Iceland Driving Theory Test (ÖR-próf) key terms

The Icelandic Road Traffic Act: the body of law that sets the binding rules for all road users in Iceland, covering conduct, signage, equipment, licensing and penalties. It is the legal basis for the theory test.

The Icelandic driving theory examination that a candidate must pass before taking the practical driving test. It tests traffic law, signs, right-of-way, vehicle knowledge, safety and Icelandic road conditions.

A driving licence issued in Iceland, showing which vehicle categories the holder may drive. It must be carried when driving and can be withdrawn for serious or repeated traffic offences.

The Icelandic police, who enforce traffic law, direct traffic, investigate collisions and may require breath, blood or urine samples when drink-driving is suspected. Officers' signals override signs and normal right-of-way rules.

A red octagonal sign reading STOP. The driver must come to a complete halt at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the crossing road, then give way to traffic before moving off.

An obligation to yield. Marked by an inverted triangle sign or road markings, it requires the driver to slow, observe and let conflicting traffic pass before entering or crossing the other road or lane.

A roundabout. Traffic already circulating has priority over entering vehicles, which yield at the line; drivers signal to leave and keep to the correct lane for their exit. Iceland has many small roundabouts.

The default right-of-way rule at unmarked junctions: the driver must give way to vehicles approaching from the right. It applies only where no signs, markings or signals say otherwise.

A junction or intersection where two or more roads meet. The driver must choose the correct lane early, observe signs and markings, and apply the priority rule that governs that particular junction.

Overtaking another vehicle. It is normally done on the left, must be clearly signalled and is forbidden at pedestrian crossings, blind crests, bends with poor visibility and wherever signs prohibit it.

A marked pedestrian crossing (zebra crossing). Drivers must give way to pedestrians on or about to enter it, must not overtake a vehicle stopped at one, and must not park on or close to the markings.

A direction indicator. It must be used before turning, changing lane, overtaking or leaving a roundabout, and must be cancelled afterwards so other road users are not misled about the vehicle's intention.

The seat belt, compulsory for the driver and all passengers where fitted. The driver is responsible for ensuring that children are correctly restrained; belts must be worn even on short trips in town.

A child restraint suited to the child's weight and height, required for children too small for an adult belt. Rear-facing seats must not be used in front of an active passenger airbag.

The head restraint on a seat. It must be adjusted so its top is level with the top of the head, reducing neck injury in a rear-end impact; it is a safety feature, not a comfort accessory.

A helmet, mandatory for riders and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds. It must be correctly fastened; a loose or damaged helmet offers little protection and may be treated as a defective safety item.

Tyre tread depth. Legal minimums apply, and tread must be sufficient to clear water and grip ice; worn or unevenly worn tyres, or a mix of tyre types on an axle, can make the vehicle unsafe and illegal.

Winter tyres with a tread and rubber compound designed for cold, snow and ice. Icelandic conditions make them essential in winter; studded tyres are permitted only in the legal season and must suit the road.

The braking system. It must be in good working order with firm pedal feel, adequate fluid and no warning light showing; brakes are checked in the vehicle inspection and a fault makes the vehicle unroadworthy.

The periodic roadworthiness inspection every vehicle must pass. It checks brakes, steering, lights, tyres, emissions and body condition; driving with an expired inspection can lead to penalties and insurance problems.

Slippery road surface caused by ice, packed snow or frost. It greatly lengthens braking distance, so the driver must reduce speed, increase the gap ahead and avoid sudden steering or braking inputs.

Braking distance: the distance travelled from the moment braking starts until the vehicle stops. It grows with the square of speed and increases sharply on wet, icy or gravel surfaces.

Reaction distance: the distance covered while the driver notices a hazard and moves the foot to the brake. It grows with speed and with fatigue, distraction or alcohol, and adds to total stopping distance.

The safety gap to the vehicle ahead, commonly expressed as the three-second rule in good conditions. On ice, gravel or in poor visibility the gap must be considerably larger to allow for longer stopping distance.

The maximum permitted speed. General limits apply by road type and area, and lower signs or conditions may require less; the limit is a ceiling, not a target, and must be reduced for weather and visibility.

A mountain road, often narrow, unsurfaced and with steep drops, blind bends and single-lane bridges. Drivers must slow down, keep to their side, use passing places and expect sheep, oncoming traffic and sudden weather change.

A gravel road. Grip is lower, loose stones can be thrown, and braking and steering responses are delayed; speed must be cut, especially before bends, and headlights used to be seen in dust.

A river ford on an unsurfaced road. Before crossing, the driver should check depth, current and bottom, choose a low gear and steady pace, and never enter fast, deep or rising water.

Weather conditions such as snow, rain, fog and strong wind, which in Iceland can change within minutes. Drivers must check forecasts before mountain or coastal journeys and be ready to turn back.

A blood sample taken to measure alcohol concentration when drink-driving is suspected. Refusing to provide a sample is itself an offence, and the legal alcohol limit in Iceland is very low.

The strict limit on alcohol while driving. Iceland's threshold is among the lowest in Europe, so even one drink can put a driver over the limit; combining alcohol with medication or fatigue is especially dangerous.

Medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, that can impair alertness, reaction time or judgement. The driver must read the warning label and not drive if the medicine advises against it.

Fatigue, a major cause of collisions. It slows reactions and can cause micro-sleeps; the only cure is to stop in a safe place and rest, not to open a window or turn up the radio.

Hazard perception: reading the road ahead for risks such as pedestrians, side roads, animals, ice patches and blind crests, and adjusting speed and position before the hazard becomes urgent.

Defensive driving: anticipating other road users' mistakes, keeping space and visibility, and choosing a speed that leaves an escape route. It assumes others may not see or obey the rules.

Hazard warning lights, used to warn others of a breakdown, queue or hazard. They are not a parking permit and must not be used to justify stopping in a dangerous or prohibited place.

A warning triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to alert approaching traffic. It should be set out at a safe distance, and occupants should wait away from the carriageway in a safe place.

An ambulance or other emergency vehicle using blue lights and sirens. Drivers must give way, pull over safely and not block junctions; emergency vehicles may depart from normal rules when responding.

First aid at the scene: securing the site, calling emergency number 112, checking breathing and giving CPR or controlling bleeding until help arrives. The driver must stop after a collision and assist.