Papua New Guinea Learner-Permit Knowledge Test key terms

To slow down or stop so that other traffic already on the road, or traffic with the right-of-way, can pass before you continue. Failing to give way is a common cause of crashes at intersections.

The legal priority one road user has over another at a particular place, such as an intersection, roundabout or pedestrian crossing. It is decided by signs, signals, road markings and rules, not by who arrives first.

A red eight-sided sign with the word STOP in white. You must bring the vehicle to a complete stop at the stop line or before the intersection, check for traffic, and only move off when it is safe.

An inverted triangle sign, usually red and white, telling drivers they must slow down and yield to traffic on the road they are joining or crossing. A stop is required only if traffic is approaching.

A solid white line painted across the lane at an intersection or railway crossing. When a stop sign, red light or boom gate applies, you must stop before this line, not on or past it.

A lane line made of short white dashes. It separates lanes travelling in the same direction and may be crossed to change lanes or overtake when it is safe and legal to do so.

A continuous white line along the edge of the road or between lanes. You should not cross it except when necessary to avoid a hazard, and edge lines mark the outer limit of the traffic lane.

The marking separating traffic moving in opposite directions. Where it is a solid line you must keep to your side and not cross it, especially on curves, crests and other places with limited sight distance.

An electric signal with red, amber and green lamps controlling traffic. Red means stop, green means proceed only if the way is clear, and amber warns that the signal is about to turn red.

The yellow lamp on a traffic signal. It means stop unless you are so close to the intersection that stopping suddenly would be unsafe; it does not mean speed up to beat the red.

The signal that orders all traffic to stop behind the stop line. Driving through a red light is an offence and a serious crash risk, including for pedestrians and cyclists crossing on their green.

A marked part of the road set aside for people on foot, often shown by white stripes or zebra markings. Drivers must slow down, give way to pedestrians on or entering the crossing, and never overtake a vehicle stopped there.

A circular intersection where traffic travels in one direction around a central island. You give way to traffic already on the roundabout, enter when clear, and signal left to leave at your exit.

Any place where two or more roads meet or cross. Approach intersections at a safe speed, obey signs, signals and markings, and check carefully for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians before proceeding.

Passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction. Only overtake when you have a clear view, a legal and safe stretch of road, and enough space to return to your lane without forcing others to change speed or direction.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. Keep at least a two-second gap in good conditions and increase it in rain, at night or when following a large vehicle, so you have time to stop.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It grows quickly with speed and is longer on wet, loose or downhill surfaces, so always leave room to stop.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Check blind spots by turning your head before changing lanes, and remember large trucks and buses have much bigger blind spots than cars.

The flashing light that shows other road users your intention to turn or change lanes. Signal early and clearly, and cancel the indicator after the manoeuvre so it does not mislead anyone.

Moving from one marked lane to another. Check mirrors, signal, check the blind spot and move only when there is a safe gap, without cutting off vehicles already in the lane.

The maximum speed allowed on a road, shown by signs or set by law for an area such as a town or school zone. You must drive below the limit whenever conditions such as rain, darkness or traffic require it.

An area near a school where lower speed limits apply during set times, often marked by signs and flashing lights. Watch for children crossing, stop for school crossing patrols and never park where you block visibility.

A strap fitted in a vehicle that holds occupants in their seats and greatly reduces injury in a crash. The driver and all passengers must wear one where fitted, and children must use an appropriate restraint.

A specially designed seat or harness that holds a young child safely in a vehicle. Children should travel in a restraint suited to their size and age, preferably in the back seat, rather than using an adult belt alone.

The amount of alcohol in a person's blood, measured as a percentage or in grams per 100 millilitres. Driving above the legal limit is an offence, and even small amounts slow reaction time and impair judgement.

A fixed measure used to count alcohol intake, containing a set amount of pure alcohol. Counting standard drinks helps you understand your consumption, but time, food and body size affect how alcohol actually impairs you.

A roadside check in which a driver blows into a device that estimates alcohol in the breath. Refusing a lawful test is itself an offence, and a positive result can lead to charges and loss of licence.

The tiredness that slows reactions, reduces concentration and can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel. Rest before long trips, take regular breaks, and never drive when drowsy or after missing sleep.

A provisional licence that lets a person learn to drive under stated conditions, such as displaying learner plates and being accompanied by a qualified supervising driver. It is issued after passing the knowledge test and meeting age and identity requirements.

A licence issued after a learner passes the practical driving test, allowing solo driving but often with restrictions such as lower speed, zero alcohol, or limits on carrying passengers. It is held for a set period before a full licence.

An experienced licensed driver who sits beside a learner and is legally responsible for the learner's driving. The supervisor must hold the required licence class and stay sober and attentive throughout the lesson.

Penalty points added to a driver's record for traffic offences. If enough points accumulate within a set period, the licence is suspended, so safe driving protects both your life and your licence.

The temporary cancellation of a person's right to drive, ordered for serious offences, too many demerit points or medical reasons. Driving while suspended is a criminal offence and usually leads to heavier penalties.

Cover that pays for damage or injury you cause to other people or their property in a crash. It does not repair your own vehicle, so check what cover you hold before driving.

The legal and moral duty of a driver to control the vehicle safely, obey the road rules, protect passengers and other road users, and stop and give assistance after a crash.

Loss of tyre grip that makes the vehicle slide, often caused by braking too hard, accelerating suddenly or turning sharply on a wet or loose surface. Ease off the accelerator and steer gently to regain control.

Looking in the interior and side mirrors to see what is behind and beside you before slowing, turning, changing lanes or opening a door. Mirrors do not show everything, so combine them with a head check.

A place where the road crosses train tracks, marked by signs, lights, boom gates or road markings. Slow down, look both ways, and never stop on the tracks or try to beat an approaching train.

Driving faster than the posted limit or faster than is safe for the conditions. It shortens reaction time, lengthens braking distance and increases the severity of any crash, and it attracts fines and demerit points.