Dominica Driving Test key terms

A red octagonal sign bearing the word STOP. A driver must bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the marked line or before entering the intersection, then proceed only when it is safe.

An inverted triangular sign, red-bordered and white-centred, telling the driver to slow down and give way to traffic on the intersecting road, stopping only if necessary.

Any sign that states a legal requirement or prohibition, such as a speed limit, no-entry or no-parking sign. Disobeying a regulatory sign is a traffic offence.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign that alerts drivers in advance to a hazard ahead, such as a sharp bend, steep hill, narrow bridge or pedestrian crossing, so they can adjust speed.

A large arrow sign placed on the outside of a sharp curve, showing the direction of the bend at night or in poor visibility so drivers do not run off the road.

A circular regulatory sign showing the maximum legal speed in kilometres per hour for that stretch of road. Exceeding it is an offence regardless of traffic conditions.

A recommended maximum speed shown on a yellow warning sign for a hazard such as a bend or junction. It is a safe-guidance figure rather than a legally enforced limit.

A solid white line painted across the lane at a junction or pedestrian crossing. Vehicles must halt behind it and not cross it while a stop is required.

A dashed white or yellow line dividing opposing lanes. Drivers may cross it to overtake or turn when it is safe, provided they can see far enough ahead.

A continuous line down the middle of the road that drivers must not cross except to avoid an obstruction or enter a driveway, because visibility or traffic makes overtaking unsafe.

A marked section of road, often with white stripes and signs, set aside for people on foot. Drivers must slow, give way to pedestrians on it and never stop on it.

The red, amber and green lights controlling traffic. Red means stop, green means proceed if clear, and amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so because you are too close.

The legal priority one road user has over another at a junction, crossing or narrow passage. It must be given, never taken, and is confirmed by signs, markings or the standard rules.

A road whose traffic has the right to proceed first at junctions. Vehicles entering from side roads or driveways must give way to traffic already on the priority road.

A circular junction where traffic travels in one direction around a central island. Entering drivers give way to traffic already circulating, usually approaching from the left in Dominica.

Passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction. It is permitted only where markings and visibility allow, and never at blind bends, hill crests or pedestrian crossings.

The gap kept between your vehicle and the one ahead. At least two seconds in good conditions, increased in rain, at night or when following large vehicles that block your view.

A simple method of judging a safe following gap: watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed point and count two seconds before your own vehicle reaches it.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver realises a hazard exists until it comes to rest, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance.

A style of driving that anticipates other people's mistakes, keeps escape space around the vehicle and avoids relying on other road users to behave correctly.

The area beside and behind a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lane, merging or pulling away.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors before slowing, turning, changing lane or opening a door, to confirm what traffic is behind and beside the vehicle.

Using indicators or hand signals to tell other road users what you intend to do. Signal early, in good time, and cancel it once the manoeuvre is complete.

Loss of tyre grip on the road surface, often caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly on a wet or loose surface. Ease off and steer gently to recover.

When a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road so they lose contact and grip. Ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking and hold the steering steady until grip returns.

A restraint strap that holds occupants in their seats during a collision. Drivers and front and rear passengers must wear one where fitted, and children need an appropriate restraint.

A specially designed seat or booster for a young child, matched to the child's size and weight, that holds them securely and prevents injury in sudden braking or a crash.

A hard protective head covering worn by motorcyclists and their passengers. A properly fastened approved helmet greatly reduces the risk of fatal head injury.

A road user with little or no physical protection, such as a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist. Drivers must give them extra space and time, especially at crossings.

A quick inspection before driving covering tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes, fluid levels and the area around the vehicle, to catch faults before they cause a breakdown or crash.

The thickness of the rubber pattern on a tyre. Worn tread loses grip, especially in rain. Check regularly and replace tyres once tread reaches the legal minimum.

The amount of air inside a tyre, measured in psi or bar. Correct pressure, checked when tyres are cold, gives proper grip, even wear and safe braking.

The padded support at the top of a seat that limits how far the head snaps backward in a rear-end collision, helping to prevent neck and spine injury.

The amount of alcohol in a person's blood, usually expressed in milligrams per 100 millilitres. Driving above the legal limit, or with any alcohol for some drivers, is an offence.

A roadside check in which a driver blows into an approved device to measure alcohol in the breath. Refusing to provide a sample is itself an offence.

Any reduction in the ability to drive safely caused by alcohol, drugs, illness, fatigue or medication. An impaired driver must not drive, even if under a legal limit.

Tiredness that slows reactions, reduces attention and can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel. Take breaks on long trips and stop driving when drowsy.

A provisional licence allowing a person to learn to drive under stated conditions, such as carrying a qualified supervising driver and displaying learner plates.

The official document, issued after passing the required tests, that authorises a person to drive a stated class of vehicle on public roads.

The official record linking a vehicle to its owner and a registration number. A valid registration and number plate must be kept on the vehicle and renewed as required.

Proof that a vehicle carries at least the minimum third-party insurance required by law. Drivers must be able to produce it when asked by police or at a licence check.