Gambia Driving Test key terms

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes painted across the road, where people on foot have priority and drivers must slow down and stop for anyone waiting or already crossing.

A triangular warning sign with a red border showing a person walking on a striped crossing, placed in advance to alert drivers that a pedestrian crossing lies ahead so they can reduce speed.

A triangular sign with a red border and white background that alerts drivers to a hazard ahead such as a bend, junction, school or cattle, so they can adjust speed and position in good time.

A sign, usually circular with a red border, that imposes a legal requirement such as a speed limit, a stop, a no-entry restriction or a prohibition on overtaking, and must be obeyed by law.

A red octagonal sign bearing the word STOP, at which a driver must bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the line, check that the way is clear, and give way before moving off.

An inverted triangular sign meaning the driver must slow down, prepare to stop and let traffic on the major road pass before entering or crossing it, without necessarily stopping if the way is clear.

A circular sign showing a number in a red border that states the maximum legal speed in kilometres per hour for that stretch of road, regardless of how fast conditions might otherwise allow.

Lines, arrows and symbols painted on the road surface that guide and control traffic, such as centre lines, edge lines, stop lines and hatched areas, and which carry the same legal force as upright signs.

A centre line made of short dashes that separates traffic in the same direction or marks a lane boundary, and which may be crossed when it is safe and legal to do so.

An unbroken painted line along the centre or edge of the road that must not be crossed, typically marking a place where visibility is poor and overtaking would be dangerous.

The priority one road user has over another at a junction, crossing or narrow passage, determined by signs, markings and the rules of the road rather than by who arrives first or drives faster.

A circular junction where traffic travels anticlockwise around a central island, and vehicles already on the circle normally have priority over those waiting to enter from the approach roads.

Passing another moving vehicle travelling in the same direction, which must only be done where the road markings, visibility and oncoming traffic make it safe, and never at crossings or blind bends.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly measured as at least two seconds in good conditions and more when wet, dark or heavily loaded, so there is time to stop if it brakes suddenly.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop, which increases with speed and is much longer on wet, sandy or loose surfaces.

The total distance needed to stop, made up of the thinking distance travelled while the driver reacts plus the braking distance, and which grows sharply as speed rises.

Driving too closely behind the vehicle in front, which removes the time and space needed to react and is a common cause of rear-end collisions, especially when the leader brakes unexpectedly.

A style of driving in which the driver anticipates mistakes by others, scans well ahead, keeps escape space and plans for the unexpected, rather than relying on other road users to behave correctly.

The skill of noticing developing dangers early, such as a child near the kerb, a vehicle edging out of a side road or a pothole, so that the driver can act smoothly before the situation becomes an emergency.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors, so a driver must turn the head to check it before changing lane, overtaking or pulling away from the kerb.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors before signalling, slowing, turning or changing lane, to build a picture of traffic behind and beside the vehicle before any change of speed or direction.

The flashing light on a vehicle used to signal an intention to turn, change lane, overtake or pull out, which should be given in good time and cancelled once the manoeuvre is complete.

The routine inspection carried out before setting off, covering tyres, lights, mirrors, seat position, fuel and fluid levels, and the area around the vehicle, to confirm it is safe and roadworthy.

The thickness of rubber remaining on a tyre's grooves, which must stay above the legal minimum so the tyre grips and clears water properly; worn tyres greatly increase stopping distance on wet roads.

The amount of air inside a tyre, which should be checked regularly when cold and kept at the manufacturer's recommended level for correct grip, even wear, fuel economy and safe handling.

The official document issued by the licensing authority permitting a person to drive specified categories of vehicle, which must be valid and, where required, carried while driving.

A provisional authorisation allowing a person to learn to drive under stated conditions, such as supervision by a qualified driver, display of learner plates and restrictions on certain roads or passengers.

The official record of a vehicle and its owner held by the authorities, evidenced by registration documents and number plates, which must be kept up to date and produced on request.

The document proving that a vehicle is covered by a valid insurance policy, at least against injury to third parties, which is a legal requirement for using a vehicle on a public road.

A document issued after an inspection confirming that a vehicle meets the required safety standards for brakes, lights, tyres, steering and bodywork, and is therefore fit for use on public roads.

A strap fitted to a seat that restrains the occupant in a collision; drivers and passengers are legally required to wear one where fitted, and children must use an appropriate restraint.

A specially designed seat or booster that holds a young child securely and positions the seat belt correctly, greatly reducing the risk of injury in a crash compared with an adult belt alone.

Protective headgear worn by motorcyclists and cyclists, which must be properly fastened and of a suitable standard; it is the single most effective protection against fatal head injury in a crash.

Jacket, gloves, long trousers and sturdy footwear worn when riding to protect the body from abrasion and impact, and to keep the rider comfortable, visible and in control in all weather.

The technique of pressing the handlebar on the side you wish to turn towards at speeds above walking pace, which makes the motorcycle lean and steer smoothly into the curve.

The amount of alcohol in the blood, usually expressed in milligrams per 100 millilitres; driving above the legal limit is an offence and any alcohol impairs judgement, reaction time and coordination.

Extreme tiredness that slows reactions, reduces concentration and can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel; the safe response is to stop, rest and, if possible, share the driving.

A driver's physical and mental readiness to drive safely, covering alertness, eyesight, health, medication and freedom from alcohol or drugs, and including the duty to declare conditions that affect driving.

The account a driver gives to the police after a crash, recording time, place, parties, injuries, damage, witnesses and insurance details, which is needed for claims and official investigations.

Immediate basic care given to injured people before help arrives, such as stopping bleeding, keeping the airway open and not moving a suspected spinal injury, while the emergency services are called.

A reflective triangle placed on the road well behind a broken-down or crashed vehicle to warn approaching traffic, particularly on fast roads or where visibility is poor, before seeking help.

The flashing lights on all four corners of a vehicle, switched on to warn other road users that it is stationary, broken down or moving unusually slowly and presents an obstruction.