Kuwait Driving Theory key terms

A red octagonal sign requiring a complete halt at the stop line or before the intersection, followed by a check for traffic and pedestrians before moving off.

An inverted triangle sign meaning you must slow down and let traffic on the intersecting or priority road pass before you enter or cross it.

A solid white line painted across your lane marking where a vehicle must halt for a stop sign, traffic light or pedestrian crossing.

The fixed sequence of red, red-and-amber, green and amber signals; red means stop behind the line, green permits movement only if the exit is clear.

A continuous line along the middle of the road that must not be crossed or straddled, marking a stretch where overtaking is considered too dangerous.

A dashed line dividing opposing traffic streams that may be crossed to overtake or turn when it is safe and no other restriction applies.

A hatched yellow area at a junction that you may enter only when your exit is clear, so queuing vehicles do not block crossing traffic.

The priority a road user has to proceed first; it is given by signs, signals, markings or rules, and must never be assumed without checking.

A junction with no signs, signals or markings, where drivers must slow down, look in all directions and give way to traffic already in the junction.

A circular junction where entering traffic gives way to vehicles already circulating, keeps to the right in Kuwait, and signals before leaving.

The obligation to slow down and stop for pedestrians using a marked or signal-controlled crossing, and to give way to those already on it.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes on the road, where drivers must give way to people on foot and must not park or stop.

The maximum permitted speed for a road, shown by signs or set by law; it is a ceiling for ideal conditions, not a target to be reached.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly the two-second rule, increased in rain, dust, darkness or when following large vehicles.

A method of judging following distance by counting two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your own vehicle reaching it.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops, growing with speed and reduced by wet or sandy surfaces.

The distance covered while the driver notices a hazard and moves the foot to the brake, lengthened by fatigue, distraction or alcohol.

Passing another moving vehicle, normally on the left, only where the road is clear, markings allow it and you can return safely before oncoming traffic arrives.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show, where a car can be hidden; check it by turning your head before changing lane or overtaking.

Keeping within your lane, using the correct lane for your direction or turn, and returning to the right after overtaking rather than cruising in a middle lane.

The sequence of mirror check, blind-spot check, signal, sufficient gap and smooth movement into the new lane without forcing others to brake.

A place where stopping or parking is banned, such as near junctions, on crossings, at bus stops, in tunnels or where signs and yellow lines forbid it.

Leaving a vehicle beside an already parked car so that it blocks the traffic lane or prevents the parked car from leaving; this is an offence.

A monetary penalty issued for parking or stopping offences, which may be accompanied by having the vehicle towed away at the owner's cost.

The skill of scanning ahead and to the sides to spot developing dangers early, such as pedestrians stepping out, sand drifts or a car braking suddenly.

Driving so as to anticipate other people's mistakes, keeping space around the car, avoiding confrontation and choosing the safest option rather than the legal one only.

Loss of grip when a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road, causing steering and braking to fail; ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs.

Penalty points recorded against a driver for offences; accumulating them within a set period can lead to suspension of the driving licence.

The classes of licence that authorise driving particular vehicle types, such as private car, light or heavy goods vehicle, taxi and motorcycle.

A provisional authorisation allowing a person to practise driving under stated conditions, such as supervision by a licensed driver, before taking the road test.

The official record and plate that identify a vehicle and its owner, which must be current and displayed, and transferred when the car is sold.

The minimum motor cover required by law, paying for injury or damage the insured driver causes to other people and their property.

The recurring technical test of brakes, tyres, lights and emissions that a vehicle must pass to remain legally roadworthy.

The depth of the grooves on a tyre; worn tread reduces grip and lengthens braking, especially on wet roads and in loose sand.

The formal record of a collision made to the police, needed for insurance claims and required when there are injuries or disputed liability.

The hard shoulder or emergency lane is reserved for breakdowns, ambulances and police; driving or stopping in it without genuine need is an offence.