Guyana Learner Driver Theory Test key terms

A red eight-sided sign with the word STOP in white, placed where drivers must bring the vehicle to a complete halt, check for traffic and pedestrians, and move off only when it is safe to do so.

A downward-pointing triangular sign telling a driver to slow down and let traffic on the main road pass before entering or crossing it; a full stop is needed only when traffic requires it.

A sign, usually round or rectangular, that states a rule drivers must obey, such as a speed limit, a no-entry restriction or a compulsory direction of travel. Breaking it is an offence.

A triangular sign with a red border that alerts drivers in advance to a hazard ahead, such as a bend, a steep hill, roadworks or a pedestrian crossing, so they can slow down in good time.

A rectangular sign that gives useful guidance rather than a command, for example directions to a town, the name of a road, a hospital symbol or the location of a car park.

A dashed white line dividing lanes or marking the centre of a road; drivers may cross it to overtake or change lanes when it is safe and no other rule or marking forbids it.

A continuous white line along the centre or edge of a road that drivers must not cross, usually marking a place where overtaking or lane changing would be dangerous.

Two continuous yellow lines painted along the edge of the carriageway that prohibit parking or waiting at any time, keeping the road clear for moving traffic and emergency vehicles.

A marked crossing, often with broad white stripes, where pedestrians have priority; drivers must slow down, stop if someone is waiting to cross, and never park on or near it.

The priority to proceed at a junction, crossing or narrow road. It is never simply taken; a driver must give way to whoever is entitled to go first and move only when the way is clear.

A circular junction where traffic travels in one direction around a central island. Entering drivers give way to vehicles already circulating, which normally approach from the right in Guyana.

A junction with no traffic lights, stop signs or give-way signs. Drivers must approach slowly, be ready to stop and apply the normal priority rules, usually giving way to traffic on the main road.

Passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction. It must be done only where road markings, signs and visibility allow, and only when there is enough clear road to finish the move safely.

The maximum speed allowed on a particular road, shown on round regulatory signs or set by law for the type of road and vehicle. Driving faster, even briefly, is an offence.

A simple way of judging a safe following distance: pick a fixed object ahead, and when the vehicle in front passes it, you should not reach that object for at least two seconds.

A signal with red, amber and green lamps that controls traffic at junctions and crossings. Red means stop, green means go only if the way is clear, and amber means prepare to stop.

The middle lamp of a traffic signal. A steady amber means stop unless you are so close that stopping safely is impossible; a flashing amber usually means proceed with caution.

A signal showing a green arrow permits movement only in the direction the arrow points, provided the way is clear; other movements at the same junction may still be held by a red light.

Keeping your vehicle within the correct lane, using the left lane for normal travel and the right for overtaking, signalling before changing lanes, and never drifting across markings.

A lane set aside, often marked with arrows, for vehicles waiting to turn at a junction or into a side road, keeping them clear of the path of traffic going straight ahead.

A provisional licence issued to someone learning to drive. It usually requires a qualified driver beside the learner and display of L plates, and it limits where and when they may drive.

The official document showing that a person has passed the required tests and is legally allowed to drive a stated class of vehicle on public roads.

The minimum motor insurance required by law, covering injury or damage the policyholder causes to other people and their property, but usually not the policyholder's own vehicle.

The official record and number plate that identify a vehicle and its owner. The plate must be displayed clearly, and registration and road tax must be kept up to date.

Penalty points added to a driving record when a driver is convicted of certain traffic offences; accumulating enough points within a set period leads to suspension or loss of the licence.

The maximum blood or breath alcohol level a driver may have while driving. Exceeding it is an offence, and the safest approach is not to drink at all before driving.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre's surface. Adequate tread lets water escape and keeps grip in the wet; worn tyres must be replaced before they become illegal or unsafe.

The amount of air inside a tyre, measured in psi or kPa. Correct pressure, checked when the tyres are cold, gives proper grip, even wear and better fuel use.

The liquid that carries pressure from the brake pedal to the brakes at each wheel. It must be kept at the correct level, and a low level or spongy pedal needs checking at once.

A strap fitted in a vehicle that holds occupants in place during sudden braking or a crash. Drivers and passengers must wear one where fitted, and children need suitable restraints.

An official inspection certificate confirming that a vehicle met the required safety and emissions standards on the day of testing. Driving without a valid certificate is an offence.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Drivers should turn their head to check it before changing lanes, pulling out or reversing.

The routine before moving sideways: check mirrors, signal in good time, look over your shoulder for the blind spot, then move only when the new lane is clear.

A style of driving that anticipates what other road users might do wrongly and builds in time and space to react, rather than assuming everyone will follow the rules.

When a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road so they lose contact and grip. Steering and braking stop working, so ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden movements.

Loss of grip between the tyres and the road, often caused by braking too hard, steering sharply or driving too fast on a wet or loose surface. Ease off and steer smoothly to recover.

Flashing lights on all four corners used to warn other drivers that your vehicle is stationary, broken down or creating a hazard. They are not a substitute for indicating a turn.

The total distance travelled from the moment a hazard is seen until the vehicle stops, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance. It grows quickly with speed and on wet roads.

Following another vehicle too closely, leaving no room to stop if it brakes suddenly. It causes many rear-end crashes and is avoided by keeping at least a two-second gap.