Iceland Driving Theory Test (ÖR-próf) flashcards

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

Iceland general rural speed limit

On paved roads outside built-up areas the general limit is 90 km/h; on rural gravel roads it is 80 km/h, unless a sign shows a different limit.

Built-up area speed limit

In built-up areas the general speed limit is 50 km/h unless signs show a lower figure such as 30 or 40 km/h along a particular street.

Three-second rule

A minimum following gap on dry road is the distance travelled in three seconds; double it on gravel, in rain or when visibility is reduced.

Blood alcohol limit

The legal limit in Iceland is 0.02 % blood alcohol, effectively zero tolerance; driving with any meaningful alcohol in the body can lead to prosecution.

Right-hand rule

At an unmarked junction with no signs or signals, a driver must give way to vehicles approaching from the right before entering or crossing.

Give-way sign meaning

The inverted triangle with a red border requires you to yield to traffic on the priority road in both directions before entering or crossing the junction.

Stop sign requirement

The red octagon requires a complete stop at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the crossing road, before giving way to priority traffic.

Continuous centre line

A solid centre line may not be crossed or straddled; a broken line may be crossed when it is safe, for example to overtake or turn.

Amber traffic light

A steady amber light means stop before the line unless stopping is unsafe; it does not mean accelerate to clear the junction.

Roundabout priority

Traffic already circulating in the roundabout has priority; entering drivers yield at the give-way line and signal before leaving at their exit.

Turning left across traffic

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight ahead or turning right, and must not cut the corner across their path.

Leaving a private road

A driver entering a public road from a driveway, car park or petrol station has no priority and must yield to all traffic already on the road.

Zebra crossing priority

Pedestrians on or stepping onto a zebra crossing have priority; drivers must stop before the crossing and must not overtake a vehicle stopped there.

Minimum tyre tread

Tyres must have at least 1.6 mm tread across the central three-quarters of the tread width; winter conditions call for winter tyres.

Mandatory warning triangle

A vehicle must carry a warning triangle and reflective vest; the triangle is placed behind the vehicle to warn traffic after a breakdown or crash.

Child restraint height rule

Children shorter than 135 cm must use an approved child seat or booster; a rear-facing seat must never be used in front of an active airbag.

Seat belt responsibility

The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts where fitted; the driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 15 are correctly restrained.

Helmet requirement

Motorcycle and moped riders and their passengers must wear an approved, correctly fastened helmet; a damaged helmet must be replaced after a crash.

Vehicle roadworthiness inspection

Vehicles must pass periodic inspection (skoðun) at the prescribed interval; driving with an expired inspection is unlawful and may invalidate insurance.

Red warning lamp

A red warning lamp on the dashboard signals a fault needing immediate attention; stop safely as soon as possible and investigate before continuing.

Winter tyre use

Winter tyres provide grip in snow and ice and are expected in winter conditions; studded tyres are subject to seasonal restrictions set in regulations.

Single-lane bridge rule

On a single-lane bridge, yield as signed and do not enter if an oncoming vehicle is already on it; slow down and check the far end first.

River crossing procedure

Cross a river only with a suitable vehicle: check depth and current on foot, engage low gear and cross slowly without stopping in the water.

Gravel road hazard

On gravel, reduce speed and increase following distance to avoid stone damage; loose gravel at the edges and washboard surfaces reduce grip.

Closed mountain road

A barrier or closure sign on a mountain road means the route is impassable; never drive past it, because conditions ahead may be lethal.

Fatigue remedy

Drowsiness is cured only by stopping and resting; fresh air, music and coffee do not restore alertness, and microsleeps cause serious crashes.

Medication and driving

Medicines that cause drowsiness impair driving and combining them with alcohol worsens the effect; check the label and ask a pharmacist before driving.

Emergency number in Iceland

The single emergency number 112 reaches police, ambulance, fire and mountain rescue; state your location, casualties and hazards clearly.

Accident scene first steps

Stop, hazard lights on, reflective vest on, warning triangle placed behind the scene, then call 112 and check casualties without exposing yourself to traffic.

CPR decision rule

If a casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 112, start chest compressions and send someone for the nearest defibrillator.

Duty after a crash

After a crash involving injury or significant damage, stop, identify yourself, exchange insurance details and report the incident to the police.

Police directions override

Instructions from a uniformed police officer directing traffic override permanent signs, markings and signals; obey the officer immediately and carefully.