Gibraltar Theory Test key terms

The continuous process of watching the road, mirrors and surroundings while driving so that changes in traffic, road layout or hazards are noticed early enough to act safely.

Reflective devices fitted to the sides and interior of a vehicle that show traffic behind and beside you; they must be checked before signalling, changing speed or changing direction.

An area around the vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors or by direct glance ahead; a shoulder check or careful positioning is needed before moving into it.

Using indicators, brake lights or arm signals to tell other road users what you intend to do; signals must be timely, clear and cancelled after the manoeuvre.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, kept large enough to stop safely if traffic slows suddenly; it should increase in rain, at night or at higher speeds.

A simple guide to following distance: after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, you should not reach that point in less than two seconds in good, dry conditions.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver realises a hazard exists until it comes to a complete stop, including thinking and braking distance.

The distance travelled while the driver reacts to a hazard before the brakes are applied; it grows with speed and is longer when the driver is tired, distracted or unwell.

The distance covered from the moment the brakes take effect until the vehicle stops; it increases on wet, icy or loose surfaces and with worn tyres or brakes.

Extra space or time allowed around the vehicle so that unexpected events can be handled without emergency action; it covers distance, speed and positioning.

Loss of grip between the tyres and the road, often caused by braking, steering or accelerating too harshly on a slippery surface; grip is regained by easing off smoothly.

When a layer of water builds between the tyres and the road so the tyres lose contact with the surface; steering and braking become ineffective until speed is reduced.

The grip between the tyres and the road surface that allows the vehicle to accelerate, steer and brake; it is reduced by water, ice, mud, gravel and worn tread.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre; adequate tread channels water away and maintains grip, and tyres below the legal minimum must not be used on the road.

The amount of air inside a tyre, measured when cold; incorrect pressure affects grip, steering, braking and fuel use, and should be checked regularly against the manufacturer's figures.

The skill of recognising developing hazards early, such as a child near the kerb or a car edging out, and responding in good time rather than reacting at the last moment.

A situation that is beginning to require action from the driver, such as a parked car whose brake lights come on or a pedestrian approaching a crossing.

A road user at greater risk of injury in a collision, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders, children and older people; they need extra time and space.

Driving so that you anticipate other people's mistakes and keep a safe margin, rather than assuming everyone will obey the rules or behave predictably.

Driving too close behind another vehicle, which removes the time and space needed to stop and can intimidate the driver ahead; drop back to restore a safe gap.

Aggressive behaviour by a driver or other road user, such as shouting, gesturing or deliberately driving dangerously; the safest response is to stay calm and avoid confrontation.

Considerate behaviour towards other road users, such as giving way where safe, thanking someone who lets you pass, or not blocking junctions; it keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

The maximum legal speed for a road, shown by signs or by street lighting and road type; it is a ceiling, not a target, and lower speeds may be necessary in the conditions.

Judging and adjusting speed to suit the road, weather, visibility and traffic, rather than simply keeping to the posted limit; it is central to safe driving.

A restraint that holds occupants in their seats during a collision; it must be worn where fitted, and children must use the correct restraint for their height and weight.

A seat, booster or harness designed for a child's size, which must be used in line with legal requirements and the manufacturer's instructions to protect the child in a crash.

Features that protect occupants during a collision, such as seat belts, airbags and crumple zones, as opposed to active safety features that help prevent a crash.

Vehicle systems and design features that help avoid a collision, such as good brakes, tyres, lights, steering and stability aids, rather than protecting people once a crash occurs.

A sudden loss of tyre pressure while driving, often caused by damage or overheating; the driver should grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and avoid harsh braking.

Weather that reduces visibility sharply; drivers should slow down, use dipped headlights and fog lights when appropriate, and increase the gap to the vehicle ahead.

How far and how clearly a driver can see ahead and around; it is reduced by fog, rain, darkness, glare and bends, and speed must be adjusted to match it.

A place where roads meet or cross; approaching drivers should slow, observe carefully, use mirrors and signals, and give way as required by signs, markings or priority rules.

A circular junction where traffic usually gives way to vehicles already on the roundabout; lane choice, mirrors and signals must be used correctly on approach and exit.

A marked place where pedestrians have priority or a safe place to cross; drivers must approach at a speed that allows them to stop and must not park on or near it.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction; it should only be done when it is legal, safe and clearly visible, with mirrors and signals used throughout.

Tiredness that slows reactions and judgement; drivers should plan rest breaks, avoid long drives when exhausted, and stop somewhere safe if they begin to feel sleepy.

Anything that takes a driver's attention away from the road, such as a phone, noisy passengers or adjusting controls; it lengthens reaction time and should be avoided while moving.

Substances that impair judgement, reaction time and coordination; driving while affected is illegal and dangerous, and effects can persist well after the last drink or dose.