Iraq Light Vehicle Driving Theory key terms

The priority a driver has to proceed through a junction or narrow passage while others wait. It is given by signs, signals, road markings or the general rules, and must never be assumed aggressively.

To slow or stop and let other traffic, cyclists or pedestrians pass before you continue. A give-way line or sign means you must not force others to change speed or direction.

A road whose traffic has the right to pass first at junctions marked by priority signs. Drivers entering from side roads must give way to vehicles already on it.

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

A junction with no signs, signals or markings deciding priority. Drivers must approach slowly and apply the general priority rule, usually giving way to traffic on the main road or approaching from the right where that rule applies.

An octagonal red sign requiring a complete stop at the stop line before entering the junction. You must check that the way is clear and give way to all crossing traffic before moving off.

A solid white line painted across the lane at a junction or signal. At a stop sign or red light, the front of the vehicle must be behind this line, not on or past it.

The sequence of red, red-and-amber, green and amber displayed by signal heads. Red means stop behind the line, green means proceed only if the way is clear, and amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

A signal showing amber flashes, often at night or at a faulty junction, meaning proceed with caution and apply normal priority rules. It does not grant automatic priority over crossing traffic.

Painted lines, arrows and symbols on the road surface that guide or restrict drivers. Solid lines generally prohibit crossing, broken lines permit it when safe, and arrows show permitted directions at junctions.

Keeping your vehicle within the correct lane, using indicators before changing lane, and returning to the right-hand lane after overtaking. Poor lane discipline causes sideswipes and blocks faster traffic.

A continuous centre line that must not be crossed to pass another vehicle. Where it is paired with a broken line, only the side with the broken line may overtake when it is safe.

The maximum legal speed for a road, set by signs or by the general rule for that road type. It is a ceiling for good conditions, not a target, and must be reduced for rain, dust, darkness or congestion.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so you can stop if it brakes suddenly. A common guide is at least two seconds in good conditions, increased in rain, dust, darkness or when following large vehicles.

A method of checking following distance by counting the time between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your own vehicle reaching it. Two seconds is the minimum in ideal conditions; more is needed when roads are wet or visibility is poor.

The total distance travelled from noticing a hazard to coming to a complete stop. It combines thinking distance, covered while reacting, and braking distance, which grows rapidly with speed and on slippery surfaces.

Adjusting speed to the actual conditions rather than only to the posted limit. Rain, sand, darkness, roadworks, pedestrians or heavy traffic may require driving well below the legal maximum.

The skill of scanning ahead and to the sides to spot risks early, such as pedestrians stepping out, parked cars opening doors or vehicles emerging from side roads. Early detection buys time to react smoothly.

Driving too close behind the vehicle ahead, leaving no room to stop if it brakes. It is dangerous, intimidating and a common cause of rear-end collisions, especially at higher speeds.

The area beside and behind the vehicle that mirrors do not show. Drivers must turn their head or use a mirror check before changing lane, and must avoid lingering in another vehicle's blind spot.

Looking in the interior and exterior mirrors before slowing, turning, changing lane or opening a door. Mirrors reduce but do not remove blind spots, so a direct glance is also needed.

The flashing light used to tell other road users your intention to turn or change lane. Signal in good time, check mirrors, then act; cancel the indicator after completing the manoeuvre.

The routine inspection before moving off: tyres, lights, fluid levels, mirrors, seat and mirrors adjustment, seatbelt, fuel and any warning lights. It takes a minute and prevents many breakdowns and collisions.

The depth of the grooves on a tyre, which clears water and keeps grip. Worn tread increases stopping distance on wet roads and raises the risk of aquaplaning; tyres below the legal minimum must be replaced.

The air pressure inside a tyre, measured cold and set to the vehicle maker's recommendation. Wrong pressure harms grip, fuel use and tyre life, and can cause a blowout at speed.

Loss of grip when a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road surface. Steering and braking feel light and unresponsive; ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking and keep the wheel steady until grip returns.

Loss of tyre grip causing the vehicle to slide rather than follow the steering. It often follows sudden braking, harsh steering or a slippery surface; ease off the pedals and steer gently in the direction you want to go.

A braking system that rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure to stop wheels locking. It helps preserve steering during hard braking, but it does not shorten stopping distance on loose sand or gravel.

A sudden tyre failure that can pull the vehicle to one side. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, ease off the accelerator, avoid braking hard, and steer to a safe stop away from traffic.

Equipment such as a warning triangle, hazard lights and a reflective vest used when a vehicle stops on the road. Place the triangle behind the vehicle where other drivers can see it, and stand clear of traffic.

The four-way flashing lights used to warn others that your vehicle is stopped, slow or in difficulty. They are not a licence to park illegally and should be switched off once moving normally.

The restraint that holds occupants in place and greatly reduces injury in a crash. The driver and all passengers must wear one where fitted, and children need an appropriate child restraint.

A seat or booster designed for a child's size, used instead of an adult belt. It must be correctly fitted and suited to the child's weight and height, and children should sit in the rear where possible.

Driving so that you anticipate others' mistakes and keep a safety margin around your vehicle. It means scanning far ahead, planning escape routes and not relying on other drivers to do the right thing.

Considerate behaviour such as letting others merge, not using the horn aggressively and giving cyclists and pedestrians room. It reduces conflict and crash risk, but should never be used to break a traffic rule.

A marked place where pedestrians have priority over vehicles. Drivers must slow on approach, stop behind the markings when someone is crossing or waiting, and never overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Driving while attention is taken by a phone, conversation, food, navigation or other task. Even a brief glance away at speed covers many metres, so phones should be hands-free or left alone.

Tiredness that slows reactions and can cause micro-sleeps at the wheel. Signs include yawning, heavy eyes and drifting lanes; the only real remedy is to stop in a safe place and rest.

The maximum permitted alcohol concentration in the blood or breath while driving. Even below the limit, alcohol impairs judgement and reaction time, and penalties rise sharply above it.

The classes printed on a licence showing which vehicles the holder may drive, such as light vehicle, heavy vehicle or motorcycle. Driving outside your category is an offence and may invalidate insurance.

The official record linking a vehicle to its owner and plate number. The registration document and valid plates must be kept current, and changes of ownership or address must be reported.

The minimum third-party cover required by law to drive on public roads. It pays for injury or damage you cause to others, but not usually for your own vehicle, so extra cover may be wise.