Jordan Driving Theory Light study materials
Jordan Driving Theory Light study resources

Jordan Driving Theory Light key terms

Jordan Driving Theory Light · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.

Stop sign (octagonal red sign)

A red eight-sided sign that requires a complete halt at the marked line or before the intersection, giving way to all traffic and pedestrians before moving off again.

Related: Give-way sign, Right-of-way (priority)
Give-way sign (inverted triangle)

A red-bordered downward-pointing triangle warning that drivers must slow down and yield to traffic on the road they are joining, stopping only if necessary.

Related: Stop sign (octagonal red sign), Right-of-way (priority)
Regulatory sign

A sign that imposes a legal obligation or prohibition, such as a speed limit, no-entry, or no-parking sign; disobeying one is a traffic offence and can be penalised.

Related: Speed limit sign, Warning sign
Warning sign

A triangular sign with a red border that alerts drivers to a hazard ahead, such as a bend, junction, pedestrian crossing, or slippery road, so they can adjust speed.

Related: Regulatory sign, Hazard perception
Traffic light phases

The sequence of red, red-and-amber, green, and amber signals; amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so, and red-and-amber means prepare to move but do not go until green.

Related: Flashing amber light, Right-of-way (priority)
Flashing amber light

A single amber signal flashing at a junction or crossing that does not give priority; drivers must proceed cautiously and apply normal give-way rules for the situation.

Related: Traffic light phases, Give-way sign (inverted triangle)
Road markings (lines and arrows)

Painted lines, arrows, and symbols on the road surface that guide lane use, mark stopping and parking restrictions, and indicate where overtaking or crossing is prohibited.

Related: Solid centre line, Broken centre line
Solid centre line

A continuous line along the middle of the road that must not be crossed or straddled, generally marking a section where visibility is limited and overtaking is unsafe.

Related: Broken centre line, Overtaking prohibition
Broken centre line

A dashed line dividing lanes or traffic directions that may be crossed when it is safe, for example to overtake or to enter a turning lane.

Related: Solid centre line, Overtaking prohibition
Lane discipline

The practice of staying within your marked lane, keeping right except when overtaking or turning, and changing lanes only after checking mirrors and signalling.

Related: Mirror-signal-manoeuvre, Road markings (lines and arrows)
Right-of-way (priority)

The rule determining who may proceed first at a junction or narrow passage; in Jordan traffic keeps to the right, and priority is set by signs, signals, or the give-way-to-the-right rule where unsigned.

Related: Give-way sign (inverted triangle), Roundabout priority
Roundabout priority

At a roundabout, traffic already circulating has priority; approaching drivers must slow, give way, and enter only when there is a safe gap in the flow.

Related: Right-of-way (priority), Lane discipline
Uncontrolled intersection

A junction with no signs or signals, where drivers must approach at a safe speed and yield according to general priority rules, typically giving way to traffic from the right.

Related: Right-of-way (priority), Give-way sign (inverted triangle)
Pedestrian crossing priority

The obligation to slow down and stop for pedestrians using or about to use a marked crossing, and to give way to pedestrians already on the roadway when turning.

Related: Warning sign, Hazard perception
Speed limit sign

A circular red-bordered sign showing the maximum permitted speed in kilometres per hour for that road; the limit applies until a different limit or an end-of-restriction sign appears.

Related: Regulatory sign, Safe following distance
Safe following distance

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly the two-second rule in good conditions and longer in rain, darkness, or poor visibility, so you can stop if it brakes suddenly.

Related: Stopping distance, Hazard perception
Stopping distance

The total distance needed to stop, made up of thinking distance (reaction time) plus braking distance; it increases with speed, wet roads, and driver fatigue.

Related: Safe following distance, Aquaplaning
Overtaking prohibition

A rule or sign forbidding overtaking in specified places, such as near crossings, bends, hill crests, junctions, or where a solid centre line is present.

Related: Solid centre line, Blind spot
Blind spot

The area around a vehicle not visible in the mirrors; drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lanes or overtaking, and avoid lingering in another vehicle's blind spot.

Related: Mirror-signal-manoeuvre, Overtaking prohibition
Mirror-signal-manoeuvre

A routine for any change of direction: check mirrors, signal your intention in good time, position correctly, and only then carry out the turn or lane change after a final check.

Related: Blind spot, Lane discipline
Parking restrictions

Rules limiting where and how long a vehicle may stand or park, shown by signs, yellow lines, or kerb markings; illegal parking can lead to a fine or towing.

Related: Regulatory sign, Penalty points
Driving licence categories

Classes on a licence that authorise driving specific vehicle types, such as private car, light truck, or motorcycle; driving outside your permitted category is an offence.

Related: Penalty points, Vehicle registration
Penalty points

Points added to a driver's record for traffic offences; accumulating a set number within a period can lead to suspension or cancellation of the licence.

Related: Driving licence categories, Driving under the influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence (DUI)

Operating a vehicle with alcohol or drugs above the legal limit; it is a serious offence carrying heavy fines, licence suspension, and possible imprisonment.

Related: Penalty points, Hazard perception
Seat belt law

The requirement that the driver and all passengers wear seat belts where fitted, and that children use an appropriate restraint; non-compliance is an offence and increases injury risk.

Related: Passive safety features, Hazard perception
Vehicle registration and insurance

Documents proving the vehicle is legally registered and covered by valid third-party insurance; driving without them is an offence and police may request them at a check.

Related: Driving licence categories, Periodic vehicle inspection
Periodic vehicle inspection

A mandatory technical check of brakes, lights, tyres, steering, and emissions at an authorised centre, confirming the vehicle remains roadworthy for a set period.

Related: Tyre tread depth, Vehicle registration and insurance
Tyre tread depth

The minimum groove depth required by law for safe grip; worn tyres lengthen braking distance and raise the risk of aquaplaning on wet roads.

Related: Aquaplaning, Periodic vehicle inspection
Secure load

Cargo and roof loads must be fastened so they cannot shift or fall, must not obstruct lights or plates, and must stay within permitted width and height limits.

Related: Periodic vehicle inspection, Hazard perception
Hazard perception

The skill of scanning ahead and spotting developing risks, such as a pedestrian stepping out or a car braking suddenly, early enough to respond safely.

Related: Safe following distance, Blind spot
Defensive driving

Anticipating other road users' mistakes, keeping space and visibility, and avoiding assumptions of priority so that a dangerous situation can be prevented rather than reacted to.

Related: Hazard perception, Safe following distance
Distracted driving

Driving while attention is taken by phone use, eating, or other tasks; it lengthens reaction time and is a leading cause of collisions, and handheld phone use is prohibited.

Related: Hazard perception, Stopping distance
Aquaplaning

Loss of tyre contact with the road on standing water, causing steering and braking to fail; ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel steady, and avoid hard braking until grip returns.

Related: Tyre tread depth, Stopping distance
Skid control

Recovering from lost grip by easing off the accelerator and steering smoothly in the direction you want to go, without slamming the brakes, until the tyres regain traction.

Related: Aquaplaning, Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

A system that prevents wheel lock-up under hard braking, retaining steering control; the driver should press firmly and keep pressure while feeling pedal vibration.

Related: Skid control, Stopping distance
First aid at a crash scene

The immediate steps after a collision: secure the scene and call emergency services, then check breathing and bleeding and give aid only within your training.

Related: Warning triangle and hazard lights, Hazard perception
Warning triangle and hazard lights

Equipment and signals used to warn approaching traffic after a breakdown or crash; place the triangle at a safe distance behind the vehicle and switch on the hazard lights.

Related: First aid at a crash scene, Hazard perception
Passive safety features

Built-in protections such as crumple zones, airbags, and head restraints that reduce injury in a collision; they work best when occupants are correctly belted and seated.

Related: Seat belt law, Anti-lock braking system (ABS)