Ethiopian Driving Theory Test key terms

The legal priority one road user has to proceed ahead of another at a junction, crossing, or narrow passage. It is usually decided by signs, signals, road markings, or the order in which vehicles arrive.

To slow or stop and let other traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians pass before you continue. A yield obligation is shown by an inverted triangle sign, road markings, or the general rules at junctions.

A solid white line painted across a lane that marks where a vehicle must halt at a stop sign, traffic light, or pedestrian crossing. The whole vehicle should stay behind it while stopped.

An octagonal red sign with white lettering that requires a complete halt at the line or junction. The driver must check that the way is clear before moving off, even if no other traffic is visible.

Coloured lights controlling movement at junctions and crossings: red means stop, green means proceed if safe, and amber warns that the signal is changing. Flashing or arrow signals give extra directions.

A marked section of road where people on foot have priority to cross. Drivers must approach at reduced speed, be ready to stop, and never overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crossing.

A junction with no signs, signals, or markings directing priority. Drivers must slow down, look in all directions, and yield to traffic already in the junction or approaching from the right where local rules require it.

A circular junction where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. Entering vehicles normally yield to traffic already circulating, and drivers signal before leaving at their chosen exit.

The maximum legal speed permitted on a given road, set by posted signs or by general law. Drivers must also reduce speed below the limit when visibility, weather, road surface, or traffic make the posted speed unsafe.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so there is time to stop if it brakes suddenly. A common guide is at least two seconds in good conditions and more when the road is wet, dark, or busy.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It grows with speed and is much longer on wet, loose, or downhill surfaces.

Loss of tyre grip that makes the vehicle slide instead of following the steering. It is caused by harsh braking, sudden steering, or slippery surfaces, and is corrected by easing off and steering smoothly.

A condition where a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road so they lose contact and grip. Steering and braking become ineffective until speed drops and the tyres press through the water again.

A style of driving that anticipates hazards and the mistakes of others rather than reacting late. It includes scanning ahead, keeping space, controlling speed, and always having an escape route.

An area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors or by looking ahead. Drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lane, and should avoid lingering in another vehicle's blind spot.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors to monitor traffic behind and beside the vehicle. It should be done before signalling, braking, turning, overtaking, or opening a door.

Moving from one marked lane to another. It requires checking mirrors and the blind spot, signalling in good time, matching the speed of traffic in the new lane, and moving only when it is clear.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. It must be done only where permitted, with clear visibility and enough road, and never at crossings, bends, or where a solid line forbids it.

A continuous painted line along the centre or edge of the road that must not be crossed. It marks places where overtaking or changing lane is unsafe, such as bends, crests, and junctions.

A dashed painted line that may be crossed when it is safe to do so. It separates lanes or marks the centre of the road where overtaking is allowed with proper care.

Painted lines, arrows, words, and symbols on the road surface that guide and regulate traffic. They carry the same authority as signs and must be obeyed even when no sign is present.

A sign, usually triangular with a red border, that alerts drivers to a hazard ahead such as a bend, steep hill, crossing, or narrow road. It calls for reduced speed and increased attention.

A sign that imposes a legal requirement or prohibition, such as a speed limit, no entry, or compulsory direction. Ignoring one is a traffic offence and may attract a fine or penalty points.

Any act that breaks a traffic law, such as speeding, driving without a licence, or ignoring a signal. Offences can lead to fines, licence suspension, penalty points, or imprisonment depending on severity.

The official document permitting a person to drive a specified class of vehicle. It must be valid, carried while driving, and matched to the vehicle type being driven.

Marks added to a driver's record for certain traffic offences. Accumulating enough points within a set period can lead to licence suspension or revocation and higher insurance costs.

Cover that pays for injury or damage the insured driver causes to other people or their property. It is commonly the minimum cover required by law before a vehicle may be used on public roads.

A mechanical brake that locks the rear wheels to keep a parked vehicle from rolling. It should be applied whenever the vehicle is left, especially on a slope, together with a suitable gear or park position.

Leaving a vehicle on a slope so it cannot roll away. Turn the wheels toward the kerb or into the slope, apply the handbrake firmly, and select a low gear or park position.

Using the clutch pedal smoothly to manage power delivery at low speed, as in starting off, reversing, or creeping in traffic. Poor control causes stalling or jerky movement.

When an engine stops running unintentionally, usually from releasing the clutch too quickly or braking without declutching. The driver must restart safely and check traffic before moving off again.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre's rubber, which channel water away and maintain grip. Worn tread lengthens stopping distance and raises the risk of aquaplaning and blowouts.

The amount of air inside a tyre, measured in bar or psi and set by the manufacturer. Incorrect pressure harms grip, fuel use, and tyre life, so it should be checked regularly when tyres are cold.

Lubricant that reduces friction and carries heat away from moving engine parts. Its level should be checked with the dipstick when the engine is cool and topped up to the marked range.

A fluid that circulates through the engine to absorb and release heat. Low coolant can cause dangerous overheating, so the level is checked in the reservoir and topped up only when the engine is cold.

A symbol on the dashboard that alerts the driver to a fault or condition, such as low oil pressure, overheating, or a charging problem. A red light usually means stop and investigate safely.

A strap that restrains occupants in their seats to reduce injury in a crash. It must be worn by the driver and passengers where fitted, and children need suitable restraints.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives. At a crash scene it includes making the area safe, checking responsiveness and breathing, and calling emergency services.

A safe side-lying posture for an unconscious person who is breathing, which keeps the airway open and prevents choking. It is used only after checking breathing and when spinal injury is not suspected.

Getting the most distance from each litre of fuel through smooth driving, correct tyre pressure, timely gear changes, and avoiding unnecessary idling or heavy loads. It lowers cost and emissions.

Driving habits that cut fuel use and pollution, such as accelerating gently, anticipating traffic to avoid hard braking, keeping speed steady, and switching off the engine when stationary for long periods.

Leaving an engine running while the vehicle is not moving. It wastes fuel, adds emissions and noise, and is unnecessary during long waits, so the engine should be switched off where it is safe.