PK Driving Theory (Car) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Octagon sign meaning

An eight-sided red sign is the STOP sign. You must come to a complete halt at the line or before the junction, check for traffic, and proceed only when it is safe.

Inverted triangle sign

A downward-pointing triangle with a red border is the GIVE WAY (yield) sign. Slow down, be ready to stop, and give priority to traffic on the road you are joining or crossing.

Flashing amber light

A flashing amber traffic signal means proceed only if the way is clear. You must still give way to pedestrians already crossing and to traffic already in the junction.

Box junction rule

Yellow cross-hatched box markings mean you may not enter unless your exit is clear. The exception is turning right when only oncoming traffic blocks you.

Solid white centre line

A continuous white line on your side of the centre means you must not cross or straddle it, except to pass a stationary obstruction or enter a side road where permitted.

Zig-zag markings

Zig-zag lines approaching a pedestrian crossing prohibit parking and prohibit overtaking the vehicle nearest the crossing, because it may be yielding to a pedestrian.

Unmarked junction priority

Where no signs or markings give priority at an equal junction, you must give way to traffic approaching from your right in left-hand-traffic countries, or from your left where traffic keeps right.

T-junction right of way

At a T-junction the road that ends must give way to traffic on the through road. Vehicles on the top of the T have priority in both directions.

Turning across oncoming traffic

When turning across the path of oncoming vehicles, you must wait for a safe gap. Oncoming straight-through traffic has priority, as do pedestrians crossing the road you enter.

Four-way stop procedure

At an all-way STOP, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first. If two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first; if unsure, signal and confirm with the other driver.

Two-second rule

Pick a fixed point ahead; when the vehicle in front passes it, you should not reach it for at least two seconds in dry conditions. Double this in rain.

Thinking plus braking distance

Total stopping distance is thinking distance plus braking distance. Braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples the braking distance.

Aquaplaning response

If the steering feels light and the car floats on water, ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel steady and avoid hard braking. Grip returns as speed decreases.

Skid recovery technique

Release the brake, look and steer where you want the front of the car to go, and make smooth corrections. Sudden braking or jerky steering makes a skid worse.

Fog driving rule

Use dipped headlights in fog, never main beam, because the light reflects back and reduces visibility. Slow down so you can stop within the distance you can see.

Built-up area speed limit

In built-up areas the default limit is commonly 50 km/h (30 mph). Street lighting usually indicates a built-up area, but always obey posted signs.

Overtaking prohibition places

Do not overtake at pedestrian crossings, on blind bends, at hill crests, at junctions, or where a solid line or sign forbids it. You must see far enough to finish safely.

Motorway red X signal

An illuminated red X above a motorway lane means the lane is closed. You must not drive in it; move to an open lane as soon as it is safe.

Lane discipline rule

Keep to the normal driving lane except when overtaking. Return to it once you have passed, rather than staying in the overtaking lane and obstructing faster traffic.

Tyre tread minimum

The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is commonly 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width and around the entire circumference.

Cold tyre pressure check

Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold, before driving far. Under-inflation increases heat, wear and fuel consumption and can cause a blowout at speed.

Dashboard red warning light

A red warning light means stop safely as soon as possible and investigate. Amber means a fault that should be checked soon; green or blue shows a system is active.

ABS braking behaviour

Anti-lock braking prevents wheels locking so you can still steer under heavy braking. It does not shorten stopping distance on every surface and does not replace safe following distance.

Documents to carry

You should be able to produce your driving licence, vehicle registration document, proof of insurance and, where required, a valid roadworthiness certificate such as an MOT-type test.

Penalty point threshold

Penalty points accumulate on your licence. Reaching the threshold, commonly 12 points within three years and lower for novice drivers, results in disqualification by the court.

Minimum insurance cover

The minimum legal cover is third-party liability, covering injury or damage you cause to others. Driving without valid insurance is an offence and can lead to vehicle seizure.

Crash scene priorities

At a crash, stop and make the scene safe, switch on hazard lights and warn traffic, then call emergency services with the location, number of casualties and any hazards present.

DR ABC sequence

DR ABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check for danger first, then try to rouse the casualty, then open the airway and assess breathing.

CPR compression ratio

For an adult who is not breathing, give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeated continuously until help arrives or the casualty recovers.

Motorcyclist helmet rule

Do not remove an injured motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential to clear the airway. Removing it wrongly can worsen a neck or spinal injury.

Vulnerable road user clearance

When overtaking cyclists or motorcyclists, leave at least 1.0 to 1.5 metres at low speed and more at higher speeds, and never squeeze past in a narrow gap.

Turning truck danger

A turning heavy vehicle's rear wheels track inside the front wheels. Never sit alongside a truck that is turning, because the trailer or rear may sweep over your position.