TESDA Driving NC II key terms
TESDA Driving NC II · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- Defensive driving
- Related: Following distance, Hazard perception
A driving approach where the driver anticipates hazards, keeps a safe margin around the vehicle, and assumes other road users may make mistakes, so collisions are avoided before they happen.
- Following distance
- Related: Defensive driving, Braking distance
The gap in time or space between your vehicle and the one ahead. A common rule is keeping at least a three-second gap in good conditions and more when the road is wet or visibility is poor.
- Braking distance
- Related: Stopping distance, Following distance
The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it fully stops. It increases with speed and is longer on wet or slippery surfaces.
- Stopping distance
- Related: Braking distance, Reaction time
The total distance covered from the moment a hazard is seen until the vehicle stops, combining the driver's reaction distance and the vehicle's braking distance.
- Reaction time
- Related: Stopping distance, Fatigue driving
The delay between a driver noticing a hazard and starting to act, such as moving the foot to the brake. Fatigue and alcohol lengthen this delay significantly.
- Blind spot
- Related: Mirror check, Lane change
The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen through the mirrors or by looking forward. Drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lanes or turning.
- Mirror check
- Related: Blind spot, Lane change
The routine of glancing at the interior and side mirrors to monitor traffic behind and beside the vehicle. It should be repeated before braking, turning, or changing lanes.
- Lane change
- Related: Blind spot, Mirror check
Moving the vehicle from one traffic lane to another. It requires signaling, checking mirrors and the blind spot, and ensuring there is enough space before moving over.
- Hazard perception
- Related: Defensive driving, Reaction time
The skill of recognizing potentially dangerous situations on the road early, such as a pedestrian near the curb or a parked car with a door opening, so the driver can respond in time.
- Right of way
- Related: Intersection, Pedestrian crossing
The legal priority to proceed in a given situation, such as at an intersection or pedestrian crossing. It is given or yielded according to traffic rules, not simply taken.
- Intersection
- Related: Right of way, Traffic signal
A place where two or more roads meet or cross. Drivers must slow down, observe signals and signs, and yield to traffic with the right of way before entering.
- Pedestrian crossing
- Related: Right of way, Hazard perception
A marked or unmarked section of road where people have priority to walk across. Drivers must slow down and stop for pedestrians using it.
- Traffic signal
- Related: Intersection, Road sign
Electric lights, such as red, yellow, and green, that control the flow of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections. Drivers must obey them and stop on red.
- Road sign
- Related: Traffic signal, Speed limit
A posted symbol or message that gives information, warns of hazards, or states a rule, such as a speed limit or a no-entry sign. Drivers must read and obey signs.
- Speed limit
- Related: Road sign, Braking distance
The maximum legal speed allowed on a given road or area. It may be posted on signs or set by law, and drivers must adjust below it when conditions are poor.
- Gear shifting
- Related: Clutch control, Engine braking
Changing the transmission from one gear to another to match engine speed and road conditions. Smooth shifting avoids stalling and protects the engine and clutch.
- Clutch control
- Related: Gear shifting, Stalling
Using the clutch pedal smoothly to connect and disconnect engine power, especially when starting from rest or moving slowly. Poor control causes jerking or stalling.
- Engine braking
- Related: Gear shifting, Braking distance
Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator and shifting to a lower gear, so the engine resists the wheels. It helps control speed on long downhill stretches.
- Stalling
- Related: Clutch control, Gear shifting
When the engine stops running unexpectedly, often from releasing the clutch too quickly or braking without pressing the clutch. The driver must restart safely.
- Pre-trip inspection
- Related: Tire tread depth, Vehicle maintenance
A check of the vehicle before driving, covering tires, lights, brakes, fluid levels, mirrors, and body condition, to catch problems that could cause breakdowns or crashes.
- Tire tread depth
- Related: Pre-trip inspection, Braking distance
The thickness of the rubber pattern on a tire. Worn tread reduces grip, especially on wet roads, so tires must be replaced once the tread is too shallow.
- Vehicle maintenance
- Related: Pre-trip inspection, Tire tread depth
Scheduled and corrective care of a vehicle, such as oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotation, to keep it safe, reliable, and within legal operating standards.
- Fatigue driving
- Related: Reaction time, Defensive driving
Operating a vehicle while tired or sleepy, which slows reaction time and judgment. Drivers should rest, take breaks, and avoid long drives without sleep.
- Seat belt
- Related: Pre-trip inspection, Defensive driving
A strap that holds a vehicle occupant in place during a sudden stop or crash. Wearing it is required by law and greatly reduces the risk of serious injury.
- Occupational health and safety
- Related: Personal protective equipment, Hazard identification
Workplace practices that protect workers from injury and illness, such as using protective equipment, keeping work areas clear, and following safe procedures.
- Personal protective equipment
- Related: Occupational health and safety, Hazard identification
Gear worn to reduce workplace risk, such as gloves, safety shoes, helmets, or reflective vests. It must fit well and be inspected before use.
- Hazard identification
- Related: Risk assessment, Occupational health and safety
The process of spotting conditions or actions that could cause harm in the workplace, so they can be removed or controlled before an accident occurs.
- Risk assessment
- Related: Hazard identification, Occupational health and safety
Judging how serious a hazard is and how likely it is to cause harm, then deciding what controls are needed. It helps prioritize safety actions.
- Emergency procedure
- Related: First aid, Occupational health and safety
A planned set of steps to follow during an accident, fire, or other emergency, including raising the alarm, evacuating, and giving first aid.
- First aid
- Related: Emergency procedure, Occupational health and safety
Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person before professional help arrives, such as stopping bleeding, clearing the airway, or keeping the person warm.
- Workplace communication
- Related: Active listening, Incident report
Sharing information clearly with supervisors and co-workers through speech, written reports, and proper channels, so tasks, hazards, and changes are understood by everyone.
- Active listening
- Related: Workplace communication
Paying full attention to a speaker, confirming understanding by asking questions or repeating key points, and responding appropriately. It reduces errors in instructions and teamwork.
- Incident report
- Related: Workplace communication, Emergency procedure
A written record of an accident, near miss, or unsafe event that describes what happened, when, and who was involved. It supports investigation and prevention.
- Job sheet
- Related: Workplace communication, Incident report
A form that lists the tasks, materials, and time for a particular job. Technicians use it to plan work and record what was completed.
- Teamwork
- Related: Workplace communication, Active listening
Working cooperatively with others toward a shared goal, sharing tasks and information, and supporting colleagues. It improves safety and efficiency in any workplace.
- Time management
- Related: Job sheet, Teamwork
Planning and organizing tasks so they are completed within the available time, prioritizing important work and avoiding delays that affect others.
- Quality standards
- Related: Job sheet, Workplace communication
Agreed requirements for how work should be done and how good the result must be. Following them ensures the output meets customer and legal expectations.