Subject 1 (Small Car C1/C2) key terms

The legal priority one road user has over another at a given place and moment, set by signals, signs, markings, or default rules such as yielding to traffic already in the intersection.

To slow or stop and let another road user pass before you proceed, required at yield signs, when merging, when turning across oncoming traffic, and when entering a road from a driveway or parking area.

The default Chinese rule that vehicles keep to the right side of the road; where no markings or signs set priority, the vehicle on the right generally has the right-of-way at unmarked intersections.

A junction with no traffic lights, signs, or markings assigning priority, where drivers must slow down, look in all directions, and apply default yielding rules before entering.

A solid white transverse line across a lane showing the point where a vehicle must stop for a red light, stop sign, or pedestrian crossing; stopping beyond it is an offence.

White parallel stripes across the roadway marking a pedestrian crossing; drivers must slow down, stop for pedestrians on it, and never park or overtake within the marked area.

The rule that pedestrians on a crossing or about to enter one have the right-of-way, so drivers must stop before the line and wait until they have completely passed.

A continuous line along the middle of the road that may not be crossed or straddled by vehicles, marking sections where overtaking and lane changes across it are prohibited.

A dashed line dividing traffic directions that may be crossed when it is safe, for example to overtake or turn, provided the manoeuvre is legal and does not endanger others.

A painted arrow in a lane showing the permitted direction of travel, such as straight, left, or right; drivers must follow the arrow of the lane they are in.

The sequence of red, green, and yellow indications controlling traffic; green permits movement, yellow warns that the signal is changing, and red requires a stop before the line.

A signal warning drivers to slow down and proceed with caution, checking for crossing traffic and pedestrians, unlike a steady yellow which announces an approaching red.

The indicator lamp used to announce a lane change, turn, pull-out, or stop; it must be switched on in good time, and cancelled after the manoeuvre is complete.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show; drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lanes, and must avoid lingering beside other vehicles' blind spots.

Moving from one marked lane to an adjacent one after signalling, checking mirrors and blind spots, and confirming there is a safe gap without forcing others to brake.

A legal restriction on passing another vehicle, typically at solid lines, crossings, sharp bends, tunnels, bridges, railway crossings, and intersections where visibility or space is limited.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, increased with speed and poor conditions; a common guide is at least two seconds in good weather and more when wet or dark.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops; it grows with the square of speed and is longer on wet, icy, or worn surfaces.

A system that rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up, letting the driver keep steering during hard braking; the pedal may pulse underfoot.

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

A loss of grip when tyres ride on a film of water at speed in heavy rain; the driver should slow down, avoid sudden braking or steering, and let the tyres regain contact.

A style of driving that anticipates other road users' mistakes, keeps space and visibility, and avoids unnecessary risk rather than relying on others to obey the rules.

Driving while tired or sleepy, which slows reaction and judgement; drivers should rest before long trips and stop at a safe place at the first signs of drowsiness.

Operating a vehicle while attention is taken by a phone, screen, food, or passengers; it is prohibited and sharply raises crash risk because reaction time and lane control suffer.

The rule that the driver and all passengers must wear seat belts where fitted; children must use appropriate restraints, and the driver is responsible for ensuring compliance.

A certified child seat or booster suited to the child's size and weight, fitted in the rear where possible, never in front of an active passenger airbag.

Vehicle features that reduce injury in a crash rather than prevent it, such as seat belts, airbags, crumple zones, and head restraints.

The quick check before moving off: tyres and pressures, lights, mirrors, wipers, fluid levels, and that doors are shut and the way around the vehicle is clear.

The air pressure inside a tyre, checked cold against the manufacturer's figure; too low causes heat, wear and poor handling, too high reduces grip and comfort.

The depth of grooves in the tyre surface that clears water; worn tread causes longer stopping distances and hydroplaning, so tyres must be replaced at the legal minimum.

A reflective triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic, set out at a safe distance and further back on fast roads or in poor visibility.

The four-directional flashers used to signal a breakdown, sudden slow traffic, or an emergency stop, warning others before the driver leaves the vehicle.

The lane on the far right of an expressway reserved for breakdowns and emergency services; driving or parking in it without a genuine emergency is prohibited.

Penalty points recorded against a driver for traffic offences; accumulating the limit within the prescribed period leads to licence suspension and further testing or training.

Temporary withdrawal of driving privileges by the authorities for serious offences, accumulated points, or medical grounds; driving during suspension is itself an offence.

Any act that breaks road traffic law, such as speeding, running a red light, drink driving, or driving without a licence, and that carries fines, points, or other penalties.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol concentration for drivers; exceeding it is an offence, and penalties escalate sharply for repeat or serious cases.