NL Class 5I Knowledge Test key terms

The priority one road user has over another at a junction, crossing, or narrowing, usually decided by signs, markings, or the standard rules of the road rather than by courtesy alone.

A regulatory sign requiring a driver to slow down, check for conflicting traffic, and give way to vehicles already on the priority road before entering or crossing.

A regulatory sign at which a driver must bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the marked line, check for conflicting traffic, and proceed only when it is safe.

A solid white painted line across a lane showing the exact point where a vehicle must halt at a stop sign, traffic signal, or pedestrian crossing.

A junction with no signs, signals, or markings assigning priority, where drivers must slow down and apply the standard give-way rule to traffic approaching from the appropriate side.

A circular junction where traffic travels in one direction around a central island, entering vehicles give way to circulating vehicles, and lane choice depends on the intended exit.

Keeping the vehicle centred in the correct lane for the direction of travel, signalling before changing lanes, and not straddling or drifting across lane markings.

Painted lines on the road surface such as broken, solid, or double lines that separate lanes, mark the edge of the carriageway, or indicate where overtaking is prohibited.

A line marking the middle of a two-way road; a broken line may be crossed to overtake when safe, while a solid line must not be crossed.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction, permitted only when sight lines are clear, markings allow it, and there is enough space to return safely.

A regulatory sign showing the maximum legal speed for that road in kilometres per hour, which applies in good conditions and must be reduced when conditions are poor.

A marked section of road where pedestrians have priority; drivers must slow down, be ready to stop, and give way to anyone on or about to enter the crossing.

The sequence of red, amber, and green lights; amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so, and green means proceed only if the junction is clear.

A road user with little physical protection in a collision, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, child, or older person, who needs extra space and lower speeds from drivers.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly measured with the two-second rule and increased in rain, at night, or behind large vehicles that block the view ahead.

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

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 delay between noticing a hazard and beginning to act, typically around one second but longer when tired, distracted, or affected by alcohol or drugs.

The distance travelled while the brakes are applied, which grows with speed and is much longer on wet, icy, or loose surfaces where tyre grip is reduced.

An area around the vehicle not visible in the mirrors, which must be checked by turning the head before changing lanes, merging, or reversing.

A routine glance at the interior and exterior mirrors before slowing, turning, changing lanes, or opening a door, followed by a blind-spot check where needed.

The skill of scanning ahead and to the sides to spot developing risks early, such as a child near parked cars or a vehicle slowing unexpectedly.

Extra space or time deliberately left around the vehicle so that another road user's mistake, or a sudden change in conditions, does not cause a collision.

Any activity that takes attention away from driving, such as using a phone, adjusting navigation, eating, or arguing with passengers, which lengthens reaction time.

Tiredness that slows reactions and impairs judgement; drivers should plan rest breaks, avoid long drives at night, and stop driving when drowsy.

Loss of tyre contact with the road when water builds up under the tyres at speed, causing the steering and brakes to feel light and unresponsive until speed drops.

The grip between tyres and the road surface, which depends on tread depth, tyre pressure, surface material, and whether the road is wet, icy, or contaminated.

A loss of control in which the tyres slide rather than roll; the driver should ease off the accelerator, avoid harsh braking, and steer smoothly in the direction of the skid.

Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator and selecting a lower gear, so that the engine's resistance helps control speed without relying only on the brakes.

Choosing the gear that matches the road speed and conditions, using lower gears for steep descents, sharp bends, or slow traffic to keep control.

Holding the wheel with both hands and turning smoothly and progressively, avoiding sudden movements that upset the vehicle's balance, especially at higher speeds.

The routine check before driving of tyres, lights, fluid levels, mirrors, and seat position, intended to catch faults before they become a hazard on the road.

The depth of the grooves on a tyre, which must stay above the legal minimum to maintain grip in wet conditions and avoid aquaplaning.

A provisional licence allowing a person to learn to drive under specified conditions, such as supervision by a qualified driver and displaying learner plates.

A restricted full licence issued after passing the driving test, carrying conditions such as a zero alcohol limit or display of P plates for a set period.

The practical assessment of vehicle control, observation, and rule compliance that a learner must pass before being granted a full or probationary licence.

Penalty points added to a driving record for traffic offences; reaching the limit set for the licence type results in suspension.

A temporary withdrawal of driving privileges, imposed for offences such as excessive demerit points, drink driving, or serious traffic violations.

The maximum permitted concentration of alcohol in the blood while driving, which is lower or zero for learner and probationary drivers in most jurisdictions.

The official recording of a vehicle with the licensing authority, which issues a number plate and confirms the vehicle is legally permitted on public roads.

Insurance required as a condition of registration that covers injury caused to other people in a crash, but not damage to vehicles or property.

An inspection document confirming a vehicle meets minimum safety standards for tyres, brakes, lights, and structure, often required at registration or sale.

The legal obligation to stop, exchange details, and notify police after a collision involving injury, significant property damage, or an uninsured or unidentified vehicle.