Jamaica Road Code Test flashcards

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

Octagon sign

A red octagonal sign means STOP. You must bring the vehicle to a complete halt behind the stop line, give way to all traffic, and proceed only when the way is clear.

Inverted triangle sign

The inverted triangle marks a YIELD or GIVE WAY instruction. Slow down, be prepared to stop, and give priority to traffic on the road you are joining or crossing.

Solid white centre line

A continuous solid white line down the centre of the road prohibits crossing or overtaking. You must stay on your side of the line until it becomes broken or ends.

Amber traffic light

Amber means stop, unless you are so close to the junction that stopping safely is impossible. It does not mean accelerate to beat the red.

Red and amber together

Red and amber showing together means the signal is about to turn green. You must remain stationary and prepare, but must not move until the green light appears.

Give way to the right

At an uncontrolled junction in Jamaica, traffic approaching from your right has priority. You must also yield to vehicles already on the main road when emerging from a minor road.

Overtaking on the left

You normally overtake on the right. Passing on the left is permitted only when the vehicle ahead is signalling a right turn or where marked lanes allow it.

Roundabout direction

In left-hand traffic, roundabouts are negotiated clockwise. Vehicles already circulating have priority, and entering vehicles must yield to them and to pedestrians crossing exits.

Emergency vehicle priority

A vehicle using a siren or blue flashing lights has priority. Pull over to the left, slow or stop, and let it pass without entering the path of following traffic.

Officer's raised palm

A police officer facing you with the palm raised signals you to stop. This direction overrides any green light, sign or road marking you are approaching.

Officer's extended arm

An officer seen in profile with an arm extended means traffic may proceed past the officer in the direction the arm is pointing. Traffic from other directions remains stopped.

Traffic lights out of order

Treat a dead signal as an uncontrolled junction. Approach slowly, apply the give-way-to-the-right rule, and proceed only when you are certain the way is clear.

Flashing amber signal

A flashing amber light means proceed with caution. It does not give you priority; you must still yield to other traffic and to pedestrians before entering the junction.

Two-second rule

Pick a fixed point ahead and count two seconds after the vehicle in front passes it. If you reach it before the count ends, you are too close; increase the gap.

Thinking plus braking distance

Total stopping distance equals thinking distance, which grows with speed, plus braking distance, which grows with the square of speed. Doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

Built-up area speed limit

Jamaica's general speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h unless a sign shows a different figure. Posted limits are maximums, not targets, and conditions may require less.

Wet road following distance

Increase the two-second gap to at least four seconds in rain, at night, or behind large vehicles. Wet surfaces extend braking distance and reduce visibility.

Alcohol and reaction time

Alcohol slows reaction time, narrows attention, and impairs judgement of speed and distance while increasing confidence. Any level that impairs driving is an offence.

Medication and driving

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause drowsiness and impair driving. Read the label, ask the pharmacist, and do not drive if warned about drowsiness.

Fatigue versus alcohol

After roughly seventeen hours awake, driving performance degrades comparably to raised blood alcohol. Stop for rest rather than continuing a long journey while drowsy.

Certificate of fitness

The certificate of fitness is the roadworthiness certificate proving the vehicle meets safety standards. It must be current, and driving without a valid one is an offence.

Third-party insurance

Third-party cover is the legal minimum motor insurance. It pays for injury or damage caused to other people and their property, but not for damage to your own vehicle.

Pre-drive tyre check

Check tyre pressure, tread depth and condition before driving. Worn or under-inflated tyres lengthen stopping distance and raise the risk of aquaplaning on wet roads.

Duty at a collision

After a collision you must stop, warn other traffic, assist the injured, exchange names, addresses, registration and insurance details, and report the incident to the police.

DR ABC sequence

First aid order: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check for danger before approaching, then assess the casualty's response, airway and breathing.

Controlling severe bleeding

Apply firm direct pressure with a clean dressing and elevate the limb if possible. Do not remove soaked dressings; add fresh ones on top to maintain pressure.

Zebra crossing priority

Pedestrians already on a zebra crossing have absolute priority. Approach ready to stop, and never overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crossing.

Turning left and cyclists

Before turning left, check the left mirror and blind spot for cyclists and pedestrians coming up on the inside. Give them time and space to clear the junction.

Look twice for motorcycles

Motorcycles and bicycles are narrow and easily hidden at junctions. Look specifically twice in each direction before emerging or turning across their path.

Aquaplaning response

If the steering feels light and the tyres lose grip on standing water, ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady, and avoid hard braking until grip returns.

Flooded road decision

If you cannot judge the depth of floodwater, do not drive through it. Fast-moving water can float or stall a vehicle; turn back and find another route.

Driving within headlight range

At night, drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance lit by your headlights, because unlit pedestrians, animals and broken-down vehicles may appear suddenly.