Comoros Driving Licence Test key terms

Octagonal red sign requiring a complete halt at the line before entering a junction, followed by a check for traffic in both directions before moving off. Rolling slowly past it is an offence.

Inverted triangle sign meaning you must slow down and give way to traffic already on the road you are joining, stopping only if necessary. Unlike a stop sign, a full halt is not obligatory when the way is clear.

Thick white transverse line painted across the lane at a junction. At a stop sign or red light the vehicle's front must not cross it while waiting.

Steady amber light warning that the signal is about to turn red. You must stop unless doing so would be dangerous because you are already too close to brake safely.

Flashing amber light, often at night or at a faulty junction, meaning the signals are not operating. Proceed with caution and apply the ordinary priority rules, usually priority to the right.

Signal requiring a complete stop at the line. You may not proceed until it turns green, except where a separate arrow or a police officer directs otherwise.

Unbroken white line along the centre or edge of the road that must not be crossed or straddled, for example to overtake. It marks stretches where visibility or space makes overtaking unsafe.

Broken white line marking a lane division or centre line that may be crossed when it is safe and legal to do so, for instance to overtake or turn.

Default rule at an unmarked junction: you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right. It applies unless signs, markings or signals indicate a different priority.

A junction with no signs, markings or lights. In the absence of other instructions, drivers apply priority to the right and approach at a speed allowing them to stop if needed.

Circular junction where traffic already on the ring has priority. You enter by giving way to the left, keep to the ring, and signal right before leaving at your exit.

Direction indicator used to announce a turn, lane change, overtaking move or exit from a roundabout. It must be given in good time and cancelled afterwards so it does not mislead others.

Area around the vehicle that mirrors do not show. Before changing lane or turning you must turn your head to check it, because a cyclist or motorcyclist may be hidden there.

Maximum speed allowed on a stretch of road, set by signs or by the general traffic code. It is a ceiling for ideal conditions, not a target, and must be reduced in rain, at night or in traffic.

Area, usually residential or near schools, where the speed limit is 30 km/h. Entry and exit are signed, and the limit applies to all streets inside until you pass the exit sign.

Gap kept to the vehicle ahead so you can stop if it brakes suddenly. A working guide is at least two seconds in good conditions, and more when the road is wet or visibility is poor.

Total distance needed to stop, made up of the distance travelled during reaction time plus the braking distance. It grows with speed, load, worn tyres and a slippery surface.

Stopping is a brief halt for loading, dropping off or traffic; parking is leaving the vehicle unoccupied. Both are banned where they obstruct visibility, crossings, bus stops, junctions or emergency access.

Parking alongside a vehicle already parked at the kerb. It blocks the traffic lane, forces others to swerve and obstructs emergency vehicles, so it is prohibited.

Handbrake or electronic parking brake that holds the vehicle still when parked. It must be engaged on any slope, together with leaving the vehicle in gear or in park.

Depth of the grooves in a tyre tread. Worn tyres lose grip, especially on wet roads, so tread must stay above the legal minimum and tyres must be replaced when it is reached.

Air pressure inside each tyre, checked cold against the manufacturer's figures. Wrong pressure harms grip, braking, fuel use and tyre life, and should be checked regularly including the spare.

Loss of contact between tyre and road when water builds up faster than the tread can clear it, leaving the car floating and unsteerable. Ease off the accelerator, avoid braking hard and keep the wheel straight.

Dipped headlights used at night and in poor visibility such as rain, fog or tunnels. They light the road ahead without dazzling oncoming drivers, and are compulsory after dark.

Full-beam headlights for unlit roads with no oncoming traffic. They must be dipped when another vehicle approaches or when following closely, to avoid blinding the other driver.

Extra rear and front lights for fog, heavy rain or falling dust. Rear fog lights are very bright and must be switched off once visibility improves so they do not dazzle following traffic.

Periodic official inspection of a vehicle's brakes, lights, tyres, steering, emissions and bodywork. A valid certificate is required to keep the vehicle legally on the road.

Compulsory cover for damage caused to others with the vehicle. Driving uninsured is an offence, and the certificate or proof of cover must be produced when requested by police.

Driving licence authorising you to drive a given category of vehicle. It must be carried while driving and shown to police on request, and driving without the right category is an offence.

Amount of alcohol in the blood, measured in grams per litre or by breath test. Driving above the legal limit is an offence and impairs judgement, reaction time and vision long before you feel drunk.

Tiredness that slows reactions and can cause micro-sleeps at the wheel. Take a break at least every two hours, avoid driving late at night, and stop at the first signs of drowsiness.

Some medicines, especially sedatives, antihistamines and certain painkillers, cause drowsiness or slow reactions. Read the label and ask a pharmacist before driving.

First action at a crash: secure the scene, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle, wear a reflective vest and call the emergency services before attempting to help casualties.

Telephone number to call for police, ambulance or fire. Give the exact location, the number of casualties and the hazards present, then follow the operator's instructions and stay on the line.

Recovery position for an unconscious casualty who is breathing, laid on the side to keep the airway open. Do not move a casualty with suspected spinal injury unless there is immediate danger such as fire.

Reflective warning triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic. It is set up only when it is safe to do so, and never on a motorway where it endangers the driver.

High-visibility vest kept inside the vehicle and worn before getting out at night or on a fast road, so other drivers can see you while you set up warnings or change a wheel.

Road user with little protection in a collision: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, the elderly and people with reduced mobility. Give them extra space and time, and expect unpredictable moves.

Marked crossing where pedestrians have priority once they show an intention to cross. Approach at a speed that lets you stop, and never overtake a vehicle halted at a crossing.

Overtaking another road user. It must be done on the left, with clear visibility and enough space, without crossing a continuous line, and never at crossings, junctions or blind bends.

Reverse parking manoeuvre into a space parallel to the kerb. Check mirrors and blind spot, reverse slowly, and stop if another road user approaches before finishing the manoeuvre.