BRTA Non-Professional Driving Licence Test key terms

A solid white line painted across a lane that marks where a vehicle must halt at a stop sign, traffic signal, or pedestrian crossing before proceeding.

A dashed line dividing opposing traffic streams that may be crossed to overtake or turn when the road ahead is clear and it is safe to do so.

A continuous line separating traffic flows that must not be crossed except when turning into a driveway or side road, where local rules permit it.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes on the road where drivers must slow down and give way to people on foot who are crossing or about to cross.

An electrically operated light, usually red, amber, and green, that controls the order in which vehicles and pedestrians may move through a junction or crossing.

The middle signal colour warning that the light is changing; drivers should stop unless doing so suddenly would be unsafe, and must never speed up to beat it.

A sign, usually circular and often red-rimmed, that states a legal requirement such as a speed limit, a prohibition, or a compulsory direction of travel.

A triangular sign with a red border that alerts drivers in advance to a hazard ahead, such as a bend, steep hill, school, or uneven road surface.

A rectangular sign that gives guidance rather than orders, such as directions to a town, the location of a hospital, or the name of a road.

The legal priority one road user has over another at a junction, crossing, or narrow passage, determining who may move first while the other waits.

To slow or stop and let other traffic or pedestrians pass before entering or crossing their path, even where no stop sign is present.

A circular junction where traffic already on the ring has priority and entering drivers must give way and travel in the marked direction around the central island.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction, permitted only where visibility, road markings, and signs allow and where the manoeuvre can be completed safely.

A stretch of road, marked by signs or a solid line, where passing other vehicles is prohibited because visibility or space is too limited to do it safely.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly estimated by the two-second rule, so there is time to stop if that vehicle brakes suddenly.

A method of judging following distance by counting two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your own vehicle reaching it.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop, increasing with speed and on wet or loose surfaces.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen through the mirrors, which a driver must check by turning the head before changing lane or direction.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors at regular intervals and before any manoeuvre to monitor traffic approaching from behind and to the sides.

Loss of grip between tyres and road surface, often caused by braking hard, accelerating sharply, or turning too fast on a wet or slippery road.

A condition in which tyres ride on a film of water instead of the road, causing loss of steering and braking grip during heavy rain or on flooded surfaces.

A restraining strap fitted to seats that holds occupants in place during sudden braking or collision and must be worn by the driver and all passengers.

A specially designed seat or harness that secures a young child safely in a vehicle, appropriate to the child's age, weight, and height.

The padded support at the top of a seat that limits backward movement of the head in a rear impact and helps prevent neck injury.

A neck injury caused by the head being thrown sharply backward and then forward, typically in a rear-end collision, producing pain and stiffness.

Penalty marks added to a driver's record for traffic offences; accumulating a set number within a period can lead to suspension of the licence.

A temporary withdrawal of the legal right to drive, imposed by a court or licensing authority for serious or repeated traffic offences.

An official document issued by the licensing authority permitting a person who has passed the required tests to drive a specified class of vehicle.

A provisional authorisation allowing a person to practise driving under stated conditions, such as supervision by a qualified driver and display of learner markings.

The thickness of rubber remaining on a tyre's surface grooves; too little tread reduces grip on wet roads and increases the risk of aquaplaning.

The amount of air inside a tyre, which should be checked when cold against the manufacturer's recommendation for safe handling, braking, and fuel use.

A short inspection before driving covering tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, fluid levels, and load security to confirm the vehicle is safe to use.

Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person before professional help arrives, aimed at preserving life and preventing the condition worsening.

A stable side-lying posture used for an unconscious but breathing casualty to keep the airway open and allow fluids to drain from the mouth.

Contacting the police, ambulance, or fire service after a crash, giving the exact location, number of casualties, and any hazards present.

A reflective fold-out triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching drivers, positioned at a safe distance and visible in good time.

Driving smoothly with steady speed, early gear changes, and gentle acceleration and braking to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Leaving an engine running while the vehicle is stationary, which wastes fuel and adds pollution and should be avoided during long waits.

A style of driving that anticipates other road users' mistakes, keeps a safety margin, and avoids unnecessary risk regardless of who has the legal right-of-way.

Physical and mental tiredness that slows reaction time and judgement; drivers should rest before long trips and stop when drowsiness appears.