Jordan Driving Theory Light cheat sheet

Sign shapes carry meaning independent of text: octagon = STOP, inverted triangle = YIELD/GIVE WAY, circle = mandatory instruction, rectangle = information or regulation, diamond = warning (in many systems).

Red circular border with white centre = prohibition (no entry, no vehicles, speed limit). A red diagonal slash across a blue circle = end of a restriction.

Triangular signs with red borders are warnings of hazards ahead; the hazard symbol inside tells you what to expect (curve, pedestrian crossing, slippery road, narrowing).

A flashing red traffic light is treated as a STOP sign: stop fully, yield, then proceed when clear. A flashing amber/yellow light usually means proceed with caution, yielding to pedestrians.

Steady amber/yellow means stop unless stopping is unsafe; it does not mean accelerate. Green means proceed only if the junction is clear.

Police or authorised officer hand signals override traffic lights and signs; obey the officer first, then the light.

Temporary signs (roadworks, yellow/black chevrons) override permanent signs for the duration of the works.

Directional arrows in a lane are mandatory: if the arrow points left, you must turn left from that lane.

Solid continuous centre line: do not cross or straddle it except to avoid a stationary obstruction, and only when safe. Broken line: crossing is permitted when safe.

Double solid lines on your side = no overtaking and no crossing; double lines with a broken line on your side = crossing allowed when safe.

Keep right (in right-hand-traffic countries such as Jordan) except when overtaking, turning left, or when a lane is closed.

Lane arrows and lane dividers are regulatory: changing lane across a solid white line is an offence; across a broken line it is permitted after signalling and checking.

Zebra/pedestrian crossings: no overtaking, no parking, and no stopping on the crossing markings; give way to pedestrians on or entering the crossing.

Yellow kerb markings or yellow lines indicate parking/stopping restrictions; red lines indicate stricter no-stopping rules where used.

Box junctions (yellow criss-cross) must not be entered unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic.

Edge lines mark the carriageway boundary; driving on the shoulder or outside the edge line is not permitted except in an emergency.

Uncontrolled intersection: yield to traffic already in the junction and to traffic approaching from your right (right-hand-traffic rule used in Jordan).

At a T-junction, traffic on the through road has priority over traffic emerging from the stem of the T.

Turning left across oncoming traffic: you must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right; only proceed when a safe gap exists.

Turning right at a roundabout (right-hand traffic): give way to traffic already circulating from your left; enter only when clear.

Pedestrians on a marked crossing have priority over vehicles; a vehicle turning into a side road must yield to pedestrians crossing that road.

Emergency vehicles with sirens/lights have priority; pull to the right and stop if necessary to clear the way.

At a STOP sign, a full stop is required at the stop line even if the road appears clear; at a YIELD sign, slow and give way, stopping only if needed.

When two vehicles arrive simultaneously at a four-way stop, the vehicle on the right goes first; if opposite and both go straight, both may proceed.

Urban built-up areas in Jordan: default limit is typically 40 km/h unless signs state otherwise; rural highways commonly 80–100 km/h and motorways up to 110–120 km/h - always obey posted signs.

Two-second rule: at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions; double to 4 seconds in rain, at night, or when following large vehicles.

Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance. Thinking distance grows linearly with speed; braking distance grows with the square of speed (doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance).

Wet roads can double braking distance; ice can multiply it many times - reduce speed and increase following gap accordingly.

Speed limits are maxima, not targets: you must reduce speed for curves, poor visibility, roadworks, school zones, and heavy traffic.

School zones and residential areas often have reduced limits (commonly 30 km/h) that apply during specified hours.

Minimum speed limits exist on some motorways; driving unreasonably slowly in the fast lane obstructs traffic and can be penalised.

A safe speed lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear, especially on crests, bends, and at night on unlit roads.

Overtake on the left in right-hand-traffic countries; overtaking on the right is only allowed when the vehicle ahead is signalling a left turn or in slow queuing traffic where lanes move independently.

Before overtaking: check mirrors, signal, check blind spot, ensure no oncoming traffic, and confirm you can complete the manoeuvre and return safely.

Never overtake at pedestrian crossings, on bends, at crests, at junctions, or where a solid line prohibits it.

Signal before turning, position correctly (right lane for a right turn, left lane or centre for a left turn), and yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

Parking: do not park within a set distance of junctions, crossings, bus stops, or fire hydrants; do not block driveways, footpaths, or emergency access.

Park facing the direction of traffic, parallel to and close to the kerb, with wheels turned appropriately on slopes; apply the handbrake and engage a gear or park.

U-turns are prohibited where signs forbid them, on motorways, at crossings, and where visibility is restricted.

Reversing must be done only when safe and with full observation; you must give way to all other road users while reversing.

Driving requires a valid licence of the correct category for the vehicle; driving without a licence or outside the category is an offence.

Driving licence categories correspond to vehicle types (motorcycle, private car, light truck, heavy goods, bus); carrying passengers or loads beyond the licence category is prohibited.

Mandatory documents to carry: valid driving licence, vehicle registration, and valid insurance certificate.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence with heavy penalties, licence suspension, and possible imprisonment.

Seat belts are mandatory for driver and passengers; children must use appropriate restraints.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited; demerit points and fines apply to many moving violations.

Penalties escalate for repeat offences; accumulation of demerit points can lead to licence suspension or revocation.

Vehicle registration and insurance must be renewed before expiry; driving an unregistered or uninsured vehicle is an offence.

Daily/pre-trip checks: tyres (tread depth, pressure, condition), lights, brakes, steering, mirrors, wipers, fluids, and warning lamps.

Tyre tread must be above the legal minimum (commonly 1.6 mm in many jurisdictions); worn tyres increase stopping distance and aquaplaning risk.

Loads must be secure, must not obscure lights, plates, or mirrors, and must not exceed the vehicle's permitted maximum weight or axle limits.

Loads projecting beyond the vehicle must be marked (flag or warning device) and must not endanger other road users.

Passengers and loads must not obstruct the driver's view or control of the vehicle.

Valid insurance must cover the vehicle and driver; third-party liability is the minimum legal requirement in most systems.

Keep a warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and reflective vest where required by local law.

Vehicle must be roadworthy; driving a vehicle with defective brakes, lights, or steering is an offence and a hazard.

Scan far ahead (12–15 seconds) and check mirrors every 5–8 seconds; keep eyes moving to detect developing hazards early.

Identify vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, and the elderly require extra space and lower speed.

In rain, fog, or at night, reduce speed and increase following distance; use dipped headlights in rain and fog, and fog lights only when visibility is severely reduced.

Anticipate hazards at junctions, bus stops, parked cars, school zones, and crests; cover the brake when a hazard is likely.

Avoid distractions: no phone use, no eating, and keep the cabin free of loose objects; fatigue impairs reaction time as much as alcohol.

Take a break at least every two hours on long drives; signs of fatigue (yawning, drifting, heavy eyes) mean stop and rest.

Signal intentions early and clearly; make eye contact with other road users where possible to confirm they have seen you.

Maintain a space cushion around the vehicle; avoid driving in others' blind spots and leave room to escape if needed.

If a tyre bursts: hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer to a safe stop.

If brakes fail: pump the brake pedal, downshift, use the handbrake gradually, and use engine braking; steer to a safe area.

Skid control: steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go and avoid sudden braking; ease off the accelerator.

Breakdown: move off the carriageway, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle behind the vehicle (where required), and wait in a safe place.

At a crash scene: secure the scene, call emergency services, do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic), and provide first aid within your training.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth and elevate the limb if possible; do not remove embedded objects.

Unconscious but breathing casualty: place in the recovery position and monitor breathing; unconscious and not breathing: start CPR and use an AED if available.

Never move a casualty with suspected spinal injury unless there is a life-threatening hazard; keep them still and warm until help arrives.