SA Learner's Theory Test key terms

To slow down or stop and let another road user go first when their path has priority. At an intersection, a driver facing this rule must yield to traffic on the priority road.

A solid white line painted across a lane at an intersection or crossing. A driver must bring the vehicle to a complete halt at this line and not cross it until it is safe.

A road whose traffic has the right of way at intersections over vehicles entering from side roads. It is normally identified by signposted priority markings at each junction.

A circular junction where traffic travels in one direction around a central island. Entering drivers must give way to vehicles already circulating, unless signs or signals say otherwise.

An octagonal red sign bearing the word STOP. It requires a complete halt at the marked line, followed by a check that the way is clear before moving off.

A signal that controls traffic flow using coloured lights. Red means stop, green means proceed if safe, and amber or yellow warns of an impending change.

The middle signal on a traffic light, warning that the light is about to turn red. A driver should stop unless it is unsafe to do so at that moment.

A marked section of road where people on foot have right of way. Drivers must slow down, be ready to stop, and give way to anyone already crossing or waiting.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad alternating light and dark stripes on the road surface. Drivers must yield to pedestrians on the stripes and should not park on or near them.

The maximum legal speed allowed on a particular road. It is shown on round signs with red borders or implied by the road type, and applies in good conditions only.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so there is time to stop if it brakes suddenly. It should grow with speed and in rain, darkness, or poor visibility.

The moment between noticing a hazard and beginning to act, such as moving a foot to the brake. During this time the vehicle keeps travelling at its current speed.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a stop. It increases with speed and is longer on wet, icy, or loose surfaces.

Passing a slower road user travelling in the same direction. It must be done only where permitted, with a clear view ahead, enough space, and a signal where required.

A continuous painted line along the centre or edge of a road. Drivers must not cross it to overtake or change lanes, because it marks a place where crossing is unsafe.

A dashed painted line separating lanes or marking a road edge. A driver may cross it when it is safe and legal, for example to overtake or change lanes.

Keeping the vehicle within the correct lane, staying in position, and changing lanes only when marked, signalled, and safe. It keeps traffic predictable and reduces collisions.

The flashing light on a vehicle used to show an intention to turn or change lanes. It should be switched on early enough to warn other road users, then cancelled afterwards.

The area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. A head check over the shoulder is needed before changing lanes or moving off.

Looking in the rear-view and side mirrors to observe traffic behind and beside the vehicle. It should be done regularly and always before slowing, turning, or changing lanes.

The skill of spotting possible dangers early, such as a child near the kerb or a parked car with a door opening. Early detection gives more time to react safely.

The pedal that connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels in a manual vehicle. Pressing it allows gear changes and smooth, controlled starts from a standstill.

The control used to select a gear ratio in a manual vehicle. Lower gears give more power for hills and slow speeds, while higher gears suit steady cruising and save fuel.

The pedal that slows or stops the vehicle by applying pressure to the brakes. It should be used smoothly and progressively so following drivers can see and react to the slowing.

A lever or pedal that locks the rear wheels or transmission to hold a parked vehicle still. It is set when parking and released before driving away.

When an engine stops running unexpectedly, often because the clutch is released too quickly at low speed. The driver must restart and move off again under control.

The control the driver turns to change the direction of the vehicle. It should be held with both hands so the driver keeps full control in normal driving.

Leaving a vehicle stationary in a permitted place, switched off, secured, and with the handbrake applied. The position must not block traffic, crossings, or access.

The strap that restrains a driver or passenger in a crash. It must be worn whenever the vehicle is moving, and children must use an appropriate child restraint.

A board at the roadside that gives orders, warnings, or information to road users. Its shape and colour indicate its type, so drivers should recognise the categories.

A sign, usually triangular with a red border, that alerts drivers to a hazard ahead such as a bend, junction, or crossing. It tells the driver to be prepared to slow.

Paint or other material on the road surface that guides or regulates traffic. Lines, arrows, and words tell drivers where to drive, stop, or wait.

A place where two or more roads meet or cross. Drivers must approach at a suitable speed, look for signs and markings, and give way where required.

The legal entitlement of a road user to proceed first in a given situation. It is granted by signs, markings, or rules and should never be assumed or taken aggressively.

Driving nearer to the vehicle ahead than the safe gap allows. It leaves too little time to react if the leader brakes and is a common cause of rear-end collisions.