NaTIS Code 2 Learner key terms

A board or plate beside or above the road that gives orders, warnings or information to drivers through its shape, colour and symbol, so that the message can be understood quickly.

A sign that tells you what you must or must not do, such as a stop sign, yield sign, speed limit or no-entry sign. Ignoring it is an offence.

A sign, usually triangular, that alerts you to a hazard ahead such as a sharp bend, steep hill, slippery road or pedestrian crossing, so you can slow down and prepare.

A red eight-sided sign marked STOP. You must bring the vehicle to a complete standstill at the stop line or before the intersection, check that it is safe, and only then move off.

A triangular sign meaning you must give way to traffic on the road you are joining or crossing. Slow down, be ready to stop, and proceed only when it is clear and safe.

A round sign showing the maximum speed in kilometres per hour allowed on that stretch of road in good conditions. It is an upper limit, not a target speed.

Paint or raised material on the road surface, such as centre lines, edge lines, arrows or crossing stripes, that guides, warns or orders drivers and often works together with signs.

A solid or double solid centre line that you may not cross, because it marks a place where overtaking or changing lanes would be dangerous, such as on a blind rise or bend.

An electric signal with red, amber and green lamps that controls traffic at intersections or crossings. Red means stop, amber warns of a change, green means proceed if the way is clear.

The legal priority to move first at a place where vehicles meet, such as an intersection or narrow bridge. It is given by signs, signals, markings or rules, and is never taken by force.

Any place where two or more roads meet or cross, including T-junctions and roundabouts. Approach at a speed that lets you stop, look in all directions and give way as required.

An intersection where every approach has a stop sign. All vehicles must stop, and the first to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, the one on the right goes first.

A circular intersection where traffic already circulating has priority. You yield on entry, travel clockwise, signal your exit and never stop inside the circle unless traffic forces you to.

Passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction. It is allowed only where the view is clear, the markings permit it, and you can complete the move and return safely before oncoming traffic arrives.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. In good, dry conditions keep at least two seconds; double it in rain, at night or when following a heavy vehicle that blocks your view.

The time gap you keep so that you can stop if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. Count seconds as the vehicle passes a fixed point; more time is needed when the road is wet or visibility is poor.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver decides to stop until it is fully still. It is the reaction distance plus the braking distance, and it grows quickly with speed.

The short delay between noticing a hazard and actually pressing the brake or turning the wheel. Tiredness, alcohol, drugs and distraction all make this delay longer and the stopping distance greater.

Driving too close behind the vehicle in front. It removes the time and space needed to stop if that vehicle brakes, and it is a major cause of rear-end collisions.

When a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road surface so they lose grip and steering and braking stop working. Ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel steady and avoid sudden braking.

The area around a vehicle that the mirrors do not show. Before changing lanes or overtaking, turn your head to check it, and remember that large vehicles have much bigger blind spots than cars.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors before slowing, stopping, turning or changing lanes, so you know what is behind and beside you. Mirrors must be adjusted before you start driving.

A style of driving where you assume other road users may make mistakes. You keep space around your vehicle, scan far ahead, plan for escape routes and never rely on others to avoid a crash.

Anything on or near the road that could force you to change speed or direction, such as a pothole, animal, pedestrian, parked truck or wet patch. Spotting hazards early gives you time to respond.

The flashing lamp that shows other road users your intention to turn or change lanes. Signal early, in good time, and cancel it after the manoeuvre so it does not mislead anyone.

The inspection a driver does before setting off: tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, wipers, fluid levels, fuel and load security. It catches faults while the vehicle is still standing safely.

The depth of the grooves cut into the tyre rubber, which channel water away and keep grip. Worn tyres increase stopping distance and aquaplaning risk, so check depth and pressure regularly.

In a condition fit and safe to be on a public road, with working lights, brakes, steering, tyres and bodywork. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle is an offence and can void insurance cover.

The tiredness that slows reactions, blurs attention and can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel. Signs include yawning, heavy eyes and drifting lanes; the only real cure is to stop and rest.

The amount of alcohol in the blood, measured in grams per 100 millilitres. It rises with each drink and slows judgement, reaction and coordination long before the driver feels drunk.

Being physically and mentally able to drive safely at that moment, free from the effects of alcohol, drugs, illness, injury, extreme tiredness or medication that causes drowsiness.

An incident in which a vehicle hits another vehicle, a person, an animal or an object. The law requires the driver to stop, give help where possible and report it to the police.

The legal obligation on a driver involved in a collision to stop immediately, give their details to the other parties, render reasonable assistance and report the incident to the police within the required period.

The minimum cover required by law, which pays for damage or injury you cause to other people and their property. It does not pay for repairs to your own vehicle.

A provisional licence that allows a person to learn to drive while supervised by a qualified driver and displaying the required learner signs, subject to the conditions set by the licensing authority.