Nepal DOTM Category B Car key terms

A circular sign, usually red-bordered with a white background, that orders a driver to take or avoid a specific action, such as stopping, turning only left, or keeping left of an island.

A triangular sign with a red border and white background that warns of a hazard ahead, such as a sharp bend, narrow bridge, steep descent, or slippery surface, so the driver can slow down in advance.

A rectangular or square sign, often blue or green, that gives useful guidance such as directions, place names, distances, parking areas, hospitals, or fuel stations rather than imposing a rule.

A circular sign, normally red-bordered, that forbids an action, for example no entry, no overtaking, no parking, no horn, or a stated maximum speed, and remains binding until another sign cancels it.

The standard order of signal lamps: red means stop behind the stop line, amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so, and green means proceed if the way is clear and it is safe.

A blinking yellow signal, or a blinking yellow lamp on a vehicle, that warns of a hazard or a non-working signal and requires the driver to slow down, proceed with caution, and give way as needed.

Painted lines, arrows, words, or symbols on the road surface that guide or regulate traffic, such as lane dividers, stop lines, zebra crossings, edge lines, and hatched no-go areas.

A continuous line along the middle of the road that must not be crossed or straddled, marking a stretch where overtaking or changing lanes is unsafe because visibility or space is limited.

A dashed line dividing traffic directions that may be crossed to overtake or turn when it is safe and visibility is adequate, provided the manoeuvre does not endanger or obstruct other road users.

A thick white line painted across a lane at a junction, signal, or pedestrian crossing. Vehicles must halt behind it and not creep over it while waiting.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes parallel to the road direction where pedestrians have priority; drivers must slow down and stop to let people cross.

The legal priority to move first through a junction, narrow section, or conflict point. It is given or taken according to signs, road type, and position, and must never be assumed without checking.

The obligation to slow down or stop and let other traffic pass before entering or crossing its path, typically shown by a give way sign, a yield marking, or a junction layout that favours the other road.

A junction with no signals or priority signs, where drivers must approach slowly, look in all directions, and yield to traffic already on the main road or approaching from the priority side.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction, permitted only where the road marking, visibility, and gradient allow it, and only after signalling and checking that no oncoming or following vehicle is endangered.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly at least two seconds in good conditions and more when wet, loaded, downhill, or at night, so that a sudden stop can be matched safely.

A driving style that anticipates other people's mistakes, keeps escape space, scans far ahead, and avoids unnecessary risk, rather than relying on others to follow the rules correctly.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors, especially beside and behind the rear pillars, where a vehicle must be checked by turning the head before changing lanes.

The routine of glancing at the interior and side mirrors before signalling, braking, turning, or changing lanes, to confirm what is happening behind and beside the car.

Using indicators, brake lights, or hand signals to tell other road users what you intend to do, given early enough to be useful but not so early that it misleads.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It grows with speed, load, and slippery or loose surfaces, and adds to the thinking distance.

Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator and selecting a lower gear so that compression resists motion, which reduces reliance on the footbrake on long descents and slippery roads.

The loss of braking power when brakes overheat from repeated or prolonged use, common on long mountain descents, felt as a soft pedal and reduced stopping force, and prevented by engine braking.

The pedal and mechanism that connect and disconnect the engine from the gearbox, letting the driver start from rest and change gear smoothly without stalling or jerking.

Choosing the gear that matches the road speed and load, using lower gears for climbs, descents, and slow traffic, and a higher gear for steady cruising to save fuel.

The engine stopping unintentionally, usually from releasing the clutch too quickly or at too low an engine speed, which must be handled calmly by restarting and checking surroundings.

The inspection made before starting a journey, covering tyres, brakes, lights, fluids, wipers, mirrors, and load security, so that faults are found while the vehicle is stationary and safe.

The height of the rubber pattern on a tyre, which channels water away from the contact patch. Worn tread lengthens stopping distance on wet roads and raises aquaplaning risk.

The air pressure inside a tyre, checked cold and kept at the maker's recommendation, since too low or too high a pressure harms grip, wear, fuel use, and stability.

Loss of steering and braking grip when a layer of water lifts the tyre off the road, more likely at speed with worn tyres, and corrected by easing off the accelerator without harsh braking.

Driving in reduced visibility by using low-beam or fog lamps, slowing down, increasing the following gap, and avoiding overtaking, since headlights on high beam reflect back off the mist.

A very sharp, often climbing or descending turn on a mountain road, taken slowly in a low gear, keeping to your side, and sounding the horn where visibility around the corner is blocked.

Driving after dark, when judgement of speed and distance is harder, so speed must drop, headlights must be used correctly, and glare from oncoming vehicles must be managed.

A low beam that lights the road ahead without dazzling oncoming drivers, used at night and in poor visibility, and switched to high beam only when no other road user is affected.

Sliding of the tyres with reduced or lost grip, caused by harsh braking, steering, or acceleration on a slippery surface, and corrected by easing off and steering gently where you want to go.

The steps after a crash: stop, switch off the engine, warn other traffic, protect the injured from further harm, call for help, and give first aid within your training until assistance arrives.

The order of care at an incident: check the area is safe, check response and breathing, control severe bleeding, keep the person warm, and avoid moving a suspected spinal injury unnecessarily.

The number and information to call after a crash or breakdown, including location, number of casualties, and hazards, so that police, ambulance, or recovery services can respond quickly.

Cover that pays for injury or damage the insured driver causes to other people and their property, which is the minimum required by law to drive on public roads.

The official permit showing the holder has passed the required tests and may drive the stated category of vehicle, and which must be carried or produced when lawfully demanded.

The official record of a vehicle's identity, owner, and number plate, kept current with the licensing authority and required to be valid for the vehicle to be used legally.

A periodic roadworthiness inspection document confirming that a vehicle meets safety and emission standards, required at the intervals set by the transport authority for its type and age.