Bahrain Driving Practical key terms

Using the clutch pedal to keep the car moving very slowly while the engine still runs, typical when pulling away, creeping in traffic or performing a slow manoeuvre.

The point in the clutch pedal's travel where the engine begins to connect to the wheels and the car starts to move or vibrate slightly.

When the engine stops unexpectedly, usually because the clutch is released too quickly or the car is left in too high a gear at low speed.

A steering method where one hand pulls the wheel down while the other slides up to push, keeping both hands on the rim for precise, controlled turning.

Turning the steering wheel while the car is completely stationary. It strains the tyres and steering system and is discouraged in normal driving.

A fixed routine: check the mirrors, give the correct signal, then adjust speed and position before carrying out the manoeuvre. It structures every change of direction.

The area beside and behind the car that mirrors do not show. A head check is needed before moving off or changing lane into it.

A brief look over your shoulder towards the blind spot before pulling out, changing lane or opening a door into traffic.

Looking in the wing mirror and over the shoulder for cyclists or passing vehicles before opening the car door after parking at the kerb.

The mirror mounted inside the windscreen that shows the road directly behind. It is adjusted before moving off and used throughout the drive.

The exterior mirror on each side of the car, showing the lane beside and slightly behind. Both are checked before any lateral movement.

To slow or stop and let other traffic proceed first. It applies at marked lines, roundabout entries and any junction where you do not have priority.

A solid white line across the lane at a junction, traffic light or roundabout entry. You must come to a complete stop behind it when required.

A road whose traffic has the right of way at junctions. Vehicles emerging from side roads must wait until it is safe to join.

A junction where one road ends and meets another at a right angle. The driver on the ending road must give way unless signs say otherwise.

The point where a driver joins a roundabout. Traffic already circulating has priority, so you give way and enter only when there is a safe gap.

Vehicles already travelling around the roundabout. They keep their lane and have priority over vehicles waiting to enter.

An indicator shown after passing the exit before yours, telling following and waiting drivers you are about to leave the roundabout.

Keeping your vehicle centred in the correct lane, not drifting across markings, and choosing the lane that matches your intended direction early.

Moving from one marked lane to another. It requires mirrors, a signal, a shoulder check and a safe gap before steering across.

Placing the car correctly on the road for the manoeuvre ahead, such as keeping left before a left turn or right before a right turn.

The road position adopted before a turn. In Bahrain, traffic keeps right, so a left turn is taken from near the centre line and a right turn from near the right kerb.

The rule that vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Turns, junctions and roundabout direction all follow from this convention.

The flashing light used to signal an intention to turn, change lane, overtake or leave a roundabout. It must be given early and cancelled afterwards.

Switching off the indicator after completing a manoeuvre so other drivers are not misled about your intentions.

All four indicators flashing together, used to warn others of a breakdown, sudden slow traffic or an emergency stop.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so you can stop if it brakes suddenly. It grows with speed and in rain, dust or poor visibility.

A method of checking following distance: pick a fixed point ahead and count two seconds after the car in front passes it before you reach it.

The maximum legal speed for a road, shown on signs. Drivers must also slow below it when conditions such as rain, dust or traffic demand.

Adjusting speed to match traffic, weather, visibility and road surface rather than simply keeping to the posted limit.

Reversing into a space between two parked cars along the kerb, using mirror checks and a slow, controlled reverse before straightening up.

Continuous all-round looking while reversing, using mirrors and turning your head, because the rear blind area is large.

Pulling up close and parallel to the kerb, checking mirrors and signalling first, then securing the car before opening the door.

Noticing developing risks early, such as a pedestrian near the kerb or a car edging out, and preparing to slow before they become dangerous.

Anticipating other road users' mistakes and leaving room and time to react, rather than assuming everyone will follow the rules.

A clear path or gap you keep in mind as an option if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly or a hazard develops.

The rule requiring the driver and passengers to wear seat belts where fitted. The driver is responsible for ensuring this before moving off.

The routine before moving off: seat and mirrors adjusted, seat belt fastened, doors closed, gear and handbrake set and surroundings checked.

Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited. Even hands-free calls distract, so they should be avoided in busy traffic.