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How to drive in Namibia: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe and Smooth Travel
In this blog post, what you need to know about how to drive in Namibia.
Driving in Namibia can be an incredible experience. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and friendly people. However, it is important to remember that driving in Namibia can be quite different from driving in other countries, and it is crucial to be aware of the rules and regulations before you hit the road.
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Always have a valid license disc
All vehicles in Namibia must have a clearly visible and valid license disc. This license disc should be valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Driving in Namibia without a valid license disc can lead to fines or even impounding of the vehicle.
How to drive in Namibia: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe and Smooth Travel
Maintain a safe following distance As a driver
It is your responsibility to maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. It is recommended to keep a clear space around your vehicle, especially when the visibility is poor, in wet conditions, when traveling fast, carrying a heavy load or traveling on a loose surface. Increasing the distance helps you have a better reaction time to any changes on the road ahead.
Know the speed limits
Namibia has different speed limits depending on the type of road you are driving on. In urban areas, the maximum speed limit is 60 km/h, while on roads outside urban areas, it is 100 km/hr. On freeways, the maximum speed limit is 120 km/hr. It is essential to pay attention to the speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly to avoid fines.
Check blind spots before changing direction
Before changing direction, always turn your head to the appropriate side to check for areas that are not visible in your mirrors. This is to ensure that there are no other vehicles or pedestrians in your blind spots, which could cause an accident.
Follow the rules for divided roads
When driving on a road that has a painted marking or physical barrier dividing it, you should always stay on the left of the division. You are only allowed to cross the division if there is an opening or space allocated for this action. It is illegal to drive across a solid dividing marking, but you may only drive across a broken dividing marking to overtake another vehicle or make a U-turn.
Overtaking safely
Overtaking should only be done when it is safe to do so. Do not overtake if overtaking is prohibited by a road sign or marking, or if the vehicle ahead of you has stopped at a pedestrian crossing. When overtaking a vehicle traveling in the same direction on a narrow road, pass right and keep a safe following distance. Do not drive on the shoulder/verge of the road when overtaking, and avoid overtaking on a blind rise, curve, or any other area where your view of the road ahead is limited.
Passing oncoming vehicles
When passing oncoming vehicles, it is important to stay on your side of the road and not to cross the center line. If necessary, slow down and move as far to the left as possible to create more space for the oncoming vehicle.
How to drive in Namibia: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe and Smooth Travel
Follow the rules for turning
When turning left or right, it is essential to indicate your intention to other road users using indicators, stop lights, or hand signals. You must obey yellow mandatory direction arrow markings and move in accordance with white markings indicating mandatory direction arrows. Before turning left, keep as close as possible to the left side of the road. Before turning right, keep as close as possible to the right side of the road, and cross the center line when turning into a two-way road so that you turn into the left side of the road.
Parking
Parking correctly Always park within a demarcated bay and never on a sidewalk
Namibia is a beautiful country to explore, and one of the best ways to do so is by driving. However, before you embark on your journey, it’s essential to understand the driving rules and regulations in this post to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Now you know what you need to know about how to drive in Namibia!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rule for license discs on vehicles?
All vehicles must have a clearly visible and valid license disc, which is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
What is the rule for maintaining a safe following distance?
As part of maintaining a clear space around your vehicle, always maintain a safe following distance. Increase the distance when visibility is poor, in wet conditions, when traveling fast, when carrying a heavy load, or when traveling on a loose surface.
What are the maximum speed limits on different roads?
The maximum speed limits are 60 km/h on urban roads, 100 km/h on roads outside the urban areas, and 120 km/h on freeways.
What is the rule for changing direction?
Before changing direction, turn your head to the appropriate side to check in the areas that are not visible in the mirrors (blind spot).
What is the rule for divided roads?
When a painted marking or physical barrier divides a road, always stay on the left of the division. You are only allowed to cross this division if there is an opening or space allocated for this action. It is a rule violation to drive across a solid dividing marking. You may only drive across a broken dividing marking to overtake another vehicle or make a U-turn.
What is the rule for overtaking?
Do not overtake if overtaking is prohibited by a road sign or marking. Do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing. When overtaking a vehicle on the same direction on a narrow road, pass right and keep a safe following distance. Do not drive on the shoulder/verge of the road when overtaking. Do not overtake on a blind rise, curve, or any other area where your view of the road ahead is limited.
What is the rule for overtaking on the left?
If it is safe to do so, you may overtake on the left when:
– The vehicle ahead of you is turning right or has indicated to turn right
– The road is one-way Do not cross the yellow left edge line in order to overtake on the left.
What is the rule for being overtaken?
When being overtaken, move over safely to the left to allow the other vehicle to pass. Do not accelerate until the other vehicle has passed.
What is the rule for driving signals?
You must always indicate your intention to change direction, reduce speed, or stop. Indicate clearly to be seen by other road users (using indicators, stop lights, or hand signals). Hand signals may not be used on a freeway.
What is the rule for turning left?
Before turning left, indicate in good time and keep as close as possible to the left side of the road.
What is the rule for turning right?
Before turning right, indicate in good time and keep as close as possible to the right side of the road. Before starting to turn into a two-way road, cross the center line so that you turn into the left side of the road.
What is the rule for parking?
Always park within a demarcated bay and never on a sidewalk or verge. Do not park more than 450mm into the roadway.
What are the general duties of a driver and passengers?
The driver must be seated to maintain control of the vehicle and have a clear view of the road ahead. You may not:
– Travel backward further than is necessary
– Follow another vehicle too closely
– Allow another person or animal to interfere with your control of the vehicle
– Allow another person to steer
– Leave the vehicle unattended without setting the parking brake or using alternative
Learn more about getting a learners licence in Namibia by clicking here!
How to drive in Namibia: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe and Smooth Travel
NaTIS Learners Licence test preparation website
How to Complete a NaTIS Application for Certification of Roadworthiness
How to Complete a NaTIS Application for Registration and Licensing of a Motor Vehicle
How to Complete NaTIS Application for Temporary Permit
How to Find the Right Driving School in Namibia: A Comprehensive Guide
