New Brunswick Learner Test key terms

The legal priority to proceed through an intersection or roadway situation when another road user must wait. It is granted by rules or signs, never taken by force or gesture.

An intersection where every approach has a stop sign. Drivers arrive, stop fully, and proceed in the order they arrived; if two arrive together, the driver on the right goes first.

An intersection with no signs or signals controlling the approach. Drivers must slow down, look carefully, and yield to traffic already in the intersection or approaching from the right.

A red-and-white triangular sign requiring you to slow or stop and let cross traffic, pedestrians, or merging vehicles go first. You proceed only when the way is clearly safe.

A lane used to join moving traffic, often ending in a short distance. Build speed to match traffic and adjust position smoothly rather than stopping unless traffic requires it.

An added lane beside a highway that lets entering drivers increase speed before blending with through traffic. Use it to match the flow, then signal and move left when safe.

Moving from one travel lane to another. Check mirrors, signal, shoulder-check the blind spot, and move only when there is enough space without forcing others to brake.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show. Every vehicle has blind spots, and large trucks have very large ones, so avoid lingering alongside them.

A quick turn of the head to look over your shoulder into the blind spot before changing lanes, merging, or pulling out. Mirrors alone are not enough.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. At least two seconds in good conditions, more in rain, snow, darkness, or when following large vehicles or motorcycles.

A method for judging following distance: watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object, then count seconds until you reach it. Two seconds is the minimum in ideal conditions.

The total distance needed to halt, combining perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. It grows with speed and is much longer on wet, icy, or gravel surfaces.

Loss of tire contact with the road when water builds up under the tires. Steering and braking become ineffective; ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking until grip returns.

Sliding of tires with reduced or lost traction. Look and steer where you want to go, ease off the accelerator, and avoid slamming the brakes, which can worsen the slide.

A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on pavement, often in shaded areas, on bridges, and at dawn. Reduce speed and make all steering and braking inputs gently.

A tire designed with a compound and tread pattern for cold temperatures and snow or ice. It improves traction and braking compared with all-season tires in winter conditions.

The thickness of the rubber pattern on a tire. Worn tread reduces grip and increases hydroplaning risk; tires must meet the minimum legal depth to remain safe and legal.

A red octagonal sign with white lettering. Come to a complete stop at the stop line or before the crosswalk, then proceed only when it is safe.

A solid white line painted across your lane at an intersection or crosswalk. Stop before it, not over it, so pedestrians and cross traffic have clear space.

A marked or unmarked part of the road intended for pedestrians to cross. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in it and must not block it when stopped in traffic.

A person travelling on foot or using a mobility aid. Pedestrians have priority at crosswalks and intersections, and drivers must be ready to stop for them.

A signed area near a school where lower speed limits apply during posted hours. Watch for children, obey the reduced limit, and stop for crossing guards.

The maximum legal speed for a road under normal conditions. It is not a target; slower speeds are required in poor weather, low visibility, or heavy traffic.

Driving within the posted limit but still too fast for weather, visibility, road surface, or traffic. You can be charged even when you did not exceed the limit.

A signal controlling movement with red, yellow, and green indications. Red means stop, green means proceed when clear, and yellow warns that the light is about to turn red.

A warning that the signal is changing to red. Stop if you can do so safely; if you are too close to stop safely, proceed carefully through the intersection.

A dedicated arrow controlling turns. A green arrow means turn protected from oncoming traffic; a flashing or solid indication without an arrow may require yielding to oncoming vehicles.

A signal meaning the same as a stop sign. Stop completely, yield as required, and proceed when safe. At a flashing yellow, slow down and proceed with caution.

Signs, lights, and gates warning of tracks ahead. Stop when lights flash or gates lower, never drive around a lowered gate, and cross only when the way is clear.

A yellow bus carrying students. When its red lights flash and stop arm extends on an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop until the signals end.

A vehicle such as an ambulance, fire truck, or police car using lights and siren. Pull to the right and stop until it passes, and never follow closely behind it.

A circular intersection where traffic moves counter-clockwise around a central island. Yield to traffic already circulating, enter when clear, and signal when exiting.

A road where traffic travels in a single direction. Enter only from the correct direction, watch for wrong-way signs, and position yourself in the proper lane before turning.

Operating a vehicle with reduced ability due to alcohol, cannabis, medication, or fatigue. It is a serious offence and a leading cause of fatal collisions.

The amount of alcohol in the blood, measured as a percentage. Legal limits apply, and novice drivers face stricter rules, often a zero-tolerance standard.

A staged system where new drivers gain privileges over time, starting with a learner stage, then an intermediate stage, then a full licence, each with conditions.

The first level of graduated licensing. It usually requires a supervising licensed driver, restricts passengers or hours, and bans alcohol entirely.

Penalty points added to a driving record for convictions. Accumulating enough points brings warnings, suspensions, or licence review depending on the licence stage.

A restraint that holds occupants in place during a collision. Drivers must be buckled and must ensure all passengers are properly restrained before moving.

A car seat or booster sized for a child's height and weight. It must be installed correctly and used until the child fits an adult seat belt safely.

A policy covering liability and vehicle damage. Drivers must carry proof of valid coverage, and driving without it brings fines and licence consequences.

The official record linking a vehicle to its owner, shown by a permit and plate. It must be current and kept in the vehicle, along with proof of insurance.

A check that a vehicle meets safety standards for brakes, lights, tires, and structure. Some vehicles need periodic inspections to stay legally on the road.

Taking your attention off the road to use a phone, eat, or adjust devices. Handheld phone use is prohibited, and even hands-free tasks can reduce focus.

Anticipating hazards and leaving room to react, rather than assuming others will follow the rules. It includes scanning ahead, checking mirrors, and planning escape space.