Ethiopian Driving Theory Test cheat sheet

Red octagon = STOP: come to a complete halt, yield to all traffic and pedestrians, proceed only when safe.

Red inverted triangle = YIELD: slow down, be prepared to stop, give way to traffic on the intersecting road.

Circular signs with red border = prohibitory (e.g., no entry, speed limit); blue circles = mandatory instructions.

Yellow center line separates opposing traffic; broken = passing allowed when safe, solid = no passing.

White dashed lane lines permit lane changes; solid white lines discourage or prohibit crossing.

Flashing red traffic light = stop and proceed when safe (same as stop sign); flashing yellow = proceed with caution.

Pedestrian crossing markings (zebra stripes) require drivers to yield to pedestrians on the crossing.

Warning signs are triangular with red borders (except some) and indicate hazards ahead; adjust speed accordingly.

Road markings: solid white edge line marks the right edge of the roadway; yellow edge line on left for divided highways.

At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle already in the intersection; if arriving simultaneously, yield to the right.

Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.

When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating; vehicles inside have right-of-way.

Emergency vehicles with sirens/lights on have right-of-way; pull over to the right and stop.

Pedestrians in a marked crosswalk have right-of-way; drivers must stop and wait.

Overtaking is prohibited at intersections, railway crossings, blind curves, and where solid lines exist.

Following distance: maintain at least a 2-second gap in good conditions; increase to 4+ seconds in rain or darkness.

Speed limits: default urban 30–50 km/h, rural 60–80 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise; always adjust for conditions.

Defensive driving: assume other drivers may make mistakes; scan ahead 12–15 seconds and check mirrors every 5–8 seconds.

The 'Smith System' five keys: Aim high in steering, Get the big picture, Keep your eyes moving, Leave yourself an out, Make sure they see you.

In fog, use low-beam headlights (not high beams) to reduce glare and improve visibility.

Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with water; ease off accelerator, do not brake hard, steer straight.

Seat belts reduce fatality risk by about 45% for front-seat occupants; children under 12 should sit in the back.

Avoid distractions: texting increases crash risk by 23 times; hands-free is still cognitively distracting.

Tire blowout: grip wheel firmly, ease off accelerator, do not brake abruptly, steer to a safe stop.

Night driving: reduce speed, increase following distance, and use high beams only when no oncoming traffic.

Pre-drive checks: adjust seat, mirrors, and headrest; fasten seat belt; check gear in neutral/park before starting.

Steering: hand-over-hand for sharp turns; push-pull for normal driving; never cross hands at 12 o'clock (airbag risk).

Braking: threshold braking (max force without lockup) stops shorter than cadence braking on dry pavement; ABS pumps automatically.

Parking on a hill: turn wheels toward curb when facing downhill; turn wheels away from curb when facing uphill (with curb).

Parallel parking: pull alongside front vehicle, reverse at 45°, straighten when clear, adjust distance to curb (≤30 cm).

Three-point turn: signal, check mirrors, turn wheel fully, reverse, turn opposite, drive forward to complete.

Lane change: mirror check, signal, shoulder check (blind spot), steer smoothly, cancel signal.

Downhill driving: use lower gear to control speed; avoid riding brakes to prevent overheating.

Engine oil: check level with dipstick when engine cold; change every 5,000–10,000 km or as recommended.

Tire pressure: check monthly when cold; underinflation increases fuel consumption and wear; rotate every 8,000–10,000 km.

Brake fluid: hygroscopic; replace every 2 years; low level indicates leak or worn pads.

Coolant: 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water; check level when engine cold; never open hot radiator cap.

Battery: check terminals for corrosion; clean with baking soda solution; ensure secure mounting.

Lights: check all bulbs regularly; replace burnt-out bulbs promptly; headlights should be aimed correctly.

Belts and hoses: inspect for cracks, fraying, or softness; replace as needed; timing belt per manufacturer interval.

Warning lights: red = stop immediately; amber = caution, check soon; blue/green = information.

Driving license categories: A (motorcycle), B (car), C (truck), D (bus), E (trailer); minimum age 18 for B.

Learner permit requires passing theory test; learner must be accompanied by licensed driver with 2+ years experience.

Driving without a license: fine up to 1,000 ETB and possible vehicle impoundment.

Seat belt use is mandatory for driver and front passenger; child restraints required for children under 5.

Speed limits: urban 30–50 km/h, rural 60–80 km/h; exceeding by 20+ km/h may result in license suspension.

Drunk driving: BAC limit 0.05% (0.02% for novice); penalties include fines, license suspension, imprisonment.

Accident reporting: must report to police within 24 hours if injury or death; exchange details for minor collisions.

Vehicle registration and insurance: third-party liability insurance is compulsory; carry documents at all times.

Scene safety first: park safely, turn on hazard lights, set warning triangle 50–100 m behind vehicle.

Primary survey: check responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation (ABC); call emergency services (911/907).

Control bleeding: apply direct pressure with clean cloth; elevate limb if possible; use tourniquet only as last resort.

CPR: 30 chest compressions (100–120/min, depth 5–6 cm) followed by 2 rescue breaths; continue until help arrives.

Recovery position: for unconscious but breathing casualty, place on side to maintain airway.

Do not move injured person unless immediate danger (fire, traffic); suspected spinal injury requires immobilization.

Burns: cool with running water for 10–20 minutes; do not apply ice, butter, or ointments; cover with sterile dressing.

Shock: lay person flat, elevate legs, keep warm, do not give food or drink.

Fuel-efficient driving: accelerate smoothly, maintain steady speed, avoid sudden braking; can improve economy by 20%.

Tire pressure: underinflation by 10% increases fuel consumption by ~2%; check monthly.

Reduce idling: idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting; turn off engine when parked.

Air filter: clogged filter reduces fuel economy; replace every 15,000–30,000 km.

Remove excess weight: every 50 kg extra increases fuel consumption by ~2%.

Use cruise control on highways to maintain constant speed and save fuel.

Plan routes: combine errands, avoid peak traffic, use GPS to find shortest route.

Regular maintenance: tune-ups, oil changes, and proper wheel alignment improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.