Iraq Motorcycle Driving Theory key terms

The legal priority one road user has over another at a junction, crossing, or narrow passage, determined by signs, markings, or the general rules of the traffic code.

A road on which traffic has the right of way at intersections, usually marked by a priority-road sign; vehicles entering from side roads must wait for a safe gap.

To slow or stop and let other traffic pass before continuing. Failing to yield when required is a common cause of collisions at junctions and roundabouts.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating normally has priority; entering riders must give way and signal their exit intention clearly.

The maximum legal speed for a road or zone, shown on signs or set generally by the traffic code; it is a ceiling for good conditions, not a target.

Passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction. It must be done only where permitted, with clear visibility, and never where a solid line or sign forbids it.

A light-controlled device directing traffic. A steady red means stop before the stop line; amber means stop unless stopping is unsafe; green means proceed if the way is clear.

A solid white line across the lane marking where vehicles must halt at a stop sign or red signal, keeping the crossing and junction clear.

Painted lines, arrows, and symbols on the road surface that regulate, warn, or guide traffic, such as lane dividers, edge lines, and pedestrian crossings.

A continuous line along the middle of the road that must not be crossed or straddled; it marks stretches where overtaking is too dangerous to permit.

A dashed line separating opposing traffic flows; it may be crossed to overtake or turn when visibility and traffic conditions make the manoeuvre safe.

A sign, usually triangular with a red border, that alerts riders in advance to a hazard such as a bend, junction, slippery surface, or pedestrian crossing.

A sign, usually circular, that imposes an obligation or prohibition, such as a speed limit, no-entry, no-overtaking, or compulsory direction of travel.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly at least two seconds in good conditions and more when wet, dark, or following a large vehicle.

The total distance a motorcycle travels from the moment a hazard is seen until it comes to rest, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance.

The distance covered while the brakes are actually slowing the motorcycle; it grows with speed and is much longer on wet, sandy, or oily surfaces.

The area beside and behind a rider that mirrors do not show. A shoulder check (life saver) is needed before changing lane, turning, or joining traffic.

A quick glance over the shoulder towards the blind spot before a manoeuvre, used to confirm that no vehicle is hidden where the mirrors cannot show.

How easily a rider is seen by other road users. Bright clothing, a light-coloured helmet, reflective strips, and a working headlight all improve it.

Garments with retro-reflective material that bounces light back to drivers, making the rider far easier to notice in darkness or poor visibility.

A bright fluorescent and reflective outer garment worn over riding gear to increase the distance at which other drivers notice the rider.

Headgear meeting the recognised safety standard for the country, with a correctly fitted shell, secure chin strap, and an undamaged visor or goggles.

The strap under the jaw that keeps a helmet in place during a fall or impact; it must be fastened snugly every time the motorcycle is ridden.

Protective gloves that guard the hands from abrasion and impact in a fall and improve grip and control on the bars, especially in rain or cold.

The property of riding gear that resists being worn through when sliding on the road surface, typically provided by reinforced textile or leather at the joints.

A protective upper garment with abrasion-resistant panels and armour at the shoulders, elbows, and back, sized to stay in place in a slide.

The height of the rubber blocks above the grooves. Adequate depth lets water escape so the tyre keeps contact with the road instead of aquaplaning.

The air pressure inside a tyre, checked when cold. Wrong pressure harms grip, braking, and fuel use, and can cause a blowout at speed.

A short inspection before every journey covering tyres, brakes, lights, horn, chain or belt, mirrors, fuel, and fluid levels to catch faults early.

The amount of slack in the drive chain, set to the maker's figure; too tight strains bearings and too loose risks the chain jumping off.

The technique of pushing the handlebar on the side you want to turn towards, which leans the motorcycle and starts the turn at speed.

The tendency to steer towards whatever the rider stares at, so attention must be kept on the intended path rather than on the hazard itself.

Any feature or behaviour on or near the road that could require a change of speed or direction, such as a pothole, junction, animal, or distracted driver.

Applying both brakes firmly and progressively to stop in the shortest distance, keeping the machine upright and the front wheel from locking.

Loss of grip in which the tyres slide instead of rolling. A skidding rider should ease off the brakes, keep the bars steady, and look where to go.

A condition in which a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road, removing grip and steering. Reduce speed in heavy rain and avoid standing water.

Immediate, basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, such as stopping bleeding, keeping them warm, and not moving them unnecessarily.

A stable side-lying posture used for an unconscious but breathing casualty, which keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain from the mouth.

The prompt dialling of the emergency number after a collision, giving the location, number of casualties, and any continuing dangers clearly and calmly.

Steps taken to prevent further crashes at an incident, such as switching on hazard lights, placing a warning triangle well back, and moving people clear of traffic.

A learner permit allowing a person to ride under stated conditions, such as supervision, display of learner plates, or limits on engine size and passengers.

The unrestricted driving authorisation issued after passing the required theory and practical tests, held for the correct vehicle category.

The class of vehicle a licence covers, based on engine size, power, or weight, which determines what the holder is legally allowed to ride.

A distinctive marker that must be displayed on a motorcycle ridden by a provisional licence holder so other road users can recognise a learner.

Cover that pays for injury or damage the rider causes to other people and their property; riding without the required cover is an offence.

The official paper or card recording a vehicle's identity and owner, which a rider may be required to produce to the police or authorities.

A mark added to a rider's record for a traffic offence; accumulating enough points leads to suspension or loss of the licence.

A sum of money payable for breaking a traffic rule, imposed by the authorities and often combined with penalty points on the licence.