Jordan Driving Theory Light key terms
Jordan Driving Theory Light · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- Stop sign (octagonal red sign)
- Related: Give-way sign, Right-of-way (priority)
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.
- Give-way sign (inverted triangle)
- Related: Stop sign (octagonal red sign), Right-of-way (priority)
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.
- Regulatory sign
- Related: Speed limit sign, Warning 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.
- Warning sign
- Related: Regulatory sign, Hazard perception
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.
- Traffic light phases
- Related: Flashing amber light, Right-of-way (priority)
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.
- Flashing amber light
- Related: Traffic light phases, Give-way sign (inverted triangle)
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.
- Road markings (lines and arrows)
- Related: Solid centre line, Broken centre line
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.
- Solid centre line
- Related: Broken centre line, Overtaking prohibition
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.
- Broken centre line
- Related: Solid centre line, Overtaking prohibition
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.
- Lane discipline
- Related: Mirror-signal-manoeuvre, Road markings (lines and arrows)
The practice of staying within your marked lane, keeping right except when overtaking or turning, and changing lanes only after checking mirrors and signalling.
- Right-of-way (priority)
- Related: Give-way sign (inverted triangle), Roundabout 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.
- Roundabout priority
- Related: Right-of-way (priority), Lane discipline
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.
- Uncontrolled intersection
- Related: Right-of-way (priority), Give-way sign (inverted triangle)
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.
- Pedestrian crossing priority
- Related: Warning sign, Hazard perception
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.
- Speed limit sign
- Related: Regulatory sign, Safe following distance
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.
- Safe following distance
- Related: Stopping distance, Hazard perception
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.
- Stopping distance
- Related: Safe following distance, Aquaplaning
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.
- Overtaking prohibition
- Related: Solid centre line, Blind spot
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.
- Blind spot
- Related: Mirror-signal-manoeuvre, Overtaking prohibition
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.
- Mirror-signal-manoeuvre
- Related: Blind spot, Lane discipline
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.
- Parking restrictions
- Related: Regulatory sign, Penalty points
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.
- Driving licence categories
- Related: Penalty points, Vehicle registration
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.
- Penalty points
- Related: Driving licence categories, Driving under the influence (DUI)
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.
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Related: Penalty points, Hazard perception
Operating a vehicle with alcohol or drugs above the legal limit; it is a serious offence carrying heavy fines, licence suspension, and possible imprisonment.
- Seat belt law
- Related: Passive safety features, Hazard perception
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.
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- Related: Driving licence categories, Periodic vehicle inspection
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.
- Periodic vehicle inspection
- Related: Tyre tread depth, Vehicle registration and insurance
A mandatory technical check of brakes, lights, tyres, steering, and emissions at an authorised centre, confirming the vehicle remains roadworthy for a set period.
- Tyre tread depth
- Related: Aquaplaning, Periodic vehicle inspection
The minimum groove depth required by law for safe grip; worn tyres lengthen braking distance and raise the risk of aquaplaning on wet roads.
- Secure load
- Related: Periodic vehicle inspection, Hazard perception
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.
- Hazard perception
- Related: Safe following distance, Blind spot
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.
- Defensive driving
- Related: Hazard perception, Safe following distance
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.
- Distracted driving
- Related: Hazard perception, Stopping distance
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.
- Aquaplaning
- Related: Tyre tread depth, Stopping distance
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.
- Skid control
- Related: Aquaplaning, Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
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.
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Related: Skid control, Stopping distance
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.
- First aid at a crash scene
- Related: Warning triangle and hazard lights, Hazard perception
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.
- Warning triangle and hazard lights
- Related: First aid at a crash scene, Hazard perception
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.
- Passive safety features
- Related: Seat belt law, Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
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.