Abu Dhabi Theory key terms

An eight-sided red sign with white letters that requires a complete halt at the marked line. The driver must check for traffic and pedestrians and move off only when the way is clear.

An inverted triangular sign telling drivers to slow down and let traffic on the main road or roundabout pass. A complete stop is needed only when traffic conditions make it necessary.

A circular sign with a red border showing the maximum legal speed for that road in kilometres per hour. The limit applies in good conditions and must be reduced when they are poor.

A triangular sign with a red border placed before a hazard such as a bend, junction, crossing or slippery surface, so drivers can slow down and prepare to react in good time.

Painted lines on the road that separate lanes and guide traffic. A broken line may be crossed when it is safe, but a continuous solid line should not be crossed or straddled.

A yellow criss-cross grid painted at a junction. A driver may enter only when the exit is clear, so that queuing traffic does not block the junction or crossing traffic.

The priority one road user has to go before another at a junction, crossing or narrow stretch. It comes from signs, signals and rules, and must be given up when another user holds it.

The rule that vehicles already circulating on a roundabout have priority, so entering drivers must wait for a safe gap. Drivers should choose the correct lane and signal before leaving.

The gap kept behind the vehicle in front, normally at least two seconds in dry daylight and more in rain, darkness or heavy traffic, so there is time to stop if it brakes suddenly.

A rule or sign that forbids passing another vehicle, usually near bends, hill crests, junctions, crossings or where visibility is short, because a safe overtaking gap cannot be guaranteed.

The legal duty on the driver and passengers to wear seat belts where fitted, and for young children to use an approved child seat, reducing injury in a crash or sudden stop.

A record of penalty points added to a driving licence for traffic offences. Reaching the limit set by the authorities brings suspension, retesting, higher insurance or vehicle impounding.

Holding or using a phone at the wheel is banned except through a hands-free system, because it takes attention and eyes off the road and slows reactions sharply.

A signal showing that the lights are about to turn red. Drivers must stop unless doing so would be unsafe, and must never speed up to beat the change.

The skill of scanning far ahead and to the sides to spot developing dangers, such as a child near the kerb or a braking lorry, early enough to act safely.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show. Drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lanes, and should avoid sitting in another driver's blind spot.

Loss of tyre contact with the road when water builds up under a moving tyre, making steering and braking feel light and unresponsive. The driver should ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs.

A slide caused by loss of grip when braking, steering or accelerating too sharply on a slippery surface. The driver should release harsh inputs and steer smoothly to regain control.

The distance travelled from the moment the brakes are applied until the vehicle stops. It grows quickly with speed and increases on wet roads or with worn tyres.

The delay between noticing a hazard and starting to act, roughly a second for an alert driver but longer when tired, distracted or affected by alcohol; the car keeps moving meanwhile.

A way of driving that assumes others may make mistakes, keeping space, visibility and an escape route, so a developing hazard can be avoided before it becomes a collision.

Drowsiness caused by long hours, poor sleep or monotonous roads. It slows reactions and can bring brief sleep episodes, so drivers should stop, rest or share the driving.

The depth of the grooves on a tyre that clear water from the road. Tread below the legal minimum reduces grip, lengthens stopping distances and raises aquaplaning risk.

The amount of air inside a tyre, checked when cold and kept at the maker's recommended figure. Wrong pressure spoils grip, causes uneven wear and wastes fuel.

An electronic safety system that stops the wheels locking during hard braking, so the driver can still steer. The pedal may pulse, and steady firm pressure should be kept.

An approved child seat or booster matched to a child's height and weight and fixed to the vehicle's anchor points, spreading crash forces and legally required for young children.

The amount of lubricant in the engine, checked with the dipstick on level ground. Too little oil causes overheating and rapid wear; the correct grade should be topped up.

A quick routine inspection before driving: tyres and pressures, lights, mirrors, wipers, fluids, brakes and load security, so that a fault is found in the car park rather than on the road.

The padded support behind the head that limits the neck snapping backwards in a rear impact. It should be set so its top is level with the top of the head.

Chest compressions, with rescue breaths if trained, given to a casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, to keep blood circulating until professional help arrives.

A stable side-lying position used for an unconscious person who is breathing normally. It keeps the airway open and lets vomit or fluid drain away.

Dialling the emergency number, 999 in the UAE, and giving the exact location, number of casualties, injuries and hazards, then staying on the line until told to end the call.

Heavy blood loss controlled by firm direct pressure on the wound with a clean dressing, raising the injured part if possible, and keeping the casualty still and warm until help comes.

The first priority at any crash: warn other traffic, switch off engines, keep flames and smoking away, and move casualties only if there is immediate danger such as fire.

Following another vehicle far too closely, leaving no time or space to stop if it brakes. It is a common cause of rear-end crashes and often provokes aggressive reactions.

Aggressive driving behaviour such as shouting, gesturing, tailgating or deliberate blocking. The safest response is to stay calm, avoid eye contact and let the other driver move on.

Using indicators, brake lights or hand signals to show other road users what you intend to do, given early enough to be useful and cancelled afterwards so no one is misled.

Smooth, planned driving with gentle acceleration, timely gear changes, steady speed and good anticipation of hazards, which cuts fuel use and emissions without much effect on journey time.

Leaving the engine running while the vehicle is stationary, which burns fuel, adds polluting emissions and noise and wears the engine; switch off when likely to be stopped for a while.

How far a vehicle travels on a litre of fuel. It improves with correct tyre pressure, a light load, no unused roof rack, smooth driving and a well-serviced engine.