MB Class 5 Learner key terms

A sign that tells you what you must do or must not do, such as a stop sign, speed limit sign, or no-parking sign. These are usually white with black or red markings.

A sign that alerts you to a hazard or change ahead, such as a curve, school zone, or railway crossing. Most are yellow diamonds with black symbols in Manitoba.

A marked area near a school where the speed limit is lowered during posted hours. Watch for children, obey the lower limit, and resume normal speed only after the zone ends.

An area near a playground with a reduced speed limit in effect daily during posted hours. The limit applies whether or not children are visible, so slow down before entering.

The maximum legal speed allowed on a road under good conditions. Driving faster is unsafe and illegal; in poor weather you must slow below the limit to stay safe.

A solid white line painted across your lane at an intersection or crosswalk. You must stop completely before this line, not on it or past it.

A marked or unmarked area where pedestrians cross a road. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and must not pass a vehicle stopped at one.

A yellow centre line showing traffic in opposite directions. A single solid yellow means no passing; a double solid yellow means neither direction may pass.

A dashed yellow centre line on your side of the road that permits passing when it is safe. If the line is solid on your side, passing is not allowed.

An electric signal controlling traffic with red, yellow, and green lights. Red means stop, green means proceed when clear, and a steady yellow means stop if you can do so safely.

A signal that means the same as a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe. Often used where signals are off or at night.

A green arrow or advanced green that gives turning traffic a protected right-of-way. You may turn left while oncoming traffic is stopped, but still yield to pedestrians in your path.

The legal priority to go first at an intersection or crossing. It is given by signs, signals, or rules, and must be yielded to others even when you think you should go first.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived; if two arrive at once, the one on the right goes first.

An intersection with no signs or signals. You must yield to traffic already in the intersection and to the vehicle on your right if you arrive at the same time.

The space between your vehicle and the one ahead. Use at least the two-second rule in good conditions and increase the gap in rain, snow, darkness, or when following large vehicles.

A method for judging safe following distance: watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object, then count two seconds before you reach it. If you arrive sooner, you are too close.

Loss of tyre grip that makes the vehicle slide. Prevent it by slowing before turns, braking gently, and steering smoothly; if you skid, ease off the accelerator and steer where you want to go.

A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on the road, often on bridges, shaded areas, and intersections. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering when you suspect it.

When tyres ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road, reducing steering and braking control. Slow down in heavy rain and avoid sudden moves to prevent it.

A quick glance over your shoulder into the blind spot before changing lanes or merging. Mirrors alone leave gaps, so turn your head to confirm the space is clear.

The area beside and behind your vehicle that mirrors do not show. Check it with a shoulder check before turning or changing lanes, and avoid lingering in other drivers' blind spots.

Moving from one lane to another. Signal first, check mirrors and blind spot, confirm space, then move smoothly without slowing abruptly or cutting off other drivers.

A lane used to overtake slower traffic. Pass only where lines and signs allow, signal, check for oncoming traffic, and return to your lane only when you can see the passed vehicle.

The rule that drivers must yield to people walking across a road at a crosswalk or intersection. Stop and wait until they have cleared your path before proceeding.

A person, often at a school crossing, who controls traffic so children can cross safely. Obey their signals and stop well back until all pedestrians are clear.

Giving bicycles room, at least one metre where possible, and passing only when safe. Cyclists are vehicles with the same road rights, so do not crowd or honk at them.

A road user with little protection in a crash, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist. Give them extra space, time, and patience, especially at intersections and in poor weather.

A police, fire, or ambulance vehicle using lights or sirens. Pull to the right and stop until it passes, and never follow closely behind one responding to a call.

A bus carrying students that uses flashing red lights and a stop arm when loading or unloading. You must stop in both directions unless a median separates you.

A staged licensing system that lets new drivers gain experience under restrictions before full privileges. It typically moves from a learner stage to an intermediate stage, then a full licence.

The first licensing stage, where a new driver holds a learner permit and drives only with a supervising qualified driver. It usually requires a minimum holding period and no alcohol.

The middle licensing stage, allowing some independent driving but with limits such as passenger or night restrictions. Passing a road test usually moves a driver to a full licence.

Penalty points added to a driver's record for traffic offences. Accumulating too many can lead to warnings, suspensions, or licence loss, and they stay on record for a set period.

A temporary loss of driving privileges ordered for offences such as too many demerit points or impaired driving. Driving while suspended is itself a serious offence.

The rule that new drivers must have no alcohol in their blood while driving. Even a small amount can mean licence suspension and other penalties under graduated licensing.

The legal rule that by driving you agree to provide a breath or blood sample when police demand it. Refusing can bring penalties similar to or harsher than impaired driving.