Mauritania Driving Theory Practice key terms

Octagonal red sign marked STOP. The driver must come to a complete halt at the line or edge of the junction, yield to all traffic on the crossing road, and move off only when the way is clear.

Inverted triangle sign with a red border. It warns that priority belongs to traffic on the road ahead; the driver slows, checks and gives way, stopping only if necessary to let others pass.

Default rule at unmarked junctions in Mauritania: the driver must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right. It applies unless signs, markings or a traffic officer indicate otherwise.

Circular junction where traffic already circulating has priority unless signs state otherwise. Enter at reduced speed, keep right, signal before leaving and never stop inside the ring except in an emergency.

A four-arm crossing where two roads meet. Approach it at a speed that allows a stop, identify the priority rule that applies, and check for vehicles, cyclists, animals and pedestrians before entering.

Continuous white line painted across the lane at a stop sign or traffic light. Vehicles must halt before it, not on it, so that pedestrians and crossing traffic keep a clear path.

Red traffic light meaning an absolute obligation to stop before the stop line. Turning right on red is not permitted unless a specific arrow or sign authorises it; the driver waits for green.

Amber light warning that the signal is about to turn red. A driver who can stop safely must do so; only a vehicle already too close to stop safely may continue through the junction.

Police officer or authorised official directing traffic by hand or whistle. Their instructions override signs, markings and lights, so drivers must obey them immediately and stop where told.

Marked zebra crossing or area reserved for people on foot. Drivers must give way to pedestrians on it or clearly about to use it, and must not stop or park on the markings.

A pedestrian who is already crossing or has shown a clear intention to cross at a marked or unmarked crossing. The driver must slow down and stop to let that person finish crossing safely.

Road user at higher risk of serious injury: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, older people and people with reduced mobility. Extra distance and lower speed are required near them.

Maximum speed fixed by law or sign for a road or zone. It is a ceiling, not a target: drivers must stay slower when visibility, weather, road surface or traffic make the legal limit unsafe.

Urban area where the maximum speed is 30 km/h, usually near schools, markets or housing. Signs mark entry and exit; the low limit protects pedestrians and cyclists sharing the street.

Gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so there is time to react and stop. A common rule is at least two seconds in good conditions, increased in rain, dust, darkness or when following heavy vehicles.

Total distance needed to stop: the distance travelled during the driver's reaction time plus the braking distance. It grows with speed, load, wet or sandy roads and tired or distracted driving.

Distance covered from the moment the brakes take effect until the vehicle stops. It increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples the braking distance on the same surface.

Delay between a hazard appearing and the driver acting, typically about one second for an alert driver. Fatigue, alcohol, phone use and glare lengthen it and therefore lengthen the stopping distance.

Overtaking another vehicle. Allowed only when visibility, markings and signs permit, the lane ahead is clear, and the manoeuvre can be completed without forcing others to brake or swerve.

Solid white or yellow centre line that must not be crossed or straddled. It marks sections where overtaking is too dangerous, such as blind bends, crests, bridges and narrow stretches.

Broken centre line that may be crossed to overtake or turn when it is safe. It signals that visibility and road layout allow the manoeuvre, but the driver still has to judge each case.

Direction indicator used to announce a turn, lane change, overtaking move or exit from a roundabout. Signal early, check mirrors and blind spots, then act; cancel the indicator afterwards.

Area around the vehicle that mirrors do not show, especially beside and behind the rear quarters. A shoulder check before changing lanes or overtaking prevents collisions with cars, motorcycles and cyclists.

Mirror fitted to show traffic behind and beside the vehicle. Mirrors must be adjusted before moving off and checked regularly, but they never replace a direct glance over the shoulder.

Restraint strap that holds occupants in their seats during a crash. It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers, front and rear, and children must use an appropriate child restraint.

Approved child seat matched to the child's weight and height, fitted to the rear seat where possible. It must be correctly anchored and the child secured in it on every journey.

Anti-lock braking system that prevents wheels from locking under hard braking, keeping steering control. On sand or gravel it can lengthen stopping distance, so drivers should keep extra space.

Condition of tyres, including tread depth, pressure and absence of cuts or bulges. Worn or under-inflated tyres reduce grip, lengthen braking and raise the risk of a blowout at speed.

Air pressure inside each tyre, checked cold against the manufacturer's figures. Correct pressure improves grip, fuel use and tyre life; under-inflation causes overheating and uneven wear.

Carrying more weight or more passengers than the vehicle is designed for. It lengthens braking distance, strains tyres and suspension, and can make the vehicle unstable on bends.

Drowsiness that slows reactions, blurs attention and can cause micro-sleeps. Drivers should rest every two hours, avoid driving at night when tired, and stop at the first signs of yawning or heavy eyes.

Using a hand-held phone while driving, which is prohibited. It takes eyes and attention off the road, lengthens reaction time and is treated as a serious distraction offence with penalty points.

Driving after drinking alcohol. Even small amounts impair judgement, slow reactions and reduce field of vision; Mauritania applies a legal blood-alcohol limit and police may test drivers at checkpoints.

Driving licence carrying a points balance that falls when offences are recorded. Losing all points suspends or cancels the licence; points can be recovered after a period without offences.

Driving faster than the posted or legal limit. It is penalised with a fine and points, and is especially dangerous on sand, gravel and unlit rural roads where stopping distance already grows.

Police checkpoint where documents, vehicle condition and driver sobriety may be checked. Drivers must slow down, stop when asked and produce licence, registration and insurance papers.

Compulsory cover for damage or injury caused to third parties by the vehicle. A valid certificate must be carried and shown on demand; driving uninsured brings fines and personal liability for losses.

Vehicle registration document naming the owner and identifying the vehicle. It must be kept up to date after a change of owner or address and presented during roadside checks.

Periodic safety inspection of a vehicle covering brakes, steering, lights, tyres and emissions. A valid certificate is required, and serious defects must be repaired before the vehicle may be used.

Fuel-saving driving style: smooth acceleration, early gear changes, steady speed, anticipation and switching off the engine when stationary. It cuts fuel use, emissions and brake wear without slowing journeys much.

Harmful gases and particles released by engines, worse with harsh acceleration, old vehicles and poor maintenance. Regular servicing and eco-driving reduce smoke and protect health in crowded towns.

Horn used only to warn others of immediate danger, never to express annoyance or greet someone. Unnecessary use adds noise pollution in towns and is an offence in built-up areas.

Hazard warning lights that flash all indicators together. Use them to signal a breakdown, a sudden slowdown or an accident scene so other drivers slow down and pass with care.

Reflective warning triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to alert approaching traffic. Set it out at a safe distance on a straight road, further back before a bend or crest.

High-visibility vest kept inside the vehicle and worn before stepping onto the road at a breakdown or accident. It makes the driver visible to traffic in poor light or dust.

Joint accident report form completed and signed by both drivers after a collision. It records positions, damage and circumstances, helps insurers settle claims and reduces later disputes.

Formal notice of an accident sent to the insurer within the time stated in the policy. It should include the amicable report, photos and any witness details to support the claim.

Bend where the road ahead cannot be seen because of a hill, wall, vegetation or buildings. Slow before it, keep right, never overtake there and be ready for stopped vehicles or animals.

Road surface with potholes, loose gravel, sand drifts or cracked tarmac. Reduce speed, increase following distance, avoid sudden braking and hold the wheel firmly through uneven patches.

Dust storm that suddenly cuts visibility and covers the road with sand. Slow down, switch on dipped headlights, keep well back from the vehicle ahead and stop off the carriageway if needed.

Dipped headlights used at night and in rain, dust or poor visibility to see and be seen. They must not dazzle others; use main beams only on unlit roads with no oncoming traffic.

Roundabout where entering traffic is not automatically required to yield. Drivers should still approach slowly and check, because other vehicles may already be circulating or may not give way.

Inflatable cushion that deploys in a serious impact to protect occupants. It works only with the seat belt fastened and must never be used with a rear-facing child seat in front of it.

Parking brake that holds the vehicle when stationary. Apply it fully on slopes, leave the vehicle in gear or park, and check that it releases completely before driving off.