DNVT Driving Theory flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Octagonal sign meaning

An eight-sided sign is used only for STOP. Its unique shape lets drivers identify it from behind or in poor visibility, so a full stop is required before the line.

Flashing amber light

A flashing amber signal means proceed with caution, yielding to pedestrians and to traffic already in the junction. It is not a full stop requirement unless a stop sign or line also applies.

Continuous white centre line

A solid white line along the centre of the road prohibits crossing or straddling it, except to avoid a stationary obstruction when it is safe to do so.

Yellow box junction rule

Do not enter the yellow cross-hatched box unless your exit is clear. The only exception is turning right when you are stopped solely by oncoming traffic.

Uncontrolled junction priority

Where no signs, signals or markings give priority, yield to traffic approaching from your right. At a T-junction the road that ends must yield to the through road.

Roundabout entering rule

Traffic already on the roundabout has priority. Vehicles entering must yield and must not obstruct circulating traffic, even if that means stopping at the entry line.

Two-second following rule

Pick a fixed roadside object; if you reach it before counting two seconds after the vehicle ahead, you are too close. Double the gap in rain or darkness.

Overtaking on the left

Normally overtake on the right. Overtaking on the left is allowed when the vehicle ahead is signalling a right turn or in slow queues where your lane moves faster.

Blind spot check

Mirrors do not cover the area beside and slightly behind the car. A brief shoulder check before changing lane or pulling out confirms nothing is hidden there.

Handling a tailgater

Increase the gap to the vehicle in front so you can brake gradually, allowing the tailgater time to react. Do not brake sharply or accelerate away to prove a point.

Fog lamp usage

Use rear fog lamps only when visibility drops below about 100 metres. Switch them off when visibility improves, because they dazzle following drivers and can mask brake lights.

ABS emergency braking

With anti-lock brakes, press the pedal firmly and hold it while steering around the hazard. Do not pump the pedal; pulsing feedback through the pedal is normal operation.

Legal tyre tread depth

The legal minimum is 1.6 millimetres across the central three-quarters of the tread around the whole tyre. Replace well before this, around 3 millimetres, for wet grip.

Engine braking downhill

Select a lower gear on long descents so the engine limits speed. This prevents brake fade from continuous use, which can leave you without effective brakes.

Aquaplaning response

Ease off the accelerator and keep the steering straight until grip returns. Do not brake hard or turn sharply, as the tyres are riding on water, not the road.

Red warning light

A red dashboard warning light signals a serious fault such as low oil pressure or brake failure. Stop safely as soon as possible and investigate before continuing.

Black ice risk areas

Ice forms first on bridges, in shaded stretches and at dawn when the road surface is coldest. It is invisible, so reduce speed and avoid braking on suspect patches.

Main beam range

Full headlights give roughly 100 metres of useful illumination. Dip them for oncoming traffic, when following another vehicle, and whenever they could dazzle.

Crosswind buffeting

Grip the wheel firmly and reduce speed on exposed stretches. Expect sudden side forces when passing high-sided vehicles or leaving shelter from trees and buildings.

Warning triangle placement

On a normal road place the triangle at least 45 metres behind the vehicle, further on fast roads, so approaching drivers have time to slow and pass safely.

Recovery position

For an unresponsive casualty who is breathing, roll them onto their side with the head tilted back. This keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain away.

CPR compression rate

Give chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute, pressing about 5 to 6 centimetres deep in the centre of the chest, allowing full recoil between compressions.

Treating severe bleeding

Apply firm direct pressure with a clean dressing and keep it in place. Do not remove an embedded object; pad around it and press either side.

Documents to carry

Carry your driving licence, insurance certificate, vehicle registration and current roadworthiness certificate. Police may request them, and driving without insurance is a criminal offence.

Penalty point disqualification

Penalty points stay on the licence for a set period. Reaching the threshold, commonly twelve points within three years, triggers automatic disqualification for a defined term.

Learner plate requirement

Learner drivers must display L plates front and rear and be accompanied by a qualified driver. Some jurisdictions require N plates after passing for a probationary period.

Horn use restriction

Use the horn only to warn another road user of danger. It must not be used to express annoyance, and many jurisdictions ban it in built-up areas at night.

Zipper merge

Where two lanes merge in slow traffic, vehicles alternate one for one at the merge point. This uses both lanes fully and reduces queue length and conflict.

Alcohol elimination rate

The body clears roughly one standard drink per hour. Coffee, food, cold air and exercise do not speed elimination, so time is the only reliable remedy.

Novice driver alcohol limit

Many jurisdictions apply a lower limit, often 20 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, to learner and novice drivers, and some enforce zero tolerance.

Eyesight driving standard

Drivers must typically reach a visual acuity of about 0.5, or 6/12, with or without glasses, plus an adequate field of vision. Wear corrective lenses if required.

Medicine and driving

Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines cause drowsiness or slow reactions. Check the label and ask a pharmacist before driving; impairment is an offence regardless of the substance.