BRTA Learner Test cheat sheet

Sign shapes carry meaning: octagon = stop, inverted triangle = give way, circle = prohibition or mandatory order, rectangle = information or regulation, diamond = warning in many systems.

Sign colors: red = prohibition or danger, blue = mandatory instruction or information, yellow = warning, green = permitted movement or direction, white with black = regulatory.

A solid white or yellow center line forbids crossing; a broken line permits crossing when safe; a double solid line forbids crossing from either side.

Zebra (pedestrian) crossings are marked by broad white stripes parallel to the road; drivers must give way to pedestrians on them.

Stop line: a solid white transverse line at a signal or junction; the vehicle's front must not cross it while the signal is red or a stop is required.

Warning signs are placed in advance of the hazard; the distance shown on an supplementary plate (if present) overrides the default approach distance.

Yellow box (junction box) markings mean do not enter unless the exit is clear; stopping inside the box is an offense even in congestion.

Chevron or hatched areas bounded by solid lines must not be entered; those bounded by broken lines may be crossed only if necessary and safe.

Regulatory signs take priority over road markings when they conflict; temporary signs and police directions override permanent signs.

Keep left (or right, per national rule) and drive in the correct lane; overtake only on the side permitted by law and only when the road ahead is clear.

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, junctions, bends, hill crests, and where a solid line separates the lanes.

Speed limits are maximums for ideal conditions; drivers must reduce speed for rain, fog, night, roadworks, or heavy traffic.

Safe following distance: at least a 2-second gap in good conditions, doubling to 4 seconds or more on wet roads or at night.

At an uncontrolled junction, give way to traffic already on the main road and to vehicles approaching from the right (where right-of-way rule applies).

A vehicle must not stop within a set distance of a junction, pedestrian crossing, bus stop, or fire hydrant as defined by local law.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers where fitted; children below the statutory height or age must use an approved child restraint.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited; hands-free use is permitted only if it does not distract the driver.

Defensive driving rule: scan 12-15 seconds ahead, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and maintain a space cushion on all four sides.

Stopping distance = thinking (reaction) distance + braking distance; it rises with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

In rain, braking distance increases and aquaplaning risk rises above roughly 50 km/h with worn tires; ease off the accelerator and do not brake hard.

Fatigue impairs reaction time comparably to alcohol; a break of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours is the standard countermeasure.

At night, use low beam when following or meeting traffic; high beam only when no other vehicle is within the dazzle range.

In fog, use low beam or fog lamps, never high beam, because high beam reflects off the fog and reduces visibility.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are vulnerable road users; give them extra lateral clearance and anticipate sudden movement.

A crash scene must be secured first: hazard lights, warning triangle placed behind the vehicle, and bystanders moved to safety before first aid.

Seating position: back supported, arms slightly bent at the wheel, and the clutch pedal can be fully depressed with the knee still bent.

Mirror setup: interior mirror frames the rear window; exterior mirrors show a sliver of the vehicle's own side to minimize blind spots.

Steering: hold at 9 and 3 o'clock, pull-push method for turns, and never cross hands over the airbag cover.

Braking: progressive pressure, release just before stopping to avoid a jolt; on a skid, steer into the skid and avoid hard braking.

Gear selection: use the gear that keeps engine speed in the efficient band; engine braking on long descents prevents brake fade.

Hill start: apply parking brake, engage first gear, find the clutch bite point, then release the brake as the clutch takes the load.

Cornering: slow in, accelerate gently out; brake before the bend, not during it, to preserve tire grip.

Aquaplaning recovery: lift off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady, and do not brake until traction returns.

A driver involved in a crash must stop, render assistance, exchange details, and report to police within the statutory period if injury or significant damage occurs.

Hit-and-run is a serious offense; failing to stop or to report can lead to license suspension, fines, or imprisonment.

Drivers must comply with lawful directions from police officers and authorized traffic wardens, even when they conflict with signals or signs.

Vehicle owners must keep the vehicle roadworthy: brakes, tires, lights, steering, and emissions must meet the statutory standard at all times.

A driver must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs control; refusal of a breath or blood test carries penalties.

Loads must be secured and must not obstruct lights, plates, mirrors, or the driver's view; overhanging loads must be marked.

Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights, pulling over and stopping where safe.

Core documents to carry or produce on demand: valid driving license for the vehicle class, vehicle registration, valid insurance, and roadworthiness (fitness) certificate.

A learner's permit allows driving only with a qualified supervising driver and only in a vehicle displaying learner plates where required.

Licenses are class-specific; driving a vehicle class not covered by the license is an offense equivalent to driving unlicensed.

Insurance must at minimum cover third-party liability; driving without valid third-party insurance is a punishable offense.

Registration and fitness certificates have expiry dates; driving with an expired certificate is an offense and may void insurance cover.

A change of address, name, or vehicle ownership must be notified to the licensing authority within the prescribed period.

Penalty points or endorsements accumulate for traffic offenses; reaching the threshold leads to suspension or revocation of the license.

Steady red = stop behind the stop line; steady green = proceed if the way is clear; steady amber = stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

A flashing amber (where used) means proceed with caution and give way to pedestrians; a flashing red means stop, then proceed when safe.

Green arrow = protected movement in the arrow's direction; a general green does not protect a turn against oncoming traffic.

Red plus green arrow: the arrow movement is permitted while all other movements remain stopped.

Traffic lights override road markings and static signs; police directions override traffic lights.

At a signal-controlled junction, do not enter the junction unless the exit is clear, even on green.

Pedestrian signals: a steady green walking figure permits crossing; a flashing figure means finish crossing but do not start.

A police officer's signals override all traffic lights, signs, and markings; drivers must obey immediately.

Arm raised vertically with palm forward = stop for traffic approaching from the front.

Arm extended horizontally to the side = traffic from that side may proceed past the officer.

Officer facing you with both arms extended sideways = traffic from front and rear is stopped; traffic from the sides may proceed.

Waving a hand or arm toward you = proceed in the indicated direction; a downward patting motion = slow down.

Whistle blast plus raised hand = stop; two short blasts often signal proceed.

When an officer directs traffic at a junction, do not rely on the signal head; follow the officer's gestures only.

Scene safety first: park safely, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle, and call emergency services before approaching casualties.

Primary survey DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation; act on the most life-threatening problem first.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean dressing, elevate the limb if possible, and do not remove an embedded object.

Unresponsive and not breathing normally: start CPR at 100-120 chest compressions per minute, about 5-6 cm deep, and use an AED as soon as available.

Recovery position for an unresponsive but breathing casualty protects the airway and prevents choking on vomit.

Suspected spinal injury: keep the casualty still, support the head, and do not move them unless there is immediate danger.

Burns: cool with running water for at least 20 minutes; do not apply ice, butter, or ointments, and do not burst blisters.

Shock signs: pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, confusion; keep the casualty warm, lying down, and do not give food or drink.

Stop sign: octagon, red with white lettering; a complete stop is required at the line even when the road appears clear.

Give way sign: inverted triangle; the driver must yield to traffic on the priority road and stop only if necessary.

Mandatory signs (blue circles) impose an action, such as turn left ahead or minimum speed; prohibition signs (red circles) forbid an action.

Warning sign colors vary by system (yellow or red-bordered triangle); the pictogram shows the hazard type, not the required action.

Broken white lane lines permit lane changes when safe; solid white lines prohibit crossing; double solid lines prohibit crossing from either direction.

Direction arrows painted in a lane bind the driver to that movement; changing lanes after entering an arrow lane may be an offense.

A yellow zigzag or solid yellow line at the curb typically prohibits parking and stopping; check the accompanying plate for times.

Right-of-way at an uncontrolled T-junction: traffic on the through road has priority over traffic emerging from the side road.

Roundabout rule (left-hand traffic): give way to traffic already on the roundabout approaching from the right; enter only when clear.

U-turn is prohibited where a no-U-turn sign stands, at pedestrian crossings, on bends, and where visibility is restricted.

Reversing is prohibited on a highway, at junctions, and where it would endanger other road users; a driver must not reverse further than necessary.

Horn use is restricted in built-up areas and near hospitals or schools at night; the horn is a warning device, not a rebuke.

Headlights must be used from dusk to dawn and in poor visibility; rear fog lamps only when visibility is seriously reduced.

Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights have priority; drivers must pull over and stop where safe until they pass.

The two-second rule: pick a fixed point, and if you reach it before counting two seconds after the vehicle ahead, you are too close.

Blind spots are the areas not visible in mirrors; always shoulder-check before changing lanes or merging.

Wet road braking distance can be roughly double the dry distance; ice can multiply it by ten or more.

Hydroplaning occurs when water lifts the tires off the road; symptoms include a light steering feel and engine revving without acceleration.

At a railway level crossing, stop when the barrier is down or the lights flash; never attempt to cross while the warning is active.

Child safety: children under the statutory height must use an approved child seat; a rear-facing seat must never be placed in front of an active airbag.

Motorcycle awareness: motorcycles are small and easily hidden in blind spots; check twice before pulling out or turning across their path.

Pre-drive check: tires (pressure and tread), lights, mirrors, seat and head restraint, fuel level, and warning lamps on the dashboard.

ABS braking: press firmly and hold; the pedal may pulse, which is normal; do not pump the brake.

Manual gearshift: clutch fully depressed before shifting; release smoothly at the bite point to avoid stalling.

Following a large vehicle: stay far enough back to see its mirrors and the road ahead; if you cannot see the driver's mirrors, they cannot see you.

Night driving: reduce speed below the daytime limit and increase following distance; the headlights' reach defines your safe stopping zone.

Parking on a hill: turn the wheels toward the curb (downhill) or away (uphill with a curb), set the parking brake, and engage a gear or park.

Duty to give way to pedestrians at marked crossings and to pedestrians already on the roadway when turning into a side road.

A driver must not leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running or the keys in the ignition on a public road.

Reporting duty: a crash involving injury, death, or damage above the statutory threshold must be reported to police within the prescribed time.

Drivers must not carry more passengers than the vehicle is registered to seat; seat belt rules apply to every occupant.

Driving while disqualified or with a suspended license is an offense with serious penalties, including imprisonment.

Drivers must obey traffic wardens and authorized officers directing traffic, and must produce documents on demand at a police station within the stated period.

Learner stage: a valid learner's permit, a supervising driver who has held a full license for the statutory minimum period, and learner plates displayed.

Provisional or probationary license holders may face restrictions on speed, passengers, or alcohol limit (zero tolerance in many jurisdictions).

Vehicle registration ties the vehicle to an owner and a registration number; driving an unregistered vehicle is an offense.

Roadworthiness (fitness) certificate confirms the vehicle meets safety and emissions standards at the time of inspection.

Third-party insurance covers injury or damage to others; comprehensive cover adds damage to the insured vehicle.

License renewal: apply before the expiry date; driving on an expired license is treated as driving without a valid license.

Steady amber means stop unless stopping would be unsafe; accelerating to beat the amber is an offense in most jurisdictions.

A green light does not give an absolute right of way; the driver must still yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already in the junction.

Turn arrows: a green arrow gives protected right of way; a red arrow forbids the movement even if the general light is green.

Lane-use signals (red X and green arrow) over a lane: red X means the lane is closed; a green arrow means it is open.

At a flashing amber signal, proceed only if the way is clear and give way to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Pedestrian countdown or flashing green means do not start crossing; finish crossing if already on the roadway.

A malfunctioning signal should be treated as an all-way stop or as directed by police; proceed with extreme caution.

Officer's arm raised with palm toward you: stop and remain stopped until the officer lowers the arm or signals you to proceed.

Officer's arm extended horizontally and pointing at your lane: you may proceed in that direction.

Officer facing you with arms extended sideways: traffic from your direction is stopped; cross traffic may move.

Officer's back turned to you: traffic from your direction is stopped; wait for the officer to face you or signal.

Hand waved toward you with palm up: proceed; hand held up with palm out: stop.

Whistle signals: one long blast means stop; short repeated blasts mean proceed or hurry.

Never pass an officer directing traffic at a junction; follow the gestures even when the signal head shows green.

Emergency call: state the location, number of casualties, nature of injuries, and hazards; do not hang up until told to.

CPR ratio for a single rescuer: 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths; continue until help arrives or the casualty recovers.

AED use: switch on, follow voice prompts, attach pads to bare chest, and do not touch the casualty during analysis or shock delivery.

Choking adult: give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, alternating until the object clears.

Burns: remove clothing and jewelry near the burn unless stuck, cool with running water for at least 20 minutes, and cover with a sterile non-stick dressing.

Fracture: immobilize the limb in the position found, support with a splint, and check circulation beyond the injury.

Do not move a casualty with a suspected neck or spinal injury unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.

Supplementary plates below a sign add conditions such as time of day, vehicle class, or distance; the plate qualifies the main sign's meaning.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means no entry; a red circle with a white vertical bar means no through road.

A blue circle with a white arrow means a mandatory direction; a blue square with a white symbol usually gives information.

Speed limit signs are regulatory and show the maximum permitted speed in the units used locally (km/h or mph).

School zone signs and markings indicate reduced speed limits during school hours; the times are usually shown on a plate.

Pedestrian crossing warning signs are placed ahead of a crossing; the driver must be prepared to stop for pedestrians.

Temporary roadworks signs (often yellow or orange) override permanent signs and speed limits for the duration of the works.

Lane discipline: keep to the left (or right) lane except when overtaking, turning, or when lanes are marked for specific movements.

At a roundabout, signal left (or right, per traffic side) on approach if turning off early, and signal to exit after passing the exit before yours.

Stopping at a red light: stop behind the stop line, not on the pedestrian crossing; if the line is not visible, stop before the crossing.

Box junctions: enter only if your exit is clear; waiting in the box blocks cross traffic and is an offense.

Speed in a built-up area is typically 30-50 km/h unless signs state otherwise; the limit applies to the whole road, not just the sign's location.

Overtaking a school bus stopped with flashing lights is prohibited in many jurisdictions; check local rules before passing.

Use of headlights during rain or fog is mandatory in many jurisdictions even in daylight.

The four-second rule for wet roads: double the two-second dry gap to allow for longer braking distance.

Skid prevention: brake and steer smoothly, avoid sudden inputs, and reduce speed before entering a bend or wet patch.

Drowsy driving signs: yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting, and missing exits; pull over safely and rest rather than pressing on.

Distraction: eating, adjusting the radio, or using a phone multiplies crash risk; set navigation and music before moving off.

Pedestrian safety at night: wear reflective clothing and carry a light; drivers should scan the road edges for pedestrians.

Motorcycle and bicycle safety: wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing; use lights at night and hand signals when turning.

Emergency braking on a wet road: brake earlier and more gently than on dry tarmac to avoid locking the wheels.

Clutch control at low speed: use the bite point to creep in traffic; do not ride the clutch, which wears it out.

Engine braking: shift to a lower gear on a descent to control speed without overheating the brakes.

ABS and emergency stops: keep steering input steady and brake firmly; ABS allows steering while braking.

Tire tread depth: below the legal minimum (often 1.6 mm) increases aquaplaning and braking distance; check regularly.

Head restraint: the top should be level with the top of the head and as close to the back of the head as possible to reduce whiplash.

Mirror adjustment: set exterior mirrors so the side of the car is just visible; this maximizes the field of view and reduces blind spots.

Duty to stop after a crash: stop, give assistance, exchange names, addresses, and insurance details, and report to police if required.

Duty to report: report a crash involving injury or significant damage to the nearest police station within the statutory period.

Duty to yield: give way to pedestrians at crossings and to emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights.

Duty to maintain: keep the vehicle in a roadworthy condition, with working lights, brakes, tires, and emissions controls.

Duty to comply: obey police officers, traffic wardens, and authorized persons directing traffic.

Duty not to drive impaired: alcohol, drugs, and certain medications impair driving; refusal of a test is an offense.

Driving license classes: each class covers specific vehicle types (motorcycle, car, light truck, heavy truck, bus); driving outside the class is an offense.

Learner permit: valid for a limited period, requires a supervising driver, and restricts driving to vehicles displaying learner plates.

Vehicle registration: must be current and displayed; driving an unregistered or uninsured vehicle is an offense.

Insurance: third-party liability is the minimum legal requirement; comprehensive cover is optional but recommended.

Fitness certificate: periodic inspection confirms roadworthiness; an expired certificate can invalidate insurance and lead to penalties.

Notification duties: report changes of address, name, or vehicle ownership to the licensing authority within the prescribed time.

Red light: stop behind the stop line; do not enter the junction or crossing.

Green light: proceed if the way is clear; yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already in the junction.

Amber light: stop unless it is unsafe to do so; do not accelerate to beat the light.

Green arrow: protected movement in the arrow direction; other movements may still be stopped.

Flashing amber: proceed with caution and give way to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Red X lane signal: the lane is closed; do not enter. Green arrow lane signal: the lane is open.

Pedestrian signal: steady green figure means cross; flashing figure means finish crossing but do not start.

Police signals override traffic lights, signs, and markings; obey immediately and do not rely on the signal head.

Arm raised vertically with palm forward: stop for traffic approaching from the front.

Arm extended horizontally to the side: traffic from that side may proceed past the officer.

Officer facing you with both arms extended sideways: traffic from front and rear is stopped; cross traffic may move.

Hand waved toward you: proceed; hand held up with palm out: stop.

Whistle blast plus raised hand: stop; repeated short blasts: proceed.

Officer's back turned to you: traffic from your direction is stopped; wait for a signal to proceed.

DRABC primary survey: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation; treat the most life-threatening problem first.

CPR: 30 compressions to 2 breaths, 100-120 compressions per minute, about 5-6 cm deep; use an AED as soon as available.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean dressing; do not remove embedded objects.

Recovery position: for an unresponsive but breathing casualty to protect the airway.

Suspected spinal injury: keep the casualty still and support the head; do not move unless in immediate danger.

Burns: cool with running water for at least 20 minutes; do not apply ice, butter, or ointments.

Shock: pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, confusion; keep the casualty warm and lying down; do not give food or drink.