Bhutan Driving Theory Test key terms

The priority one road user has to proceed while others wait. It is usually set by signs, signals, road markings or, where nothing is marked, by general rules such as giving way to traffic already on the main road.

A broken white line painted across your lane at a junction, paired with a give-way sign. You must slow down, check for traffic and stop only if needed before entering the main road.

A solid white line across your lane at a junction or signal. You must bring the vehicle to a complete stop behind it and not creep over it while waiting to proceed.

A line painted along the middle of the carriageway to separate opposing traffic streams. A broken line may be crossed to overtake when safe; a continuous line must not be crossed.

A line marking the outer limit of the running lane, often near a shoulder, drop or cliff edge. It guides drivers in poor visibility and warns that the sealed surface is ending.

The sequence of red, amber and green lights controlling traffic. Red means stop, green means proceed if clear, and amber warns that the signal is about to change to red.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating normally has priority. Approach slowly, look right, give way, and signal left to leave so other drivers can predict your movement.

A junction with no signs, signals or markings deciding priority. Drivers must approach slowly, look in all directions and give way to traffic coming from the right or already on the through road, as local rules require.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. It is only allowed where visibility is clear, the centre line permits it, and there is enough road to return safely before any bend or crest.

The top of a hill where the road ahead disappears from view. Never overtake or stop just beyond a blind crest, because oncoming traffic cannot see you in time to react.

A very sharp bend, often 180 degrees, common on mountain roads. Slow down well before it, keep to your side, avoid braking hard mid-corner and be ready for oncoming vehicles cutting the curve.

Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator and selecting a lower gear, so the engine resists the wheels. It protects the brakes from overheating on long mountain descents.

Loss of braking power when brakes overheat, common after prolonged downhill braking. The pedal may feel soft and stopping distance grows, so use engine braking and stop to let the brakes cool.

Choosing the gear that matches your speed and the road gradient. A lower gear gives more control and power on climbs and descents, while a higher gear suits steady cruising on flat roads.

Using the clutch pedal smoothly to connect or disconnect engine power from the wheels. Skilled control prevents stalling and jerking when moving off, reversing or driving slowly in traffic.

When the engine stops unexpectedly, usually because the clutch was released too quickly or the gear was too high for the speed. Restart safely, check mirrors and signal before moving off again.

Moving off from rest on an uphill slope without rolling backwards. Use the handbrake or footbrake, find the biting point, add power, then release the brake smoothly as the vehicle begins to move.

A parking brake operated by hand or foot that holds the vehicle stationary when parked or during a hill start. It is not a service brake and should not be used to stop the vehicle in normal driving.

Leaving a vehicle on an incline safely: apply the handbrake firmly, select a low gear or park position, turn the wheels toward the kerb or bank, and chock the wheels if the slope is steep.

The strip beside the running lane, often unsealed or narrow on mountain roads. It may be soft, steep or drop away sharply, so avoid driving or parking on it unless clearly safe.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre, measured in millimetres. Adequate tread lets water escape and keeps grip on wet or loose surfaces; worn tyres increase skidding and stopping distance.

The amount of air inside a tyre, measured when the tyre is cold. Correct pressure gives stable handling, even wear and good fuel use; too little or too much harms grip and safety.

A quick check before driving of tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, fluid levels and load security. It catches faults early and is especially important before long mountain journeys or bad weather.

When a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road so they lose contact and grip. Steering and braking stop responding, so ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady and avoid sudden braking.

Loss of grip in which the tyres slide rather than roll, often from braking, steering or accelerating too harshly on a slippery surface. Stay calm, ease off and steer gently in the direction you want to go.

The gap you keep behind the vehicle ahead. It should grow with speed and in rain, fog or darkness, giving you time to stop if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.

A simple guide to safe spacing: pick a fixed point ahead and check that at least two seconds pass before you reach it after the vehicle in front. Double this gap in wet or poor conditions.

Lamps designed for use in fog, heavy rain or falling snow, when visibility is seriously reduced. Use them only in such conditions and switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling others.

The normal headlight setting that lights the road ahead without dazzling oncoming drivers. Use it at night, in tunnels and in poor visibility, and dip from high beam when traffic approaches.

A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on the road, often in shaded bends, on bridges or at dawn. It removes grip suddenly, so slow down early and avoid braking or steering sharply on it.

The flashing lamp that signals your intention to turn, change lane or leave a roundabout. Signal early enough to be useful, and cancel it afterwards so others are not misled.

The area beside and behind the vehicle that mirrors do not show. Check it by turning your head before changing lanes or moving off, because another vehicle or rider may be hidden there.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors before signalling, changing speed or direction, or opening a door. Mirrors show much of the traffic behind but never replace a direct look over the shoulder.

Someone at greater risk in traffic, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children and elderly people. Drivers must slow down, give them room and expect unpredictable movement near schools, markets and narrow roads.

A marked place where people have priority to cross the road. Approach slowly, be ready to stop, and never overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crossing because someone may be hidden in front.

The strap that restrains occupants in a crash and greatly reduces death and injury. Drivers and passengers must wear one where fitted, and children need suitable restraints or booster seats.

Protective headgear worn by riders of motorcycles and scooters. A correctly fitted and fastened helmet reduces head injury in a crash and is required by law for riders and pillion passengers.

A seat, harness or booster designed for a child's size and fitted to the vehicle. It holds the child securely in a crash; children should never ride unrestrained or on an adult's lap.

The maximum permitted level of alcohol in a driver's blood or breath. Even small amounts slow reactions and judgement, so the safest rule is not to drink at all before driving.

Penalty points added to a driving record for traffic offences. If too many accumulate within a set period, the licence can be suspended, so repeated offences carry increasingly serious consequences.

Temporary withdrawal of the right to drive, ordered for serious or repeated offences or for medical reasons. Driving while suspended is itself an offence with heavier penalties.

Tiredness that slows reaction time, reduces attention and can cause a driver to fall asleep. On long mountain journeys, plan rest stops, share driving and never push on when drowsy.

A safe side-lying posture for an unconscious person who is breathing. It keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain from the mouth while you wait for emergency help to arrive.

The passage from mouth and nose to the lungs. After a crash, check that it is clear and open; an obstructed airway is an immediate threat to life, so it is checked first in first aid.

Contacting police, ambulance or rescue services after a crash. Give the exact location, number of casualties and hazards, stay on the line, and send someone to guide help to the scene.

A reflective triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down or crashed vehicle to warn approaching traffic. Put it out only when it is safe to do so, and never on a blind bend or crest.

The steps after a collision: stop, switch off the engine, warn other traffic, help the injured, call emergency services, exchange details and report the crash to police as required by law.