NL Class 5I Test key terms

The legal priority to proceed through an intersection or narrow passage while others yield. It is given by signs, signals, road markings, or established rules, and must never be assumed aggressively.

A downward-pointing triangular sign requiring you to slow down and give priority to traffic on the crossing or merging road, stopping only if necessary before entering safely.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, and when two arrive at once the vehicle on the right goes first.

A junction with no signs, signals, or markings assigning priority. Drivers must slow down, look both ways, and yield to traffic already in the intersection or approaching from the right.

A solid white line painted across your lane at an intersection or crosswalk marking where a vehicle must come to a complete halt at a stop sign or red light.

An octagonal red sign with white lettering requiring a complete halt at the marked line, followed by a check for traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

A marked or unmarked section of roadway designated for pedestrians to cross. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in it and must not block it while waiting in traffic.

The rule that people on foot at a marked crossing or stepping into an unmarked one have the right to cross first; drivers must slow or stop and never pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian.

A road section near a school where reduced speed limits apply during posted hours, often marked by flashing lights, pavement markings, and signs warning of children crossing.

The maximum legal speed permitted on a given road under normal conditions. It is a ceiling, not a target; drivers must go slower when weather, traffic, or visibility demand it.

The principle that you must always drive at a speed that lets you stop safely for any hazard ahead, regardless of the posted limit. Exceeding safe speed for conditions is an offence.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, measured in seconds. The two-second rule is the minimum in good conditions, increased in rain, darkness, or behind large vehicles.

A method of checking following distance by counting two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed object and your own vehicle reaching it. Double the count in poor conditions.

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

The distance covered while the brakes are actually applied. It grows with the square of speed and increases sharply on wet, icy, or gravel surfaces and with worn tyres.

Loss of tyre contact with the road when a layer of water lifts the vehicle. Steering and braking become ineffective; ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs until grip returns.

Sliding of tyres without normal rolling grip, usually from braking too hard, accelerating too fast, or turning sharply on a slippery surface. Look and steer where you want to go.

An electronic system that rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up, allowing steering during hard braking. Keep firm pressure and do not pump the pedal.

The area beside and behind a vehicle not visible in the mirrors. Shoulder-check before changing lanes or merging, because mirrors alone do not show everything.

A brief glance over your shoulder toward the blind spot before changing lanes, merging, or pulling out, performed after checking mirrors and signalling.

Moving from one marked lane to another. Requires mirror checks, a signal, a shoulder check, and a safe gap before moving smoothly without cutting off other traffic.

The indicator lamps used to announce an intended turn or lane change. Signal early enough to warn others, and cancel it afterwards so it does not mislead traffic.

An acceleration lane allowing traffic entering a highway to build speed and join the flow. Entering drivers must yield to traffic already on the road.

A circular intersection where traffic travels counter-clockwise, yielding to vehicles already circulating. Enter to the right, signal on exit, and never change lanes inside.

A place where a road crosses train tracks, marked by signs, lights, or barriers. Slow down, look both ways, never stop on the tracks, and obey signals without exception.

A signal meaning the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then proceed only when it is safe. A flashing amber means slow down and proceed with caution.

A continuous painted line separating opposing traffic flows. It must not be crossed to pass, except where rules allow turning into or out of a driveway or side road.

A dashed line separating opposing flows that may be crossed to overtake when the road ahead is clear, sight distance is sufficient, and no other restriction applies.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. Permitted only where lines, signs, and visibility allow, and only when you can complete the manoeuvre safely.

Penalty points added to a driving record for convictions such as speeding or careless driving. Accumulating enough points within a set period leads to suspension.

The official permit authorising a person to drive a stated class of vehicle. It must be carried when driving, kept current, and can be restricted by conditions.

A staged system in which new drivers progress through learner and intermediate stages with restrictions on passengers, hours, alcohol, and supervision before earning a full licence.

A restricted licence allowing a beginner to drive only under the conditions set by the graduated system, typically supervised by a fully licensed driver and free of alcohol.

Temporary withdrawal of driving privileges by the licensing authority, often for demerit accumulation, a serious offence, or a medical condition. Driving while suspended is a separate offence.

A periodic or roadside check that a vehicle meets safety and emissions standards, covering brakes, lights, steering, tyres, and body condition. A valid certificate may be required to drive.

The legal requirement that a vehicle's brakes, steering, lights, tyres, exhaust, and structure are safe and working. The driver is responsible for checking this before driving.

The depth of grooves in a tyre, which channels water away from the contact patch. Worn tread causes aquaplaning and longer braking; the legal minimum and wear indicators must be respected.

A restraint that holds occupants in place during a crash. Driver and passengers must be belted, and children must use an appropriate child restraint for their size and age.

A certified seat or booster sized for a child's height and weight, fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Children must use one until they meet the age or size threshold.

The decline in alertness from tiredness that slows reaction and judgement. Signs include yawning and drifting; the remedy is to stop and rest, not to turn up the radio.

Any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or attention away from driving, such as phone use, eating, or adjusting controls. Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited.

A road user with little physical protection, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and people using mobility devices. Drivers must give them extra space and patience.

The minimum lateral gap a driver must leave when overtaking someone on a bicycle, commonly one metre on lower-speed roads and more on higher-speed roads.

An ambulance, fire engine, or police vehicle responding with lights or siren. Pull to the right and stop until it passes, and never follow closely behind it.