Maldives Driving Theory Test key terms

The priority one road user has to proceed before another at a junction, crossing or narrow passage. In the Maldives traffic keeps left, so priority rules follow left-hand-drive conventions.

To slow or stop and let other traffic pass before you continue. A give-way sign or marking means you must yield to vehicles on the road you are joining.

A solid white line painted across the lane at a junction or crossing. You must bring the vehicle to a complete stop behind it when a stop sign or red signal applies.

A lane or edge marking made of short white dashes. You may cross it to overtake or change lanes when it is safe, unlike a continuous line.

An unbroken white line along the centre or edge of the road. You must not cross or straddle it except to avoid an obstruction or when directed by police.

Electric lights controlling traffic at junctions or crossings. Red means stop, amber means prepare to stop, and green means proceed only if the way is clear.

The middle signal between green and red. It warns that the light is changing; you should stop unless doing so would be unsafe because you are too close.

A circular junction where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. In the Maldives you travel clockwise and give way to traffic already on the circle.

The maximum legal speed for a road or area, shown by signs or set in law. It is a ceiling, not a target, and you must slow below it when conditions demand.

The gap you keep behind the vehicle ahead so you can stop if it brakes suddenly. The two-second rule is the minimum in good conditions and should be increased in rain or darkness.

A method of judging following distance by counting two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your own vehicle reaching it.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It grows with speed and is longer on wet, sandy or loose surfaces.

The distance travelled while the driver reacts before touching the brake. It lengthens when the driver is tired, distracted or has consumed alcohol.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. It must be done on the right in the Maldives, only where lines, signs and visibility allow, and never at junctions or crossings.

The area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. Always check over your shoulder before changing lanes, and stay out of other drivers' blind spots.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors before signalling, changing speed or direction. Mirrors do not show everything, so combine them with a shoulder check.

Using indicators or hand signals to tell other road users what you intend to do. Signal early, then cancel the indicator once the manoeuvre is complete.

Anything that takes your attention away from driving, such as a phone, conversation or scenery. Even a brief glance away at speed can cause a collision.

Tiredness that slows reactions and impairs judgement. If you feel drowsy, stop somewhere safe and rest; do not rely on fresh air or loud music.

A strap that restrains occupants in a crash. The law requires drivers and passengers to wear one where fitted, and children need an appropriate restraint.

A seat or booster designed for a child's size so the seat belt fits correctly. Children should travel in the rear seats and never on an adult's lap.

The padded support at the top of a seat that limits the head snapping backwards in a rear impact. Set it so the top is level with the top of your head.

The depth of the grooves on a tyre, which channel water away and grip the road. Worn tyres lengthen braking distance and raise the risk of aquaplaning.

The amount of air inside a tyre, checked when cold against the vehicle manufacturer's figure. Wrong pressure harms grip, fuel use and tyre life.

A quick inspection before driving covering tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, fuel and fluid levels. It catches faults that could cause a breakdown or crash.

The main forward lights of a vehicle. Use dipped headlights at night and in poor visibility, and switch to full beam only when it will not dazzle others.

A bright headlight setting for unlit roads. Dip it when traffic approaches or you follow another vehicle so you do not dazzle the other driver.

Temporary loss of vision caused by bright light from headlights or the sun. Slow down, look toward the left edge of your lane and never stare at the light source.

When a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road surface, removing grip and steering control. Ease off the accelerator, avoid braking hard and steer gently until grip returns.

Loss of tyre grip causing the vehicle to slide. Stay calm, ease off the accelerator, steer in the direction you want to go and avoid stamping on the brakes.

Protective headgear worn by motorcyclists and scooter riders. It must fit snugly and be fastened, and the law requires riders and pillion passengers to wear one.

A person riding on the seat behind a motorcycle rider. They must wear a helmet, sit astride with feet on the pegs and hold on securely.

Gear that reduces injury in a fall, such as gloves, boots, long trousers and a jacket. Bright or reflective clothing also helps other road users see you.

How easily a road user can be seen by others. Riders can improve it with a dipped headlight, reflective strips and by avoiding another vehicle's blind spot.

The technique of pressing the handlebar in the direction of a turn to make a motorcycle lean and follow a curve. It is the normal way to steer at speed.

The official document permitting a person to drive a stated class of vehicle. Driving without a valid licence or outside its class is an offence.

A provisional authorisation allowing a person to learn to drive under stated conditions, such as supervision by a qualified driver and display of learner signs.

A contract that covers the cost of damage or injury caused in a crash. Third-party cover is the minimum required, and driving uninsured is an offence.

A record of a crash made to the police, giving time, place, vehicles and injuries. Report promptly and exchange details with the other party.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, such as stopping bleeding, keeping them warm and not moving them unnecessarily.

A safe side-lying posture for an unconscious but breathing casualty. It keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain, and is used when no spinal injury is suspected.