Ghana DVLA Theory Test key terms

A sign that orders drivers to do something or forbids something, such as a speed limit or a no-entry sign. Ignoring one is a traffic offence.

A sign, usually a triangle with a red border, that tells drivers about a hazard ahead such as a sharp bend, junction, school or road works, so they can slow down.

A round blue sign giving a positive instruction, for example turn left ahead or keep left. Drivers must follow the direction it shows.

A sign that gives helpful guidance rather than a command, such as directions to a town, hospital or petrol station, or the name of the road ahead.

An octagonal red sign with white letters. The driver must come to a complete halt at the stop line, check that the road is clear, then go.

An upside-down triangle sign telling the driver to slow down and let traffic on the main road pass before joining or crossing it.

Coloured lights that control traffic at junctions and crossings. Red means stop, green means go if the way is clear, and amber warns that the signal is changing.

A signal warning drivers to go ahead carefully, often found at a pedestrian crossing or where the traffic lights are switched off or out of order.

A movement of the arm used by a driver, rider or police officer to show turning, slowing or stopping, especially when indicators fail or cannot be seen.

A dashed line separating lanes or marking the centre of the road. It may be crossed to overtake or change lane when it is safe to do so.

An unbroken line that drivers must not cross, except to pass a parked or broken-down vehicle or when a police officer directs them to.

Two yellow lines painted along the edge of the road showing that parking is not allowed at any time, even for a short stop.

A solid white line across the lane at a junction or crossing. A driver must stop before it when a sign, a light or a police officer requires it.

A pedestrian crossing marked with wide black and white stripes. People on the crossing have priority, so drivers must slow down and stop for them.

A junction area marked with yellow criss-cross lines. A driver must not enter it unless the exit is clear, so that traffic does not block the junction.

The right of a road user to move first. In Ghana traffic keeps to the right, and priority is decided by signs, signals, markings and who is already on the road.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. In Ghana it is normally done on the left, only where markings allow and the road ahead is clear.

A simple way to judge a safe gap: after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, you should not reach that point in under two seconds. Allow more in rain or darkness.

A circular junction where traffic already on the circle usually has priority, so drivers entering must give way and signal before they leave.

The highest speed allowed on a road, set by law or shown on signs. It applies in good conditions only; drivers must go slower in rain, darkness or heavy traffic.

Following another vehicle too closely, so there is no time to stop if it brakes suddenly. It is a common cause of rear-end crashes.

An ambulance, fire engine or police vehicle showing flashing lights or sounding a siren. Other drivers should move aside and let it pass safely.

An official document showing that a vehicle has passed the required safety inspection of brakes, lights, tyres, steering and body condition. It must be current.

The minimum cover required by law. It pays for injury or damage the driver causes to other people and their property, but not for the driver's own vehicle.

An official permit showing that the holder is qualified to drive a particular class of vehicle. Driving without a valid licence or in the wrong class is an offence.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre. Enough tread lets the tyre grip the road and clear water; worn tyres lengthen stopping distance and cause skids.

The padded support behind a person's head. Set at about ear height, it limits how far the head snaps back in a crash and so reduces neck injury.

A reflective triangle carried in the vehicle and placed well behind it after a breakdown, so that approaching drivers see the stopped vehicle in good time.

Driving so as to avoid crashes even when other people make mistakes: looking well ahead, keeping space around the vehicle and being ready to slow or stop.

Anything on or near the road that may make a driver change speed or direction, such as a pothole, parked car, animal, cyclist or pedestrian.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver sees a hazard until it stops: thinking distance plus braking distance. It rises sharply with speed.

When tyres ride on a layer of water instead of the road, so steering and braking stop working. The driver should ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden moves.

A loss of grip that makes the vehicle slide. The driver should release hard braking, look and steer where they want to go, and avoid jerky movements until grip returns.

The area beside and behind the vehicle that the mirrors do not show. Drivers should turn their head to check it before changing lane or pulling out.

Tiredness that slows reactions, dulls judgement and can make a driver fall asleep at the wheel. The only real cure is to stop somewhere safe and rest.

All four indicators flashing together to warn others of a breakdown, sudden slowing or danger ahead. They are not a licence to park anywhere.

Driving after drinking alcohol, which slows reactions and blurs judgement. It is illegal above the legal alcohol limit, and the safest limit is none at all.

What to do when a vehicle fails: move it off the road, switch on the hazard lights, place a warning triangle, and get everyone to safety away from traffic.