Victoria Learner Permit Test key terms

To let other road users go first when signs, signals or the situation require it. You slow or stop and wait until it is safe before continuing or joining traffic.

The priority a driver has to proceed while others wait. It is never simply claimed; it is given by others, and you must still check that the way is clear.

A solid white line painted across a lane at an intersection, stop sign or railway crossing. You must bring the vehicle to a complete stop behind it.

A red octagonal sign bearing the word STOP. It requires a full stop at the line or before entering the intersection, then giving way to all traffic before proceeding.

A triangular sign with a red border and white centre, pointing downward. It means slow down and yield to traffic on the road you are joining or crossing.

A place where two or more roads meet or cross. Special give-way rules, turn rules and line markings apply, and you must scan carefully for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

A circular intersection where traffic already circulating comes from your right and has priority. You slow, give way to circulating vehicles, and indicate when entering and leaving.

A broken white line at an intersection that shows where you should position the vehicle while waiting to turn across oncoming traffic. You may cross it to complete the turn.

The flashing light on a vehicle used to signal an intention to turn, change lanes, overtake or leave a roundabout. Signal early and for long enough for others to react.

Moving from one marked lane to another. You must check mirrors, signal, check blind spots and give way to traffic already in the lane you intend to enter.

The area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see using mirrors alone. Turning your head to check it before changing lanes or reversing helps prevent collisions.

A brief look over your shoulder to check the blind spot before changing lanes, merging, overtaking or opening a door. It supplements, and does not replace, mirror checks.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors to monitor traffic behind and beside you. It is done regularly and before any change of speed, lane or direction.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. A safe gap allows time to stop if the leading vehicle brakes suddenly, and it should increase in rain or at night.

The time between noticing a hazard and starting to act, such as braking. It is affected by fatigue, alcohol, drugs and distraction, and it lengthens total stopping distance.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It increases with speed and on wet, loose or uneven road surfaces.

The maximum speed permitted on a road, shown on signs or set by default rules. It is a maximum, not a target, and you must slow further when conditions are poor.

A sign displaying a number inside a red circle, showing the maximum speed allowed on that road. The limit applies from the sign until another sign changes it.

A speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear, and that suits traffic, weather, road surface and visibility. It may be well below the posted limit.

Passing a slower road user travelling in the same direction. It must be done only where permitted, with clear visibility, enough space, and without exceeding the speed limit.

A continuous line along the middle of the road. You must not cross or straddle it to overtake, though you may cross it to turn into or out of a driveway or side road.

A dashed line along the middle of the road. You may cross it to overtake or turn when it is safe, provided you have a clear view and enough space.

A marked part of the road for people on foot, often with stripes and flashing lights. Drivers must give way to pedestrians on it and approach at a speed allowing a stop.

An area near a school where lower speed limits apply during stated times, often shown by signs and flashing lights. Children may step out unexpectedly, so scan carefully.

Anything that could require you to change speed or direction, such as a parked car, cyclist, animal or wet patch. Good drivers scan ahead and identify hazards early.

The skill of noticing developing risks early enough to respond smoothly. It involves scanning far ahead, checking mirrors and anticipating what other road users might do.

Tiredness that slows reactions and impairs judgement, making long trips dangerous. Signs include yawning, poor concentration and heavy eyes; the only real remedy is rest or sleep.

Anything that takes your attention away from driving, such as a phone, loud music, eating or passengers. Even a brief distraction can cause a crash at speed.

The amount of alcohol in the blood, measured in grams per 100 millilitres. Learner and probationary drivers must have a zero reading, and exceeding limits carries serious penalties.

A rule requiring a blood alcohol concentration of 0.00 for learner, probationary and some other drivers. Any alcohol at all is an offence, so the safest choice is not to drink.

A roadside test where a driver blows into a device to estimate blood alcohol. Refusing a lawful test is itself an offence with heavy penalties.

A licence issued to a person learning to drive. It allows driving only while supervised by a fully licensed driver and with displayed L plates, subject to conditions.

A sign showing the letter L that a learner driver must display clearly on the vehicle. Failing to display it as required is an offence and can affect the licence.

A fully licensed driver who sits beside a learner and takes responsibility for the driving. They must meet age and licence requirements and must not be affected by alcohol or drugs.

A restricted licence held after passing the driving test. It carries conditions such as zero alcohol, passenger limits and display of P plates, and it lasts a set period.

A sign showing the letter P that probationary drivers must display on the vehicle. Different colours may indicate different stages, and it must be visible from outside.

Penalty points added to a driver's record for traffic offences. Accumulating too many points within a set period results in suspension or loss of the licence.

A period during which a person is not permitted to drive, imposed for offences or excessive demerit points. Driving while suspended is a serious offence.

A strap that restrains vehicle occupants in a crash. Drivers and passengers must wear one where fitted, and the driver is responsible for ensuring children are properly restrained.

A seat or capsule designed for a child's size and age, fitted and used correctly. Rules specify when a child must use one and where they may sit.