Cameroon Driving Theory (Light) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Red octagon sign

A STOP sign. You must bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the stop line, give way to all traffic, and proceed only when the road is clear.

Inverted red triangle

A GIVE WAY sign. Slow down, be ready to stop, and yield to traffic on the priority road; a complete stop is required only if traffic is approaching.

Continuous white line

A solid white centre line that must not be crossed or straddled for overtaking. It marks a section where visibility or safety makes overtaking dangerous.

Flashing amber light

At a pedestrian crossing, a flashing amber means you must give way to pedestrians already on the crossing, but you may proceed if the crossing is clear.

Yellow zigzag line

A road marking at a bus stop or school entrance. Parking or stopping on it is prohibited because it blocks access and endangers children or bus users.

Priority to the right

Default rule at an uncontrolled intersection in Cameroon: yield to any vehicle approaching from your right. Signs or markings can override this rule.

Roundabout priority

At a roundabout without priority signs, vehicles already circulating have right of way; entering drivers must yield and give way to traffic from the left.

Two-second rule

A safe following distance in dry conditions: pick a fixed point and ensure at least two seconds pass between the vehicle ahead and yours. Increase to three or four seconds in rain.

Overtaking prohibition

Overtaking is forbidden on continuous lines, at pedestrian crossings, on blind bends, at hill crests, and at railway level crossings where visibility is limited.

Built-up area speed limit

The general speed limit in towns and built-up areas is 50 km/h unless a sign states otherwise. Always reduce further near schools, markets and pedestrian areas.

POM routine

Prepare, Observe, Move: the sequence for moving off safely. Set gear and mirrors, check blind spots over the shoulder, signal, then move only when clear.

Aquaplaning response

If the steering feels light and the car floats on water, ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel straight, and do not brake hard until the tyres grip again.

Hill start technique

Apply the handbrake, select first gear, bring the clutch to the biting point, add accelerator, then release the handbrake smoothly while holding the clutch steady.

Skid correction

Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go and avoid sudden braking. For a rear-wheel skid, steer into the skid to straighten the vehicle.

Dipping headlights

Switch from main beam to dipped headlights when following within about 50 m or meeting oncoming traffic, to avoid dazzling other drivers.

PAS emergency sequence

Protect, Alert, Rescue: secure the scene with hazard lights and a warning triangle, call emergency services, then give first aid within your competence.

Warning triangle distance

Place the warning triangle at least 30 m behind the vehicle on a normal road, and further on a motorway or where visibility is poor. Never place it on a bend or crest.

Recovery position

For an unconscious but breathing casualty, roll them onto their side with the head tilted back and the airway open, then monitor breathing until help arrives.

Severe bleeding control

Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth and elevate the limb if possible. Do not remove an embedded object; press around it and seek urgent medical help.

Tyre tread minimum

The legal minimum tread depth for light vehicle tyres is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. Replace tyres before they reach this limit.

Cold tyre pressure check

Check tyre pressures when tyres are cold, at least monthly and before long trips. Under-inflation raises fuel consumption and the risk of a blowout.

Engine oil dipstick

Check the oil on a level surface with the engine cold or after five minutes off. The level must lie between the MIN and MAX marks; top up with the correct grade.

Red dashboard warning

A red warning light (oil pressure, brakes, temperature) means stop as soon as it is safe and investigate; continuing to drive can cause serious mechanical damage.

Technical inspection certificate

A periodic roadworthiness certificate for the vehicle. Driving with an expired or failed inspection is an offence and may invalidate insurance cover.

Drink-driving limit

In Cameroon the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.8 g/L (0.08%). Penalties include fines, licence suspension and imprisonment, especially for repeat offences.

Documents carried in vehicle

A valid driving licence, vehicle registration document (carte grise), valid insurance certificate and current technical inspection certificate must be produced on demand.

Seat belt obligation

Seat belts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers. Children must travel in an appropriate child restraint suitable for their height and weight.

Alcohol elimination rate

The body eliminates alcohol at roughly 0.15 g/L per hour. Coffee, cold showers and fresh air do not speed this up; only time reduces blood alcohol.

Fatigue countermeasure

The only effective cure for fatigue is to stop and rest for at least 15–20 minutes, ideally a short nap. Plan a break every two hours on long trips.

DR ABC survey

First aid primary survey: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check each in order before giving further help or starting CPR.

Eco-driving acceleration

Accelerate gently and anticipate stops, using engine braking where possible. Aggressive acceleration and braking can raise fuel consumption by 20–30%.

Engine idling

Switch off the engine during stops longer than about 30 seconds, except in moving traffic. Idling wastes fuel and increases exhaust emissions.