DNVT Driving Theory key terms

The legal priority to proceed through an intersection or narrow passage while others yield. It is given by signs, signals, markings, or rules such as yielding to traffic already in the junction, and it is never taken aggressively.

An inverted triangular sign requiring drivers to slow down and give way to traffic on the crossing road or to pedestrians before entering. You need not stop unless traffic or safety requires it, but you must never force others to brake.

A solid white line painted across a lane showing where a vehicle must halt at a stop sign, traffic light, or pedestrian crossing. Stopping beyond it, or rolling over it, counts as a violation.

An octagonal red sign meaning a complete halt is mandatory at the marked line, followed by a check for traffic and pedestrians before moving off. A slow rolling pause is not a stop and is penalised.

A junction with no signs, signals, or markings assigning priority. Drivers must approach at a speed allowing a stop and generally yield to traffic already in the intersection or approaching from the right where local rules say so.

A circular junction where traffic travels one way around a central island. Entering vehicles normally yield to traffic already circulating, and drivers signal on exit; lane choice depends on the intended exit.

The sequence of red, amber, and green indications. Amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so; green gives permission to proceed only if the exit is clear and pedestrians have finished crossing.

A directional arrow shown with a traffic light, allowing movement only in the direction indicated while other movements remain controlled by the main signal. You may proceed on the arrow even when the main light is red.

Keeping to the correct lane for your direction and intended turn, changing lanes only after checks and signalling, and not straddling markings. Poor lane discipline causes sideswipes and blocks other road users.

The routine of checking mirrors, giving a timely signal, then acting while checking blind spots. It structures every change of speed or direction and is the backbone of systematic driving.

The area around a vehicle not visible in the mirrors. Drivers must turn their head to check it before moving off or changing lanes, and must avoid lingering in other vehicles' blind spots.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly measured by the two-second rule in dry conditions and increased in rain, darkness, or when following large vehicles. It buys time to react and stop.

A method of judging a safe gap by counting two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your own vehicle reaching it. In wet or poor visibility the count should be doubled.

The total distance travelled from perceiving a hazard to coming to rest, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance. It rises sharply with speed and on slippery surfaces.

The distance covered while the brakes are actually applied, before the vehicle stops. It depends on speed, tyre grip, load, and road surface, and roughly quadruples when speed doubles.

Loss of tyre contact with the road because a film of water lifts the tyre. Steering and braking become ineffective; the remedy is to ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel steady, and avoid harsh braking.

Loss of grip causing the vehicle to slide. The response is to release harsh braking or acceleration, steer smoothly in the direction you want to go, and avoid sudden inputs until grip returns.

Anti-lock braking system that pulses brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up, allowing steering during hard braking. On a vehicle with ABS you keep firm pressure on the pedal rather than pumping it.

The depth of grooves in the tyre surface that clears water and maintains grip. Legal minimums and recommended depths exist; worn tread lengthens braking distance and raises aquaplaning risk.

The inflation level of each tyre, checked cold against the manufacturer's figures. Incorrect pressure harms grip, wear, and fuel use; under-inflation can cause overheating and blowouts at speed.

Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator and letting compression resist motion, often in a lower gear. It reduces reliance on the footbrake on long descents and helps control speed on slippery roads.

Choosing a gear suited to speed, load, and gradient so the engine works efficiently and the vehicle remains controllable. Correct selection aids engine braking and prevents stalling or labouring.

Managing the clutch pedal to move off smoothly, creep in traffic, or change gear without jerking. Riding the clutch causes wear and reduces control, especially at low speed.

A handling condition where the rear of the vehicle slides outward, turning the car more sharply than intended. It is corrected by easing off the accelerator and steering smoothly into the slide.

A handling condition where the front tyres lose grip and the vehicle continues wide instead of following the steering. The remedy is to reduce speed gently and avoid adding more steering lock.

The skill of scanning ahead and to the sides to spot developing risks early, such as pedestrians, junctions, or parked vehicles. Early recognition creates time to respond smoothly rather than abruptly.

A road user with little physical protection, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children. Drivers must give them extra space and anticipate unpredictable movement near crossings, schools, and parked cars.

A marked place where pedestrians have priority once they step onto it or show intent to cross. Drivers must slow, be ready to stop, and never overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction. It is permitted only where sight lines, markings, and signs allow, and only when you can complete the move without forcing others to change course.

A continuous line along the middle of the road that must not be crossed or straddled. It marks places where overtaking is unsafe, such as bends, crests, or approaches to junctions.

The maximum legal speed for a road, set by signs or general rules and reduced by posted lower limits or conditions. It is a ceiling, not a target; you must slow further for hazards and weather.

Adjusting speed to actual conditions such as rain, fog, darkness, traffic, or roadworks, even below the posted limit. The safe speed is the one that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

Driving in reduced visibility using dipped headlights and fog lamps where fitted, keeping a larger gap, and avoiding reliance on the vehicle ahead. Never use full beam, which reflects back and worsens glare.

Low-beam lights used at night and in poor visibility to illuminate the road without dazzling others. They must be used when visibility is seriously reduced and are the correct choice in traffic or fog.

Dazzling light from headlights, low sun, or wet surfaces that temporarily impairs vision. Drivers should slow down, look toward the left edge of their lane, and keep the windscreen clean to reduce it.

The duty to stop after a crash, exchange details, and report to police within the required time where injury or damage occurs. Failing to stop or report is a serious offence.

Immediate care after a crash: securing the scene, calling emergency services, checking responsiveness and breathing, controlling bleeding, and not moving casualties unless there is danger.

A reflective triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic, typically well back from the vehicle and never on a motorway carriageway itself. It should be visible but not create new danger.

Flashing indicators on all four corners used to warn others of a stationary or slow-moving hazard. They are not a licence to park illegally and should be switched off before normal driving resumes.

The maximum permitted concentration of alcohol in the blood or breath while driving, set by law and often lower for novice and professional drivers. Any alcohol impairs judgement, so the safest limit is none.

Reduced ability to drive safely caused by alcohol, drugs, medication, illness, or fatigue. It slows reactions, distorts risk judgement, and can lead to licence suspension or criminal charges.

Tiredness that degrades attention, reaction time, and lane control. The only real remedy is stopping to rest or sleep; fresh air, coffee, and loud music give only brief relief.

Marks added to a driving record for traffic offences, which accumulate toward suspension or disqualification. Serious offences carry fixed points or court-imposed penalties and higher insurance costs.

A court or authority order removing the right to drive for a set period, sometimes until a test is passed again. Driving while disqualified is a separate criminal offence.

The minimum cover required by law, paying for injury or damage you cause to others but not for your own vehicle. Driving without it is an offence and can lead to heavy fines.