Local conditions: narrow causeways, flooding, coastal and island roads
Local conditions are the part of the test that is specific to Kiribati: narrow causeways linking islets, king tides and storm surge, coral roads and long stretches without help.
Causeways
Many causeways are a single narrow carriageway with the sea on both sides and no shoulder. Keep left, reduce speed, and do not overtake where there is no room to recover from error. Crosswinds and spray can push a light vehicle or motorcycle sideways.
Flooding
Never drive into water you cannot see the bottom of, and never into fast-flowing water however shallow it looks - a small depth of moving water can float a car. If the causeway is flooded above about the bottom of the wheel, turn back. If water stalls the engine, do not restart it; get out and get help. After any water crossing, dry the brakes by applying them gently.
Coral, sand and dust
Loose coral and sand reduce grip and hide potholes; dust clouds blind following drivers. Slow down and increase the gap.
Planning
Check tides before travelling, cross causeways in daylight where possible, tell someone your route, and carry water. If you break down, pull as far left as you can, use hazard lights and a warning triangle if you have one, and stand away from the carriageway.
Worked example
You approach the Nippon Causeway as a king tide washes across it and a truck has stopped ahead. Reasoning: depth and flow are unknown and the stopped truck confirms a problem. Action: stop well back, do not attempt the crossing, and wait for the water to fall or take another route.
Traps
Charging through a familiar flood; assuming a causeway that was open yesterday is open today; restarting a water-stalled engine.