Jamaica Road Code Test key terms

An octagonal red sign bearing the word STOP that requires a driver to bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the marked line or before entering the intersection, and to proceed only when safe.

An inverted triangle sign warning that traffic on the road ahead has priority, so the driver must slow down, be ready to stop, and enter only when there is a safe gap.

A sign that states a legal requirement or prohibition, such as a speed limit, no entry, or no parking rule, and which drivers must obey as a matter of law.

A sign, usually diamond or triangular in shape, that alerts drivers in advance to a hazard such as a sharp bend, steep hill, school, or uneven road surface ahead.

A sign displaying the maximum legal speed in kilometres per hour for that stretch of road, which applies in good conditions and does not authorise driving faster when conditions are poor.

A solid white line painted across a lane at an intersection or pedestrian crossing, marking the point where a vehicle must halt for a stop sign, signal, or crossing.

A line painted along the middle of the carriageway to separate traffic moving in opposite directions; a solid line means no overtaking, while a broken line permits it when safe.

Paint or other material applied to the road surface, such as lines, arrows, hatched areas, and words, used to guide, warn, or regulate drivers and other road users.

The legal entitlement of one road user to proceed ahead of another at a junction, crossing, or narrow passage; it is given by rules and signs, never simply taken by force.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating travels in one direction and entering drivers must give way to it, usually passing anticlockwise in Jamaica's left-hand traffic system.

Passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction; it must be done only where legal and safe, with clear visibility ahead, and normally on the right-hand side in Jamaica.

An illuminated signal controlling traffic: red means stop, amber warns that the light is changing and means stop unless it is unsafe to do so, and green permits movement when the way is clear.

An instruction given by a police officer or other authorised official controlling traffic; it overrides traffic lights, signs, and markings, and must be obeyed immediately.

The maximum speed permitted by law on a given road; it is a ceiling for ideal conditions, and a driver must always travel slower when weather, traffic, or road surface demands it.

A speed at which the driver can stop within the distance they can see to be clear, allowing for vision, road surface, traffic, pedestrians, and weather, even if this is below the posted limit.

The gap kept between your vehicle and the one ahead; a common guide is at least two seconds in good conditions, increased in rain, at night, or behind large vehicles.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a hazard is seen until it comes to rest, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance and increased by speed and wet roads.

The amount of alcohol in a person's blood, expressed as a percentage or in milligrams per 100 millilitres; exceeding the legal limit for a driver is a criminal offence.

Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, which reduces judgement, reaction time, and coordination and is prohibited by law.

A test in which a driver blows into a device that estimates alcohol in the breath, used by police to check whether a driver is within the legal alcohol limit.

Extreme tiredness that slows reactions and can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel; the safe response is to stop in a safe place and rest, not to push on.

A document confirming that a vehicle has passed the required inspection and is considered roadworthy; driving without a valid one is an offence and may void insurance cover.

A compulsory policy that covers a vehicle against specified risks; third-party cover pays for injury or damage the driver causes to others, while comprehensive cover also protects the driver's own vehicle.

The minimum level of motor insurance required by law, paying for death, injury, or property damage caused to other people by the insured driver's vehicle.

A strap fitted to a vehicle seat that restrains the occupant in a crash; drivers and passengers are legally required to wear one where fitted, and children need suitable restraints.

Protective headgear that motorcyclists and pillion passengers must wear by law; it must be properly fastened and of a suitable standard to reduce head injury in a fall.

Describing a vehicle whose brakes, tyres, lights, steering, and bodywork are in a condition safe for use on the road, as checked at inspection and maintained by the owner.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre's rubber; adequate tread channels water away and grips the road, while worn tyres lengthen braking distance and raise the risk of skidding.

Loss of grip between tyres and road surface, causing the vehicle to slide; it is more likely on wet, oily, or gravelly surfaces and when braking, accelerating, or steering too sharply.

A loss of steering and braking control that occurs when a layer of water builds between the tyres and road, lifting the tyres off the surface, common in heavy tropical rain.

A way of driving that anticipates the mistakes of others, keeps space and visibility, and plans an escape route, so that a hazard can be avoided without sudden emergency action.

A road user with little or no protective bodywork, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or child, who is at greater risk of serious injury and deserves extra care and space.

A marked part of the road set aside for people on foot, often near schools or towns; drivers must slow down, be ready to stop, and give way to anyone on or entering it.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors; drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lane, and must avoid lingering in the blind spots of lorries and buses.

A hole worn in the road surface, often after rain; hitting one can damage tyres and suspension or throw a two-wheeler off balance, so drivers should slow down and steer around it safely.

Any dangerous feature or condition on or near the road, such as flooding, debris, animals, sharp bends, or poor lighting, which requires the driver to reduce speed and increase attention.

The account a driver gives to the police after a crash, including time, place, vehicles, injuries, and witnesses; it should be factual and made as soon as practicable.

Bringing a vehicle to a halt as quickly and safely as possible in a crisis, by braking firmly while keeping control and steering away from the greatest danger.

Basic knowledge of how to protect a crash scene, check for danger, call for help, and give simple care such as controlling bleeding or keeping a casualty still until trained help arrives.