Guinea-Bissau Driving Theory key terms

An octagonal red sign with white lettering that requires a driver to bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the marked line or, if none, at the edge of the crossing road, and give way before proceeding.

An inverted triangular sign with a red border meaning the driver must slow down and yield to traffic on the intersecting road, stopping only if necessary to let others pass safely.

The default rule at unmarked junctions in Guinea-Bissau: a driver must yield to vehicles approaching from the right, unless signs, markings or signals indicate a different priority order.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating has priority; entering drivers yield to the left and signal their exit, and must not stop inside the ring unless traffic forces it.

A solid white transverse line painted across the lane that marks the exact point where a vehicle must stop at a stop sign, traffic light or pedestrian crossing.

A solid longitudinal line that must not be crossed or straddled; it separates opposing traffic or marks the edge of the carriageway where overtaking or U-turns are prohibited.

A broken longitudinal line that may be crossed to change lane or overtake when it is safe and the manoeuvre is not otherwise prohibited by signs or visibility conditions.

The indicator light used to announce an intended turn, lane change, overtaking or exit; it must be activated in good time and switched off after the manoeuvre is completed.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors; a driver must check it by turning the head before changing lane, and be especially careful of cyclists and motorcyclists there.

Passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction; it is normally done on the left, requires clear visibility and sufficient space, and is forbidden at crossings, bends and crests with limited sight distance.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, measured in time rather than metres; in dry conditions it should be at least two seconds, and more in rain, at night or when following heavy vehicles.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops; it grows with the square of speed and increases on wet or loose surfaces.

The delay between a driver perceiving a hazard and acting on it, typically around one second; the vehicle continues at full speed during this time, adding to the total stopping distance.

The maximum legal speed for a road or vehicle category, shown by round signs with a red border; drivers must also reduce speed below the limit when conditions such as rain, darkness or traffic require it.

Driving faster than is safe for the circumstances, even within the posted limit; it shortens reaction time, lengthens braking distance and is a leading cause of serious crashes.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes on the road; drivers must slow down on approach and give way to pedestrians already crossing or clearly about to step onto it.

A person travelling on foot, including someone pushing a bicycle or using a wheelchair; pedestrians are the most exposed road users and deserve particular care near schools, markets and bus stops.

Any road user with little physical protection in a collision, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children; drivers must anticipate their unpredictable movement and leave them generous space.

The strap system that restrains occupants in a crash; it is compulsory for the driver and all passengers where fitted, and children must use an appropriate restraint system.

A certified child restraint suited to the child's weight and height, fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions; young children should travel in the rear seats, never in a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.

The mandatory technical inspection a vehicle must pass at set intervals to confirm its brakes, lights, steering, tyres and emissions meet safety and environmental standards.

The tyres that connect the vehicle to the road; their tread depth and pressure affect grip and braking, so they must be checked regularly and replaced when worn or damaged.

An inflatable cushion that deploys in a severe frontal impact to protect occupants; it works together with the seat belt and can injure a child placed too close to it.

The concentration of alcohol in the blood, measured in grams per litre; driving above the legal limit is an offence and alcohol impairs judgement, reaction time and coordination long before the driver feels drunk.

The physical and mental tiredness that slows reactions and can cause brief lapses of attention or microsleeps; drivers should stop and rest at the first signs rather than push on.

The driving licence authorising a person to drive a given category of vehicle; it must be valid, carried when driving and shown to police on request.

The compulsory third-party insurance covering damage caused to other people and their property; driving without valid cover is an offence and leaves the driver personally liable for losses.

The registration certificate identifying the vehicle and its owner, which must be kept in the vehicle together with proof of insurance and inspection and presented during a roadside check.

A reflective warning triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down vehicle to alert approaching traffic; it is set up at a safe distance, after the driver has put on a reflective vest.

A high-visibility vest that must be worn when leaving a vehicle stopped on the carriageway at night or in poor visibility, so that other drivers can see the person from a distance.

The hazard warning lights that flash all four indicators together to warn others of an accident, breakdown or sudden slowdown; they are not a licence to park in a prohibited place.

The immediate care given to an injured person before professional help arrives: securing the scene, checking breathing, controlling bleeding and keeping the casualty warm without moving them unnecessarily.

The telephone number to call for police, fire or ambulance assistance after a crash; the caller should give the exact location, the number of casualties and the nature of the injuries.

A style of driving that anticipates hazards and the mistakes of others, keeps a safety margin and adapts speed and position to conditions rather than relying on others to behave correctly.

Driving smoothly with early gear changes, steady speed and correct tyre pressure to reduce fuel consumption and emissions; it also lowers wear on brakes and tyres.

Excessive noise from engines, horns or exhausts; drivers should avoid unnecessary horn use, especially near hospitals and at night, and keep the exhaust system in good repair.

Loss of tyre contact with the road when water builds up under the tread; steering and braking become ineffective, so the driver should ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs until grip returns.

Stopping or leaving a vehicle where signs or markings forbid it, such as on crossings, in front of driveways, at bus stops or too close to junctions, because it obstructs traffic or hides hazards.