Subject 1 (Small Car C1/C2) cheat sheet

Right-hand traffic applies: keep to the right side of the road unless overtaking, turning left, or avoiding an obstacle.

Speed limits are posted as maximums for good conditions; drivers must reduce speed in rain, fog, snow, ice, night, or heavy traffic so as to stop within visible distance.

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, railway crossings, intersections (except on priority roads where permitted), on curves, slopes, bridges, tunnels, and where visibility is limited.

A driver must yield to pedestrians already on a marked crossing and must not stop or park on a crossing or within the marked approach zone.

Following distance rule: at least the distance covered in 2 seconds at current speed; increase to 3+ seconds on wet roads or when following large vehicles.

Seat belts are mandatory for driver and all passengers where fitted; children under the height/age threshold must use an approved child restraint in the rear seat.

Parking is prohibited within 5 m of a crosswalk, intersection, bus stop, fire hydrant, or tunnel entrance; on hills, wheels must be turned toward the curb.

Lane discipline: signal before changing lanes, check mirrors and blind spot, and do not straddle lane lines; continuous solid lines may not be crossed.

Signal priority order: police/traffic officer hand signals override traffic lights, which override road markings, which override signs.

Circular signals: red = stop before the stop line; yellow = stop unless stopping is unsafe; green = proceed if the exit is clear.

Flashing yellow means proceed with caution; flashing red means stop, then proceed when safe.

Solid white line: no lane change or crossing; broken white line: lane change permitted when safe; double solid yellow: no crossing in either direction.

Warning signs are triangles with red borders; prohibitory signs are red circles; mandatory signs are blue circles; information signs are blue or green rectangles.

A yellow diamond sign marks a priority road; an inverted red-bordered triangle means yield to traffic on the intersecting road.

A stop line, crosswalk stripes, and hatched (chevron) areas must not be entered or parked on; hatched areas separate opposing or diverging traffic.

Railway crossing with barriers: stop when the barrier is moving or closed, the bell rings, or the red light flashes; never overtake at a crossing.

Defensive driving sequence: observe ahead 12-15 seconds, maintain space cushion on all sides, and always have an escape route.

Do not drive when impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or strong emotion; fatigue signs include yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting, and missed signs.

Use the horn only to warn of danger, never in built-up areas where prohibited, and never to express annoyance.

At night, switch from high beam to low beam when meeting oncoming traffic, following within 150 m, or in fog, rain, or built-up areas.

Courtesy rules: yield to emergency vehicles with sirens/lights, give way to buses leaving stops where required, and do not splash pedestrians.

Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited except with a hands-free device where legally permitted; texting and video viewing are always prohibited.

When passing cyclists, leave at least 1 m clearance in town and 1.5 m outside built-up areas; check the door zone before opening a car door.

Pre-drive cockpit drill: seat position, mirrors, seat belt, gear in neutral/park, handbrake on, then start the engine.

Manual gear selection: 1st for starting and steep climbs, 2nd-3rd for town driving, top gear for steady cruising to reduce fuel use and wear.

Engine braking on long descents: select a lower gear and avoid continuous braking, which can overheat and fade the brakes.

Steering: hold the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock, use push-pull steering, and never cross hands or grip the inside of the rim.

Hill start: clutch to biting point, add slight throttle, release handbrake smoothly; on steep grades use the handbrake to prevent rollback.

Skid control: ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go; do not brake hard during a skid.

ABS during emergency braking: press the pedal firmly and hold it; do not pump the pedal, and steer around the hazard.

Tire tread minimum: 1.6 mm in the main grooves; check pressure cold monthly and before long trips; replace tires showing cracks, bulges, or cord exposure.

Engine oil: check on level ground with the engine off and cool; level must sit between the MIN and MAX marks; change per manufacturer interval.

Coolant: check only when the engine is cold; never open the radiator cap on a hot engine because of scalding risk.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time; replace per interval and never top up with a different grade; a spongy pedal signals air in the system.

Battery: check terminal corrosion and electrolyte level on serviceable types; dim lights and slow cranking indicate a weak battery.

Lighting and signals: verify headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and license plate lamp before each trip.

Dashboard warning lights in red (oil pressure, coolant temperature, brake, battery) require stopping safely and investigating; amber lights require prompt service.

At an accident: stop immediately, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle 50 m behind the vehicle (150 m on highways), and call emergency services.

Do not move an injured person unless there is fire, explosion, or traffic danger; keep them warm and still, and monitor breathing.

First aid priority: airway, breathing, circulation; control bleeding with direct pressure; do not remove a helmet from a motorcyclist unless breathing is obstructed.

Never give food or drink to an injured person; do not remove penetrating objects from a wound.

In a fire: switch off the ignition, evacuate upwind, and use a fire extinguisher only on a small, contained fire.

Report the accident to police within the legally required time and exchange names, license numbers, plate numbers, and insurance details.

If your vehicle breaks down on a highway, move to the shoulder, exit on the safe side, and stand behind the barrier away from traffic.

Flooded road: do not enter moving water; if stalled in rising water, unbuckle, open or break a window, and exit toward higher ground.

Demerit points accumulate against a driver's license record; reaching the threshold within the prescribed period triggers suspension and retraining requirements.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense carrying heavy fines, license suspension or revocation, and possible imprisonment.

Hit-and-run (failing to stop after an accident) escalates from an administrative offense to a criminal offense.

Driving without a valid license, or with a license of the wrong class for the vehicle, is punishable by fine and possible vehicle detention.

Repeat and aggravated offenses (speeding far above the limit, racing, red-light running) carry higher penalties and longer suspension.

Vehicle owner liability: the registered owner may be held responsible for offenses detected by camera unless the actual driver is identified.

Insurance: compulsory third-party liability covers injury to others; comprehensive cover adds own-vehicle damage and theft, subject to policy terms.