Lebanon Driving Theory Test key terms
Lebanon Driving Theory Test · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- Stop sign (octagonal)
- Related: Yield sign, Stop line
A red eight-sided sign requiring a complete halt at the stop line or edge of the intersection, giving way to all traffic before moving off. Unlike a yield sign, stopping is mandatory even when the road appears clear.
- Yield sign (give way)
- Related: Stop sign (octagonal), Right-of-way
An inverted red-and-white triangle telling drivers to slow down and give priority to traffic on the intersecting road, stopping only if necessary. It never grants priority to the driver facing it.
- Priority road sign
- Related: Yield sign (give way), Right-of-way
A yellow diamond with a white border marking a road whose traffic has priority at upcoming intersections. A black diagonal bar across the diamond signals the end of that priority.
- Stop line
- Related: Stop sign (octagonal), Pedestrian crossing marking
A solid white transverse line painted across the lane at a signal or stop sign. Vehicles must halt with the front bumper behind it so pedestrians and cross traffic keep a clear path.
- Pedestrian crossing marking
- Related: Zebra crossing, Stop line
White stripes or parallel lines painted on the carriageway showing where pedestrians cross. Drivers must slow and give way to anyone on or stepping onto the marked area.
- Zebra crossing
- Related: Pedestrian crossing marking, Vulnerable road user
A crossing marked by broad white stripes where pedestrians have priority over vehicles. Approaching drivers must reduce speed and stop for anyone waiting to cross, not only those already walking.
- Continuous white line
- Related: Broken white line, Overtaking ban
A solid centre or edge line that must not be crossed or straddled, typically on bends, crests or narrow sections where visibility is short. Overtaking across it is a serious offence.
- Broken white line
- Related: Continuous white line, Lane discipline
A dashed lane or centre line that may be crossed when it is safe and legal to do so, for example to overtake or change lanes. It does not remove the duty to check mirrors and blind spots.
- Right-of-way
- Related: Priority to the right, Yield sign (give way)
The legal entitlement of one road user to proceed first while others wait. It is granted by signs, signals or rules, and must still be given up to avoid a collision.
- Priority to the right
- Related: Right-of-way, Uncontrolled intersection
A default rule in the absence of signs or signals: at an unmarked intersection the driver must give way to vehicles approaching from the right. It applies in Lebanon and in many European countries.
- Uncontrolled intersection
- Related: Priority to the right, Roundabout
A junction with no traffic lights, stop or yield signs regulating the movement. Drivers apply the default priority rule, approach at reduced speed and be ready to stop.
- Roundabout
- Related: Uncontrolled intersection, Turn signal (indicator)
A circular junction where traffic already circulating has priority and entering drivers yield. Vehicles travel counter-clockwise in Lebanon, and indicators signal the intended exit.
- Turn signal (indicator)
- Related: Lane discipline, Blind spot
A flashing lamp showing an intention to turn, change lane or leave a roundabout. It must be given early enough to warn others, and cancelled once the manoeuvre is complete.
- Lane discipline
- Related: Broken white line, Turn signal (indicator)
Keeping the vehicle centred in its marked lane, using the correct lane for the intended direction and not weaving between lanes. It keeps traffic predictable and reduces sideswipe collisions.
- Speed limit
- Related: Safe following distance, Stopping distance
The maximum legal speed for a road or zone, shown by a red-circled number sign or set by the traffic code where no sign exists. It is a ceiling, not a target.
- Safe following distance
- Related: Two-second rule, Stopping distance
The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so that a sudden stop can be matched without collision. The two-second rule is the usual guide, doubled in rain, at night or when following heavy vehicles.
- Two-second rule
- Related: Safe following distance, Stopping distance
A method of judging following distance: pick a fixed roadside object, and ensure at least two seconds pass between the car ahead reaching it and your own arrival. Add more time in poor conditions.
- Stopping distance
- Related: Safe following distance, Aquaplaning
The total distance travelled from noticing a hazard to coming to rest, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance. It grows with speed, load, wet roads and tiredness.
- Overtaking ban
- Related: Continuous white line, Blind spot
A restriction, shown by a sign or a continuous line, that forbids passing other vehicles on a stretch of road, such as near bends, crests, crossings or tunnels. Violating it is penalised.
- Blind spot
- Related: Turn signal (indicator), Lane discipline
The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show, especially beside and behind the rear corners. A shoulder check or mirror adjustment is needed before changing lane or overtaking.
- Defensive driving
- Related: Hazard perception, Vulnerable road user
A style of driving that anticipates other people's mistakes, keeps escape space and avoids relying on others to obey the rules. It reduces the chance of being caught in someone else's crash.
- Hazard perception
- Related: Defensive driving, Stopping distance
The skill of spotting developing dangers early, such as a child near the kerb, a parked car with a door opening or a truck reversing. Early recognition buys the time needed to react safely.
- Vulnerable road user
- Related: Zebra crossing, Defensive driving
A road user with little physical protection, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children. Drivers owe them extra care, more space and lower speed, particularly near schools and crossings.
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- Related: Impairment, Fatigue
The amount of alcohol in the blood, expressed in grams per litre or as a percentage. Exceeding the legal threshold is an offence, and any alcohol impairs judgement and reaction time.
- Impairment
- Related: Blood alcohol concentration (BAC), Fatigue
Any reduction in the ability to drive safely caused by alcohol, drugs, medication, illness or extreme tiredness. A driver who feels impaired must not take the wheel, regardless of legal limits.
- Fatigue
- Related: Impairment, Distracted driving
Physical and mental tiredness that slows reactions and causes micro-sleeps at the wheel. The remedy is to stop, rest and, if possible, share the driving, not to open a window or turn up music.
- Distracted driving
- Related: Fatigue, Hazard perception
Driving while attention is taken by a competing task, such as using a phone, eating, or adjusting navigation. Even a brief glance away at speed covers a long distance blind.
- Tread depth
- Related: Aquaplaning, Tyre pressure
The height of the rubber blocks on a tyre, measured in millimetres. Worn tread lengthens braking distance and raises aquaplaning risk, so tyres below the legal minimum must be replaced.
- Tyre pressure
- Related: Tread depth, Aquaplaning
The air pressure inside a tyre, checked cold against the vehicle maker's figures. Wrong pressure harms grip, fuel use and tyre life, and uneven wear can signal a slow puncture.
- Aquaplaning
- Related: Tread depth, Stopping distance
Loss of grip when a layer of water lifts the tyre off the road surface. Steering and braking stop responding, so the driver should ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs until grip returns.
- Dipped headlights
- Related: Hazard warning lights, Defensive driving
The normal low-beam setting used at night and in rain, fog or tunnels, aimed down so they light the road without dazzling oncoming drivers. Full beams are reserved for empty, unlit roads.
- Hazard warning lights
- Related: Breakdown procedure, Dipped headlights
All four indicators flashing together to warn others of a stationary or slow-moving hazard, such as a breakdown or queue. They are not a parking permit and must not be used while driving normally.
- Breakdown procedure
- Related: Hazard warning lights, Emergency call
The safe routine after a vehicle failure: move off the carriageway, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle if carried, and get occupants behind a barrier while help is called.
- Emergency call
- Related: Breakdown procedure, First aid at the scene
Contacting the emergency services with the location, number of casualties and nature of the incident. Clear, calm information speeds the response; the caller should stay on the line if asked.
- First aid at the scene
- Related: Emergency call, Recovery position
Immediate care given before professionals arrive: securing the scene, checking responsiveness and breathing, controlling bleeding and not moving an injured person unless there is danger.
- Recovery position
- Related: First aid at the scene, Emergency call
A stable side-lying posture used for an unconscious person who is breathing, keeping the airway open and allowing fluids to drain. It is not used for someone who is not breathing normally.
- Driving licence category
- Related: Third-party insurance, Vehicle registration
The class code printed on a licence showing which vehicles the holder may drive, such as motorcycle, car or heavy goods vehicle. Driving outside the category is an offence and may void insurance.
- Penalty points
- Related: Driving licence category, Vehicle registration
Points added to a driving record for traffic offences, which can lead to suspension once a threshold is reached. They are a deterrent that follows the driver, not the vehicle.
- Third-party insurance
- Related: Vehicle registration, Driving licence category
The minimum cover required by law, paying for injury or damage the insured driver causes to others. It does not pay for the insured vehicle's own repairs.
- Vehicle registration
- Related: Third-party insurance, Penalty points
The official record linking a vehicle to its plate number and owner, renewed periodically with roadworthiness and insurance checks. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal.