Lesotho Theory Test key terms

A red octagonal sign bearing the word STOP that requires a driver to bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the marked line or before entering the intersection, and to proceed only when it is safe.

A downward-pointing triangular sign warning that traffic on the road ahead has priority, so the driver must slow down, check for approaching vehicles and yield before entering or crossing.

A sign that imposes a legal requirement or prohibition, such as a speed limit, no-entry or no-parking sign, and which drivers must obey; disobeying it is an offence.

A sign, usually triangular with a red border, that alerts drivers in advance to a hazard or change in road conditions such as a bend, steep hill, school or pedestrian crossing.

A circular sign showing the maximum speed in kilometres per hour permitted on that stretch of road; driving faster than the posted figure is an offence regardless of conditions.

Coloured lights controlling traffic flow: red means stop and remain stopped, amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so, and green means proceed only if the way ahead is clear.

Hand and arm movements or whistle signals given by a police or traffic officer directing vehicles to stop, proceed or turn; these instructions override signs and traffic lights.

Painted lines, arrows, hatched areas or words on the road surface that guide, warn or regulate drivers, such as lane dividers, edge lines and pedestrian crossings.

A continuous painted line along the middle of the road that may not be crossed by either direction of traffic; it marks a stretch where overtaking is considered too dangerous.

A dashed line along the middle of the road that may be crossed to overtake or turn when it is safe, provided the manoeuvre does not endanger or obstruct other road users.

A solid white line painted across a lane at an intersection, traffic light or pedestrian crossing, marking the point where a vehicle must halt and not go beyond.

The priority a road user has to proceed first in a given situation; it is never taken by force and must be given up if another road user is already committed.

A place where two or more roads meet or cross, including T-junctions, crossroads and roundabouts, where drivers must adjust speed and apply priority rules carefully.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating has priority and entering drivers must give way, usually travelling anticlockwise and signalling on exit.

Passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction; it must be done only where permitted, with clear visibility and enough space to return safely to the lane.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, allowing enough time to stop if it brakes suddenly; a common guide is at least two seconds in good, dry conditions.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a stop; it increases with speed, wet roads, worn tyres and heavy loads.

Any person, vehicle, animal, road condition or situation that could cause danger or require a driver to change speed or direction to stay safe.

A style of driving in which the driver anticipates mistakes by others, keeps escape space around the vehicle and reacts early to avoid collisions rather than relying on others to obey rules.

The area beside and behind a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors; a driver must turn the head to check it before changing lane or pulling away.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors before moving off, turning, overtaking, changing lane or opening a door, to confirm what is behind and beside the vehicle.

The flashing light on a vehicle used to signal an intention to turn, change lane or stop, giving other road users advance warning of the planned manoeuvre.

The pedal that connects and disconnects the engine from the gearbox, used when starting off, changing gear and stopping in a manual vehicle to avoid stalling.

Choosing the gear that matches the vehicle's speed and the road conditions so the engine runs smoothly and the driver keeps control, especially on hills and bends.

When the engine suddenly stops running, usually because the clutch is released too quickly or the wrong gear is used, leaving the vehicle without power.

A strap fitted to a vehicle seat that restrains the occupant in a crash and reduces the risk of serious injury; it must be worn by the driver and all passengers where fitted.

A suitable seat or harness for a young child that holds the child securely in a crash; children should travel restrained and never on an adult's lap in the front.

The practices and attitudes that reduce the risk of crashes and injury, including obeying the law, wearing seat belts, avoiding alcohol and driving at a safe speed.

The condition of a vehicle being safe and legal to use, covering brakes, tyres, lights, steering, suspension, windscreen and exhaust emissions.

The grooved rubber pattern on a tyre that grips the road and clears water; worn tread reduces grip and lengthens braking distance, especially on wet surfaces.

An official document confirming a vehicle has passed a safety inspection and meets the minimum standards required to be driven on public roads.

An official permit issued to a person who has passed the required tests, authorising them to drive a specified class of vehicle on public roads.

A provisional permit allowing a person to learn to drive under specified conditions, such as displaying learner signs and being accompanied by a qualified driver.

Insurance cover that pays for damage or injury caused to other people or their property in a crash involving the insured vehicle, but not for the driver's own vehicle.

A formal record of a crash made to the police, containing details of those involved, the vehicles, injuries, witnesses and circumstances, required for insurance and legal purposes.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, such as controlling bleeding, keeping the airway clear and keeping the casualty warm.

A stable side-lying position used for an unconscious person who is breathing, keeping the airway open and allowing fluids to drain so the person does not choke.

A person who has been injured or killed in a crash; casualties should be moved only if there is immediate danger such as fire.

A reflective triangular device placed on the road behind a broken-down or crashed vehicle to warn approaching traffic, set out at a safe distance especially on fast roads.

The vehicle's four indicators flashing together, used to warn other road users of a breakdown, obstruction or other danger when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly.