Angola Practical Driving Test key terms

The moment during clutch release when the engine begins to turn the wheels, felt as a slight dip in engine sound and a gentle pull. Used to move off smoothly or hold on a slope without rolling back.

When the engine stops suddenly, usually because the clutch was released too fast or too little power was applied. The driver must restart and check surroundings before moving again.

Moving off from a stopped position on an upward slope without rolling backwards, using the handbrake, clutch bite point and enough power before releasing the brake.

Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator and selecting a lower gear, so the engine resists the wheels. Useful on long descents to avoid overheating the foot brakes.

Choosing the gear that matches your speed and the road conditions, so the engine runs efficiently and you keep control. Too high a gear labours the engine; too low a gear over-revs it.

A tendency for the vehicle to drift to one side when the wheel is held straight, often caused by unequal tyre pressure, worn suspension or misaligned wheels. It should be checked by a mechanic.

A loss of braking power after repeated or prolonged heavy braking, caused by heat building up in the brakes. Prevent it by using engine braking and letting the brakes cool.

The parking brake, operated by a lever or button, that holds the vehicle still when parked or during a hill start. It must be fully released before driving away.

A quick glance in the interior and side mirrors before changing speed, direction or lane, to know what is behind and beside you. Mirrors are checked regularly, not only before manoeuvres.

The area beside and behind the vehicle that mirrors do not show. A driver must turn the head to check it before changing lanes, overtaking or moving off.

A brief turn of the head over the shoulder to look directly into the blind spot before a lane change, overtaking move or pulling out. It supplements, not replaces, the mirrors.

Using indicators or hand signals to tell other road users what you intend to do, in good time and without misleading them. Signal before moving, turning or slowing, and cancel afterwards.

An octagonal red sign with white letters requiring a complete stop at the marked line. You must give way to traffic on the intersecting road before proceeding.

An inverted triangle sign warning that you must yield to traffic on the road you are joining or crossing. Slow down and stop if necessary, but a full stop is not always required.

A solid white line painted across the lane at a junction or pedestrian crossing. At a stop sign or red light, the vehicle must halt before this line.

A signal with red, amber and green lamps controlling traffic. Red means stop, green means go if the way is clear, and amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

Painted lines and symbols on the road surface, such as centre lines, edge lines, arrows and crossings, that guide and restrict drivers. They have the same force as signs.

A marked section of road where pedestrians have priority once they step onto it. Drivers must slow down on approach and stop to let them cross safely.

The priority one road user has over another at a junction, crossing or narrow road. It is given, not taken, and must be confirmed by observation before moving.

A circular junction where traffic already on the circle normally has priority. Drivers approach slowly, give way, signal their exit and keep to the correct lane.

A junction with no signs, signals or markings to set priority. Drivers must slow down, look carefully in all directions and give way to traffic approaching from the right where local rules require it.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so you can stop if it brakes suddenly. A common guide is at least two seconds in good conditions, and more in rain, dust or darkness.

The total distance needed to stop, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance. It increases with speed, wet roads, poor tyres and a tired or distracted driver.

The maximum legal speed on a given road, shown by signs or set by law. It is a ceiling, not a target; drivers must go slower when conditions demand it.

The dashboard instrument showing the vehicle's current speed. Drivers should check it regularly, especially in towns and near schools, to stay within the limit.

Parking between two vehicles along the kerb, reversing into the space while steering. It requires slow clutch control, constant mirror and shoulder checks, and a final check before opening the door.

Driving the vehicle backwards with full observation, using mirrors and looking over the shoulder. Speed must stay very low and the driver must be ready to stop immediately.

Turning the vehicle around on a narrow road using forward and reverse movements. The driver checks all around before each movement and gives way to other traffic.

Spotting developing dangers early, such as a pedestrian stepping out or a car pulling from a side road, and planning a response before the hazard becomes an emergency.

Driving so as to anticipate other people's mistakes, keeping space and visibility, and avoiding situations where you would have no escape route. It reduces the risk of collisions.

When water on the road lifts the tyres off the surface, causing loss of steering and braking. Ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady and avoid sudden braking.

A quick inspection before driving: tyres, lights, mirrors, fuel, fluid levels and that nothing blocks the view. It catches faults before they become a danger on the road.

The depth of the grooves on a tyre, which clears water and keeps grip. Worn tread lengthens stopping distance and raises the risk of aquaplaning on wet roads.

The amount of air in a tyre, measured when cold. Wrong pressure causes uneven wear, poor handling and higher fuel use, so it should be checked regularly.

A symbol on the instrument panel that alerts the driver to a fault or system state, such as low oil pressure, battery, brakes or engine management. A red light usually means stop and check.

A dashboard light, often a red circle with an exclamation mark, showing that the handbrake is applied or that the brake system has a fault. It should go out once the brake is released.

The dashboard gauge showing engine revolutions per minute. It helps the driver change gear at the right time and avoid over-revving or labouring the engine.

The flashing lamps on each corner of the vehicle used to signal a turn, lane change or exit. Indicators must be used in good time and switched off after the manoeuvre.