Mauritania Driving Theory Practice flashcards
Mauritania Driving Theory Practice · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Octagon sign
- A red octagonal sign means STOP. You must come to a complete halt at the stop line or edge of the crossing road, then proceed only when it is safe.
- Inverted triangle sign
- A red-bordered inverted triangle means give way (cédez le passage). Slow down and yield to traffic on the priority road; stop only if necessary.
- Blue circle sign
- A blue circular sign states an obligation, such as turning right, keeping left of an obstacle, or using a cycle path. It is not a warning.
- Flashing amber light
- A flashing amber traffic light means proceed with caution. It usually marks a faulty signal or a pedestrian crossing where you must yield to people on foot.
- Warning triangle distance
- Place a warning triangle about 50 m before the hazard in built-up areas and 150 m outside them, so approaching drivers have time to react.
- Priority to the right
- At an unmarked intersection with no signs or lights, you must yield to vehicles approaching from your right. This is the default right-of-way rule.
- Roundabout entry rule
- When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating, which approaches from your left. Enter only when there is a safe gap.
- Left turn priority
- When turning left, you cross the path of oncoming traffic. Vehicles going straight or turning right have priority unless a green arrow protects you.
- Emerging from a driveway
- When leaving a private driveway, car park, petrol station or dirt track, you must yield to all traffic already on the public road, including cyclists.
- Emergency vehicle priority
- Vehicles with flashing lights and sirens have priority. Slow down, move aside safely, and do not follow closely behind them.
- Built-up area speed limit
- In towns and cities the speed limit is set by signs, commonly 40–60 km/h in Mauritania. Always follow the posted limit where one exists.
- Overtaking on the left
- Overtaking is normally done on the left. Overtaking on the right is allowed only when the vehicle ahead is turning left or in congested lanes.
- Solid white line
- A continuous white line between lanes means no crossing and no overtaking. A broken line permits crossing when it is safe to do so.
- Documents to carry
- While driving you must carry a valid licence, vehicle registration card, insurance certificate, and a valid technical inspection certificate where required.
- Seat belt rule
- Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front-seat passengers. Children under 10 should travel in the rear with an appropriate restraint where available.
- Tyre tread minimum
- The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Below this, grip in rain and on sand is unsafe.
- Cold tyre pressure
- Check tyre pressure when tyres are cold. Under-inflation raises fuel use, overheats the sidewall and increases the risk of a blowout on hot roads.
- Red oil-can warning
- A red oil-can light on the dashboard means low oil pressure. Stop the engine immediately; continuing to drive can destroy the engine.
- ABS on sand
- ABS prevents wheel lock under braking, but on sand or gravel it does not shorten stopping distance. Keep a longer following gap on unpaved roads.
- Two-second rule
- Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Double the gap in rain, at night, or when following a heavy vehicle that blocks your view.
- Blind spot check
- Before changing lanes, check mirrors, signal, then turn your head to check the blind spot. Mirrors alone do not show vehicles beside you.
- Driving fatigue
- Fatigue is a major hazard on long desert routes. Take a break at least every two hours and avoid driving more than about 8–10 hours a day.
- Dust storm driving
- In sandstorms, slow down, switch on dipped headlights and fog lights, increase the following gap, and be ready to stop clear of the carriageway.
- Aquaplaning response
- If the steering feels light on standing water, ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady and do not brake hard. Grip returns as speed drops.
- Warning triangle placement
- After a breakdown or accident, switch on hazard lights and place the warning triangle about 30 m behind the vehicle, or further on fast roads.
- Injured person handling
- Do not move an injured person unless there is fire, further collision risk, or a blocked airway. Moving a spinal injury can cause paralysis.
- Tyre blowout response
- Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, do not brake sharply, steer straight and slow gradually before pulling over to a safe place.
- Brake failure response
- If the brakes fail, pump the pedal, shift down to use engine braking, apply the handbrake gradually and steer toward a safe run-off area.
- Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road
- This is Mauritania's main paved artery, about 470 km long. Outside towns the general limit is 90 km/h unless signs state otherwise.
- Driving on pistes
- On unpaved pistes, follow existing wheel tracks and reduce speed to about 40–60 km/h. Driving off-track in dunes risks bogging down and damaging vegetation.
- Eco-driving basics
- Accelerate smoothly, shift up early around 2,000–2,500 rpm, and keep a steady speed. This can cut fuel use by around 10–15%.
- Penalty points system
- Points are added for offences such as speeding, red-light running, phone use and drink-driving. Accumulation can suspend or cancel the licence.