LK DMT Light Vehicle Written key terms

A provisional authorisation issued to a person learning to drive, valid only while accompanied by a qualified supervising driver and displaying the required learner identification on the vehicle.

A restricted full-driving permit issued after passing the practical driving test, carrying conditions such as lower speed limits, zero alcohol tolerance and passenger or night-time restrictions.

The process of extending the validity of an existing driving licence before or shortly after its expiry date, usually requiring an application, fee payment and a current photograph.

A replacement licence issued when the original has been lost, stolen or damaged, cancelling the earlier document so only the newest copy remains legally valid.

The procedure by which the holder of a valid overseas driving licence exchanges it for a local licence, sometimes requiring a written or practical test and a medical report.

The coded classes printed on a licence that state which vehicle types the holder may drive, such as light motor car, light motor truck, motor cycle or three-wheeler.

A motor vehicle whose gross vehicle weight does not exceed the threshold set in regulations, typically around 3,500 to 4,000 kilograms, covering most cars, vans and light trucks.

The maximum permissible total mass of a vehicle including its own kerb weight, fuel, occupants and cargo, as declared by the manufacturer and recorded in the registration certificate.

The official document recording a vehicle's registration number, owner, chassis and engine numbers, weight and class, which must be carried or produced on demand.

The formal procedure of recording a change of vehicle owner in the registration records, requiring both parties to submit the certificate, consent and applicable fees within a set period.

A written clearance from an authority or lien holder allowing a vehicle to be re-registered in another jurisdiction, transferred, or modified without objection.

The process of registering a vehicle again after it moves permanently to a new administrative area or after its registration has lapsed, cancelled or been marked as scrapped.

The alphanumeric number assigned to a vehicle and displayed on its number plates, used to link the vehicle to its registered owner and records.

The unique identification code stamped by the manufacturer on the vehicle frame, used to verify identity during registration, transfer, inspection and emission testing.

The unique code stamped on a vehicle's engine block by its manufacturer, recorded in registration documents and checked to detect engine replacement or tampering.

A document issued after a periodic technical inspection confirming that a vehicle's brakes, steering, lights, tyres and emissions meet the minimum safety and environmental standards.

A certificate issued after measuring exhaust pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and smoke opacity, confirming the vehicle meets the prescribed emission limits for its class.

A measure of how much light is blocked by exhaust smoke from a diesel vehicle, expressed as a percentage or light absorption coefficient and compared against the legal limit.

An exhaust component containing precious-metal catalysts that converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances before release.

Tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in vehicle exhaust, especially from diesel engines, linked to respiratory illness and regulated alongside smoke opacity in emission standards.

A periodic physical examination of a vehicle's safety systems, identity markings and emissions, required before registration renewal and at intervals set by the registering authority.

Penalty points recorded against a driver's licence for traffic offences; accumulating a set number within a period leads to suspension or cancellation of the licence.

A temporary withdrawal of driving privileges ordered for serious offences, excessive demerit points or medical unfitness, during which driving any vehicle is prohibited.

The permanent revocation of a driving licence by the authority, after which the holder must usually wait a set period and reapply from the learner stage.

A declaration completed by a registered doctor confirming that an applicant's vision, hearing and physical condition are adequate to drive the class of vehicle requested.

A licensed driver who sits beside a learner and is legally responsible for the vehicle, holding the relevant class of licence for the minimum period required by regulations.

The legal entitlement of a road user to proceed first in a given situation, determined by signs, signals, markings or the relative positions of vehicles at an intersection.

A circular intersection where traffic already circulating has priority and entering drivers must give way, usually signalling their intended exit before leaving.

Using direction indicators or hand signals to communicate an intention to turn, change lanes, overtake or stop, given early enough to warn other road users.

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

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction, permitted only where visibility and markings allow and never at bends, crests, crossings or where a solid line prohibits it.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops, increasing with speed, load and slippery or wet road surfaces.

The total distance covered from the moment a hazard is seen until the vehicle stops, being the sum of the driver's reaction distance and the braking distance.

A solid white line painted across a lane at a signalised intersection or stop sign, which vehicles must not cross while the signal requires them to stop.

A continuous road marking that generally may not be crossed, used to separate opposing traffic flows or to mark the edge of the carriageway where overtaking is unsafe.

A dashed road marking that may be crossed when safe, used to divide lanes of traffic travelling in the same direction or to indicate where overtaking is permitted.

An electrically operated light controlling traffic, where red means stop behind the line, amber means prepare to stop and green means proceed only if the way is clear.

A marked section of road, often with zebra stripes or signals, where pedestrians have priority and drivers must slow down and give way.

The front and rear plates displaying a vehicle's registration mark in the prescribed format, colour and character size, kept clean and legible at all times.