Cayman DVDL Driving Theory cheat sheet

The Cayman Islands drive on the left; at roundabouts traffic already circulating has priority, and you give way to the right.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers; children under 3 years must be in an approved child restraint, and children under 12 should sit in the rear.

The default speed limit in built-up areas (George Town, West Bay, Bodden Town, East End, North Side, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman settlements) is 25 mph unless signs show otherwise.

On rural roads and the Esterley Tibbetts Highway the limit is typically 40 mph; the speed limit is the maximum for ideal conditions, not a target.

Stopping distances: thinking distance = speed (mph) × 1 foot; braking distance roughly doubles with speed; total stopping distance at 30 mph is about 75 feet (23 m) on dry roads.

The two-second rule gives a safe following gap in dry conditions; double it to four seconds in rain or at night, and never tailgate.

Overtake only on the right when it is safe and legal; never overtake at pedestrian crossings, near junctions, or where a solid white line is on your side.

If you are involved in a collision causing injury or damage, stop, exchange details, and report to the nearest police station within 24 hours if no officer attends.

Drink-driving is prohibited; the legal blood alcohol limit is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.08%). Refusing a breath test is an offence.

Red circles give orders (prohibitions and restrictions); blue circles give positive instructions; triangles warn of hazards ahead.

A red octagon means STOP: come to a complete halt at the stop line, give way to traffic on the major road, and proceed only when safe.

A red inverted triangle means GIVE WAY (yield): slow down, be ready to stop, and give priority to traffic on the road you are joining.

Solid white lines along the centre of the road must not be crossed except to pass a stationary obstruction or to enter a side road.

Broken white centre lines may be crossed to overtake when safe; a double white line system means the line nearest you governs.

At a zebra (pedestrian) crossing, give way to pedestrians on the crossing; do not park within the zig-zag markings.

Traffic lights: red = stop; red and amber together = prepare to go but do not proceed; green = go if the way is clear; amber = stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

Yellow box junctions: do not enter unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and waiting for oncoming traffic.

A flashing amber light at a pelican crossing means give way to pedestrians on the crossing; proceed only when it is clear.

At an unmarked junction, give way to traffic approaching from your right; at a T-junction, traffic on the through road has priority.

When turning right, give way to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

At a roundabout, give way to traffic already on the roundabout coming from your right; signal left to exit.

Emergency vehicles with sirens or flashing blue lights have priority; pull over safely and let them pass, but do not break the law to do so.

Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have absolute priority; approach at a speed that lets you stop.

Overtaking is prohibited where a solid white line is on your side, at pedestrian crossings, and at junctions.

You must not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving; hands-free use is permitted only if you remain in full control.

At a level crossing with a barrier or warning lights, stop when the lights show or the barrier is down; never zig-zag around a barrier.

All vehicles registered in the Cayman Islands must pass an annual inspection (roadworthiness test) at a licensed inspection centre.

The inspection covers brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, horn, exhaust emissions, seat belts, and bodywork condition.

Tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference; no cuts or bulges.

Vehicle registration and insurance must be current; driving without valid insurance is an offence.

A vehicle licence (registration) must be renewed annually; a valid inspection certificate is required for renewal.

Lighting: headlights must work on dipped and main beam; brake lights, indicators, and rear reflectors must be functional.

The horn must be audible and not used between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am in a built-up area except to warn of danger.

Exhaust emissions must meet the standards set by the Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing (DVDL); excessive smoke is a fail.

A learner must hold a valid provisional licence and be supervised by a person who has held a full licence for that class for at least 3 years.

Provisional licence holders must display L-plates (red letter L on a white background) on the front and rear of the vehicle.

A provisional licence holder must not carry passengers other than the supervising driver and immediate family members, unless authorised.

The minimum age to obtain a provisional licence for a car is 17; for a motorcycle it is 16 (check current DVDL rules).

The driving test consists of a theory test and a practical test; you must pass the theory test before taking the practical.

Licence categories: A = motorcycle, B = car and light van (up to 3,500 kg), C = lorry, D = bus, E = trailer; provisional entitlement must match the vehicle.

A full licence is valid for a set period (usually until age 65 or for 10 years) and must be renewed; medical fitness may be required after age 70.

Provisional licence holders must not drive on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway or other restricted roads unless accompanied by an approved instructor.

Accumulating 12 or more penalty points within 3 years can lead to disqualification; new drivers may be disqualified at a lower threshold.