signals, and road markings. This includes obeying speed limits, stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights, and any other regulatory signs that provide instructions to drivers.
- Stay in Your Lane: Maintain your position within your designated lane and use indicators to signal your intentions when changing lanes or making turns. Staying in your lane helps prevent collisions and ensures a smooth traffic flow.
- Give Way to Others: Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles as required. This includes allowing pedestrians to cross at designated crosswalks and yielding to vehicles already in a roundabout or intersection.
- Keep a Safe Following Distance: Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. This gives you enough time to react and brake if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly. A common guideline is the “two-second rule,” where you should stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
- Adhere to Speed Limits: Drive within the posted speed limits for the road and prevailing conditions. Adjust your speed in adverse weather, heavy traffic, or when road conditions are compromised.
- Avoid Distractions and Impairments: Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions such as using your phone, eating, or engaging in activities that divert your attention. Additionally, never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substances that impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Remember that these basic rules of the road are just a starting point for safe driving. Every driver should also be familiar with their country’s specific traffic laws and regulations, and always prioritize safety and responsible driving behavior to contribute to the well-being of themselves and others on the road.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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