Kenya Highway Code – Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of question-and-answer flashcards covering key rules, guidelines, and definitions from the 2016 Kenya Highway Code.

What is a 'blind spot' in driving terminology?

An area around a vehicle that cannot be directly observed by the driver using mirrors.

Which section of the road is designated for vehicles?

The carriageway.

Before starting any journey, what should drivers who need spectacles always do?

Wear their spectacles to meet the required eyesight standard.

Name two common causes of driver fatigue.

Insufficient sleep/rest and driving at times you usually sleep (e.g., night driving).

List two effects of alcohol on driving ability.

Slows brain functions and reduces judgement of speed and distance.

What device can the police use to measure Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?

A Police Breathalyser (ALCOBLOW).

Who must wear safety belts and when?

All passengers and drivers at all times, no matter how short the trip.

How should you react when you hear an emergency vehicle’s siren behind you?

Move out of its course, stop if necessary, and remain stationary until it passes.

What is the correct action when the presidential motorcade approaches?

Pull to the extreme left (or safe spot), stop, and wait until instructed or it passes.

State one key rule for preventing vehicle theft when you leave your car.

Switch off the ignition and remove the keys.

At what minimum age can someone obtain a Category B (light vehicle) licence in Kenya?

18 years.

What protective gear is mandatory for motorcyclists and their pillion passengers?

A fastened helmet that meets Kenya Bureau of Standards and a reflector jacket.

Which side of the road should pedestrians use when there is NO walkway?

The right-hand side to face oncoming traffic.

Explain the ‘look right, look left, look right again’ rule.

Pedestrians must check traffic in all directions before crossing the road.

What must cyclists never do on a walkway?

Ride their bicycle; they should dismount and push if necessary.

Give one clothing recommendation for cyclists during daylight.

Wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing to be seen easily.

When approaching animals on the road, what should drivers NOT do?

Sound the horn or rev the engine, as this may frighten the animals.

What is the maximum number of passengers a motorcycle may legally carry?

One passenger, unless transporting a child under 12 seated between rider and adult.

For children aged 10 and below, what is the safest road practice?

Be accompanied by an adult who holds their hand and walks between them and traffic.

Name three items you must have in a vehicle before driving (other than a licence).

Fire extinguisher, complete first aid kit, warning triangle (life saver).

Why should you select a lower gear before a long downhill slope?

To help control your speed without over-relying on brakes.

How often should you use your mirrors while driving?

Frequently, so you always know what is behind and beside you.

Before overtaking, name one condition you must ensure.

The road ahead is sufficiently clear.

List two locations where overtaking is strictly prohibited.

On or near pedestrian crossings and where there is a continuous yellow line.

What headlights action is required when another vehicle approaches at night?

Dip your headlights to avoid blinding the oncoming driver.

What does a single broken line with long markings in the road centre indicate?

A hazard warning line; cross only if the road ahead is clear.

On a dual carriageway, when should you return to the left-hand lane?

After overtaking or passing an obstruction and once the hazard is cleared.

Who has priority on a zebra crossing already occupied by pedestrians?

The pedestrians.

What lane should you use to turn right at a multi-lane roundabout entrance?

The right-hand lane.

While in a roundabout, when is it acceptable to change lanes?

Never; change lanes only after exiting the roundabout.

At a junction with a STOP sign and solid white line, what must you do even if clear?

Come to a complete stop before proceeding.

What does a steady AMBER traffic light mean?

STOP at the line unless unsafe to do so.

Give the hand signal meaning ‘I intend to slow down’.

Right arm out and moving up and down (drivers) or left arm out palm down moving up and down (motorcyclists).

When reversing, what should you do if your rear view is restricted?

Ask a responsible person to guide you.

State one place where waiting or parking is prohibited even to drop passengers.

On the carriageway of a pedestrian crossing.

What is the general rule about speed limits on Kenyan roads?

Posted limits are maximums; you must adjust speed for conditions and never exceed the limit.

List two situations when you must reduce speed below the posted limit.

In rain/fog and when approaching an intersection or bridge.

Why is high speed dangerous in emergencies?

It increases stopping distance and the risk of skids or roll-overs.

What is the primary lawful use of a vehicle horn?

To warn other road users of your presence.

After a breakdown, where should warning triangles be placed on a two-way road?

At least 60 m before the vehicle, one in front and one behind on the same side.

What immediate action is required by law if you are involved in ANY road accident?

Stop immediately and report the accident to the police.

When treating accident casualties, why should you avoid giving them drinks?

They may need anaesthetics at hospital, and fluids can complicate treatment.

Which regulatory sign means ‘No Overtaking’?

The red-circled symbol with two cars, one black and one red, side by side.

What does a red and white triangular ‘Children’ warning sign indicate?

A location where children are likely to cross or be present—slow down and watch out.

Describe the road marking indicating a STOP line.

A solid white line across the approach lane at a junction.

What is the purpose of a box junction marking (criss-cross yellow lines)?

To keep the junction clear; enter only if your exit lane is clear.

If a railway crossing’s red lights are flashing, what must you do?

Stop and proceed only when the lights stop and it is safe.

List two essentials you must check before driving any vehicle (besides fuel).

Mechanical soundness and valid insurance.

How should slow-moving vehicles help faster vehicles behind them?

Keep left and, when possible, allow the faster vehicle to overtake safely.

What is the first step if blinded by oncoming headlights at night?

Look slightly to the left edge of your lane and slow down.

Explain the safe following distance rule in normal conditions.

Leave enough space so you can stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.

When may you overtake on the left?

If the vehicle ahead is signalling to turn right and there is room on the left.

What must you do with indicators after completing a manoeuvre?

Cancel them immediately.

At night, when must headlights be on?

At all times during darkness.

When should a driver use hazard warning lights while the vehicle is moving?

Only if the vehicle develops a sudden problem and is slowing to stop; otherwise hazards are for stationary warnings.

Why is using a mobile phone while crossing the road discouraged for pedestrians?

It distracts attention and increases the risk of accidents.

What is the correct procedure when traffic lights show red and amber together?

Prepare to move but do NOT start until the green light appears.

Give one reason to avoid tinted helmet visors at night.

They reduce visibility in low-light conditions.

What is the recommended action if another driver displays aggression?

Stay courteous and do not retaliate (avoid road rage).

Where should a child’s safety seat NOT be installed?

On a seat protected by an active front airbag if the seat is rear-facing.

During night driving, how can you recognise a single headlight ahead?

Assume it may be a motorcycle OR a vehicle with one headlamp out; keep clear.

What do diagonal white chevrons or stripes painted between lanes mean?

They separate traffic streams—do NOT drive over them.

Explain the rule on continuous double yellow lines regarding overtaking.

You must not overtake where there is a continuous yellow line.

What basic equipment helps drivers navigate safely to destinations?

A GPS unit.

How far should reflective triangles be placed before a broken-down vehicle on a highway?

At least 60 m in advance (and behind).

What should you do before opening a vehicle door into traffic?

Check mirrors and glance over your shoulder for cyclists and other traffic.

What key visual aid increases pedestrian visibility at night?

Reflective materials or clothing.

If no pedestrian signals exist at a traffic-light junction, when may a pedestrian cross?

Only when the vehicular traffic lights show red in the direction of travel and it is safe.

Why must mirrors be checked before signalling or changing speed?

To ensure you know the position of other road users and avoid collisions.

In fog or heavy rain, what lights should drivers use during the day?

Headlights, because visibility is seriously reduced.

What does a red-circled sign with ‘50’ indicate?

A maximum speed limit of 50 km/h.

Describe the correct seating position for a motorcycle passenger.

Seated astride on a proper rear seat with footrests.

When crossing a dual carriageway, how should it be treated?

As two separate roads—cross one carriageway at a time.

What action should you take if your vehicle stalls on a railway crossing?

Evacuate passengers, push the vehicle off if possible, and seek help immediately.

List two essential maintenance checks for cyclists before riding.

Ensure tyres are correctly inflated and brakes are effective.

What is the purpose of a rumble strip on the road?

To alert drivers to slow down by vibration and noise.

When is a vehicle allowed to cross double lines where the nearer line is solid?

Only in unavoidable circumstances like avoiding a stationary obstruction or under police direction.

Explain why you should not ‘hug the middle of the road’.

It reduces safety margins and increases collision risk with oncoming traffic.

What signal must a driver give when intending to reverse onto a minor road?

Switch on hazard lights and ensure the manoeuvre is safe.

At uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, when should a driver give way?

When a pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing.

What is the first action if you see an obstruction while cycling?

Look well ahead, signal if necessary, and manoeuvre around it safely without sudden swerves.

Why should you avoid driving nose-to-tail (bumper-to-bumper)?

It leaves insufficient stopping distance, increasing collision risk.

Which lights can be flashed briefly to alert an oncoming driver to dip their beams?

Your own headlights.

How should you park near a junction?

At a safe distance away so as not to obstruct visibility or traffic flow.

What is the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) for Category B light vehicles?

Not more than 3,500 kg with a light trailer up to 750 kg.

When approaching a ‘Give Way’ triangle road marking, what must you be prepared to do?

Slow down and yield to traffic on the main road.

State one key reason for keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

It ensures full control of the vehicle at all times.

What should drivers do if they encounter road rage from another motorist?

Stay calm, avoid eye contact, and do not engage.

Which safety item must all vehicles have to handle small fires?

A fire extinguisher in good condition.

When signalling to move out or turn, why must you give the signal in good time?

To allow other road users to respond and prevent accidents.