Mauritius AV Driving Theory cheat sheet

Sign shapes carry meaning: circles give orders (prohibitions, speed limits), triangles warn of hazards ahead, rectangles give information or directions, octagons mean STOP and inverted triangles mean GIVE WAY.

Red circles with a diagonal slash prohibit the symbol shown (no entry, no parking, no overtaking); a red circle without a slash imposes a limit such as a maximum speed.

A red triangle with a symbol warns of a hazard ahead (bend, junction, pedestrian crossing, slippery road); the warning applies from the sign onward, not at the sign itself.

Blue circular signs are mandatory instructions (turn left, keep left, minimum speed, cycle route); blue rectangles are information or service signs such as parking, hospital or petrol station.

Traffic light sequence in Mauritius: red, then red and amber together, then green, then amber alone; red and amber together means prepare to go but do not move until green shows.

A flashing amber signal at a pelican-type crossing means give way to pedestrians on the crossing but proceed if it is clear; a steady amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

Solid white centre line: do not cross or straddle it except to pass a stationary obstruction or to enter a side road; broken white line may be crossed when safe and the road is clear.

Double yellow lines along the kerb mean no waiting at any time; a single yellow line means no waiting during the times shown on nearby plates.

A STOP sign requires a complete stop at the stop line and giving way to traffic on the major road; a GIVE WAY sign requires yielding without necessarily stopping if the road is clear.

Mauritius drives on the left; at an uncontrolled junction give way to traffic approaching from your right, and never assume priority - make eye contact and proceed only when clear.

Default urban speed limit is 40 km/h and the default rural limit is 80 km/h unless a sign states otherwise; motorway limits are posted and lower limits apply near schools and roadworks.

Overtake on the right; overtaking on the left is permitted only when the vehicle ahead is signalling to turn right or in slow-moving lane traffic where your lane is moving faster.

A roundabout is entered by giving way to traffic already circulating, which approaches from your right; signal left to leave and do not change lanes while circulating.

Safety belt use is compulsory for the driver and all passengers; children below the prescribed height or age must use an appropriate child restraint, and the driver is responsible for passengers under 15.

It is an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving; hands-free use is permitted but the driver must remain in full control of the vehicle at all times.

The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers in Mauritius is 0.05 g per 100 ml of blood (0.5 g per litre); a novice or professional driver may face a lower limit, and refusal to provide a specimen is an offence.

At a pedestrian crossing, give way to any pedestrian on the crossing; do not park within the marked approach area, and do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crossing.

Traffic offences carry demerit points on the driving licence; accumulating points within the prescribed period leads to suspension, and serious offences such as drink-driving lead to disqualification.

Clutch use: press the clutch fully before changing gear or stopping; release smoothly to the biting point to move off without stalling, and never coast in neutral or with the clutch held down.

Gear choice should match speed and load: use lower gears for steep climbs, descents and slow traffic, and change up before the engine over-revs; engine braking assists on long downhill gradients.

Steering: hold the wheel at about the ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position with both hands; use the pull-push method for large turns and never let the wheel spin back through your hands.

Mirror-signal-manoeuvre sequence: check mirrors, signal if needed, check the blind spot over the shoulder, then act; blind spots are not covered by mirrors and must be checked before moving off or changing lane.

Three-point turn: signal, check all round, move slowly to the opposite kerb on full lock, reverse on opposite lock, then drive forward; the manoeuvre must be completed without touching either kerb.

Parallel parking: pull alongside the vehicle ahead with about 0.5 m gap, reverse on full lock until at 45 degrees, straighten, then turn in; finish within 30 cm of the kerb and parallel to it.

Stopping distance at 50 km/h on dry road is roughly 25-35 m including thinking distance; in rain or on gravel it increases substantially, so double the gap in wet conditions.

Hill starts: apply the parking brake, find the biting point, add power, release the handbrake smoothly; the vehicle must not roll back more than a few centimetres.

Two-second rule: stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions; double to four seconds in rain, at night, or when following a heavy vehicle that blocks your view.

Defensive driving scans 12-15 seconds ahead and checks mirrors every 5-8 seconds; identify hazards early and plan an escape route rather than reacting late.

In heavy tropical rain, reduce speed and switch on dipped headlights; if visibility drops below about 50 m, use fog lights if fitted and consider stopping in a safe place off the carriageway.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, hold the steering steady and do not brake hard; grip returns as speed falls, so avoid sudden inputs on standing water.

Fatigue: after about two hours of continuous driving take a break; symptoms include yawning, drifting and heavy eyelids, and the only remedy is to stop and rest, not to open a window.

At night, dip headlights when meeting oncoming traffic or following another vehicle; use main beam only on unlit roads when no one is affected, and never dazzle other drivers.

When a vehicle behind is overtaking, maintain your speed and position; do not accelerate, and move slightly left only if it is safe to help it pass.

If your vehicle breaks down, move it off the carriageway, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at least 30 m behind on a straight road, and wait away from the traffic side.

Tyre tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the whole circumference; check pressures when tyres are cold and adjust for load.

Engine oil: check on level ground with the engine off and cool; the level should sit between the MIN and MAX marks, and low oil risks seizure while overfilling can damage seals.

Coolant must be checked only when the engine is cold; never open a hot radiator cap, as pressurised coolant can cause severe scalding.

Brake fluid level falls as pads wear; a persistent drop indicates a leak, and the pedal feeling spongy or travelling too far is a warning to stop driving and seek repair.

Battery terminals should be clean and tight; a battery that cranks slowly or dims lights at idle signals a weak charge or failing alternator, not just a flat battery.

Documentation to carry: valid driving licence, vehicle registration book or certificate, valid insurance certificate and a current roadworthiness (fitness) certificate where required.

Vehicle insurance: third-party cover is the legal minimum and covers injury or damage to others; comprehensive cover adds damage to your own vehicle, fire and theft.

Warning lights: red lights (oil pressure, battery, brake, temperature) mean stop safely as soon as possible; amber lights mean a fault to check soon, not necessarily an immediate stop.

A valid roadworthiness certificate and paid road tax are conditions of using the vehicle on the road; driving without valid insurance is an offence carrying heavy penalties.

Traffic signs are grouped as regulatory (orders), warning (hazards), information (directions and services) and road markings; regulatory signs must be obeyed, warning signs advise.

A yellow box junction: do not enter unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and only blocked by oncoming traffic; stopping inside it otherwise is an offence.

Zebra crossing markings: broad white stripes across the road with black and white posts and flashing amber beacons; pedestrians on the crossing have priority.

A broken yellow line along the kerb indicates waiting restrictions at certain times; check the accompanying plate for days and hours rather than assuming a total ban.

Direction arrows painted in lanes mean you must follow that arrow; a lane marked with a straight-ahead arrow cannot be used to turn, and a turn arrow requires that turn.

A red traffic light with a green filter arrow permits movement only in the direction of the arrow; other movements remain prohibited until the main light turns green.

Roadworks signs (triangular with a worker symbol) and temporary speed limits override the permanent limits; temporary signals at roadworks must be obeyed as normal signals.

Level crossing: a red flashing light means stop; a steady amber or a warning sound means stop unless you have already passed the stop line, and never enter if the exit is blocked.

At a T-junction, traffic on the through road has priority; vehicles emerging from the stem must give way to traffic from both directions on the through road.

Lane discipline: keep left unless overtaking; on a dual carriageway use the left lane for normal driving and return to it after overtaking.

Signals must be given in good time and cancelled afterwards; a signal does not give you priority, and other road users must not be misled by an incorrect signal.

Parking: do not park within 5 m of a junction, on a pedestrian crossing or its approach, on a bend, or where you would block a driveway, fire hydrant or bus stop.

Box junctions, bus lanes and cycle lanes have restricted use; entering a bus lane during its operating hours or blocking a cycle lane is an offence.

Towing and load rules: loads must be secure and must not project dangerously; a red flag or marker is required on projecting loads, and passengers must not ride in a trailer.

Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights: give way by moving left and stopping if necessary, but do not break the law or mount the pavement to let them pass.

At a junction where a police officer is directing traffic, the officer's signals override traffic lights and signs; obey the officer's arm and hand signals.

Braking: apply progressive pressure and release just before stopping to avoid a jolt; in an emergency brake firmly and keep the pedal down while steering to avoid the hazard.

ABS prevents wheel lock under hard braking; keep firm continuous pressure and do not pump the pedal, and expect some vibration through the pedal as it operates.

Reversing: check all round, reverse slowly using mirrors and a look over the shoulder; reverse only as far as necessary and never reverse from a side road into a main road.

Junctions: approach at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear; select the correct lane early and check mirrors before turning.

Overtaking manoeuvre: check mirrors, signal, move out, accelerate past, return only when you can see the overtaken vehicle in your interior mirror, then cancel the signal.

Skids: ease off the accelerator and steer gently into the direction of the skid; do not brake hard, as this worsens the loss of grip.

Motorway or dual carriageway entry: use the slip road to match the speed of traffic, signal, and merge into a gap without forcing other drivers to change course.

Tyre blowout: hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and let the vehicle slow gradually; brake gently only once control is regained, and steer to a safe stop.

Children and pedestrians are unpredictable: reduce speed near schools, buses and parked cars, and be ready to stop if a child steps out between vehicles.

Junction hazards: a vehicle waiting to emerge may pull out; watch its wheels and driver's head, and cover the brake as you approach.

Following distance at night or in rain should be at least four seconds; at 80 km/h a four-second gap is roughly 90 m, which gives time to react and stop.

Blind bends and crests: slow down before the hazard so you can stop within the distance you can see; never overtake when the view ahead is restricted.

Distraction: set the radio, climate controls and phone before moving off; eating, smoking or arguing while driving reduces hazard detection and reaction time.

Alcohol and drugs slow reaction, impair judgement of speed and distance, and reduce peripheral vision; the only safe limit is none before driving.

When being followed too closely, increase the gap ahead rather than braking sharply; this gives you more room to slow gradually and reduces rear-end risk.

Emergency stop: brake firmly and progressively, keep both hands on the wheel, and do not release the brake until the vehicle has stopped; check mirrors before stopping if time allows.

Lights: check all lamps weekly - headlights (dip and main), indicators, brake lights, reversing lights, hazard lights and number-plate lamp; a failed lamp is a defect and an offence.

Windscreen and wipers: keep the washer reservoir topped up with screen wash; worn wiper blades smear and reduce visibility in rain, so replace them when they chatter or streak.

Tyre condition: check for cuts, bulges and embedded objects as well as tread; a bulge in the sidewall indicates internal damage and the tyre must be replaced, not repaired.

Steering and suspension: a vibration through the wheel, pulling to one side or uneven tyre wear indicates misalignment or worn components; have it checked promptly.

Exhaust emissions: excessive smoke (blue, white or black) signals oil burning, coolant leaks or fuelling faults; the vehicle may fail the roadworthiness inspection.

Documentation renewal: insurance, road tax and the roadworthiness certificate have expiry dates; driving with any expired document is an offence and may invalidate insurance cover.

Pre-journey check (POWDERY): petrol, oil, water, damage, electrics, rubber (tyres) and yourself (fit to drive); a two-minute check prevents most breakdowns.

Jump starting: connect positive to positive first, then negative to a good earth on the dead vehicle, never to the battery terminal; disconnect in reverse order to avoid sparks near the battery.

Signs with a red border and white background are generally prohibitions or restrictions; signs with a blue background are generally positive instructions or information.

Supplementary plates below a sign give the conditions: times, distances, vehicle types or exceptions; the sign applies only as qualified by the plate.

A circular sign showing a red border with two cars, one red and one black, means no overtaking; the restriction ends at the next sign or at a broken line marking.

A white arrow on a blue circle pointing down-left means keep left of the obstacle or traffic island; a red-and-white striped marker indicates the edge of a hazard.

Countdown markers before a junction or hazard show distance in thirds; three bars mean roughly 300 m, two bars 200 m and one bar 100 m on typical approach signing.

Solid white line on your side means no overtaking; a broken line on your side permits overtaking when safe, and a double white line gives priority to the side with the solid line.

Traffic light with a green arrow pointing left allows a left turn while the main light is red; pedestrians crossing that arm still have priority and must be given way to.

A school crossing patrol or warden showing a stop sign has the same authority as a traffic signal; stop and remain stopped until the sign is withdrawn.

Right of way at a mini-roundabout follows the same rule as a full roundabout: give way to traffic from your right already on the circulatory carriageway.

U-turns are prohibited where a no-U-turn sign is displayed, on a bend, near the crest of a hill, at a pedestrian crossing, and wherever the turn would endanger or obstruct others.

Reversing from a driveway onto a road is discouraged; where unavoidable, reverse slowly with a helper if possible and give way to all road traffic and pedestrians.

Horn use: use only to warn of your presence when a collision is possible; do not sound the horn in a built-up area between 22:00 and 06:00 except in an emergency.

Following a bus or lorry: drop back to see past it and to allow it to stop; do not overtake at a bus stop where pedestrians may cross in front of the bus.

Accident procedure: stop, switch on hazard lights, warn other traffic, exchange names, addresses, registration and insurance details, and report injury accidents to the police.

Seat belts and restraints must be worn correctly; a lap belt only, or a belt under the arm, reduces protection and is an offence for the driver to permit.

Driving licence categories: a private car licence does not authorise riding a motorcycle or driving a lorry; driving outside your category invalidates insurance and is an offence.

Moving off: check mirrors and blind spot, signal if needed, select first gear, find the biting point, release the parking brake and move off smoothly without rolling back.

Stopping: check mirrors, signal if needed, ease off the accelerator, brake progressively and stop in a safe, legal place; secure the vehicle with the parking brake before leaving.

Turning: slow before the turn, select the correct gear, position correctly, check mirrors and blind spot, signal in good time, and steer a smooth arc without cutting the corner.

Crossing oncoming traffic to turn right: wait for a safe gap, keep the wheels straight until you begin to turn, and do not cut across the path of oncoming vehicles.

Emergency stop on a wet road: brake firmly but avoid locking the wheels; with ABS keep firm pressure, and without ABS ease and re-apply if the wheels lock.

Speed control on bends: reduce speed before the bend, hold a steady speed through it, and accelerate gently on exit; braking mid-bend reduces grip and stability.

Night driving: use dipped headlights in built-up areas and when following; main beam is for unlit roads, and you must dip before an oncoming vehicle is close enough to be dazzled.

Towing a trailer: reduce speed, allow longer braking distances, and remember that reversing a trailer requires steering opposite to the direction you want the trailer to go.

Hazard perception is a three-step process: scan, identify the developing hazard, and plan a response (adjust speed, position or signal) before it becomes an emergency.

Wet road braking distance roughly doubles; stopping distance at 80 km/h is about 96 m on dry tarmac and far more in rain, so reduce speed and increase the gap.

Motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable road users: give them at least 1 m clearance at low speed and more at higher speed, and check blind spots before turning.

Overtaking a cyclist or horse: slow down, leave a wide gap, and do not sound the horn or rev the engine, which may startle them into your path.

At night, glare from oncoming headlights reduces night vision; look toward the left edge of your lane rather than at the lights, and slow down until your eyes recover.

Weather hazards: in fog use dipped headlights and fog lights, reduce speed, and never follow tail lights closely, as they give a false sense of the distance available.

Breakdown on a motorway or dual carriageway: leave by the left doors if safe, wait behind the barrier away from traffic, and call for assistance rather than attempting repairs in a live lane.

First aid at the scene: protect the scene, check for danger and call emergency services; do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire.

Tyre pressure: check monthly and before long journeys; under-inflation increases fuel consumption and heat, while over-inflation reduces grip and causes uneven wear.

Brakes: test at low speed after starting; a pedal that feels soft, a pull to one side under braking or a grinding noise means the vehicle needs immediate inspection.

Lights and indicators: a rapid flashing indicator usually means a failed bulb on that side; replace it before driving, as signalling is a legal requirement.

Cooling system: a temperature gauge in the red or a steam plume means stop safely, switch off and let the engine cool; continuing to drive risks a warped cylinder head.

Fuel and range: running out of fuel can damage the catalytic converter and fuel pump; keep at least a quarter tank and refuel before long journeys.

Insurance claims: after a collision, exchange details, record the scene, note witnesses and report to your insurer promptly; failure to report within the policy period may void the claim.

Roadworthiness test: the vehicle must be presented at the prescribed interval; defects found must be rectified, and driving an unroadworthy vehicle is an offence even with a valid certificate.

Security: lock the vehicle and remove valuables from view; an unlocked vehicle or keys left in the ignition may invalidate theft cover under the insurance policy.

When a traffic light fails or shows no light, treat the junction as uncontrolled: approach slowly and give way to traffic from your right.

A flashing red light at a level crossing or railway signal means stop and remain stopped until the light stops flashing and the barrier is fully raised.

Amber filter arrow at a traffic light means the filter is ending; do not enter the filter lane unless you can clear it before the arrow goes out.

A sign showing a red circle with a white horizontal bar means no entry; it is often paired with a one-way street sign and must never be passed.

Road markings at junctions: a broken white line across your lane means give way; a solid white line with the word STOP means you must stop at the line.

Yellow zig-zag markings outside a school mean no stopping at any time during the times shown; they protect sight lines for children crossing.

A blue circular sign with a white bicycle means a mandatory cycle route; motor vehicles must not use it, and cycle lanes marked on the road must be kept clear.

Traffic signs with a red triangle and a symbol of a bend, hill or slippery surface warn of a hazard that is typically 50-100 m ahead on rural roads.

At a crossroads with no signs, give way to traffic from your right; if two vehicles arrive together, the one on the right has priority, and a vehicle going straight has priority over one turning across its path.

When turning right at a junction, give way to oncoming traffic going straight or turning left; only proceed when the gap is safe and your exit is clear.

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, at junctions, on bends, near hill crests, at level crossings and where a solid white line is on your side.

A bus pulling out of a bus stop has no automatic priority, but you should allow it to rejoin when safe; flashing headlights do not give it the right to pull out.

Speed limits are maximums, not targets: drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear, especially on narrow or winding roads.

Seat belt law applies to rear passengers as well; the driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 15 are correctly restrained.

Drink-driving penalties include a fine, demerit points, disqualification and possible imprisonment; a conviction also raises insurance premiums substantially.

Emergency vehicles on call: do not follow closely behind them, and do not stop in a dangerous position such as on a bend or in a junction to let them pass.

Approaching a junction to turn left: check mirrors, signal left, position near the left kerb, slow with the brake, select the appropriate gear, check the blind spot and turn without cutting the corner.

Approaching a junction to turn right: signal right, position just left of the centre line, give way to oncoming traffic, and keep the wheels straight until you turn.

Emergency stop procedure: check mirrors, brake firmly and progressively, keep the clutch engaged until near stopping, then depress it to prevent stalling, and secure the parking brake.

Reversing around a corner: use the mirrors and a look over the shoulder, reverse slowly, and stop and re-check if visibility is restricted; a helper is advisable.

Hill descent: select a lower gear before the gradient, use engine braking, and brake gently; continuous braking on a long descent can overheat and fade the brakes.

Skid recovery on ice or wet: ease off the accelerator, steer smoothly in the direction you want to go, and avoid sudden braking or steering inputs.

Lane change: check mirrors, signal, check the blind spot, and move only when the gap is safe and your signal has been seen; do not drift across lanes.

Parking on a hill: apply the parking brake, select a low gear (or park) and turn the wheels toward the kerb when facing downhill, away when facing uphill.

Approaching a blind crest or bend: slow down before you reach it, keep well to the left, and be ready to stop for a stationary vehicle, animal or pedestrian beyond the crest.

Following a large vehicle: drop back so you can see its mirrors and the road ahead; if you cannot see its mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Pedestrian crossings: approach at a speed that lets you stop, look for pedestrians waiting, and never wave a pedestrian across if another vehicle is approaching.

Road rage and aggressive drivers: do not retaliate, increase your following distance, and let the aggressive driver pass; report serious incidents to the police.

Wet leaves, mud and gravel reduce grip sharply; reduce speed before the hazard and avoid braking or steering sharply on the affected surface.

Long journeys: plan rest stops every two hours, share driving where possible, and avoid driving during hours when you would normally be asleep.

Emergency situations: if a tyre bursts or a wheel drops off the road, hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer gently back onto the road once speed has fallen.

At night in rain, glare and reduced visibility combine; reduce speed further, increase the gap, and use dipped headlights rather than main beam, which reflects off rain.

Before a long journey, check tyre pressures and tread, oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, lights and wipers; a breakdown is far more likely from a neglected item than a sudden failure.

Battery care: keep terminals clean and greased, and ensure the alternator belt is tight; a squealing belt or dim lights at idle indicates a charging fault.

Brake pads: replace when the friction material wears to about 3 mm or the wear indicator sounds; metal-on-metal contact damages discs and lengthens stopping distance.

Engine overheating: switch off the air conditioning, turn the heater to hot to draw heat away, and stop safely; never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot.

Documentation check at a roadside stop: licence, insurance, registration and roadworthiness certificate; missing documents can lead to a fine and the vehicle being immobilised.

Insurance: notify your insurer of modifications, change of address and additional drivers; non-disclosure can void the policy and leave you uninsured.

Tyre replacement: fit tyres of the correct size, load and speed rating as specified by the manufacturer; mismatched tyres on an axle can affect handling and braking.

Fuel efficiency: smooth acceleration, early gear changes, correct tyre pressures and removing unnecessary weight reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

A sign may be obscured by foliage or a parked lorry; approach unfamiliar junctions expecting a STOP or GIVE WAY sign and be ready to stop even if you cannot see one.

Temporary signs at roadworks (yellow background or red-bordered triangles) take priority over permanent signs and must be obeyed exactly as displayed.

Road markings can be worn or covered by rain; treat a junction with faded markings as uncontrolled and apply the give-way-to-the-right rule.

A green light does not guarantee a clear path: check that the junction is clear before entering, and do not block the box junction if your exit is not clear.

A flashing amber beacon on a vehicle means it is slow-moving or hazardous (school bus, refuse lorry, wide load); slow down and pass only when safe.

Blue flashing lights and sirens indicate an emergency vehicle on call; red flashing lights at a level crossing mean stop, and a steady red light at a railway signal means stop.

Direction signs on approach to a roundabout show the exit layout; choose your lane before the roundabout and follow the lane markings through it.

A red circle with a white arrow pointing left and a diagonal slash means no left turn; a blue circle with a white arrow pointing left means turn left is mandatory.

At a junction where your view is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see; do not rely on other drivers to stop for you, and give way to traffic from the right.

When two vehicles meet on a narrow road, the one with the obstruction on its side gives way; on a hill, the descending vehicle generally gives way to the ascending one.

Overtaking a stationary bus at a stop: check for pedestrians crossing in front of it, and do not pass if a pedestrian is already in the road.

A vehicle signalling left may not turn; wait to see its movement before overtaking on the left, and never assume a signal means the driver will act on it.

Parking at night: park facing the direction of traffic, switch off lights if the road is lit, and use parking lights on an unlit road where required.

Passengers: do not allow a passenger to distract you or to hold a child on their lap; every occupant must have a seat and a restraint where fitted.

Accident with injury: call emergency services, do not move the injured unless in danger, and report the accident to the police within the prescribed period.

Driving abroad or in a different vehicle: check the local rules, the vehicle's controls and the insurance cover before moving off, as unfamiliar controls cause errors.

When the wheels lose grip on a wet road, the correct response is to ease off the accelerator and steer gently; braking hard transfers weight and can worsen the slide.

Approaching a bend too fast: brake before the bend, not in it; if you enter too fast, ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly rather than braking sharply.

Reversing in a confined space: use a helper or get out and check, and reverse slowly with the windows down to hear warnings; mirrors have blind spots at close range.

A three-point turn on a narrow road may need more than three movements; use forward and reverse movements with full lock and check all round at each change of direction.

Stopping on a hill: apply the parking brake before releasing the footbrake, and select a low gear; this prevents the vehicle from rolling while you prepare to move off.

Following a vehicle that brakes suddenly: brake firmly and progressively, check your mirror before stopping if time allows, and leave enough gap to avoid a rear-end collision.

Merging from a slip road: build speed to match traffic, signal, and merge into a gap; do not stop at the end of the slip road unless traffic is stationary.

Towing: the towing vehicle must be taxed, insured and roadworthy, and the trailer must have lights and a breakaway cable where required; check the towing limits.

A hazard is anything that could require you to change speed or direction; developing hazards include a parked car with a door opening, a child at the kerb, or a vehicle edging out.

Scanning pattern: look far ahead, check the mirrors, check the instruments, and repeat; a fixed stare reduces your awareness of peripheral hazards.

If a vehicle pulls out in front of you, brake firmly and steer to avoid if necessary; do not swerve into oncoming traffic or off the road to avoid a collision.

In fog, do not use main beam; it reflects off the fog and reduces visibility; use dipped headlights and fog lights, and slow down so you can stop within the visible distance.

At a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian may step out without looking; reduce speed on approach and be ready to stop even if the crossing appears clear.

Fatigue and alcohol are the biggest causes of fatal crashes; plan journeys to avoid driving when tired, and never drive after drinking, even if you feel fine.

When overtaking, be prepared to abandon the manoeuvre if the gap closes or a hazard appears; return to your lane and wait for a safer opportunity.

After a near miss, review what happened and adjust your following distance or speed; defensive driving is about anticipating rather than reacting.

A warning light that stays on after the engine starts indicates a fault; a red light means stop safely, an amber light means check soon, and a blue light (main beam) is informational.

Tyres: a tread depth below 1.6 mm, a cut to the cords, a bulge or a puncture in the sidewall means the tyre must be replaced, not repaired.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should be replaced at the manufacturer's interval; a spongy pedal or a falling level indicates a leak or air in the system.

Coolant: use the correct antifreeze mixture, check the level when cold, and never top up a hot engine with cold water, which can crack the block.

Insurance: comprehensive cover does not necessarily cover driving other vehicles; check the policy before driving a friend's car, and never assume third-party cover extends.

Roadworthiness certificate: the vehicle must pass at the prescribed interval; a failed test means the vehicle must not be used until the defects are rectified and it is re-tested.

Documentation: keep the licence, insurance and registration in the vehicle; a photocopy may be accepted in some circumstances but originals are required for inspection.

Fuel: use the correct grade as specified by the manufacturer; the wrong fuel can damage the engine, and misfuelling requires the tank to be drained before starting.

A red octagon with the word STOP means stop completely at the line and give way; a red inverted triangle with GIVE WAY means yield to traffic on the major road.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means no entry; a red circle with a blue background and a white arrow means a mandatory direction.

A red triangle with a pedestrian symbol warns of a pedestrian crossing ahead; a blue square with a white P means parking is permitted.

A red circle with a number inside is a maximum speed limit; a blue circle with a number is a minimum speed limit.

A yellow box junction is marked with a yellow cross-hatched box; do not enter unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and blocked by oncoming traffic.

A solid white line in the centre of the road means no overtaking; a broken white line means overtaking is permitted when safe.

A double yellow line along the kerb means no waiting at any time; a single yellow line means no waiting during the times shown on the plate.

A flashing amber light at a pelican crossing means give way to pedestrians on the crossing; a steady amber light means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

Mauritius drives on the left; at an uncontrolled junction give way to traffic from your right, and at a roundabout give way to traffic already circulating.

Default speed limits: 40 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside built-up areas unless a sign states otherwise; lower limits apply near schools and roadworks.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 g per 100 ml of blood; refusal to provide a specimen is an offence, and penalties include disqualification.

Seat belts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers; children must use an appropriate child restraint, and the driver is responsible for passengers under 15.

Hand-held mobile phone use while driving is prohibited; hands-free use is permitted but the driver must remain in control.

Overtake on the right; overtaking on the left is permitted only when the vehicle ahead is turning right or in slow-moving lane traffic.

At a pedestrian crossing, give way to pedestrians on the crossing; do not park on the crossing or its approach, and do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Accumulating demerit points within the prescribed period leads to licence suspension; serious offences such as drink-driving lead to disqualification.

Mirror-signal-manoeuvre: check mirrors, signal if needed, check the blind spot, then act; the blind spot is not covered by mirrors.

Clutch control: press the clutch fully before changing gear or stopping, and release smoothly to the biting point to move off without stalling.

Gear choice: use lower gears for steep climbs, descents and slow traffic; change up before the engine over-revs, and use engine braking on long descents.

Steering: hold the wheel at ten-to-two or quarter-to-three with both hands, and use the pull-push method for large turns.

Parallel parking: pull alongside the vehicle ahead with about 0.5 m gap, reverse on full lock until at 45 degrees, straighten, then turn in and finish within 30 cm of the kerb.

Three-point turn: signal, check all round, move slowly to the opposite kerb on full lock, reverse on opposite lock, then drive forward without touching either kerb.

Braking: apply progressive pressure and release just before stopping; in an emergency brake firmly and keep the pedal down while steering to avoid the hazard.

ABS: keep firm continuous pressure and do not pump the pedal; expect some vibration through the pedal as the system operates.

Two-second rule: stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions; double to four seconds in rain, at night or when following a heavy vehicle.

Defensive driving scans 12-15 seconds ahead and checks mirrors every 5-8 seconds; identify hazards early and plan an escape route.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, hold the steering steady and do not brake hard; grip returns as speed falls.

Fatigue: take a break after about two hours of driving; the only remedy is to stop and rest, not to open a window or turn up the radio.

At night, dip headlights when meeting oncoming traffic or following another vehicle; use main beam only on unlit roads when no one is affected.

If your vehicle breaks down, move it off the carriageway, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at least 30 m behind on a straight road, and wait away from the traffic side.

When a vehicle behind is overtaking, maintain your speed and position; do not accelerate, and move slightly left only if it is safe to help it pass.

In heavy rain, reduce speed and switch on dipped headlights; if visibility drops below about 50 m, use fog lights if fitted and consider stopping in a safe place.

Tyre tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the whole circumference; check pressures when tyres are cold.

Engine oil: check on level ground with the engine off and cool; the level should sit between the MIN and MAX marks.

Coolant must be checked only when the engine is cold; never open a hot radiator cap, as pressurised coolant can cause severe scalding.

Brake fluid level falls as pads wear; a persistent drop indicates a leak, and a spongy pedal is a warning to stop driving and seek repair.

Documentation to carry: valid driving licence, vehicle registration book or certificate, valid insurance certificate and a current roadworthiness certificate where required.

Third-party insurance is the legal minimum and covers injury or damage to others; comprehensive cover adds damage to your own vehicle, fire and theft.

Warning lights: red lights (oil pressure, battery, brake, temperature) mean stop safely as soon as possible; amber lights mean a fault to check soon.

A valid roadworthiness certificate and paid road tax are conditions of using the vehicle on the road; driving without valid insurance is an offence carrying heavy penalties.

Sign shape and colour together give meaning: red circle = prohibition or limit, red triangle = warning, blue circle = mandatory instruction, blue rectangle = information.

A supplementary plate below a sign qualifies it: it may state times, distances, vehicle types or exceptions, and the sign applies only as qualified.

A green filter arrow at a traffic light permits movement only in the arrow's direction; other movements remain prohibited until the main light turns green.

A yellow box junction must not be entered unless your exit is clear; the exception is when turning right and only blocked by oncoming traffic.

A zebra crossing has broad white stripes and flashing amber beacons; pedestrians on the crossing have priority, and you must not park on the approach.

A solid white line on your side of the centre means no overtaking; a broken line on your side permits overtaking when safe.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means no entry; a red circle with a diagonal slash over a symbol means the symbol is prohibited.

A school crossing patrol showing a stop sign has the same authority as a traffic signal; stop and remain stopped until the sign is withdrawn.

At a T-junction, traffic on the through road has priority; vehicles emerging from the stem must give way to traffic from both directions.

Keep left unless overtaking; on a dual carriageway use the left lane for normal driving and return to it after overtaking.

Signals must be given in good time and cancelled afterwards; a signal does not give you priority, and other road users must not be misled.

Do not park within 5 m of a junction, on a pedestrian crossing or its approach, on a bend, or where you would block a driveway, fire hydrant or bus stop.

Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights: give way by moving left and stopping if necessary, but do not break the law or mount the pavement.

At a junction where a police officer is directing traffic, the officer's signals override traffic lights and signs.

U-turns are prohibited where a no-U-turn sign is displayed, on a bend, near a hill crest, at a pedestrian crossing, and wherever the turn would endanger others.

Accident procedure: stop, switch on hazard lights, warn other traffic, exchange details, and report injury accidents to the police.