ATTT Driving Theory cheat sheet

Red circles = prohibition (no entry, speed limit); red triangles = warning; blue circles = mandatory instruction; blue rectangles = information or service.

Octagon is reserved for STOP only; inverted triangle (yield) appears only for give-way. Shape alone identifies them when dirty or snow-covered.

A yellow background on a warning sign (e.g., signal ahead, pedestrian crossing) means temporary or heightened-hazard emphasis, not a permanent change of rule.

Solid white centre line: no crossing or straddling. Broken white line: may cross if safe and the manoeuvre is legal. Double solid: neither direction may cross.

Yellow centre line (where used) separates opposing flows and marks the no-parking side in many codes; check the local code - colour conventions differ between countries.

Flashing amber at a signal means proceed with caution after yielding; a steady amber means stop unless stopping is unsafe.

A downward-pointing arrow over a lane means that lane must turn in the arrow direction; a diagonal cross or red X means the lane is closed.

Direction signs on motorways/highways use blue or green backgrounds with white text; smaller local direction signs use white with black text.

Uncontrolled intersection: yield to traffic already in the junction and to vehicles approaching from the right (right-hand-drive/right-hand-traffic rule) unless signs or signals say otherwise.

Turning left across oncoming traffic: you yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right. Turning right: you yield to pedestrians already crossing the road you enter.

At a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating. Indicate right on exit; indicate left/right only for lane changes and exits per local convention.

Four-way stop: first to stop is first to go; if two arrive together, the one on the right goes first; a vehicle going straight has priority over one turning left.

Pedestrian crossing: give way to anyone on the crossing or stepping onto it; do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull over to the left/right as required and stop; do not follow closely or block the junction.

Overtaking is prohibited on a solid line, at crossings, at junctions (unless priority road), on blind crests and bends, and where a 'no overtaking' sign applies.

Following distance: at least 2 seconds in dry conditions, 4 seconds in rain, and 10 seconds on ice/snow.

Scan 12-15 seconds ahead, mirror checks every 5-8 seconds, and a blind-spot check before any lateral movement.

Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance; braking distance rises with the square of speed (double speed = four times the distance).

Typical dry stopping distances from the highway code: 20 km/h ≈ 12 m, 50 km/h ≈ 35 m, 90 km/h ≈ 70 m, 110 km/h ≈ 100 m (approximate, varies by surface and tyres).

In fog, use dipped headlights and fog lights only when visibility is under about 50 m; switch fog lights off when visibility improves.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard, hold the wheel steady and let speed drop until grip returns.

Fatigue: after about 2 hours of continuous driving take a 15-minute break; symptoms (yawning, drifting, heavy eyes) mean stop, not 'push on'.

Alcohol: even one drink impairs reaction time; the only safe limit is zero. Effects are worse with fatigue, medication and at night.

Mobile phone use: hand-held use is illegal in most jurisdictions; even hands-free conversation increases reaction time and misses.

Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around the whole circumference (car/light van).

Tyre pressure: check cold, at least monthly and before long trips; under-inflation increases heat, wear and fuel use and risks blowout.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic; replace every 2 years or per manufacturer schedule. A spongy pedal suggests air or fluid loss.

Engine oil level: check on level ground with the engine off and cool; level between min and max marks; low oil risks seizure.

Coolant: never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot; scalding risk. Use the correct antifreeze mix, not plain water long-term.

Battery: check terminals for corrosion; a slow crank and dim lights indicate a weak battery or charging fault.

Lights: check all lamps weekly - headlights, brake, indicators, reverse, hazard, number-plate. A failed brake light is a common defect.

Loads: secure all cargo; overload changes braking, steering and tyre load rating; roof loads raise the centre of gravity and rollover risk.

Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants; children under about 12 years or 135-150 cm (local rule) need an approved child restraint.

Helmets: approved helmet fastened for all riders and pillion passengers on motorcycles and mopeds.

At night, use dipped headlights; use high beam only when no oncoming traffic and not following closely.

Skids: rear-wheel skid - steer into the skid (in the direction of the slide) and ease off the accelerator; avoid hard braking.

ABS: keep firm continuous pressure on the brake pedal; do not pump. ABS does not shorten stopping distance on gravel or snow.

Road-rage/aggressive driving: do not respond; increase distance, avoid eye contact, and report to police if threatened.

At a crash scene: protect the scene (hazard lights, warning triangle at a safe distance), call emergency services, and do not move casualties unless there is fire or immediate danger.

Railway crossings: never stop on the tracks; if the barrier starts to close, stop before it, not on the crossing.

Documents to carry: driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance certificate (or proof), and vehicle inspection/test certificate where required.

Driving without a valid licence or insurance is a serious offence; penalties include fines, licence suspension and vehicle impoundment.

Points systems: accumulate points for offences; reaching the threshold leads to suspension. Points expire after a set period (commonly 2-3 years).

Speeding penalties scale with the margin over the limit; very high margins can bring court appearance and licence disqualification.

Drink-driving: blood alcohol limits vary (e.g., 0.05% BAC common, 0.02% for novices/professionals in some countries); refusal to test is itself an offence.

Insurance types: third-party (minimum legal) vs comprehensive (own damage, theft, fire). Driving uninsured is an offence even if the vehicle is not yours.

Accident reporting: stop, exchange details, and report to police within the required time if there are injuries, a hit-and-run, or significant damage.

Vehicle inspection (roadworthiness test) is periodic; driving with an expired certificate is an offence and voids some insurance cover.

DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check responsiveness and breathing before anything else.

Call emergency services early; give location, number of casualties, hazards and a callback number. Do not hang up until told.

Unresponsive but breathing: recovery position (on the side, head tilted back slightly) to keep the airway clear.

Not breathing: start CPR - 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, depth about 5-6 cm, rate 100-120 per minute.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean pad or cloth; elevate if possible; do not remove an embedded object.

Burns: cool with running water for at least 10-20 minutes; do not apply butter, oil or ice; do not burst blisters.

Suspected spinal injury: do not move the casualty unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic). Keep the head and neck aligned.

Shock: lay the casualty flat, keep warm, do not give food or drink; monitor breathing until help arrives.

Red circles = prohibition (no entry, speed limit); red triangles = warning; blue circles = mandatory instruction; blue rectangles = information or service.

Octagon is reserved for STOP only; inverted triangle (yield) appears only for give-way. Shape alone identifies them when dirty or snow-covered.

A yellow background on a warning sign (e.g., signal ahead, pedestrian crossing) means temporary or heightened-hazard emphasis, not a permanent change of rule.

Solid white centre line: no crossing or straddling. Broken white line: may cross if safe and the manoeuvre is legal. Double solid: neither direction may cross.

Yellow centre line (where used) separates opposing flows and marks the no-parking side in many codes; check the local code - colour conventions differ between countries.

Flashing amber at a signal means proceed with caution after yielding; a steady amber means stop unless stopping is unsafe.

A downward-pointing arrow over a lane means that lane must turn in the arrow direction; a diagonal cross or red X means the lane is closed.

Direction signs on motorways/highways use blue or green backgrounds with white text; smaller local direction signs use white with black text.

Uncontrolled intersection: yield to traffic already in the junction and to vehicles approaching from the right (right-hand-drive/right-hand-traffic rule) unless signs or signals say otherwise.

Turning left across oncoming traffic: you yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right. Turning right: you yield to pedestrians already crossing the road you enter.

At a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating. Indicate right on exit; indicate left/right only for lane changes and exits per local convention.

Four-way stop: first to stop is first to go; if two arrive together, the one on the right goes first; a vehicle going straight has priority over one turning left.

Pedestrian crossing: give way to anyone on the crossing or stepping onto it; do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull over to the left/right as required and stop; do not follow closely or block the junction.

Overtaking is prohibited on a solid line, at crossings, at junctions (unless priority road), on blind crests and bends, and where a 'no overtaking' sign applies.

Following distance: at least 2 seconds in dry conditions, 4 seconds in rain, and 10 seconds on ice/snow.

Scan 12-15 seconds ahead, mirror checks every 5-8 seconds, and a blind-spot check before any lateral movement.

Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance; braking distance rises with the square of speed (double speed = four times the distance).

Typical dry stopping distances from the highway code: 20 km/h ≈ 12 m, 50 km/h ≈ 35 m, 90 km/h ≈ 70 m, 110 km/h ≈ 100 m (approximate, varies by surface and tyres).

In fog, use dipped headlights and fog lights only when visibility is under about 50 m; switch fog lights off when visibility improves.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard, hold the wheel steady and let speed drop until grip returns.

Fatigue: after about 2 hours of continuous driving take a 15-minute break; symptoms (yawning, drifting, heavy eyes) mean stop, not 'push on'.

Alcohol: even one drink impairs reaction time; the only safe limit is zero. Effects are worse with fatigue, medication and at night.

Mobile phone use: hand-held use is illegal in most jurisdictions; even hands-free conversation increases reaction time and misses.

Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around the whole circumference (car/light van).

Tyre pressure: check cold, at least monthly and before long trips; under-inflation increases heat, wear and fuel use and risks blowout.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic; replace every 2 years or per manufacturer schedule. A spongy pedal suggests air or fluid loss.

Engine oil level: check on level ground with the engine off and cool; level between min and max marks; low oil risks seizure.

Coolant: never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot; scalding risk. Use the correct antifreeze mix, not plain water long-term.

Battery: check terminals for corrosion; a slow crank and dim lights indicate a weak battery or charging fault.

Lights: check all lamps weekly - headlights, brake, indicators, reverse, hazard, number-plate. A failed brake light is a common defect.

Loads: secure all cargo; overload changes braking, steering and tyre load rating; roof loads raise the centre of gravity and rollover risk.

Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants; children under about 12 years or 135-150 cm (local rule) need an approved child restraint.

Helmets: approved helmet fastened for all riders and pillion passengers on motorcycles and mopeds.

At night, use dipped headlights; use high beam only when no oncoming traffic and not following closely.

Skids: rear-wheel skid - steer into the skid (in the direction of the slide) and ease off the accelerator; avoid hard braking.

ABS: keep firm continuous pressure on the brake pedal; do not pump. ABS does not shorten stopping distance on gravel or snow.

Road-rage/aggressive driving: do not respond; increase distance, avoid eye contact, and report to police if threatened.

At a crash scene: protect the scene (hazard lights, warning triangle at a safe distance), call emergency services, and do not move casualties unless there is fire or immediate danger.

Railway crossings: never stop on the tracks; if the barrier starts to close, stop before it, not on the crossing.

Documents to carry: driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance certificate (or proof), and vehicle inspection/test certificate where required.

Driving without a valid licence or insurance is a serious offence; penalties include fines, licence suspension and vehicle impoundment.

Points systems: accumulate points for offences; reaching the threshold leads to suspension. Points expire after a set period (commonly 2-3 years).

Speeding penalties scale with the margin over the limit; very high margins can bring court appearance and licence disqualification.

Drink-driving: blood alcohol limits vary (e.g., 0.05% BAC common, 0.02% for novices/professionals in some countries); refusal to test is itself an offence.

Insurance types: third-party (minimum legal) vs comprehensive (own damage, theft, fire). Driving uninsured is an offence even if the vehicle is not yours.

Accident reporting: stop, exchange details, and report to police within the required time if there are injuries, a hit-and-run, or significant damage.

Vehicle inspection (roadworthiness test) is periodic; driving with an expired certificate is an offence and voids some insurance cover.

DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check responsiveness and breathing before anything else.

Call emergency services early; give location, number of casualties, hazards and a callback number. Do not hang up until told.

Unresponsive but breathing: recovery position (on the side, head tilted back slightly) to keep the airway clear.

Not breathing: start CPR - 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, depth about 5-6 cm, rate 100-120 per minute.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean pad or cloth; elevate if possible; do not remove an embedded object.

Burns: cool with running water for at least 10-20 minutes; do not apply butter, oil or ice; do not burst blisters.

Suspected spinal injury: do not move the casualty unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic). Keep the head and neck aligned.

Shock: lay the casualty flat, keep warm, do not give food or drink; monitor breathing until help arrives.

Red circles = prohibition (no entry, speed limit); red triangles = warning; blue circles = mandatory instruction; blue rectangles = information or service.

Octagon is reserved for STOP only; inverted triangle (yield) appears only for give-way. Shape alone identifies them when dirty or snow-covered.

A yellow background on a warning sign (e.g., signal ahead, pedestrian crossing) means temporary or heightened-hazard emphasis, not a permanent change of rule.

Solid white centre line: no crossing or straddling. Broken white line: may cross if safe and the manoeuvre is legal. Double solid: neither direction may cross.

Yellow centre line (where used) separates opposing flows and marks the no-parking side in many codes; check the local code - colour conventions differ between countries.

Flashing amber at a signal means proceed with caution after yielding; a steady amber means stop unless stopping is unsafe.

A downward-pointing arrow over a lane means that lane must turn in the arrow direction; a diagonal cross or red X means the lane is closed.

Direction signs on motorways/highways use blue or green backgrounds with white text; smaller local direction signs use white with black text.

Uncontrolled intersection: yield to traffic already in the junction and to vehicles approaching from the right (right-hand-drive/right-hand-traffic rule) unless signs or signals say otherwise.

Turning left across oncoming traffic: you yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right. Turning right: you yield to pedestrians already crossing the road you enter.

At a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating. Indicate right on exit; indicate left/right only for lane changes and exits per local convention.

Four-way stop: first to stop is first to go; if two arrive together, the one on the right goes first; a vehicle going straight has priority over one turning left.

Pedestrian crossing: give way to anyone on the crossing or stepping onto it; do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Emergency vehicles with lights and siren: pull over to the left/right as required and stop; do not follow closely or block the junction.

Overtaking is prohibited on a solid line, at crossings, at junctions (unless priority road), on blind crests and bends, and where a 'no overtaking' sign applies.

Following distance: at least 2 seconds in dry conditions, 4 seconds in rain, and 10 seconds on ice/snow.

Scan 12-15 seconds ahead, mirror checks every 5-8 seconds, and a blind-spot check before any lateral movement.

Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance; braking distance rises with the square of speed (double speed = four times the distance).

Typical dry stopping distances from the highway code: 20 km/h ≈ 12 m, 50 km/h ≈ 35 m, 90 km/h ≈ 70 m, 110 km/h ≈ 100 m (approximate, varies by surface and tyres).

In fog, use dipped headlights and fog lights only when visibility is under about 50 m; switch fog lights off when visibility improves.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard, hold the wheel steady and let speed drop until grip returns.

Fatigue: after about 2 hours of continuous driving take a 15-minute break; symptoms (yawning, drifting, heavy eyes) mean stop, not 'push on'.

Alcohol: even one drink impairs reaction time; the only safe limit is zero. Effects are worse with fatigue, medication and at night.

Mobile phone use: hand-held use is illegal in most jurisdictions; even hands-free conversation increases reaction time and misses.

Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around the whole circumference (car/light van).

Tyre pressure: check cold, at least monthly and before long trips; under-inflation increases heat, wear and fuel use and risks blowout.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic; replace every 2 years or per manufacturer schedule. A spongy pedal suggests air or fluid loss.

Engine oil level: check on level ground with the engine off and cool; level between min and max marks; low oil risks seizure.

Coolant: never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot; scalding risk. Use the correct antifreeze mix, not plain water long-term.

Battery: check terminals for corrosion; a slow crank and dim lights indicate a weak battery or charging fault.

Lights: check all lamps weekly - headlights, brake, indicators, reverse, hazard, number-plate. A failed brake light is a common defect.

Loads: secure all cargo; overload changes braking, steering and tyre load rating; roof loads raise the centre of gravity and rollover risk.

Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants; children under about 12 years or 135-150 cm (local rule) need an approved child restraint.

Helmets: approved helmet fastened for all riders and pillion passengers on motorcycles and mopeds.

At night, use dipped headlights; use high beam only when no oncoming traffic and not following closely.

Skids: rear-wheel skid - steer into the skid (in the direction of the slide) and ease off the accelerator; avoid hard braking.

ABS: keep firm continuous pressure on the brake pedal; do not pump. ABS does not shorten stopping distance on gravel or snow.

Road-rage/aggressive driving: do not respond; increase distance, avoid eye contact, and report to police if threatened.

At a crash scene: protect the scene (hazard lights, warning triangle at a safe distance), call emergency services, and do not move casualties unless there is fire or immediate danger.

Railway crossings: never stop on the tracks; if the barrier starts to close, stop before it, not on the crossing.

Documents to carry: driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance certificate (or proof), and vehicle inspection/test certificate where required.

Driving without a valid licence or insurance is a serious offence; penalties include fines, licence suspension and vehicle impoundment.

Points systems: accumulate points for offences; reaching the threshold leads to suspension. Points expire after a set period (commonly 2-3 years).

Speeding penalties scale with the margin over the limit; very high margins can bring court appearance and licence disqualification.

Drink-driving: blood alcohol limits vary (e.g., 0.05% BAC common, 0.02% for novices/professionals in some countries); refusal to test is itself an offence.

Insurance types: third-party (minimum legal) vs comprehensive (own damage, theft, fire). Driving uninsured is an offence even if the vehicle is not yours.

Accident reporting: stop, exchange details, and report to police within the required time if there are injuries, a hit-and-run, or significant damage.

Vehicle inspection (roadworthiness test) is periodic; driving with an expired certificate is an offence and voids some insurance cover.

DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check responsiveness and breathing before anything else.

Call emergency services early; give location, number of casualties, hazards and a callback number. Do not hang up until told.

Unresponsive but breathing: recovery position (on the side, head tilted back slightly) to keep the airway clear.

Not breathing: start CPR - 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, depth about 5-6 cm, rate 100-120 per minute.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean pad or cloth; elevate if possible; do not remove an embedded object.

Burns: cool with running water for at least 10-20 minutes; do not apply butter, oil or ice; do not burst blisters.

Suspected spinal injury: do not move the casualty unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic). Keep the head and neck aligned.

Shock: lay the casualty flat, keep warm, do not give food or drink; monitor breathing until help arrives.