SKN Driver's Written Examination cheat sheet

Sign shape carries meaning: octagon = STOP (only shape used for stop); inverted triangle = YIELD/Give Way; circle = railway crossing advance warning; diamond = warning; rectangle = regulatory or information.

Colour code: red = prohibition or stop/yield; yellow/amber = warning; white-and-black = regulatory instruction; green = direction/distance guidance; blue = information or service; brown = tourist/point of interest.

A STOP sign requires a complete halt at the stop line (or edge of the junction if no line), then give way to all traffic on the through road before proceeding.

A YIELD/Give Way sign does not require a full stop unless traffic is approaching; the driver must slow and be ready to stop and must give way to traffic on the priority road.

Regulatory signs (speed limit, no entry, no parking, one-way) create offences if disobeyed; warning signs advise of a hazard ahead and carry no legal speed by themselves.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means No Entry; a red circle with a single diagonal bar over a symbol means that action is prohibited.

School zone and pedestrian crossing signs require reduced speed and heightened observation; watch for the crossing markings and patrol officers.

Temporary signs (roadworks, diversions) override permanent signs and markings where they conflict; obey the signaller or temporary signal if present.

A sign mounted on the left of a two-way road normally applies to traffic approaching from that direction only - read the sign's facing before acting on it.

Steady red = stop behind the stop line; steady amber = stop unless it is unsafe to do so; steady green = proceed if the way is clear, giving way to pedestrians already crossing.

A flashing amber at a pelican-type crossing means give way to pedestrians on the crossing but proceed if it is clear; a flashing red or a dark signal is treated as a stop sign.

Green arrow = proceed only in the direction of the arrow, provided the way is clear; a red arrow prohibits movement in that direction.

A police officer's or authorised person's signals override traffic lights, signs and markings - obey the officer first.

Broken white centre line = overtaking permitted when safe; solid white line on your side = do not cross or straddle it except to pass a stationary obstruction or enter a side road.

Double solid white lines: neither direction may cross; a solid line with a broken line alongside means only the side with the broken line may cross.

Yellow edge lines or yellow kerb markings indicate parking restrictions; double yellow means no waiting at any time, single yellow means restricted waiting.

Zebra/pedestrian crossing markings give pedestrians priority once they have stepped onto the crossing; approach prepared to stop, no overtaking in the approach area.

Box junctions and hatched areas: do not enter a yellow box unless your exit is clear; hatched areas bordered by solid lines must not be entered except in emergency.

Drive on the left in St. Kitts and Nevis; at an unmarked junction give way to traffic approaching from your right, and never assume priority - make eye contact and confirm.

At a T-junction the vehicle on the terminating road gives way to traffic on the through road; at a roundabout give way to traffic already circulating (approaching from the right).

When turning right across oncoming traffic, wait until there is a safe gap; oncoming vehicles going straight or turning left have priority.

When turning left, keep close to the left edge, signal in good time, and give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

Overtake on the right; never overtake at a junction, on a bend, on a hill crest, at a pedestrian crossing, or where a solid line or sign prohibits it.

Keep left of the centre line; a vehicle may cross it only to overtake, to pass a stationary obstruction, or to turn right where permitted.

Following distance: use at least a two-second gap in dry conditions and at least four seconds in rain or at night - St. Kitts roads are often wet and uneven.

Emergency vehicles with sirens or flashing lights have priority; pull to the left and stop clear of junctions until they pass.

Reversing: check mirrors and look behind, reverse slowly, and never reverse from a side road onto a main road or further than necessary.

A learner must hold a valid learner's permit and drive only under the supervision of a licensed driver, displaying L plates as required by the licensing authority.

A provisional or full licence is issued after passing the required theory and practical tests; driving without a valid licence or while disqualified is an offence.

Drivers must carry their licence and the vehicle's registration and insurance documents and produce them on request by a police officer.

Third-party insurance is the minimum legal cover; driving uninsured is an offence and leaves the driver personally liable for damage and injury.

The vehicle must have a valid inspection/fitness certificate and road tax where required; driving without them can lead to prosecution and seizure.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and passengers where fitted; children must be properly restrained and small children should not travel in the front.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited; even hands-free use that distracts the driver can support a careless-driving charge.

Penalties for serious offences include fines, endorsement points, disqualification and imprisonment; refusal to provide a specimen after a collision is itself an offence.

Reportable collisions must be reported to the police promptly, and details exchanged; failing to stop after an injury collision is a serious offence.

The defensive driving system: scan ahead 12-15 seconds, mirror checks every 5-8 seconds, and keep an escape route identified at all times.

Use the hazard drill - mirrors, signal, manoeuvre, position, speed, look - before any change of direction or speed.

Maintain a space cushion on all four sides; if another driver is tailgating, increase your own following gap ahead so you can brake gently.

Cover the brake when approaching a hazard you cannot yet see past (parked cars, blind junctions, hill crests) to cut reaction time.

Speed must be appropriate to conditions, not merely within the limit: wet roads, gravel, potholes, animals and pedestrians all require lower speed.

Signal intention early and cancel afterwards; a signal does not give priority - confirm the other driver has seen it before moving.

At night use dipped headlights when following or meeting traffic; do not dazzle; switch on lights in rain, fog and at dusk.

Watch for animals and livestock on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk; slow down and be ready to stop rather than swerve.

Avoid driving through flood water of unknown depth; if you must cross, use first gear with steady revs and test the brakes afterwards.

Pre-trip check order: tyres (pressure, tread, damage), lights and indicators, brakes, fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake, screen wash), wipers, mirrors, horn and seat belts.

Minimum tyre tread is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around its whole circumference; check for cuts, bulges and uneven wear.

Tyre pressures must be checked cold; under-inflation increases heat, wear and stopping distance; over-inflation reduces grip and comfort.

Correct seating: back supported, arms slightly bent at the wheel, pedals reachable with the clutch fully depressed, head restraint top level with the top of the head.

Steering: hold at nine-and-three or ten-and-two; use pull-push steering so both hands stay on the wheel; never cross hands on a bend.

Braking: progressive pressure, released just before stopping to avoid a jolt; on a skid, release the brake or ease off the accelerator and steer into the skid.

Gears: change up in sequence for economy; use engine braking on long descents rather than riding the brakes, which can fade with heat.

ABS prevents wheel lock and allows steering during hard braking; keep firm pressure and do not pump the pedal.

After driving through water, test the brakes gently at low speed to dry them and restore full braking.

Pedestrians on or entering a zebra crossing have priority; give way and do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crossing.

When turning at a junction, give way to pedestrians already crossing the road you are entering, and check blind spots for people stepping off the kerb.

Cyclists are entitled to road space; overtake only when you can leave a wide gap (about 1.5 m at higher speeds) and never squeeze past.

Before opening a car door, use the far hand (Dutch reach) and check the mirror - a door opened into a cyclist's path is a common cause of injury.

Motorcyclists and scooter riders are small and easily hidden in blind spots; check twice before pulling out and give them full lane width.

School children, elderly people and people with disabilities may move unpredictably or slowly; reduce speed near schools, bus stops and markets.

Animals and animal-drawn vehicles on the road should be passed slowly and widely; sudden noise or a close pass can cause a spook and collision.

Large vehicles have wide blind spots and long stopping distances; do not sit alongside a turning heavy vehicle - hang back and stay visible.

Collision sequence: stop, switch on hazard lights, check for injuries, call emergency services, make the scene safe, exchange details, report to police.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic); suspected spinal injury can be made worse by movement.

Scene safety: place a warning triangle or hazard lights well back, do not smoke near fuel leaks, and keep bystanders clear.

Control severe bleeding with firm direct pressure using a clean cloth; do not remove an object embedded in a wound - press around it.

For an unresponsive person who is not breathing normally, start chest compressions (adult: centre of chest, about 5-6 cm deep, 100-120 per minute) and get help.

Recovery position for an unconscious but breathing casualty protects the airway; monitor breathing until help arrives.

Brake failure: pump the pedal, change down through the gears, use the handbrake progressively and look for an uphill escape route or soft barrier.

Tyre blowout: grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer straight until the vehicle slows before pulling over.

Vehicle fire: switch off the engine, get everyone out and well away upwind, and do not open the bonnet fully if smoke is coming from it.

Alcohol slows reaction time, narrows attention, impairs judgement of speed and distance, and increases confidence - a dangerous combination.

Any amount of alcohol can impair driving; the safest and legally safest choice is not to drink at all before driving.

Driving while unfit through drink or drugs (including prescription and illegal drugs) is an offence; police may require a breath, blood or urine specimen.

Refusing to provide a specimen when lawfully required is an offence in its own right and can carry penalties as serious as drink-driving.

Prescription medicines: read the warning label; if it says the medicine may cause drowsiness, do not drive until you know how it affects you.

Fatigue signs: yawning, heavy eyes, drifting lanes, missing signs, poor concentration. Stop somewhere safe, rest, and take a short nap - fresh air and loud music do not work.

Plan long journeys with a break at least every two hours; avoid driving during the hours when you would normally be asleep.

Illness, injury, poor eyesight and emotional stress all reduce fitness to drive; if you cannot concentrate or see clearly, do not drive.

After drinking, time is the only thing that removes alcohol; coffee, food and cold showers do not speed up the process.

Walk-around check before moving off: children and animals behind the vehicle, obstructions, lights, tyres and any leaks under the vehicle.

Cockpit drill before starting: doors closed, seat and mirrors adjusted, seat belt on, gear in neutral or park, handbrake applied.

Mirror setting: the horizon about halfway up the mirror and your own vehicle barely visible at the inner edge to minimise blind spots.

Moving off: check mirrors and blind spot, signal if needed, engage gear, find the biting point, release the handbrake, and move off smoothly with a final shoulder check.

Stopping: check mirrors, signal, ease off the accelerator, brake progressively, and secure the vehicle with the handbrake and correct gear before switching off.

Hill starts: hold the biting point with the handbrake on, add a little power, release the handbrake as the vehicle strains forward to avoid rolling back.

Parking: secure the handbrake, select a low gear or park, turn the wheels toward the kerb on a slope, and check for children and cyclists before opening the door.

Dashboard warning lights in red (oil pressure, brakes, temperature, battery) mean stop safely and investigate; amber lights mean a fault to be checked soon.

Load and passengers: secure loads, keep within the vehicle's weight limit, and remember that extra weight increases stopping distance and changes handling.

Lane discipline: keep in the left lane unless overtaking or turning right; do not weave between lanes and do not straddle lane markings.

At a junction with a stop line and a STOP sign, stop at the line even if nothing is coming - rolling stops are an offence.

When two vehicles arrive at an unmarked crossroads at the same time, give way to the vehicle on your right; if uncertain, yield and signal your intention.

Signalling: signal before changing lanes, turning, overtaking or slowing sharply; cancel the signal after the manoeuvre so it does not mislead others.

Do not block junctions or pedestrian crossings in stationary traffic; keep the exit clear before entering.

Bus stops and school buses: slow down and give way to pedestrians around stopped buses; overtake a stopped bus only with care and where permitted.

U-turns are permitted only where they can be made safely without crossing a solid line or obstructing other traffic; never on a blind bend or hill.

Motorways and dual carriageways where present: keep left, use the right lane only for overtaking, and never stop except in an emergency.

Roundabout lane choice: left lane for first exit and straight ahead, right lane for later exits unless markings direct otherwise.

Learner drivers must display L plates and be accompanied by a fully licensed driver; the supervisor's licence must be current and appropriate.

The theory test must be passed before a learner may apply for the practical driving test; bring identification and the required documents on test day.

Licences must be renewed before expiry; driving on an expired licence is driving without a licence and invalidates insurance cover.

Vehicle registration and insurance must be current and the plates displayed; driving with expired registration or no insurance is an offence.

Police may stop any vehicle to check documents, vehicle condition and fitness to drive; refusing to stop or provide details is an offence.

A collision involving injury, damage to another vehicle or property, or an animal must be reported to the police within the required period.

Penalty points accumulate on the licence; reaching the threshold or committing serious offences can lead to disqualification and retest.

Foreign visitors may drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited period; a local licence is required for residents or after the permitted period.

A driver must not carry more passengers than the vehicle is designed for, and all passengers must be seated and restrained where belts are fitted.

Observation cycle: mirrors, ahead, mirrors, instruments - build a repeating scan so you are never surprised by a change in front or behind.

The two-second rule scales with conditions: double it in rain, at night, or when following a large vehicle that blocks your view ahead.

Commentary driving: name the hazards you see (parked car, pedestrian, side road) to train the habit of anticipating rather than reacting.

Assume other drivers have not seen you: at junctions, drive so that a mistake by someone else does not become a collision.

Speed and stopping distance: stopping distance rises with the square of speed, so 60 km/h needs roughly four times the distance of 30 km/h.

Overtaking drill: check mirrors, check the road ahead is clear for the whole manoeuvre, signal, move out, accelerate past, return only when you can see the overtaken vehicle in the mirror.

Distraction management: set the radio, phone and navigation before moving off; eating, smoking and arguing all take attention off the road.

Road surface awareness: potholes, gravel, painted lines and wet patches reduce grip - reduce speed before, not in, the hazard.

Junction discipline: approach at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear, especially where buildings block the view.

Call emergency services with a clear location, the number of casualties, the hazards present and a callback number; do not hang up until told to.

Hazard warning lights plus a warning triangle placed well behind the vehicle reduce the risk of a secondary collision.

Do not give an injured person food or drink; keep them warm, reassure them and monitor breathing and consciousness.

Burns: cool with clean cool water for at least ten minutes and do not remove clothing stuck to the burn.

Shock signs: pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, confusion - lay the casualty down, keep them warm and get help.

If you are first on the scene: protect the scene, assess casualties, send for help, then treat life-threatening conditions in order of priority.

Skid recovery: release the brake or accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid sudden inputs once grip returns.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady and do not brake hard; grip returns as speed drops.

After any collision, exchange names, addresses, registration and insurance details, and record witnesses and the position of vehicles.

Alcohol is eliminated at roughly one standard drink per hour, and this varies by person; there is no reliable way to speed it up.

A heavy night's drinking can leave alcohol in the blood the next morning - a morning-after drive can still be over the limit.

Drugs that impair driving include cannabis, cocaine, and many over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies; combining them with alcohol multiplies the effect.

Prescription medicine labels: the warning triangle or drowsiness warning means do not drive until you have checked with a pharmacist or doctor.

Fatigue is a bigger factor in night-time and long-distance collisions than many drivers realise; it impairs reaction as much as moderate alcohol.

Counter-measures that do not work: cold air, loud music, energy drinks, open windows. The only reliable remedy is sleep.

Medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease and severe sleep apnoea must be declared to the licensing authority; driving while unfit is an offence.

Eyesight: you must be able to read a number plate at the required distance; wear glasses or lenses if required and keep a spare pair in the vehicle.

Emotional state matters: anger, grief and stress narrow attention - delay the journey or let someone else drive if you are not fit to concentrate.

At a pedestrian crossing, stop behind the markings, not on them, and stay stopped until the crossing is clear - including the far side.

Where there is no pavement, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic; drivers should expect them around bends and on narrow roads.

Cyclists may need to move out to avoid drains, potholes and parked cars; give them room and do not sound the horn aggressively.

When passing a cyclist or motorcyclist, wait until you can see the road ahead is clear, then move out and pass widely rather than squeezing through.

Children are unpredictable: a ball rolling into the road usually means a child follows; slow down and be ready to stop.

Elderly pedestrians may take longer to cross and may not see or hear you; be patient and do not pressure them with the horn.

People with guide dogs or white canes have priority; give them time and space, and remember that a silent electric vehicle may not be heard.

Horse riders and animals: slow down, do not rev or sound the horn, and pass wide and slow with plenty of room.

Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped with a yellow background and black symbol; they tell you of a hazard ahead, not a rule you must obey.

Common warning symbols: bend, double bend, steep hill, slippery road, road narrows, pedestrian crossing, children, cyclists, animals, traffic signals ahead.

Regulatory signs are circular (prohibitions and limits) or rectangular (mandatory instructions such as 'turn left only' or 'keep left').

Speed limit signs show the maximum permitted speed in the units used locally; they are a limit, not a target, and lower speeds apply in poor conditions.

Information and direction signs give destinations, distances and services; green or blue backgrounds usually indicate routes and motorway-type roads.

Roadworks signs and temporary speed limits must be obeyed; they are legally enforceable and may be lower than the permanent limit.

A 'No Through Road' or dead-end sign means there is no exit for vehicles; do not enter expecting to pass through.

Hazard warning signs on vehicles (triangle) or flashing amber beacons indicate a slow or stationary hazard - reduce speed and prepare to stop.

If a sign is obscured or missing, treat the junction or hazard as if the most restrictive sign applies and proceed with caution.

Stop line: a solid white line across your lane at a signal or stop sign - you must stop behind it, not on or past it.

Give way line: a broken white line across your lane - slow, look and give way before crossing.

Centre lines: white lines separate traffic; a broken line may be crossed when safe, a solid line may not, and double lines give the strictest restriction.

Lane arrows painted on the road show the direction each lane must take; get into the correct lane early rather than cutting across.

Pedestrian crossing markings (zebra stripes, studs or signal-controlled crossings) require you to give way and not to park on or near them.

Yellow box markings keep junctions clear; enter only if your exit is clear, and do not stop inside the box.

Traffic light failure: treat the junction as an unmarked one, proceed with extreme caution and apply the give-way-to-the-right rule.

Filter arrows in a traffic light (a green arrow) allow the movement shown only when the arrow is lit; a full green does not authorise a protected turn.

Temporary markings at roadworks override permanent ones; follow the cones and the lane markings they create.

Clutch control: the biting point is where the engine begins to take the load; hold it on hill starts and when manoeuvring slowly.

Gear selection: use the highest gear that does not labour the engine for economy; change down before a hazard, not during it.

Steering wheel lock: never turn the wheel while the vehicle is stationary (dry steering) - it strains the steering and wears the tyres.

Braking on a bend: brake before the bend, maintain a steady speed through it, and accelerate gently on the way out.

Reversing: use mirrors and a shoulder check, reverse slowly, and be prepared to stop; get someone to guide you if visibility is poor.

Handbrake/parking brake: apply it whenever parked, and check it is fully released before moving off to avoid brake drag and overheating.

Cooling system: check coolant level when the engine is cold; never remove a radiator cap from a hot engine.

Engine oil: check on level ground with the engine off; low oil can cause catastrophic engine damage and is a common cause of breakdowns.

Wipers and washer fluid: check before rain; worn blades smear and reduce visibility exactly when you need it most.

If your vehicle breaks down, move it off the carriageway if possible, switch on hazard lights, and get occupants out and behind a barrier or well away from traffic.

When calling for help, give the road name or landmark, direction of travel, and the nature of the emergency so responders can find you.

Do not stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic; stand on the verge or behind the barrier, facing traffic.

First aid priorities: airway, breathing, circulation - check responsiveness, clear the airway, and be ready to start CPR.

CPR ratio for a single rescuer: 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths; if unwilling or unable to give breaths, do compression-only CPR.

Bleeding control: apply direct pressure, elevate the limb if possible, and use a tourniquet only for life-threatening limb bleeding.

Do not move a motorcyclist's helmet unless the airway is obstructed; removing it can worsen a neck injury.

Keep a basic first-aid kit and warning triangle in the vehicle; check contents regularly and replace used items.

After a collision, do not admit liability at the scene; exchange details, record facts and report to the police and insurer.

The 'system of car control' at a hazard: course (position), mirrors, speed, gear, then accelerate away only when the hazard is passed.

Limit point analysis on bends: the furthest point you can see the road surface is the limit point; if it comes towards you, slow down.

Following a large vehicle: drop back to increase your view past it, and never follow so closely that you cannot see its mirrors.

When being overtaken: maintain a steady speed and course, move slightly left if safe, and do not accelerate.

Junction observation: look right, left and right again, and check for motorcyclists and cyclists filtering past queuing traffic.

Wet road braking: stopping distances roughly double on wet roads; increase the gap and brake earlier and more gently.

Night driving: use main beam where there is no other traffic, dip for oncoming vehicles and when following, and reduce speed so you can stop within the lit distance.

Fog: use dipped headlights and fog lights if fitted, reduce speed, and do not follow tail lights too closely - they give a false sense of a clear road.

Horn use: use it only to warn others of your presence, not to express annoyance, and never in a built-up area at night unless necessary.

A driving licence is issued in categories (car, motorcycle, heavy goods, bus); you may only drive a vehicle covered by your category.

Learner permits are valid for a limited period and may be renewed; driving unaccompanied on a learner permit is an offence.

The practical test assesses vehicle control, observation, junction handling, manoeuvres and knowledge of the Highway Code; serious faults cause a fail.

Insurance: third-party cover is the legal minimum; comprehensive cover also protects your own vehicle. Modifications must be declared.

Driving without insurance can lead to a fine, points, disqualification and seizure of the vehicle; the registered keeper may also be liable.

Seat belt law applies to the driver and all passengers; the driver is responsible for ensuring children are correctly restrained.

Mobile phone use: hand-held use while driving is prohibited, including texting and using apps; a phone in a cradle must not distract you.

Road tax and inspection: vehicles must be taxed and have a valid inspection certificate; driving without them can invalidate insurance.

Penalties for driving offences range from fixed penalties and points to court fines, disqualification and imprisonment for serious offences.

Reaction time, tracking and divided attention all worsen with alcohol; the driver may feel more capable while actually being less capable.

Standard drink awareness: strength and serving size vary widely, so counting drinks is unreliable - count hours since the last drink and use a plan.

If you are going to drink, arrange a designated driver, taxi or public transport before the event, not after.

Illegal drugs and driving: cannabis slows reactions and impairs lane control; cocaine encourages risk-taking and impairs judgement.

Medicines can impair driving even when prescribed; check the label, ask the pharmacist, and avoid driving until you know the effect.

Fatigue and alcohol interact: a tired driver who has had even one drink is significantly more impaired than either factor alone.

Sleep debt cannot be repaid by caffeine; a 15-20 minute nap is more effective than coffee, and coffee takes about 20-30 minutes to act.

Declared medical conditions may require periodic medical review; failing to declare a condition that affects driving can invalidate insurance and licence.

If you feel unwell, drowsy or emotionally unfit, the safest decision is not to drive - arrange alternative transport.

Pedestrian crossings: approach at a speed that lets you stop, do not park on the zig-zag or approach markings, and never overtake on the approach.

When a pedestrian has stepped onto a zebra crossing, all traffic must stop and remain stopped until they have cleared the crossing.

Cyclists must obey the same signals and signs as drivers; expect them to hold a steady line but allow for wobbles at low speed and in wind.

Motorcyclists: look twice at junctions - a single glance can miss a small approaching vehicle; their speed and distance are hard to judge.

Door zone: when passing parked cars, leave at least a door's width so a suddenly opened door does not force a collision.

Children near schools and playgrounds: reduce speed to 30 km/h or less and be ready to stop instantly; children may run out without looking.

People with reduced mobility: allow extra time at crossings and never overtake a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.

Large vehicles turning left may swing out to the right first; never pass on the left of a turning lorry or bus.

Stop sign: octagonal, red with white lettering; the only sign that requires a complete stop in all circumstances.

Give way sign: inverted triangle, red border; requires yielding but not necessarily a full stop if the road is clear.

No entry sign: red circle with a white horizontal bar; entering is an offence and often leads into oncoming traffic.

Speed limit signs: circular, red border, black number on white; the number is the maximum permitted speed in the applicable units.

Prohibition signs: red circle with a diagonal bar over the prohibited action (no left turn, no U-turn, no overtaking, no parking).

Mandatory signs: blue circle with a white symbol (keep left, turn left ahead, minimum speed, cycle route) - you must follow the instruction.

Warning signs: yellow diamond with black symbol; they warn of a hazard ahead such as a bend, junction, crossing or slippery surface.

Information signs: rectangular, often blue or green, giving directions, distances, services and route numbers.

Traffic light signs and signals ahead: a warning sign showing signals tells you to expect a signal-controlled junction and be ready to stop.

Traffic lights sequence: red, red-and-amber, green, amber, red; red-and-amber means prepare to go but do not move until green.

Green means proceed if the way is clear; it does not give an absolute right of way over pedestrians already crossing or vehicles already in the junction.

Amber means stop unless you are so close that stopping would be unsafe; accelerating to beat the amber is a common cause of junction collisions.

Flashing amber at a pelican crossing: give way to pedestrians on the crossing, proceed only when clear.

Lane control signals (red X, green arrow) must be obeyed; a red X means the lane is closed and you must not use it.

Police signals: an officer facing you with an arm raised means stop; a beckoning arm means proceed; always obey the officer over the lights.

Yellow lines: single yellow = waiting restricted during times shown on nearby plates; double yellow = no waiting at any time.

White arrows on the road indicate the direction of travel for that lane; do not change lane across a solid white line at a junction.

Hatched areas with broken borders may be entered if necessary and safe; those with solid borders should not be entered except in an emergency.

Give way to the right at unmarked junctions; but never rely on the rule alone - if another driver is already committed, let them go.

Turning across traffic: a right turn crosses the path of oncoming vehicles, so wait for a safe gap and do not force others to brake.

Entering a main road from a side road, driveway or car park: give way to all traffic on the main road, including cyclists and motorcyclists.

Roundabouts: give way to traffic from the right already on the roundabout, signal left to exit, and do not change lanes on the roundabout without checking.

Overtaking is prohibited where a solid white line is on your side, at pedestrian crossings, at junctions, and where visibility is insufficient.

Speed limits are maximums; in built-up areas, near schools and in poor weather, drive well below the limit.

Stopping and parking: do not park where you block a junction, crossing, bus stop, driveway, fire hydrant or narrow road; keep clear for emergency vehicles.

Emergency vehicles: give way, pull over to the left and stop; do not stop in the middle of a junction or block the road they need.

Reversing and three-point turns: only where safe and legal, checking for pedestrians, cyclists and children throughout the manoeuvre.

Driving licence categories: a standard car licence does not authorise riding a motorcycle or driving a heavy goods vehicle or bus; separate tests apply.

Learner stage: display L plates, carry a qualified supervising driver, and do not drive on roads prohibited for learners.

Document checks: police may request your licence, insurance, registration and inspection certificate at any time; keep them in the vehicle.

Insurance must cover the vehicle and the driver; named-driver policies do not cover other drivers unless expressly stated.

Seat belts and child restraints: children under the required height or age must use an appropriate child seat; the driver is responsible.

Mobile phones: it is an offence to use a hand-held phone while driving; penalties apply even when stationary in traffic with the engine running.

Collision reporting: report to the police within the required time, and do not leave the scene of an injury collision.

Penalty points and disqualification: accumulation of points or a serious offence can lead to a ban and a mandatory retest.

Vehicle fitness: a valid inspection certificate confirms the vehicle meets roadworthiness standards; driving without one is an offence.

Defensive driving assumes the other driver may make a mistake; position and speed yourself so that mistake does not cause a collision.

Space cushion: keep at least a two-second gap, more when behind a large vehicle or in wet conditions, and avoid travelling in others' blind spots.

Observation: look well ahead, use mirrors regularly, and check blind spots before changing lane or direction.

Speed management: drive at a speed from which you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear, especially on bends and at night.

Signalling: signal early, clearly and cancel afterwards; a signal is a request, not a right of way.

Overtaking: only when legal, safe and necessary; check mirrors, blind spot and the road ahead, and return only when you can see the vehicle you passed.

Junction approach: slow down, select the correct lane and gear, look right, left and right again, and be ready to stop.

Wet and slippery roads: reduce speed, increase gaps, avoid sudden braking and steering, and test brakes after driving through water.

Distraction: set up navigation and music before moving off; avoid phone use, eating and other distractions while driving.

Pre-trip walk-around: check tyres, lights, indicators, mirrors, wipers, fluid leaks, load security and that nothing is behind the vehicle.

Cockpit drill: doors, seat, steering position, mirrors, seat belt, gear in neutral, handbrake on, then start the engine.

Tyre condition: minimum 1.6 mm tread, correct pressure when cold, no cuts or bulges; check the spare and the jack.

Fluids: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, screen wash and power-steering fluid; check when cold and top up to the marked level.

Lights: check headlights, main beam, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights and hazard lights before a long journey or in poor weather.

Brakes: check the pedal feels firm and the handbrake holds; any pulling, sponginess or noise needs investigation before driving.

Steering: check for play, vibration or pulling; a pull to one side can indicate tyre, brake or alignment problems.

Mirrors and visibility: clean windscreen, mirrors and lights; adjust mirrors so you can see the road behind and to the sides.

Load: secure loads, do not exceed the vehicle's weight limit, and adjust tyre pressures and driving style for heavy loads.

Collision response: stop, make the scene safe, check for injuries, call emergency services, exchange details and report to police.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger; suspected spinal or neck injury requires keeping the person still.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth, do not remove embedded objects, and get urgent medical help.

Unresponsive casualty not breathing normally: start CPR (30 compressions to 2 breaths) and send for an AED if available.

Recovery position: for an unconscious but breathing casualty, to keep the airway open and prevent choking.

Fires: switch off the engine, get everyone out and well away, and do not open the bonnet fully if smoke is escaping.

Breakdowns: move off the road, hazard lights on, warning triangle well behind, occupants behind a barrier and away from traffic.

Brake failure: pump the pedal, change down, use the handbrake progressively, and look for a safe escape route.

Tyre blowout: hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer straight until you can pull over safely.

Alcohol impairs reaction time, judgement, coordination and vision; the effects begin well below the legal limit.

The only reliable way to sober up is time; coffee, food, cold showers and fresh air do not remove alcohol from the blood.

Drink-driving penalties include fines, disqualification, imprisonment and a criminal record; the risk is not worth it.

Drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, can impair driving; check the label and ask a pharmacist.

Fatigue signs: yawning, heavy eyes, drifting, missing signs, poor concentration; stop somewhere safe and rest.

Fatigue counter-measures that do not work: loud music, open windows, cold air, energy drinks. A short nap or sleep is the only reliable remedy.

Plan long journeys with a break at least every two hours; avoid driving during hours when you would normally be asleep.

Medical fitness: declare conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnoea to the licensing authority.

Eyesight: you must meet the required standard to drive; wear glasses or lenses if prescribed and keep a spare pair in the vehicle.