TESDA Driving NC II study materials
TESDA Driving NC II study resources

TESDA Driving NC II key terms

TESDA Driving NC II · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.

Defensive driving

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.

Related: Following distance, Hazard perception
Following 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.

Related: Defensive driving, Braking distance
Braking 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.

Related: Stopping distance, Following distance
Stopping distance

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.

Related: Braking distance, Reaction time
Reaction time

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.

Related: Stopping distance, Fatigue driving
Blind spot

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.

Related: Mirror check, Lane change
Mirror check

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.

Related: Blind spot, Lane change
Lane change

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.

Related: Blind spot, Mirror check
Hazard perception

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.

Related: Defensive driving, Reaction time
Right of way

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.

Related: Intersection, Pedestrian crossing
Intersection

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.

Related: Right of way, Traffic signal
Pedestrian crossing

A marked or unmarked section of road where people have priority to walk across. Drivers must slow down and stop for pedestrians using it.

Related: Right of way, Hazard perception
Traffic signal

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.

Related: Intersection, Road sign
Road sign

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.

Related: Traffic signal, Speed limit
Speed limit

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.

Related: Road sign, Braking distance
Gear shifting

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.

Related: Clutch control, Engine braking
Clutch control

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.

Related: Gear shifting, Stalling
Engine braking

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.

Related: Gear shifting, Braking distance
Stalling

When the engine stops running unexpectedly, often from releasing the clutch too quickly or braking without pressing the clutch. The driver must restart safely.

Related: Clutch control, Gear shifting
Pre-trip inspection

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.

Related: Tire tread depth, Vehicle maintenance
Tire tread depth

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.

Related: Pre-trip inspection, Braking distance
Vehicle maintenance

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.

Related: Pre-trip inspection, Tire tread depth
Fatigue 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.

Related: Reaction time, Defensive driving
Seat belt

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.

Related: Pre-trip inspection, Defensive driving
Occupational health and safety

Workplace practices that protect workers from injury and illness, such as using protective equipment, keeping work areas clear, and following safe procedures.

Related: Personal protective equipment, Hazard identification
Personal protective equipment

Gear worn to reduce workplace risk, such as gloves, safety shoes, helmets, or reflective vests. It must fit well and be inspected before use.

Related: Occupational health and safety, Hazard identification
Hazard identification

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.

Related: Risk assessment, Occupational health and safety
Risk assessment

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.

Related: Hazard identification, Occupational health and safety
Emergency procedure

A planned set of steps to follow during an accident, fire, or other emergency, including raising the alarm, evacuating, and giving first aid.

Related: First aid, Occupational health and safety
First aid

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.

Related: Emergency procedure, Occupational health and safety
Workplace communication

Sharing information clearly with supervisors and co-workers through speech, written reports, and proper channels, so tasks, hazards, and changes are understood by everyone.

Related: Active listening, Incident report
Active listening

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.

Related: Workplace communication
Incident report

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.

Related: Workplace communication, Emergency procedure
Job sheet

A form that lists the tasks, materials, and time for a particular job. Technicians use it to plan work and record what was completed.

Related: Workplace communication, Incident report
Teamwork

Working cooperatively with others toward a shared goal, sharing tasks and information, and supporting colleagues. It improves safety and efficiency in any workplace.

Related: Workplace communication, Active listening
Time management

Planning and organizing tasks so they are completed within the available time, prioritizing important work and avoiding delays that affect others.

Related: Job sheet, Teamwork
Quality standards

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.

Related: Job sheet, Workplace communication