Transport Malta Driving Theory Test key terms

The part of a road built for vehicles, normally divided into lanes by white lines. Pavements, verges and hard shoulders are not part of the carriageway, so different rules apply there.

A solid white line across your lane at a junction or traffic light. You must stop before it when the signal or sign requires it, and you must not creep over it while waiting.

A broken white line across your lane, often with a triangle painted on the road. You must slow down and let traffic on the main road pass before you join or cross it.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad dark and light stripes on the road, often with flashing amber beacons. Drivers must give way to pedestrians already crossing and to those waiting to cross.

An area marked with yellow criss-cross lines, usually at a busy junction. You may only enter when your exit is clear, unless you are turning right and are blocked by oncoming traffic.

Two continuous yellow lines along the edge of the carriageway meaning no parking at any time. Stopping briefly to set down or pick up passengers may still be allowed where signs permit it.

A circular junction where traffic already on the circle normally has priority. In Malta traffic travels clockwise around it: indicate before your exit and give way to traffic coming from your right.

White diagonal stripes painted on the road, often at bends or where lanes merge. They separate traffic streams, and you should not drive or park on them unless they are bordered by a broken line.

A circular sign with a red border and a number in black showing the maximum speed allowed in kilometres per hour. It applies from the sign until another limit or an end-of-limit sign.

A triangular sign with a red border and a symbol inside that tells you about a hazard ahead, such as a bend, junction, children or road works. Slow down and be ready to react.

A round sign, usually with a red border, that gives an order you must obey, such as a speed limit, a ban on entry or a compulsory direction. Ignoring one is an offence.

Signals that control traffic at junctions and crossings. Red means stop, amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so, and green means you may go only if the way is clear.

The priority one road user has over another at a junction or narrow section. It is normally set by signs, markings or the standard rules, and never justifies assuming others will actually stop.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. Do it only when you can see far enough ahead, it is legal, and you can return to your lane without forcing anyone to change speed or course.

A way of keeping a safe gap: watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed point and count two seconds before you reach it. In rain or poor visibility, double the gap.

Driving too close behind the vehicle in front, leaving no time to stop if it brakes suddenly. It is a common cause of rear-end collisions and can be penalised.

When water on the road lifts your tyres off the surface and you lose steering and braking grip. Ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel steady and avoid harsh braking until grip returns.

The area around your vehicle that you cannot see in the mirrors. Always turn your head to check it before changing lane, joining traffic or opening a door into the road.

Loss of grip between tyres and road, often on wet, icy or loose surfaces or after sudden braking. Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

A style of driving where you anticipate other people's mistakes, keep space around your vehicle and plan for hazards before they turn into emergencies.

Tiredness that slows reactions and concentration and can make you fall asleep at the wheel. On a long trip, stop for a break at least every two hours and never drive when drowsy.

A system that stops the wheels locking under hard braking, so you can still steer. On a car with ABS, press the pedal firmly and keep it pressed; you may feel a pulsing through the pedal.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre. The legal minimum in Malta is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, and tyres must also be free of cuts and bulges.

The amount of air in a tyre, measured in bar or psi. Check it when the tyres are cold and set it to the vehicle maker's figures; wrong pressure harms grip, wear and fuel consumption.

The padded part at the top of a seat that limits how far your head snaps back in a collision. Set it so its top is level with the top of your head and close behind it.

Malta's periodic vehicle inspection, checking brakes, lights, steering, emissions and body condition. Driving without a valid roadworthiness certificate can lead to a fine and further checks.

The minimum cover required by law: it pays for injury or damage you cause to other people and their property, but not for repairs to your own vehicle.

A policy that covers damage to your own vehicle as well as third-party liability, usually including fire and theft. Check the excess and any exclusions before you make a claim.

Points added to your licence after certain traffic offences. If you build up too many within a set period, you can lose your licence or be disqualified from driving.

A licence held while learning to drive, carrying conditions such as being accompanied by a qualified driver and displaying learner plates. Full rules apply once you pass the practical test.

A plate that newly qualified drivers in Malta must display for a set period after passing the practical test, warning other road users that the driver is still inexperienced.

A charge for driving into parts of Valletta, enforced by cameras at the entry points. Drivers must pay by the deadline or receive a penalty for the unpaid charge.

The agency that enforces parking and certain traffic contraventions in Malta on behalf of local councils. It issues fines and handles payment or appeal of those penalties.

An incident where your vehicle hits another vehicle, a person or an object. Stop, switch on hazard lights, help anyone injured, exchange details and call the police if someone is hurt.

A stable side-lying position for an unconscious person who is breathing, which keeps the airway open and stops choking on vomit or the tongue. Do not use it if a spinal injury is suspected.

Chest compressions, with rescue breaths if you are trained, given to someone who is not breathing normally. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest and continue until help arrives.

A reflective triangle you place on the road behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic. Place it only where it is safe to do so and use hazard lights as well.

All indicators flashing together to warn others that your vehicle is a temporary obstruction, for example when broken down, or to signal a sudden danger ahead to traffic behind you.