Puerto Rico Permit Test key terms

An eight-sided red sign with white letters that requires a driver to come to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the intersection, then go on only when the way is clear.

A downward-pointing red and white triangle telling drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road, stopping only if no safe gap is available.

A red light that blinks on and off at an intersection. Drivers must treat it like a stop sign: stop fully, yield to cross traffic, and continue only when it is safe.

Two continuous yellow lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions. Drivers may not cross them to pass, though turning into or out of a driveway or side road is normally allowed.

A marked or unmarked area at an intersection or mid-block where pedestrians cross the road. Drivers approaching it must slow down and yield to anyone already crossing.

A dashed white line separating lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. It shows that lane changes are permitted when made safely and signaled in advance.

The legal priority to move first in a traffic situation. Right-of-way is something a driver gives up to others rather than something a driver takes by force.

An intersection where all approaching traffic faces stop signs. The first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.

A circular intersection with no traffic signals where vehicles travel around a center island in one direction, entering only when there is a safe gap in circulating traffic.

A place where train tracks cross the roadway. Drivers must slow down, look and listen, and never stop on the tracks; a lowered gate or flashing signal requires a complete stop.

A stretch of road where a driver may legally overtake a slower vehicle, usually shown by a broken yellow line on the driver's side of the center line.

The lever-operated lights at the front and rear of a vehicle that tell other road users the driver plans to turn or change lanes. They should be used well before the maneuver.

A driving style that assumes other road users may make mistakes, so the driver stays alert, keeps space around the vehicle, and is ready to react to hazards early.

A way to judge safe space behind the vehicle ahead: pick a fixed roadside object, and if you reach it in less than three seconds, you are following too closely.

Loss of tire contact with the road because a layer of water lifts the vehicle. Steering and braking stop working, so ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking or sharp turns.

The area alongside and behind a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lanes or merging.

Loss of traction in which the tires slide instead of rolling. The driver should release hard braking, look toward the intended path, and steer gently in that direction.

The percentage of alcohol in a person's blood. It rises with each drink consumed and is the measurement used to decide whether a driver is legally impaired.

The rule that a person who drives on public roads automatically agrees to submit to a chemical test of breath or blood when an officer lawfully requests one.

A policy making it illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a vehicle with any measurable alcohol in the body, typically 0.02 percent or more.

Operating a vehicle when alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both have impaired the person's ability to drive safely, regardless of the exact amount consumed.

The hinged red sign with flashing lights that swings out from the side of a school bus loading or unloading children. Traffic must stop until it retracts.

A rule requiring drivers to change lanes away from, or slow down for, stopped emergency, tow, or highway maintenance vehicles that display flashing lights.

The rule that drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and to anyone who has stepped into the roadway, taking extra care around children and people with disabilities.

The thickness of rubber remaining on a tire's surface. Worn tread reduces grip, especially on wet pavement, and tires below the legal minimum must be replaced.

A system that rapidly pumps the brakes on its own to keep wheels from locking, so the driver can still steer during a hard stop. Press firmly and do not pump the pedal.

Situations in which the law requires headlights, such as from sunset to sunrise, during rain or fog, and whenever visibility is too poor to clearly see people and vehicles.

A specially designed seat that holds a young child securely in a vehicle. Children must use an appropriate seat or booster until they are big enough for a seat belt alone.

Leaving the scene of a collision without stopping to identify yourself, exchange information, and give aid. It is a serious offense carrying criminal and licensing penalties.

Hazard lights that make all four turn signals blink at once, warning others that a vehicle is stopped, disabled, or moving unusually slowly.

A written record of a crash filed with the police or licensing agency, listing the people, vehicles, and circumstances involved. Filing is often required within a set number of days.

A method of tracking traffic convictions by adding points to a driving record. Accumulating too many points within a set period leads to suspension or other penalties.

A restricted credential issued to a beginning driver that allows practice behind the wheel only under conditions set by the licensing agency, such as supervision by a licensed adult.

A document or card showing that a vehicle carries the liability coverage required by law. Drivers must be able to show it to police or after a collision.

A temporary withdrawal of driving privileges ordered for offenses such as too many points, an impaired driving conviction, or failing to appear in court.

Any activity that takes a driver's eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task of driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting a device.

Operating a vehicle while sleepy or fatigued, which slows reaction time and can cause brief lapses in attention or even falling asleep at the wheel.

Equipment that lets a driver talk or give commands to a phone without holding it, such as a speakerphone or voice system. It still takes some attention away from the road.