Saint Lucia Driver's Theory Test key terms

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes across the road where pedestrians have priority once they step onto it. Drivers must slow down and stop to let them cross.

A solid white line painted across a lane at a junction or signal, marking the exact point where a vehicle must halt for a stop sign, red light, or police signal.

A dashed line down the middle of the road separating traffic in opposite directions. It may be crossed to overtake or turn when it is safe and the road ahead is clear.

Two continuous yellow lines along the centre of the road. Neither line may be crossed by either direction of traffic, so overtaking is prohibited along that stretch.

An eight-sided red sign with white lettering. A driver must come to a complete halt at the stop line or edge of the junction, check that the way is clear, and then proceed.

An inverted triangle sign warning that traffic on the road ahead has priority. The driver must slow down, be ready to stop, and only enter the junction when it is safe.

Coloured lights controlling traffic flow. Red means stop, amber means prepare to stop unless already too close to stop safely, and green means proceed only if the junction is clear.

The legal entitlement of one road user to proceed before another at a junction, narrowing, or crossing. It is given by signs, signals, markings, or the standard rules of the road.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating has priority. A driver approaches, gives way to traffic from the right, and then joins and leaves the circle using the correct lane.

The flashing lights on a vehicle used to show an intention to turn, change lane, or pull out. Signals must be given in good time and cancelled once the manoeuvre is complete.

A routine of checking mirrors, giving the correct signal, then carrying out the manoeuvre while watching for hazards. It is applied before turning, overtaking, changing lanes, and pulling out.

A direct glance over the shoulder into the area not visible in the mirrors before moving off or changing lanes. It catches vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians hidden beside the car.

The gap kept between your vehicle and the one ahead. A safe gap gives enough time to stop if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly, and it should increase at higher speeds.

A simple method of judging a safe following gap: pick a fixed object and count two seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it. If you reach it sooner, you are too close.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver decides to stop until it comes to rest. It combines thinking distance and braking distance and grows quickly with speed.

The distance covered while the brakes are actually slowing the vehicle after the driver has reacted. It increases with speed and is much longer on wet, loose, or slippery surfaces.

The maximum legal speed permitted on a particular road, set by signs or by law. Driving above it is an offence, and the limit is a ceiling, not a target.

Travelling at a speed that is legal on paper but unsafe for rain, darkness, poor visibility, or heavy traffic. A driver must slow down so as to be able to stop within the distance seen to be clear.

Penalty points recorded against a driver's licence after certain traffic offences. Accumulating points within a set period can lead to suspension or other licence action.

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

Cover that pays for injury or damage the policyholder causes to other people and their property. Having at least this minimum cover is a legal requirement for driving on public roads.

A strap fitted in a vehicle that restrains occupants in a crash and greatly reduces serious injury. Drivers and passengers must wear one where fitted, and children need suitable restraints.

A specially designed seat or booster that holds a young child securely and positions the seat belt correctly. Small children must travel in one rather than using an adult belt alone.

People at greatest risk in traffic because they have little or no protection: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, and the elderly. Drivers should give them extra space and time.

Passing a bicycle rider only when there is clear room ahead, leaving a generous sideways gap, and not cutting back in until the cyclist is well behind. Never squeeze past on a narrow road.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction. It is only allowed where the road markings and visibility permit, and it must be completed before any oncoming traffic arrives.

Loss of tyre grip on a wet road when a film of water lifts the tyres off the surface. Steering and braking become ineffective, so ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden moves.

Sliding of the tyres when they lose grip under heavy braking, harsh steering, or a slippery surface. The response is to ease off the pedals and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go.

A system that rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure to stop the wheels locking during hard braking. It helps the driver keep steering control while braking firmly.

Additional front or rear lamps used in seriously reduced visibility such as thick fog or heavy rain. They must be switched off when visibility improves so as not to dazzle other drivers.

The normal low-beam setting used at night and in poor daytime visibility. It lights the road ahead without dazzling oncoming drivers and should be used whenever visibility is limited.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre, which channel water away and maintain grip. Worn tyres lengthen braking distance and raise the risk of aquaplaning in the wet.

The quick inspection made before setting off: tyres, lights, mirrors, seat and head restraint, fuel, fluid levels, and that doors are shut. It prevents avoidable breakdowns and collisions.

Moving from one marked lane to another. It requires checking mirrors, signalling, checking the blind spot, and matching the speed of traffic in the new lane before moving over smoothly.

Painted lines and stripes on the road that define where people should cross. Drivers must not stop or park on them, as doing so blocks the view and endangers pedestrians.

The steps taken after a crash to prevent further harm: switching off engines if safe, warning other traffic, keeping people clear of the roadway, and calling for emergency help.

Basic knowledge of how to help an injured person before professional help arrives: making the area safe, checking response and breathing, controlling bleeding, and not moving a casualty unnecessarily.

All four indicator lamps flashing together to warn other road users of a stopped, slow, or broken-down vehicle. They are not a substitute for proper parking lights at night.

Contacting the police, fire, or ambulance service after a crash or breakdown, giving the exact location, the number of casualties, and any continuing hazards clearly and calmly.