Abu Dhabi Theory cheat sheet

Red triangle signs warn of hazards ahead; red circle signs prohibit an action; blue circle signs give mandatory instructions; yellow-and-black markings indicate temporary works.

A solid white lane line prohibits crossing; a broken white line permits a lane change only when safe and after signalling and blind-spot checks.

At a stop line, come to a complete stop behind the line when the signal is red or a STOP sign is present, then proceed only when clear.

At a zebra crossing, pedestrians on the crossing have priority; approach at a speed that allows you to stop safely.

A yellow box junction may be entered only when your exit is clear; do not stop inside the marked box.

Chevron or hatch markings separate diverging lanes or protect hazards; do not drive over them unless directed by signs or police.

Lane direction arrows show permitted movements; follow the arrow for your lane and do not change lanes across a solid line.

A red octagon means STOP; an inverted triangle means GIVE WAY, requiring you to yield to traffic on the priority road.

The posted speed limit is the maximum in good conditions; reduce speed below it for rain, fog, congestion, or road works.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers; children under four years must use an approved child restraint.

Hand-held mobile phone use while driving is prohibited; hands-free use is permitted only if it does not distract the driver.

Give way to ambulances, fire engines, and police vehicles using sirens or flashing lights; move aside safely and do not follow them closely.

At a roundabout, give way to traffic already circulating; signal your intended exit and avoid stopping inside unless traffic requires it.

A red light requires a stop behind the stop line; a yellow light requires a stop unless you are too close to stop safely.

Overtake on the left in normal traffic; return to the right lane after passing and never overtake on the hard shoulder.

The UAE applies zero tolerance to alcohol while driving; any alcohol consumption before driving can lead to penalties.

Use at least a two-second following gap in dry conditions; increase it to four or more seconds in rain, fog, or darkness.

In fog, use low-beam headlights and fog lamps if fitted; high beams reflect off the fog and worsen visibility.

If a tyre bursts, grip the wheel firmly, keep the car straight, ease off the accelerator, and avoid hard braking until safely stopped.

If the car skids, ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the car to go; avoid sudden braking.

Yawning, heavy eyelids, lane drifting, and poor concentration are fatigue warnings; stop in a safe place and rest.

Do not overtake near junctions, bends, crests, or pedestrian crossings where visibility and escape space are limited.

Before turning, scan for pedestrians and cyclists and check mirrors and blind spots; they may be hidden by pillars or larger vehicles.

At night, drive so you can stop within the distance lit by your headlights; reduce speed if you cannot stop within that distance.

Tyres need at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters; replace them earlier if cracked, bulging, cut, or worn unevenly.

Check tyre pressures when tyres are cold and use the vehicle manufacturer's placard values, not the maximum pressure on the tyre sidewall.

With the engine off and the car level, the dipstick oil level must lie between the minimum and maximum marks.

Check coolant only when the engine is cold; never open a hot radiator cap because pressurised coolant can cause severe burns.

A brake warning light, spongy pedal, or pulling to one side indicates a possible brake fault; stop safely and have it checked.

An ABS warning light means anti-lock braking may not operate; normal brakes usually remain, but the system needs inspection.

Secure loads and distribute weight correctly; roof loads raise the centre of gravity and increase fuel use and rollover risk.

In the UAE call 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, and 997 for fire; state your location, injuries, and hazards clearly.

Use DRABC: check Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation before giving aid.

Place an unresponsive person who is breathing in the recovery position; monitor breathing until emergency services arrive.

For an adult not breathing normally, give CPR at 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, compressing at 100 to 120 per minute.

Control severe bleeding with firm direct pressure using a clean cloth or dressing; add layers if blood soaks through.

Cool a burn with cool running water for about 20 minutes; do not apply ice, butter, or creams.

Do not move a crash casualty unless there is immediate danger such as fire; suspected neck or spine injury requires immobilisation.

Tailgating reduces reaction time and causes rear-end crashes; keep a safe gap and let faster traffic pass.

Signal before turning or changing lanes, check mirrors and blind spots, and cancel the indicator afterwards.

Use the horn only to warn of danger, not to hurry other drivers or express anger; unnecessary honking can be penalised.

Avoid confrontation with aggressive drivers: do not retaliate, increase distance, and let them pass.

When merging in congestion, allow one vehicle to enter courteously and avoid blocking the merge area.

Do not block junctions, pedestrian crossings, or emergency access points while waiting in traffic.

Dip headlights for oncoming traffic and when following closely at night to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Smooth acceleration and braking, plus anticipating traffic flow, reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

An idling engine burns fuel without moving the car; switch off the engine when safely parked and waiting.

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel use; maintain the recommended cold pressures.

Remove unnecessary roof racks and heavy loads; extra weight and aerodynamic drag raise fuel consumption.

Air conditioning increases fuel use; use recirculation and a moderate temperature setting rather than maximum cooling.

Regular servicing, including oil, air filter, and spark plug checks, helps maintain engine efficiency and lower emissions.

Plan routes to avoid congestion and combine trips; carpooling or public transport reduces fuel use per person.

Fuel consumption rises with speed because aerodynamic drag increases; maintain a steady, legal cruising speed.