Bahamas Driving Theory Test key terms

An eight-sided red sign with white lettering that requires you to come to a complete halt, check for traffic and pedestrians, and go only when it is safe.

A downward-pointing triangular sign telling you to slow down and give way to traffic on the road you are joining or crossing, stopping only if necessary.

A sign that states a legal requirement or prohibition, such as a speed limit or a no-entry rule, and that drivers must obey.

A usually diamond-shaped yellow sign that alerts you in advance to a hazard ahead, such as a curve, school zone, or slippery surface.

A dashed lane marking that separates traffic moving in the same direction and may be crossed when it is safe to change lanes or pass.

A continuous yellow marking separating traffic moving in opposite directions; you may not cross it to overtake, though a left turn may be allowed where local rules permit.

The red, amber and green signals controlling traffic; red means stop, green means proceed if clear, and amber warns that the light is about to turn red.

A solid white line painted across your lane at an intersection or crossing that marks where your vehicle must halt for a stop sign, red light, or pedestrian crossing.

The legal priority to proceed in a given situation; having it does not remove your duty to check that it is safe before moving.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs; vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, and if two arrive together the one on the right goes first.

An intersection controlled by stop signs on every approach, requiring each driver to stop fully and then take turns based on arrival order.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating has priority; you yield on entry, travel anticlockwise in left-hand-drive countries, and signal when leaving.

Joining a stream of moving traffic, for example from a slip road; you must adjust speed to fit a safe gap and give way to vehicles already on the main road.

A junction with no signs or signals; you must slow down, look carefully, and yield to traffic approaching from your right or already in the intersection.

A regulatory sign showing the maximum legal speed for that road in the units used locally, such as miles or kilometres per hour, under good conditions.

A suggested safe speed shown on a yellow warning sign for a hazard such as a sharp bend; exceeding it may be unsafe even if it is not a legal maximum.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead; a common guide is at least three seconds in good conditions, increased in rain, darkness, or when following large vehicles.

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

The total distance needed to halt, made up of thinking distance while you react plus braking distance, both of which increase with speed and poor road conditions.

An official document permitting a person to drive a specified class of vehicle, normally issued after passing a theory test, practical test, and any required medical checks.

A provisional authorisation allowing a novice to drive only while supervised by a qualified driver and while displaying the required learner plates.

The minimum cover usually required by law, paying for injury or damage you cause to other people and their property but not for your own vehicle.

A safety restraint that must be worn by the driver and passengers where the law requires it; children must use an appropriate child seat or booster.

The official record linking a vehicle to its owner, usually shown by a plate and certificate that must be kept current and displayed as required.

The amount of alcohol in a person's blood, expressed as a percentage or mass per volume, used to judge whether they are over the legal driving limit.

A roadside or station check of the alcohol in a driver's breath, used to estimate blood alcohol concentration and to support charges for driving over the limit.

Any reduction in the ability to drive safely caused by alcohol, drugs, medication, illness, or fatigue; it can occur even below a legal limit.

Extreme tiredness that slows reactions and judgement; the safe response is to stop somewhere legal and rest rather than rely on fresh air or coffee.

A marked or signed place where people on foot have priority; you must slow down, be ready to stop, and never block the crossing.

A road user with little physical protection, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or horse rider, who needs extra space and consideration from drivers.

Passing another road user; it must be done only where legal and safe, leaving cyclists and motorcyclists a generous gap and never overtaking on blind bends.

An area around the vehicle that mirrors do not show; you must turn your head to check it before changing lanes or moving off.

The depth of grooves on a tyre; the legal minimum and safe wear limits must be met, and worn tyres reduce grip and lengthen braking distance.

The air pressure inside a tyre, which should be checked cold and kept at the manufacturer's recommendation for safety, fuel economy, and even wear.

Loss of grip when a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road surface, causing steering and braking to fail; ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs.

A written account of a crash, including details of those involved, witnesses, and damage, which is required by police or insurers after certain incidents.

Loss of tyre grip causing the vehicle to slide; you should ease off the accelerator, steer smoothly in the direction you want to go, and avoid harsh braking.

A style of driving that anticipates mistakes by others, keeps space around the vehicle, and plans an escape route so hazards can be avoided in advance.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors before signalling, changing speed, or turning, to build a picture of traffic behind and beside you.

Moving from one lane to another, which requires mirror and blind-spot checks, a signal in good time, and a safe gap before you move.