Myanmar DA Part I Module I key terms

The priority one road user has to proceed while others must wait, decided by signs, signals, road markings or, where nothing is posted, by standard rules such as giving way to traffic already on the main road.

The requirement to slow down or stop and let another vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian pass before you continue. It applies at marked give-way lines, roundabouts, junctions and whenever your manoeuvre would force others to change speed or direction.

A junction with no signs, signals or markings directing traffic. Drivers must approach slowly, look in all directions and yield to vehicles already in the junction or approaching from the right under local practice.

A solid white line painted across a lane at a junction, signal or railway crossing. Vehicles must come to a complete halt before it when required, and must never stop beyond it into the path of crossing traffic.

A line painted along the middle of the carriageway separating opposing traffic flows. A broken line may be crossed to overtake when safe; a continuous line must not be crossed or straddled.

Keeping your vehicle within the marked lane, changing lanes only after checking mirrors and blind spots and signalling, and not weaving between lanes. Poor lane discipline is a common cause of side-swipe collisions.

The sequence of red, amber and green displays controlling traffic. Red means stop, green means proceed only if the way is clear, and amber warns that the signal is about to change to red.

A yellow light that flashes to warn drivers that the signal is not controlling traffic normally. Approach with caution, obey any signs present and give way according to general rules.

A circular sign, usually blue, that orders a specific action such as turning left, keeping left or passing on a particular side. Ignoring a mandatory sign is a traffic offence.

A circular sign, usually red-bordered, that forbids an action such as entering, parking, overtaking or exceeding a stated speed. The restriction applies from the sign until it is cancelled or a new limit appears.

A triangular sign, usually red-bordered with a white background, that alerts drivers to a hazard ahead such as a bend, junction, steep hill, school or pedestrian crossing. Slow down and be ready to react.

A sign showing the maximum permitted speed in kilometres per hour for that road. The limit is an upper bound for ideal conditions, not a target, and drivers must go slower when visibility or road conditions are poor.

A marked section of road where pedestrians have priority. Drivers must slow down on approach, stop for anyone already crossing or waiting to cross, and never overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

A rule or sign preventing overtaking, typically near bends, hill crests, junctions, crossings or where a continuous centre line is painted. Overtaking there risks a head-on collision with unseen traffic.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so you can stop if it brakes suddenly. A common guide is at least two seconds in good conditions and more when the road is wet, dark or visibility is reduced.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a hazard is seen until it comes to rest. It combines thinking distance, covering reaction time, and braking distance, which grows quickly as speed rises.

A driving style that anticipates mistakes by others and avoids unnecessary risk. It means scanning far ahead, planning escape routes, controlling speed and never assuming another driver has seen you.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lanes, and should avoid lingering alongside other vehicles where they cannot be seen.

A road user with little physical protection, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist or child. Drivers owe them extra care, more space and lower speeds, because a collision is far more likely to injure them seriously.

Driving while tired, which slows reactions and can cause brief involuntary sleep. Warning signs include yawning, heavy eyelids and drifting lanes. Stop in a safe place and rest rather than pressing on.

The maximum blood or breath alcohol level permitted while driving. Even small amounts impair judgement and reaction time, so the safest choice is not to drink at all before driving.

The legal and safety requirement for drivers and passengers to wear seat belts where fitted, with children restrained appropriately. Belts reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash.

The rule that riders and passengers on motorcycles and similar vehicles must wear an approved, correctly fastened helmet. Helmets greatly reduce head injury risk and are checked during roadside enforcement.

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; check depth and pressure regularly.

The hydraulic liquid that transmits pressure from the brake pedal to the wheel brakes. Its level should be checked regularly; a low level or a spongy pedal signals a fault that needs immediate attention.

The amount of lubricating oil in the engine, checked with the dipstick when the engine is cold and the vehicle is level. Too little oil causes overheating and severe engine damage.

The amount of engine coolant in the radiator or expansion tank, which keeps the engine from overheating. Check only when the engine is cool, since hot coolant can escape under pressure and cause burns.

A quick inspection before driving covering tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes, fluid levels and load security. It catches faults early and is a basic responsibility of every driver.

A provisional licence allowing a person to learn to drive under stated conditions, such as supervision by a qualified driver and displaying learner plates. Full driving privileges come only after passing the required tests.

Categories of licence that authorise driving particular vehicle types, for example motorcycles, private cars or goods vehicles. Driving a class you are not licensed for is an offence and may void insurance cover.

The practical and theoretical assessment a learner must pass to obtain a full licence. It checks knowledge of signs, rules and safety as well as the ability to control a vehicle safely in traffic.

The official recording of a vehicle and its owner with the authorities, which produces the registration certificate and plates. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal and can lead to seizure or fines.

The plate fixed to a vehicle showing its registered identification. It must be legible, correctly mounted and not altered; obscuring or copying plates is an offence used to evade traffic enforcement.

A periodic official check that a vehicle meets safety and emissions standards, covering brakes, lights, steering, tyres and bodywork. A valid certificate is usually required to keep the vehicle legally on the road.

Compulsory cover that pays for injury or damage the insured driver causes to other people or their property. It does not pay for the insured vehicle's own damage, which needs additional cover.

The process of extending a licence before or after its expiry date, often requiring a medical check for older drivers. Driving on an expired licence is an offence and may invalidate insurance claims.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating usually has priority. Approach slowly, give way to traffic from your right or as signed, signal your exit and avoid changing lanes inside the circle.

The duty to make way for ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles using sirens or flashing lights. Slow down, signal and pull over safely rather than stopping abruptly in the middle of the road.