Burundi Driving Theory Test study materials
Burundi Driving Theory Test study resources

Burundi Driving Theory Test key terms

Burundi Driving Theory Test · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.

Stop sign

An octagonal red sign bearing the word STOP that requires a driver to bring the vehicle to a complete halt, check for traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe.

Related: Right-of-way, Road marking
Yield (give way) sign

A triangular sign, usually inverted, telling the driver to slow down and let traffic on the intersecting or priority road pass before entering or crossing it.

Related: Right-of-way, Priority road
Priority road

A road whose users have the right to pass first at junctions, often marked by a yellow diamond sign; traffic joining it must wait until it is clear.

Related: Yield (give way) sign, Right-of-way
Road marking

Painted lines, arrows, hatched areas or symbols on the road surface that guide, warn or restrict drivers, such as lane dividers, stop lines and edge lines.

Related: Stop line, Lane divider
Stop line

A solid white line painted across a lane at a junction or crossing that shows the exact point where a vehicle must halt when a stop is required.

Related: Road marking, Stop sign
Lane divider

A painted line separating traffic lanes; a broken line may be crossed when safe, while a continuous line must not be crossed except in specific permitted circumstances.

Related: Road marking, Overtaking
Traffic light signals

Coloured lights controlling traffic flow: red means stop, amber means prepare to stop unless stopping is unsafe, and green means proceed if the way is clear.

Related: Right-of-way, Stop line
Right-of-way

The legal entitlement of one road user to move ahead of another at a junction, crossing or narrow passage, with other users obliged to wait or slow down.

Related: Yield (give way) sign, Priority road
Roundabout

A circular junction where traffic already circulating normally has priority and entering drivers must give way and move clockwise or anticlockwise as locally required.

Related: Right-of-way, Indicator (turn signal)
Overtaking

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction, permitted only where visibility, road markings and signs allow and when no danger is created for other users.

Related: Lane divider, Safe following distance
Safe following distance

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

Related: Braking distance, Defensive driving
Speed limit

The maximum legal speed for a road or vehicle category, shown by signs or fixed by law, and reduced further by weather, traffic or poor visibility.

Related: Braking distance, Defensive driving
Indicator (turn signal)

A flashing light on the vehicle used to announce an intention to turn, change lane or leave a junction, given in good time to warn other road users.

Related: Overtaking, Roundabout
Clutch

A pedal-operated coupling between the engine and gearbox that is pressed to disconnect power for gear changes and released gradually when moving off from rest.

Related: Gearbox, Stalling
Gearbox

The transmission component that matches engine speed to road speed through a set of selectable gears, allowing the vehicle to move off, climb and cruise efficiently.

Related: Clutch, Engine braking
Engine braking

Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator and selecting a lower gear so the engine resists motion, useful on long descents to spare the service brakes.

Related: Gearbox, Braking distance
Stalling

The engine stopping unintentionally, usually because the clutch is released too quickly at low speed or the engine is labouring in too high a gear.

Related: Clutch, Gearbox
Braking distance

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops, increasing with speed, load, wet roads and worn tyres.

Related: Safe following distance, Tyre tread depth
Tyre tread depth

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre's rubber, which channels water away from the contact patch; worn tread lengthens stopping distances on wet roads.

Related: Braking distance, Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning

Loss of grip when a layer of water lifts the tyre off the road surface, causing steering and braking to become unresponsive until speed drops and contact returns.

Related: Tyre tread depth, Skidding
Skidding

Sliding of the tyres over the road surface after grip is lost, often through harsh braking, sudden steering or excess speed on a slippery surface.

Related: Aquaplaning, Defensive driving
Defensive driving

A way of driving that anticipates mistakes by others, keeps a safe margin, scans ahead and plans escape routes so hazards are avoided rather than reacted to.

Related: Safe following distance, Hazard perception
Hazard perception

The skill of noticing developing dangers early, such as pedestrians near the kerb, parked vehicles or poor visibility, and adjusting speed and position in good time.

Related: Defensive driving, Blind spot
Blind spot

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors, requiring a shoulder check before changing lane or moving off.

Related: Hazard perception, Indicator (turn signal)
Seat belt

A restraining strap that holds occupants in their seats during a collision; drivers and passengers are legally required to wear one where fitted.

Related: Child restraint, Head restraint
Child restraint

A purpose-built seat or booster that positions a child safely and holds them securely, required for young children instead of an adult seat belt.

Related: Seat belt
Head restraint

The padded support behind the head that limits backward movement of the neck in a rear-end impact, reducing the risk of whiplash injury.

Related: Seat belt
Driving licence

The official document, issued after passing the required tests, that authorises a person to drive the categories of vehicle stated on it.

Related: Vehicle registration, Third-party insurance
Vehicle registration

The official record and plate that identify a vehicle and its owner with the authorities, which must be kept valid and displayed as required.

Related: Driving licence, Roadworthiness inspection
Third-party insurance

Compulsory cover that pays for injury or damage the insured driver causes to other people or their property, but not for the driver's own vehicle.

Related: Driving licence, Vehicle registration
Roadworthiness inspection

A periodic official check of a vehicle's brakes, lights, tyres, steering and emissions to confirm it is safe and legal to use on public roads.

Related: Vehicle registration, Tyre tread depth
Blood alcohol concentration

The amount of alcohol in a person's blood, expressed as a percentage or in grams per litre, used to decide whether the legal driving limit has been exceeded.

Related: Impairment, Breathalyser test
Breathalyser test

A roadside check in which a driver blows into a device that estimates alcohol level in the breath, used to enforce drink-driving laws.

Related: Blood alcohol concentration, Impairment
Impairment

Any reduction in the ability to drive safely caused by alcohol, drugs, illness, fatigue or medication, making it unlawful or unsafe to take the wheel.

Related: Blood alcohol concentration, Fatigue
Fatigue

Extreme tiredness that slows reactions and judgement; drivers should stop, rest and if necessary sleep rather than rely on fresh air or loud music.

Related: Impairment, Defensive driving
First aid

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, such as controlling bleeding, keeping them warm and not moving them unnecessarily.

Related: Warning triangle, Emergency call
Warning triangle

A reflective folding triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching drivers, set at a safe distance from the vehicle.

Related: First aid, Hazard warning lights
Hazard warning lights

All four direction indicators flashing together to signal that a vehicle is stationary, broken down or presents an unusual hazard to other traffic.

Related: Warning triangle, First aid
Emergency call

Contacting police, ambulance or roadside services after a crash, giving the exact location, number of casualties and any continuing dangers at the scene.

Related: First aid, Warning triangle