Israel Driving Theory Test key terms

The legal priority to move through a junction, crossing or narrow section before other road users. Signs, signals or default rules grant it, and a driver who lacks it must give way, not take it.

The Israeli default rule at junctions with no working signs, markings or signals: give way to vehicles approaching from your right. It also applies where signs are missing or have been knocked down.

A red octagonal sign with the Hebrew word עצור. The driver must come to a complete stop at the stop line or before the junction, give way, and proceed only when the road is clear.

An inverted triangular sign telling the driver to slow down and give way to traffic on the priority road. Stop completely if vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians make it unsafe to continue.

Israel's traffic-light signals: red means stop before the line, amber means stop unless that is unsafe, and green allows you to go if the way is clear. A flashing green warns of an imminent change.

A marked stretch of road, usually zebra-striped, where people on foot have priority. Drivers must approach slowly and stop for anyone already crossing or clearly about to step onto it.

A divided high-speed road with at least two lanes each way, grade-separated interchanges and no direct access from side roads. Pedestrians, bicycles, animal-drawn vehicles and slow tractors are banned.

The maximum legal speed on a stretch of road, shown by signs or set by default for urban streets, intercity roads and freeways. It is a ceiling for good conditions, not a target to reach.

A circular junction where vehicles already circulating have priority. Entering drivers slow down, yield at the line and give way to traffic from the left; signal right before leaving the circle.

A solid line marking the centre or edge of the carriageway. It may not be crossed or straddled, because the section has restricted visibility or other hazards that make overtaking unsafe.

A dashed line between lanes or along the centre of the road. It may be crossed to overtake or change lanes when the road is clear, visibility is good and the manoeuvre is legal.

A style of driving that assumes other road users will make mistakes. It means keeping space and time margins, scanning constantly and choosing speed and position that let you avoid a crash.

The skill of reading the road ahead and to the sides to spot risks while they are still developing, such as a pedestrian approaching the kerb or a car braking two vehicles ahead.

The gap you keep behind the vehicle in front, at least two seconds in dry daylight and more in rain, dark or when following lorries. It gives time to react and stop.

The area beside and behind a vehicle that mirrors do not show. Check it by turning your head before changing lanes or merging, watching especially for cyclists and motorcyclists.

When a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road and steering and braking stop working. Ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel straight and avoid sudden braking until grip returns.

The distance covered from the moment the brakes are applied until the vehicle stops. It rises sharply with speed and is longer on wet, icy or gravel surfaces and with worn tyres.

People with little protection in a crash: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children and the elderly. Give them extra space, expect unpredictable movement and slow down near schools and crossings.

A restraint that holds occupants in place and stops them being thrown from the vehicle in a crash. Everyone must wear one where fitted, and the driver is responsible for young passengers.

An approved child seat or booster matched to the child's weight and height, required by law for young children. It must be correctly fitted and used on every journey, however short.

Driving after drinking alcohol, above the legal blood-alcohol limit or affected by any amount. Alcohol slows reactions and narrows attention; penalties include heavy fines, disqualification and even imprisonment.

Driving while your attention is on something else, such as a phone, screen, food or conversation. Looking away for two seconds at highway speed covers dozens of metres blind.

Tiredness that slows reactions and can cause brief involuntary sleep. The only cure is to stop and rest; fresh air, coffee or loud music give short-lived relief and should not be relied on.

Anti-lock braking system. Sensors release and reapply pressure so the wheels keep turning during hard braking, letting you steer around an obstacle. Press the pedal firmly and keep pressing.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre. Shallow tread cannot clear water, so stopping distances and aquaplaning risk increase; tyres worn below the legal minimum must be replaced.

The air pressure inside a tyre, checked when cold against the manufacturer's figures. Too little pressure damages handling, fuel economy and tyre life; too much reduces grip and comfort.

The padded part of the seat behind the head. Set its top level with the top of your head and close to it, so it limits head movement in a rear impact and reduces whiplash.

Coloured symbols that report vehicle systems. Red usually means stop and investigate at once, amber means a fault to check soon, and green or blue shows a function switched on.

Chest compressions, with rescue breaths if you are trained, given to someone unresponsive and not breathing normally. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest until medics take over.

A stable side-lying position for an unconscious person who is breathing. It keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain; do not use it if a spinal injury is suspected unless breathing is at risk.

A dangerous fall in blood flow to the organs after severe injury, bleeding or burns. Signs include pale clammy skin, fast weak pulse, confusion and thirst; keep the casualty warm and get help fast.

Israel's national emergency medical service, reached by dialling 101. Give the exact location, number of casualties and their condition, then follow the dispatcher's instructions until the ambulance arrives.

A reflective triangle every vehicle must carry. Place it on the road behind a broken-down vehicle at the required distance to warn traffic, and wait off the carriageway while help comes.

The permit to drive a particular category of vehicle in Israel, issued after theory and practical tests. Carry it while driving and show it to police or licensing officials on request.

A driver in the first two years after passing the test. Extra rules apply, including passenger limits in the early months, a lower alcohol limit and displaying a new-driver sign.

Compulsory motor insurance covering injury caused to other people in a crash. Driving without a valid policy is an offence; it does not pay for damage to your own car.

The periodic roadworthiness inspection at a licensed station, required once a vehicle reaches the age set by regulation. Brakes, steering, lights, tyres and emissions are checked before the licence can be renewed.

The annual vehicle licence recording registration, owner and roadworthiness. Driving with an expired licence, or without paying the fees and fines attached to it, is an offence.

Points recorded against a driver for traffic offences. Accumulating the threshold number within the set period leads to disqualification and usually to retaking a test or attending a course.