Mauritius AV Driving Theory key terms

A broken white line painted across the mouth of a side road or junction, showing where a driver must stop if necessary and let traffic on the main road pass first.

A solid white line across the carriageway at a junction, traffic light or pedestrian crossing where a vehicle must come to a complete halt before proceeding when required.

A dashed line along the middle of the road separating opposing traffic flows; it may be crossed when overtaking is safe and the road ahead is clear.

An unbroken line along the centre or edge of the road that must not be crossed or straddled, except to pass a stationary obstruction when it is safe to do so.

A series of angled white stripes painted on the road surface, often marking a hatched area or bend, which drivers should not enter unless in an emergency.

A line of short white dashes painted along the edge or centre of the road to highlight a hazard such as a bend, junction or narrowing, warning drivers to reduce speed.

The fixed sequence of red, red-and-amber, green and amber signals controlling traffic; drivers must obey each light and must not enter a junction on amber unless already committed.

A pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights that pedestrians activate with a push button; drivers must stop at the red light and give way to anyone still crossing.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad black and white stripes on the road, where drivers must give way to pedestrians waiting to cross or already on the crossing.

A circular sign with a red border and a number in the centre, showing the maximum legal speed in kilometres per hour for that road or zone.

An area, often near schools or residential streets, where a lower maximum speed applies to all vehicles, indicated by signs at the entry and exit points.

The legal entitlement of a road user to proceed first at a junction, crossing or narrow section, which other drivers must respect by slowing or stopping as needed.

The rule that traffic already circulating on a roundabout has priority, so entering drivers must give way and only join when there is a safe gap.

Keeping your vehicle within the correct lane, using indicators before changing lanes and returning to the left-hand lane after overtaking, so traffic flow stays predictable.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction; it must only be done where permitted, with clear visibility, enough space and a safe return to the lane.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly the two-second rule in good conditions and at least four seconds in rain or darkness, allowing time to stop.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a hazard is seen until it comes to rest, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance.

The distance covered while the brakes are applied and the vehicle slows to a stop; it increases with speed, load, wet roads and worn tyres.

A routine of checking mirrors, giving a signal in good time and then carrying out the manoeuvre only when it is safe to do so.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors; drivers must turn their head to check it before moving off, changing lanes or reversing.

Driving a vehicle backwards; it should be done slowly with all-round observation, and reversing from a side road into a main road is not permitted.

A manoeuvre to turn a vehicle around in a narrow road using forward and reverse movements; it requires good observation and should only be done where it is safe and legal.

Loss of tyre grip when a layer of water builds between the tyre and the road, causing steering and braking to feel light; ease off the accelerator and avoid harsh braking.

A style of driving that anticipates hazards, keeps a safe space around the vehicle and assumes other road users may make mistakes, reducing the risk of collision.

The skill of spotting developing risks early, such as a pedestrian stepping out or a car emerging from a side road, so a driver can respond smoothly in time.

The depth of the grooves on a tyre; the legal minimum in Mauritius is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the whole circumference.

The amount of air inside a tyre, checked when tyres are cold and kept at the manufacturer's recommended level to maintain grip, handling and fuel efficiency.

A quick inspection before driving covering tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, wipers, fuel and fluid levels, so defects are found before they cause a breakdown or crash.

An official document confirming a vehicle has passed the required periodic inspection of brakes, lights, steering, emissions and body condition, and is legal to use on the road.

The minimum level of motor insurance required by law, covering injury or damage caused to other people and their property but not the policyholder's own vehicle.

The official permit authorising a person to drive a specified category of vehicle; it must be carried or produced on request and kept valid for the class driven.

A strap fitted to seats that restrains occupants in a collision; drivers and passengers must wear one where fitted, and children must use an appropriate child restraint.

The padded support at the top of a seat that limits backward movement of the head in a rear impact, helping to prevent whiplash injury when correctly adjusted.

A parking brake operated by hand or foot that holds the vehicle stationary when parked and is used as a secondary brake if the foot brake fails.

Moving off from a stop on an uphill slope without rolling back, using the clutch and accelerator together while releasing the handbrake smoothly.

Using the clutch pedal to balance engine power and road speed, essential for smooth pulling away, slow manoeuvring and stopping without stalling.

When the engine stops unexpectedly, usually because the clutch is released too quickly or too little power is applied; restart promptly and secure the vehicle first.

Flashing lights on the corners of a vehicle used to signal an intention to turn, change lane or pull out, giving other road users advance warning of your movement.