SKN Driver's Written Examination key terms

A red octagonal sign bearing the word STOP. A driver must bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the stop line, or before the intersection if no line exists, and give way before proceeding.

An inverted triangle sign meaning a driver must slow down and let traffic on the main road pass before entering or crossing. Stopping is required only if traffic is approaching.

A sign that states a legal requirement or prohibition, such as a speed limit, no entry, or no parking. Disobeying it is an offence, unlike ignoring an advisory warning sign.

A sign, usually yellow diamond-shaped or triangular, that alerts drivers to a hazard ahead such as a bend, school crossing, or uneven road. It advises caution rather than imposing a rule.

A sign showing the maximum legal speed in kilometres per hour for that road. Driving above that figure is an offence regardless of traffic, weather, or road conditions.

A red circular sign with a white horizontal bar that forbids vehicles from entering that road or lane. It is often placed at the exit of a one-way street.

A solid white line painted across a lane at a junction, traffic light, or pedestrian crossing. A vehicle must stop before this line, not on or past it.

A dashed white line separating traffic moving in opposite directions. A driver may cross it to overtake or turn when it is safe and no other rule forbids it.

A continuous white line that traffic must not cross. It marks a stretch where overtaking is unsafe, such as on a bend, hill crest, or narrow section of road.

A marked area of road, often with broad white stripes, where pedestrians have priority. Drivers must slow down and stop to let people on or about to use the crossing.

A pattern of white arrows or stripes painted on the road to guide drivers through a bend or around an obstruction. Driving over hatched areas bounded by solid lines is normally prohibited.

The order in which vehicle signals change: red, then red and amber together, then green, then amber, then red. Red and amber together means prepare to go but do not move yet.

The middle traffic signal meaning stop, unless the vehicle is so close to the stop line that stopping safely is impossible. It does not mean accelerate to beat the red.

The priority one road user has to proceed while others wait. It is given by signs, signals, markings, or general rules, and must never be assumed or taken aggressively.

A place where two or more roads meet or cross. Drivers approaching a junction must slow down, observe all signs and markings, and give way as required before entering.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating has priority. Entering drivers give way to the right or left as local rules direct and travel anticlockwise or clockwise accordingly.

Passing another moving vehicle travelling in the same direction. It must be done only where permitted, with clear visibility, sufficient space, and a safe gap before returning to the lane.

The gap kept between your vehicle and the one ahead. It should allow you to stop safely if that vehicle brakes suddenly, and it must increase in rain or at higher speeds.

A method of judging following distance: watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed point and count two seconds before you reach it. In wet weather or at night, allow at least four seconds.

A speed suited to the actual conditions, such as rain, darkness, traffic, or road surface, even when it is below the posted limit. The limit is a maximum, not a target.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. A driver must turn the head to check it before changing lanes, merging, or reversing.

Moving from one marked lane to another. It requires mirror checks, a blind-spot check, signalling in good time, and confirming the new lane is clear before moving over.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors to monitor traffic behind and beside the vehicle. It should be done regularly and always before braking, turning, or changing lanes.

The official document permitting a person to drive a stated class of vehicle on public roads. Driving without a valid licence, or outside its conditions, is an offence.

A provisional authorisation allowing a person to learn to drive under stated conditions, such as carrying a qualified supervising driver and displaying learner plates. It is not a full licence.

The minimum cover most jurisdictions require before a vehicle is used on a public road. It pays for injury or damage the driver causes to other people and their property.

A strap fitted to a seat that restrains the occupant in a crash. Drivers and passengers are legally required to wear one where fitted, and children need an appropriate restraint.

A seat or harness designed for a young passenger's size and weight. It must be correctly fitted and used instead of an adult seat belt for small children.

A short inspection before driving covering tyres, lights, mirrors, fluid levels, brakes, and bodywork. It catches faults while the vehicle is stationary and before they become a hazard.

The grooved pattern on a tyre that channels water away from the contact patch. Worn tread reduces grip in rain and can make the vehicle skid or aquaplane.

The amount of air inside a tyre, measured when the tyre is cold. Incorrect pressure harms grip, braking, fuel use, and tyre life, and should be checked regularly.

Loss of tyre contact with the road because a layer of water builds under the tyre. Steering and braking become ineffective, so ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs.

Sliding of the tyres across the road surface when grip is lost, often through braking, steering, or accelerating too harshly. The correct response is to ease off and steer smoothly.

The rule that drivers must give way to people on foot at marked crossings and when turning into a road they are crossing. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users.

A road user with little or no physical protection, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or child. Drivers should give them extra space and anticipate unpredictable movement.

The record a driver must make to the police after a crash involving injury, death, or significant damage. It should be made promptly and include details of all parties and witnesses.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, such as controlling bleeding and keeping them warm. It should never involve moving a casualty unnecessarily.

Applying the brakes firmly and fully to stop as quickly as possible in a hazard. A modern vehicle with anti-lock brakes should be braked hard while steering is maintained.

The maximum permitted concentration of alcohol in a driver's blood or breath. Exceeding it is an offence, and the safest and lawful choice for any driver is not to drink at all.

Any reduction in a driver's ability to judge and react safely, caused by alcohol, drugs, illness, or fatigue. An impaired driver must not drive, whatever the legal limits.

Tiredness that slows reactions and can cause micro-sleeps at the wheel. The remedy is to stop somewhere safe and rest; fresh air, music, or coffee are only temporary aids.