Finland A1 Theory Test key terms

A legally binding rule that tells road users where, how fast and in which order they may move; breaking it can lead to a fine or a driving ban.

The duty of one road user to let another pass first, for example at an unmarked junction or when joining a main road from a side road.

The right of a vehicle to proceed before others at a junction or narrow passage, usually shown by signs or by the general rule of driving on the right.

The gap a driver keeps to the vehicle ahead so there is time to stop if it brakes suddenly; at highway speed it should cover roughly two seconds of travel.

An inverted red-bordered triangle sign warning that the driver must give way to traffic on the road being entered, stopping if necessary before the junction.

A red octagonal sign requiring a complete stop at the stop line or before the junction, after which the driver may proceed only when the way is clear.

The highest speed permitted on a stretch of road, shown by a round sign with a red ring and a number, or by the general limit when no sign is posted.

The speed a driver actually chooses, which must stay within the posted limit but also suit visibility, road surface, traffic and weather at that moment.

A solid white line along the centre or edge of the carriageway that must not be crossed; it marks places where overtaking or lane changing is too dangerous.

One of the marked strips into which a carriageway is divided, along which a single line of vehicles travels in the same direction.

Moving a vehicle from one lane to another, which requires checking mirrors and blind spots, signalling in good time and giving way to traffic already in that lane.

The area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors; a shoulder check or mirror adjustment is needed before changing lane or pulling out.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction; it is allowed only when visibility, road markings and oncoming traffic make it safe.

The delay between a driver noticing a hazard and actually pressing the brake, typically about one second and longer when tired or distracted.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment braking begins until it stops; it grows with the square of speed and is longer on wet or icy surfaces.

The friction between tyre and road that allows steering, braking and acceleration; it falls sharply on ice, wet leaves or loose gravel.

A tyre designed for cold weather with a tread pattern and rubber compound that keep grip on snow and ice; Finnish law requires them in winter conditions.

The state of weather and road surface at a given time, such as rain, fog, snow or black ice, which the driver must take into account when choosing speed.

Conditions in which the road surface offers unusually little grip, for example after freezing rain or on packed snow, requiring lower speed and gentler steering and braking.

Loss of contact between tyre and road when a layer of water builds up under the tyre at speed, making steering and braking feel light and unresponsive.

The belt that holds occupants in their seats during a collision; its use is compulsory for the driver and all passengers where belts are fitted.

An airbag that inflates in a serious crash to cushion the occupant; it works together with the seat belt and is not a substitute for it.

A child restraint suited to the child's size and weight, required for small children and fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions, preferably on a rear seat.

The lamps that make a vehicle visible and light the road ahead; they must be used in poor visibility and in tunnels, and dipped beams are required at night.

The high beam that lights a long stretch of road; it must be dimmed when meeting or following other vehicles to avoid dazzling them.

Temporary blinding of a driver by bright light such as oncoming high beams, low sun or wet-road glare, which reduces the ability to see the road.

A signal light controlling traffic: red means stop, yellow warns of a change and green permits movement if the way is clear and the junction can be cleared.

A marked crossing place for pedestrians, where drivers must give way to people crossing or about to step onto it and must not stop on it.

A person travelling on foot, including someone pushing a bicycle or using a wheelchair; pedestrians generally use pavements and cross at marked crossings.

A road user on a bicycle, usually riding on the cycle path or the right-hand edge of the carriageway and obliged to follow the same traffic signals as vehicles.

Alcohol and other substances that impair judgement, reaction time and coordination; driving under their influence is an offence and a major crash risk.

A driver's physical and mental capacity to drive safely, which can be reduced by illness, medication, fatigue, stress or alcohol and must be honestly assessed.

Tiredness that slows reactions and can cause brief lapses of attention or falling asleep at the wheel; the remedy is to stop and rest, not to push on.

A crash or collision involving road users that causes injury or damage; those involved must stop, help and report it as required by law.

The immediate help given to an injured person before professional care arrives, such as stopping bleeding, keeping them warm and not moving them unnecessarily.

The call made to the emergency number 112 to request help, stating clearly where the incident is, what happened and how many people are hurt.

The periodic official inspection that checks a vehicle's roadworthiness, brakes, lights and emissions; driving without a valid inspection can lead to penalties.

The mechanical state of a vehicle, including brakes, tyres, steering and lights; the driver is responsible for checking it before and during a journey.

The rear-view and side mirrors that show traffic behind and beside the vehicle; they must be correctly adjusted and checked before manoeuvres.