MB Class 5 Learner flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Octagon sign shape

An eight-sided sign always means stop. Come to a complete stop behind the stop line or crosswalk, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, then proceed only when the way is clear.

Inverted triangle sign

A downward-pointing triangle is a yield sign. Slow down, be prepared to stop, and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road before entering or merging.

Orange signs meaning

Orange signs mark construction, maintenance and work zones. Slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and obey any flagger or reduced speed limit posted through the zone.

Flashing red signal

A flashing red light functions exactly like a stop sign. Stop completely, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, and continue only when it is safe to do so.

Solid yellow centre line

A solid yellow line on your side of the centre line prohibits passing. Broken yellow lines permit passing when safe, so a solid line beside a broken one restricts only the side with the solid line.

Crossbuck and advance sign

A round yellow sign warns of a railway crossing ahead; the white X-shaped crossbuck marks the crossing itself. Flashing red lights or lowered gates require a complete stop.

Uncontrolled intersection right-of-way

At an intersection with no signs or signals, the first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way. If two arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Left turn yielding rule

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic continuing straight or turning right, and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Wait for a safe gap before completing the turn.

Four-way stop procedure

At a four-way stop, vehicles proceed in the order they arrived and stopped. If two arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right goes first; never assume another driver will yield.

Entering from driveway or alley

A driver entering a roadway from a driveway, parking lot, alley or private road must yield to all traffic already on the road and to pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Emergency vehicle response

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes. Never stop inside an intersection or block its path.

Three-second following rule

Choose a fixed object ahead. When the vehicle in front passes it, count three seconds; if you reach the object sooner, you are following too closely. Increase the gap in poor conditions.

Hydroplaning recovery

When tyres lose contact with the road on a wet surface, ease off the accelerator, hold the steering straight and avoid hard braking until traction returns, then slow down further.

Fog driving technique

Use low-beam headlights in fog because high beams reflect off moisture and worsen visibility. Slow down, increase following distance and avoid stopping on the roadway.

Rear-wheel skid control

If the rear wheels skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the rear is sliding, looking where you want to go. Avoid hard braking, which can worsen the skid.

Blind spot shoulder check

Mirrors do not show the area beside the rear quarter panel. Turn your head to shoulder-check before every lane change, and signal early so other drivers know your intention.

Fatigue versus alcohol impairment

Drowsiness slows reaction time and judgement similarly to alcohol. Yawning, drifting and heavy eyelids are warning signs; the only effective remedy is to stop and rest.

Pedestrian crosswalk priority

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, because a pedestrian may be crossing in front of it.

Cyclist passing clearance

Cyclists have the same road rights as motor vehicles. Leave at least one metre when passing at low speeds and more at higher speeds, waiting for a safe gap when necessary.

Motorcycle lane sharing

A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane. Never share a lane with a motorcycle, and check mirrors and blind spots twice because its narrow profile hides speed and distance cues.

Truck no-zone awareness

Large trucks have large blind spots behind, beside and in front of the cab, plus wide right-turn sweeps. Avoid lingering beside a trailer and never pass on the right of a turning truck.

School bus red lights

When a school bus shows flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a median. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing.

GDL three stages

Graduated Driver Licensing has three stages: learner, novice and full licence. Each stage adds privileges only after the previous stage's holding period and restrictions are completed.

Learner stage requirements

A learner must be a minimum age, pass a knowledge test and vision screening, drive only with a qualified supervising driver beside them, and maintain zero blood-alcohol while holding the permit.

Novice stage restrictions

A novice driver may drive unsupervised but faces limits on passengers under a set age and on late-night driving, plus a zero blood-alcohol requirement and a lower demerit suspension threshold.

Full licence progression

After completing the novice holding period, often 24 months and reducible with approved driver training, the driver passes a road test to earn a full, unrestricted licence.

Demerit point suspension

Demerit points accumulate for traffic convictions. Novice drivers are suspended at a lower point total than full licence holders, and a suspension delays progression through the GDL stages.

Carrying your licence

A driver must carry a valid licence while operating a vehicle and produce it when a police officer requests it. Failing to produce a licence can result in a fine.

Yellow traffic light decision

A steady yellow light warns that red is coming. Stop if you can do so safely; if you are too close to stop safely, proceed through the intersection without accelerating.

Passing prohibition locations

Passing is prohibited on hill crests, curves, at railway crossings, at intersections and wherever a solid line or no-passing sign applies, because sight distance is insufficient.

Stopping distance components

Total stopping distance is perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance. Braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples it.

Following an emergency vehicle

Do not follow a fire truck, ambulance or police vehicle responding to an emergency closer than about 150 metres, and never park within the restricted distance of a fire station driveway.