Cyprus Driving Theory Test key terms

The rule that decides which road user may proceed first at a junction, crossing or narrowing. In Cyprus traffic generally coming from the right has priority unless signs, signals or markings say otherwise.

The gap a driver keeps behind the vehicle ahead so there is time to stop if it brakes suddenly. It grows with speed and in rain, and is often measured with the two-second rule.

The moment between noticing a hazard and actually pressing the brake, usually around one second. The vehicle keeps travelling during this time, so it adds to the total stopping distance.

The total distance covered from seeing a hazard until the vehicle is fully stopped. It combines the distance travelled during reaction time with the braking distance, and increases sharply with speed.

A marked part of the road where pedestrians cross and have priority once they have stepped onto it. Drivers must slow down on approach and give way, and must not park on or block it.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes painted across the carriageway. Its stripes make the crossing visible from a distance, and stopping or overtaking on it is prohibited.

An octagonal red sign with the word STOP in white. A driver must come to a complete halt at the stop line and give way to traffic before moving off, even when the road looks clear.

An inverted red-and-white triangle telling the driver to yield to traffic on the road being joined. Unlike a stop sign it does not require a full stop unless traffic or visibility makes one necessary.

A circular sign, usually red-bordered, that forbids a specific action such as entering, turning, overtaking or exceeding a stated speed. It applies until cancelled by another sign or a junction.

A circular red-bordered sign showing the maximum permitted speed in kilometres per hour. The limit applies from the sign onward until a different limit or the end of the restriction is signed.

A junction where traffic circulates around a central island, usually anticlockwise in Cyprus. Drivers entering must give way to traffic already on the circle unless signs indicate otherwise.

A dashed white road marking that may be crossed when it is safe to do so, for example when overtaking or changing lane. A continuous solid line alongside it must not be crossed.

A solid white line along the centre or edge of the road that must not be crossed or straddled. It marks places where overtaking or lane changing would be dangerous, such as bends or hill crests.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction. It is allowed only when visibility, markings and space make it safe, and is forbidden at crossings, on bends and where signs prohibit it.

The area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. Mirrors must be adjusted and a shoulder check made before changing lane, since a vehicle may be hidden there.

A reflective device fitted to the vehicle so the driver can see behind and to the sides. Mirrors must be present, unbroken and correctly adjusted, and are checked as part of the vehicle inspection.

A strap that restrains occupants in a collision. It is compulsory for the driver and passengers where fitted, and children must use an appropriate child restraint system.

Protective headgear that motorcyclists and their passengers must wear and fasten while riding. It reduces head injury in a fall and must meet the approved standard.

A seat or booster designed for a child's size and fitted to the vehicle. Small children must travel in one, correctly installed and suited to their height and weight.

Driving faster than the posted limit or faster than conditions allow. It shortens reaction time, lengthens stopping distance and is a leading cause of serious collisions.

The material of the carriageway, such as asphalt or concrete. Wet, icy or loose surfaces reduce grip, so speed must be lowered and braking done more gently.

Loss of grip when a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road. Steering and braking stop responding, so the driver should ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs.

The grooved rubber pattern on the tyre that channels water away and maintains contact with the road. Legal minimum depth applies, and worn tread greatly increases aquaplaning risk.

The air pressure inside each tyre, checked cold against the manufacturer's figures. Wrong pressure harms grip, fuel use and tyre life, and should be checked regularly.

The main forward lights of the vehicle. They must be used at night and in poor visibility, switched from full beam to dipped when meeting or following other traffic.

Extra rear or front lights for very poor visibility. Rear fog lights must be switched off once visibility improves, otherwise they dazzle following drivers.

The system that slows and stops the vehicle. Brakes must be tested and kept in good order; a spongy pedal, pulling or unusual noise means the vehicle should not be driven.

The periodic official inspection of a vehicle's brakes, lights, tyres, steering, emissions and body. A valid certificate is required to keep the vehicle legally on the road.

The document authorising a person to drive a stated category of vehicle. It must be valid, carried or produced when required, and held for the correct category.

The class of vehicle a licence covers, such as motorcycle, car or lorry. Driving outside the categories shown on the licence is an offence and may invalidate insurance.

The distinctive plates a learner driver must display while practising on public roads. They warn other road users and must be removed once the full licence is held.

The official document recording a vehicle's identity, owner and technical details. It must be kept up to date when ownership or address changes and produced on request.

A contract that covers liability for damage or injury caused while driving. At least third-party cover is compulsory, and driving without valid cover is a serious offence.

The document issued after a vehicle passes the official inspection. It shows the vehicle met the required safety and emissions standards on the date of the test.

Lines, arrows and symbols painted on the road that guide and regulate traffic. They work together with signs and signals and must be obeyed like them.

A police officer directing traffic by hand and whistle. Their signals override signs, markings and traffic lights, so drivers must obey them immediately.

A signal using red, amber and green lights to control traffic. Red means stop, green means go only if the way is clear, and amber warns that the light is about to change.

A two-wheeled motor vehicle. Riders need the correct licence category, must wear a helmet, use lights at night and take extra care because they are harder for other drivers to see.