Jordan Driving Practical key terms

The fixed routine of adjusting the seat, head restraint, mirrors and seatbelt before starting the engine, so that all controls are reachable and vision is clear.

The area beside and behind the car that mirrors do not show; a driver must turn the head to check it before moving off, changing lanes or opening a door.

A brief glance over the shoulder towards the blind spot, used in addition to mirrors before pulling out, overtaking or turning across a cycle lane.

The standard sequence for any change of speed or direction: check mirrors, give a signal if it helps others, then act while continuing to observe.

Giving clear, timely indication of intended movement with indicators or arm signals, then cancelling afterwards so other road users are not misled.

Using the clutch pedal smoothly to balance engine power and road speed, especially at low speed in a manual car during pulling away and reversing.

The point in the clutch pedal's travel where the engine begins to drive the wheels; holding the pedal there lets the car creep slowly without stalling.

The engine cutting out, usually from releasing the clutch too quickly or not applying enough power at low speed; the driver must restart safely and recheck surroundings.

Actively looking ahead, to the sides and behind, using mirrors and direct glances, to gather information about hazards before deciding on any action.

Keeping the car a safe, consistent distance from kerbs, parked vehicles and lane edges, normally centred in the lane unless avoiding a hazard.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly at least two seconds in dry conditions and more in rain, darkness or when following large vehicles.

The total distance travelled from noticing a hazard to coming to rest, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance and increasing sharply with speed.

The maximum legal speed for a road, shown by circular signs with red borders; drivers must often go slower to match traffic, weather and visibility.

Choosing a speed below the posted limit when conditions such as rain, fog, roadworks or heavy traffic make the legal maximum unsafe.

Any place where roads meet or cross; the driver must observe, signal if needed, choose the correct position and give way according to signs, markings and priority rules.

Yielding to traffic that has priority, slowing or stopping as necessary; a give-way line or sign does not mean the driver may proceed without checking.

The rule that decides who goes first at a junction or narrowing, set by signs, road markings, traffic lights or, where none exist, by the general right-of-way conventions.

A circular junction where traffic already on the ring generally has priority; drivers approach at a suitable speed, give way to the right where applicable and signal on exit.

A short connecting road used to join or leave a faster road; on entry the driver must build speed to match traffic and give way to vehicles already on the main road.

Joining a stream of moving traffic smoothly by matching its speed, selecting a safe gap and signalling, without forcing other drivers to brake.

Reversing into a kerbside space between two parked vehicles, using reference points and slow clutch control so the car ends close to and parallel with the kerb.

Entering or reversing into a marked rectangular space in a car park, keeping within the lines and checking for pedestrians and passing vehicles throughout.

Driving backwards at walking pace with continuous all-round observation, usually assisted by mirrors, a rear camera and, where fitted, parking sensors.

Moving off on an incline without rolling back, by balancing clutch and accelerator and releasing the parking brake at the biting point.

The handbrake or electronic parking brake, used to hold the car stationary when parked and as a secure aid during hill starts and emergency stops.

Spotting developing risks early, such as a child near the kerb or a car edging out, and planning a response before the situation becomes dangerous.

Driving so as to anticipate other people's mistakes, keeping space and options open, and avoiding conflict rather than relying on priority.

Loss of tyre grip on standing water, causing the car to float and steering to feel light; the driver should ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking.

A roadside board conveying a rule or warning, such as circular limits, triangular warnings and rectangular information signs; shape and colour indicate its meaning.

Painted lines, arrows and boxes on the road surface that guide position and indicate rules, such as solid centre lines, give-way lines and box junctions.

A yellow criss-cross area at a junction that must not be entered unless the exit is clear, except when waiting to turn right and blocked only by oncoming traffic.

Braking firmly and progressively to a halt while keeping both hands on the wheel and the car straight, then securing it with the parking brake.

A system that rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up, allowing the driver to keep steering during hard braking on slippery surfaces.

A dashboard symbol drawing attention to a fault or condition, such as low oil pressure, overheating or a tyre problem, which should be checked before continuing.

A quick walk-around and cockpit inspection before starting: tyres, lights, fluid leaks, mirrors, seat and seatbelt, and that no obstacle or person is nearby.

The grooved rubber pattern on a tyre that clears water; worn tread reduces grip in the wet and is checked against the legal minimum depth.

The padded support behind the head, adjusted so its top is level with the top of the head, to reduce neck injury in a rear-end collision.

The restraining strap worn low across the hips and over the shoulder, fastened before moving off and never twisted, with children in appropriate restraints.