WA CTT Car Theory Test key terms

To slow down or stop so that other traffic already in the intersection, or traffic with right of way, can proceed before you do. Failing to give way is a common crash cause.

The legal priority to move through a road space before others. In Western Australia it is granted by rules and signs, not claimed by driver assertiveness or eye contact.

A solid white line painted across a lane at a stop sign or traffic signal. You must come to a complete stop at or before this line, not roll past it.

A red octagonal sign meaning you must bring the vehicle to a complete halt, give way to all traffic, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

A triangular sign with a red border telling you to yield to traffic on the road you are joining or crossing. You need not stop unless traffic requires it.

A junction with no signs, signals or markings controlling movement. Drivers apply the give way rules, typically yielding to vehicles on the right in Western Australia.

A circular intersection where traffic already circulating has priority. You give way on entry, signal your exit, and choose the correct lane before arriving.

A flashing light on a vehicle used to signal turning or lane changes. You must signal for long enough to warn other road users before you move.

A quick look over your shoulder into the blind spot before changing lanes, merging or pulling out. Mirrors alone do not show vehicles hidden beside you.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Every vehicle has them, and large trucks have very large blind spots that drivers must avoid lingering in.

The large blind areas around heavy vehicles where the truck driver cannot see a car. If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. In good conditions keep at least a two-second gap, and increase it in rain, at night or when towing.

A method of checking your following gap by counting seconds as the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object. If you reach it sooner, you are too close.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It grows with speed and is much longer on wet or gravel surfaces.

The total distance needed to stop, made up of reaction distance plus braking distance. Speed, fatigue, alcohol and road surface all affect it.

The tiredness that slows reaction time and impairs judgement while driving. Symptoms include yawning, drifting and heavy eyes; the only real fix is to stop and rest.

The amount of alcohol in your blood, measured in grams per 100 millilitres. Western Australia sets strict limits, and learner and provisional drivers must have zero.

Penalty points added to your driving record for traffic offences. Accumulating too many within a set period leads to suspension or loss of licence.

A licence stage allowing supervised driving practice. In Western Australia learners must display L plates, log supervised hours and obey specific conditions before progressing.

The licence stage after learners pass their practical test. Provisional drivers display P plates and face restrictions such as passenger limits and a zero alcohol limit.

A safety restraint that holds occupants in place during a crash. Drivers are responsible for ensuring all passengers are properly restrained before moving.

A seat or booster designed for a child's size, required by law up to certain ages and heights. Incorrect fitting reduces its protective effect in a crash.

An inflating cushion that protects occupants in a collision. It works with the seat belt, so sitting too close to it or being unbelted can increase injury risk.

The grooved pattern on a tyre that clears water from the road. Worn tread lengthens stopping distance and raises the risk of aquaplaning in the wet.

When a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road so they lose grip. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking until traction returns.

The maximum legal speed for a road, shown by signs or applying as a default. You must not exceed it, and you should drive slower when conditions demand.

An area near a school with a reduced speed limit during set hours. You must slow to the posted limit when the signs apply and watch for children.

A stretch of road with a posted speed limit different from the surrounding road. Limits change at zone signs, and enforcement applies from the sign onward.

A lane provided to let faster traffic pass slower vehicles safely. Use it to overtake, then return to the left lane when it is clear and safe.

The rule that you drive on the left side of the road in Australia. On multi-lane roads you should stay in the left lane unless overtaking or turning.

Turning your vehicle to travel in the opposite direction. It is illegal where signs prohibit it, at traffic lights unless permitted, and across solid lines or median strips.

A continuous painted line marking the centre or edge of the road. You must not cross a solid centre line to overtake or turn where it separates opposing traffic.

A dashed painted line that may be crossed when safe, such as when changing lanes or overtaking. It indicates a permissive rather than restrictive marking.

A marked section of road where people on foot have priority. Drivers must slow down and give way to pedestrians already on or about to enter the crossing.

A pedestrian crossing marked with broad white stripes. Drivers must give way to pedestrians on the crossing and must not stop on or block it.

A marked lane reserved for cyclists. Drivers must not drive or park in it, and must check for cyclists before turning across or entering it.

An ambulance, fire appliance or police vehicle showing flashing lights or sirens. You must give way, pull over safely and let it pass without blocking the road.

A place where a road meets train tracks, marked by signs, lights or boom gates. Never enter unless the far side is clear, and obey all signals.

The skill of spotting developing dangers early and responding smoothly. It involves scanning ahead, checking mirrors and anticipating what other road users may do.