Antigua & Barbuda Learner Driver Theory Test key terms

A red octagonal sign bearing the word STOP that requires a driver to bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the marked line or before entering the intersection, and to proceed only when it is safe.

An inverted triangular sign warning that traffic on the road ahead has priority, so the driver must slow down, check for approaching vehicles and yield before entering or crossing.

A solid white line painted across the lane at an intersection or junction showing the exact point where a vehicle must halt for a stop sign, traffic light or pedestrian crossing.

A dashed line down the middle of the road that separates traffic in opposite directions and may be crossed to overtake when the way ahead is clear and it is legal to do so.

A continuous painted line that must not be crossed, typically marking the edge of the carriageway or a section where overtaking is considered too dangerous.

A marked section of road, often with stripes and warning signs, where people on foot have priority and drivers must slow down, prepare to stop and give way.

Coloured lights controlling traffic flow: red means stop, amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so, and green means go only if the junction ahead is clear.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating normally has priority, and entering drivers must give way and travel in the direction indicated by the island and signs.

The legal entitlement of a road user to proceed first in a given situation; it is normally given, not taken, and drivers should yield whenever there is doubt.

Any point where two or more roads meet or cross, including T-junctions, crossroads and roundabouts, where drivers must reduce speed, observe signs and yield as required.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction; it must only be done where visibility, road markings and signs permit, and never at crossings or blind bends.

The maximum legal speed permitted on a given road, shown by posted signs or set by default for built-up and rural areas; exceeding it is an offence regardless of conditions.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly the two-second rule in good conditions and longer when wet, dark or visibility is poor, allowing time to stop safely.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop, increasing with speed and on wet or loose surfaces.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors, which a driver must check by turning the head before changing lanes, overtaking or pulling out.

The routine of looking in the interior and side mirrors before signalling, slowing, turning or changing position, to confirm what other traffic is doing behind and beside you.

Using indicators or hand signals to warn other road users of an intended change of direction or speed, given in good time and cancelled once the manoeuvre is complete.

Keeping your vehicle within the correct lane, maintaining position without drifting, and changing lanes only after checking mirrors, signalling and confirming the space is clear.

A style of driving that anticipates mistakes by others, keeps a safe margin around the vehicle and plans an escape route so hazards can be avoided before they become emergencies.

The skill of spotting potential dangers such as pedestrians stepping out, parked cars or slippery patches early enough to react calmly and smoothly rather than braking suddenly.

Loss of tyre grip caused by water building up between the tyre and the road, making steering and braking ineffective; the driver should ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs.

When tyres lose grip and the vehicle slides, often from harsh braking or steering on a wet or loose surface; the driver should release the brake and steer gently in the direction of travel.

The depth of the grooves on a tyre, which must meet the legal minimum to channel water away; worn tread reduces grip and lengthens stopping distance, especially in rain.

The amount of air inside a tyre, which should be checked regularly when cold against the vehicle manufacturer's figures to maintain grip, handling and fuel efficiency.

The state of a vehicle when tyres, brakes, lights, steering and bodywork all meet legal safety standards and it is fit to be driven on a public road.

The official record and number plate that identify a vehicle with the licensing authority, confirming it is registered and permitted to be used on public roads.

The official document permitting a person to drive a stated category of vehicle, which must be valid and carried or produced as required when driving on public roads.

A provisional authorisation allowing a person to learn to drive while supervised by a qualified driver and displaying the required learner plates until the full test is passed.

A strap fitted in a vehicle that restrains occupants in a collision; drivers and passengers are legally required to wear one where fitted, and children need appropriate restraints.

A specially designed seat or booster used for young passengers so the seat belt fits correctly and protects them in a crash; required by law for children below the stated age or size.

The amount of alcohol in a person's blood, measured as a proportion; driving above the legal limit is an offence and even small amounts slow reactions and judgement.

Any reduction in a driver's ability to see, judge, react or control the vehicle caused by alcohol, drugs, illness, fatigue or medication, making driving unsafe and often unlawful.

Extreme tiredness that slows reaction time, reduces concentration and can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel; the remedy is to stop, rest and avoid long drives without breaks.

A road user with little physical protection, such as a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist, who needs extra care and space from drivers because a collision is likely to injure them seriously.

The safe sideways gap a driver should leave when overtaking someone on a bicycle, giving them room to avoid drains or wobbles and reducing the risk of a collision.

A rapid, controlled braking manoeuvre used to avoid a collision, performed by pressing the brake firmly while keeping both hands on the wheel and steering to a safe path.

The steps taken when a vehicle fails, such as moving it off the carriageway, switching on hazard lights, placing a warning triangle where safe and keeping occupants away from traffic.

Flashing indicator lights on all four corners used to warn other road users that a vehicle is broken down, moving slowly or creating an obstruction.