Kenya NTSA Category B key terms

An octagonal red sign with white letters reading STOP. It requires a complete halt at the stop line or before the junction, and you may proceed only when the way is clear and safe.

An inverted triangular sign with a red border telling the driver to slow down and yield to traffic on the major road, stopping only if necessary before entering or crossing.

A system of red, amber and green lights controlling traffic at junctions and crossings. Red means stop, green means go only when clear, and amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes across the road. Drivers must slow down, give way to pedestrians already on the crossing, and must not park on or near the stripes.

A continuous white line along the middle of the road that must not be crossed or straddled, warning that overtaking is dangerous because visibility or the road layout is restricted.

A circular sign with a red border showing the maximum speed in kilometres per hour allowed on that stretch of road. Exceeding it is a traffic offence.

The main Kenyan law on road users, vehicle registration and traffic offences. It sets the rules of the road, licensing requirements and penalties that police and courts apply.

The priority one road user has to proceed while others wait. At junctions and roundabouts you give way where signs or law require it, never assuming others will yield.

Passing another moving vehicle travelling the same way. In Kenya you normally overtake on the right, only when the road ahead is clear, markings permit and you can return safely.

A following-distance guide. When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object, you should not reach that object for at least two seconds, and longer in rain or darkness.

A circular junction where traffic moves in one direction. You give way to traffic already on the roundabout, usually from your right, choose the correct lane and signal your exit.

A legal requirement for the driver and passengers to wear seat belts where fitted. The driver must ensure children are properly restrained, and breaking this rule attracts a penalty.

A style of driving where you anticipate hazards, keep space around the vehicle and prepare for other road users' mistakes instead of assuming everyone will obey the rules.

The skill of spotting developing dangers early, such as a pedestrian stepping out, a door opening or a matatu stopping suddenly, so you have time to slow or steer away.

An area around the vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. You must turn your head to check it before changing lane, overtaking or pulling away from the kerb.

The total distance from seeing a hazard to coming to rest, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance. It grows with speed and on wet, loose or gravel surfaces.

Loss of grip when water builds up between the tyres and the road, so the car floats and steering and braking stop responding. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking or steering.

A routine before any change of direction: check the mirrors, signal to show other road users what you intend, then carry out the manoeuvre after a final blind-spot check.

Using the clutch pedal to control how much engine power reaches the wheels at low speed, needed for moving off, hill starts, reversing and creeping in slow traffic without stalling.

Moving off from rest on an uphill slope without rolling back. Find the biting point, apply enough power, release the handbrake smoothly and check mirrors and blind spot first.

A manoeuvre for turning the car around on a narrow road using forward and reverse movements, checking all around and giving way to other traffic at every stage.

A lever or pedal that locks the wheels to hold the vehicle stationary when parked and during a hill start. Apply it fully and leave the car in gear when parked.

A walk-around inspection before setting off: tyres, lights, fluids, mirrors, windscreen, wipers and load, plus a check that nothing blocks your view or the controls.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre. Worn tread reduces grip, especially in the wet, and tyres worn below the legal minimum must be replaced before the vehicle is driven.

A rod used to check the engine oil level. Pull it out, wipe it clean, push it fully back in, then withdraw it and read the level against the marked range.

The water and antifreeze mixture that circulates through the engine to keep it at the correct temperature. Check the level only when the engine is cold to avoid scalding.

A reflective triangular sign carried in the vehicle and placed behind it after a breakdown to warn approaching drivers. On a fast road put it well back on the same side.

The first assessment at a crash scene: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation. Move a casualty only if there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.

A stable side-lying position for an unconscious casualty who is breathing. It keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain, and you should keep monitoring breathing until help arrives.

Chest compressions, with rescue breaths if trained, given to someone who is not breathing normally. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest and continue until help arrives.

The method for using an extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. Tackle only a small fire with an escape route behind you.

The free numbers for police, fire and ambulance in Kenya. After a crash with injuries call immediately, give the exact location and landmarks, and stay on the line until told to hang up.

The minimum motor insurance required by Kenyan law. It covers injury or damage you cause to other people and their property, but not damage to your own vehicle.

A document proving a vehicle has valid insurance. It must be produced when asked by police or during licensing, and driving without valid third-party cover is an offence.

The official record naming the registered owner of a vehicle. It is needed for transfer of ownership, annual licensing and inspection, and should be kept in a safe place.

A certificate issued after a vehicle passes an NTSA inspection confirming it meets safety and mechanical standards. Public service vehicles and older vehicles must be inspected at set intervals.

The National Transport and Safety Authority, the state body that licenses drivers, registers vehicles, runs inspections and enforces road safety rules in Kenya.

A Kenyan driving licence class for private motor cars and light vehicles up to 3,500 kg that are not used for hire or reward. It is the licence most private car drivers hold.

A licence issued to a learner before passing the driving test. It permits driving only under NTSA conditions, normally with a qualified supervisor and L plates displayed.