Cambodia Category B Driving Test key terms

An electric signal with red, yellow, and green lamps that controls who may enter an intersection. Red means stop before the line, green means proceed if the way is clear, and yellow warns that the light is about to change.

A solid white line painted across your lane at a junction or crossing. When a light is red or a sign requires a stop, your vehicle must come to a complete halt before this line, not on or past it.

An eight-sided red sign with white lettering that orders every driver to stop completely, check for traffic and pedestrians, and yield before moving on, even when the road appears empty.

An inverted triangular sign telling a driver to slow down and give priority to traffic on the main road. You stop only if necessary, but you must never force other vehicles to brake for you.

The legal priority to move first through a junction, narrow passage, or lane change. It is given by signs, signals, or law, and it is never taken by force or by guessing what other drivers will do.

A circular junction where traffic flows one way around a central island. Entering drivers normally yield to vehicles already circulating, so you approach slowly, look left, and join only when there is a safe gap.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. It is allowed only where markings and signs permit, when you can see far enough ahead, and when no one behind is already passing you.

A continuous painted line that must not be crossed. A solid centre line forbids overtaking or crossing into oncoming traffic; a solid edge line marks the outer limit of the carriageway.

A dashed painted line that may be crossed when it is safe and legal to do so, for example to overtake or change lanes. It still requires a signal, a mirror check, and enough clear space.

Keeping your vehicle centred in one marked lane and using lanes in the correct direction. Weaving, straddling two lanes, or drifting without signalling causes sideswipes and blocks faster traffic.

The flashing lamp on each corner of a vehicle that announces an intended turn or lane change. Signal early, check mirrors and blind spots, then move; switch it off after the manoeuvre is finished.

The area beside and behind your vehicle that mirrors do not show. Before changing lanes, turning, or pulling out, turn your head briefly to check it, because a motorcycle can hide there easily.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors at regular intervals and before any manoeuvre. Mirrors show traffic behind and to the sides, but they never replace a direct glance over the shoulder.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. At least two seconds in good conditions and more when wet or dark gives you time to stop if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.

Driving too close behind another vehicle. It removes your stopping room, blocks your view of the road ahead, and is a leading cause of rear-end collisions, especially when the leader brakes hard.

A speed suited to the road, weather, visibility, and traffic, which may be below the posted limit. You must be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear ahead.

The maximum legal speed for a road or vehicle class, shown on signs or set by law. It is a ceiling, not a target, and lower limits apply near schools, markets, and built-up areas.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It grows with speed and on wet or loose surfaces, so faster driving needs far more room than drivers expect.

Loss of tyre grip so the vehicle slides instead of following the steering. It happens on wet, oily, or gravel surfaces and after sudden braking; ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly to recover.

When water on the road lifts the tyres off the surface and the vehicle floats. Steering and braking stop responding, so slow down in heavy rain and avoid standing water wherever possible.

The grooved rubber pattern on a tyre that grips the road and clears water. Worn tread lengthens stopping distance and raises the risk of skidding, so check depth and pressure regularly.

The short inspection before every trip: tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, fuel, and a walk around the vehicle for children, animals, or objects. It takes a minute and prevents many breakdowns and collisions.

The main forward lamps of a vehicle. Use them at night, in rain, fog, or tunnels so you can see and be seen; dip them for oncoming traffic to avoid dazzling other drivers.

All four indicator lamps flashing together to warn others that your vehicle is stopped, broken down, or moving unusually slowly. They are not a parking permit and should be off while driving normally.

A strap that holds occupants in their seats and greatly reduces death and injury in a crash. Drivers and passengers must wear one where fitted, and children need an appropriate restraint.

A hard protective head covering worn by motorcycle and bicycle riders and their passengers. A fastened helmet is legally required for riders and is the single most effective protection in a fall or crash.

A seat or booster designed for a child's size, keeping the seat belt across strong bones rather than the neck and stomach. Young children should ride in the back, never on an adult's lap.

The maximum blood alcohol concentration permitted while driving, set by law and checked with a breath test. Even small amounts slow reactions and judgement, so the safest choice is not to drink at all.

A roadside check in which a driver blows into a device that estimates alcohol in the breath. Refusing a lawful test usually carries its own penalty, separate from any drink-driving charge.

Operating a vehicle after drinking alcohol or taking drugs that impair judgement, reaction time, and coordination. It is a serious offence with heavy penalties and is a leading cause of fatal crashes.

Tiredness that slows reactions, reduces attention, and can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel. Signs include yawning, heavy eyes, and drifting; stop somewhere safe and rest.

Travelling for many hours, common on Cambodia's national roads. Plan rest stops at least every two hours, share the driving if possible, and avoid starting a long trip at night when tired.

A place where police stop vehicles to check documents, alcohol, or vehicle condition. Slow down, stop as directed, keep hands visible, and present your licence and vehicle papers politely.

The official card showing you are qualified to drive a given class of vehicle. You must carry it while driving, keep it valid, and hold the correct class for the vehicle you use.

A category on a driving licence that names the vehicle types you may drive, such as small motorcycle, car, or heavy truck. Driving outside your class is the same as driving without a licence.

The stage when a new driver practises under restrictions before holding a full licence. Rules typically limit who may supervise, carry passengers, or drive at night, and penalties are strict.

The document proving a vehicle is registered, taxed, and linked to a plate number. Keep it in the vehicle and show it at checkpoints or when buying fuel, insurance, or reporting a collision.

The minimum third-party cover required by law for a motor vehicle. It pays for injury or damage you cause to others, but not for your own vehicle, so extra cover is often wise.

The fine, licence points, or suspension imposed for driving above the limit. Penalties rise with how far over the limit you were and repeat offences, and speed raises crash severity sharply.

A written record of a collision made to police and insurers, noting time, place, parties, injuries, and damage. Report promptly even for minor crashes, and never leave the scene without exchanging details.

Leaving the scene of a collision without stopping, giving details, or helping injured people. It is a serious offence, and staying to assist and report is both a legal and moral duty.

Basic immediate care for injured people before professional help arrives: stop bleeding, keep the person warm, and do not move someone with a suspected spinal injury unless there is fire or traffic danger.

A reflective triangle placed behind a stopped vehicle to warn approaching traffic. Put it well back on the road, use hazard lights at night, and keep passengers away from the traffic side.

The strip at the edge of a highway reserved for breakdowns, ambulances, and police. Do not drive or park in it normally; if you must stop, pull fully in and switch on hazard lights.

Entering an intersection after the light has turned red. It causes side-impact crashes with crossing traffic, and the penalty applies even if no collision occurs and the road looks empty.

A rule in some countries allowing a turn after a full stop at a red light when traffic is clear. Where it is not permitted, you must wait for green; never assume it applies at a junction.

A marked or signed place where people cross the road on foot. Approach slowly, be ready to stop, and give way to anyone already crossing or clearly about to step onto the road.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes across the road. Drivers must slow down and yield to people on it, and parking or stopping on the stripes is prohibited.

A lane or edge strip reserved for motorcycles and similar small vehicles. Cars must not block it, and riders should stay within it rather than weaving between larger vehicles at speed.

Protecting everyone in the vehicle by requiring belts, limiting distractions, and keeping children restrained. Overloading or letting passengers ride unsafely makes a crash far more deadly.