Sharjah Theory Test key terms

A solid white line painted across your lane at a junction, traffic light or roundabout entry. You must bring the vehicle to a complete stop behind it whenever a signal or sign requires you to stop.

A downward-pointing triangle with a red border found at junctions. It means you must slow down, check for traffic on the priority road and let it pass before you join or cross.

A solid white line between lanes or along the road edge. You must not cross or straddle it, because it marks a place where changing lanes or overtaking would be unsafe.

A lane divider made of short dashes. You may cross it to change lanes or overtake when it is safe, after checking your mirrors and signalling in good time.

Coloured lights that control traffic at junctions and crossings. Red means stop, green means you may proceed if the way is clear, and amber warns that the light is about to change.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes across the road. Drivers must slow down and give way to people waiting to cross or already walking on the stripes.

A circular blue sign giving an instruction you must obey, such as a compulsory direction of travel, a minimum speed, or a route reserved for a particular type of vehicle.

A triangular sign with a red border that alerts you to a hazard ahead, such as a bend, a junction, road works or a pedestrian crossing, so you can adjust speed in time.

The maximum speed allowed on a stretch of road, shown on a circular sign with a red border. You must stay at or below it and slow further when traffic or weather conditions are poor.

A junction where traffic travels in one direction around a central island. You give way to traffic already circulating and signal before leaving at your chosen exit.

The priority one road user has over another at a junction or crossing. It is decided by signs, signals and markings, and by rules such as giving way to traffic already on a roundabout.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. It is allowed only where markings and signs permit, visibility is clear, and you can finish the move without forcing anyone to brake.

The gap you keep behind the vehicle in front so you can stop if it brakes suddenly. In good, dry conditions a gap of at least two seconds is the usual minimum.

The area around your vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. You must turn your head to check it before changing lanes, joining traffic or reversing.

A routine for any change of position: check your mirrors, give a signal in good time, then act only when it is safe, checking blind spots before you move.

Anything on or near the road that could force you to change speed or direction, such as a pedestrian stepping out, a parked lorry blocking your view, or a slippery patch.

The skill of noticing developing dangers early by scanning far ahead, checking mirrors often, and reading clues such as brake lights or a ball rolling into the road.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver notices a hazard until it comes to rest. It is made up of thinking distance and braking distance.

When a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road so they lose grip. Steering feels light and braking is poor, so you should ease off the accelerator without braking sharply.

A loss of grip between the tyres and the road, often caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly. Recovery usually means easing off the pedal and steering gently where you want to go.

A style of driving in which you expect mistakes from others, keep space around your vehicle and plan ahead, so that another road user's error does not cause you to crash.

An electronic system that releases and reapplies the brakes rapidly to stop the wheels locking during hard braking, so you can still steer. In an emergency, press the brake firmly and keep it pressed.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre's surface. These grooves clear water and grip the road, so worn tread lengthens stopping distance in rain and is checked at the annual inspection.

A quick inspection before driving covering tyres, lights, mirrors, fuel, fluid levels and warning lights, so that faults are found while the vehicle is still stationary.

A rod used to check the engine oil level. With the engine off and the car level, pull it out, wipe it, push it fully back in, then read the level between the minimum and maximum marks.

Penalty points added to a driver's record for certain traffic offences. When the total reaches the limit set in the country, the licence is suspended or withdrawn, so points affect your right to drive.

A financial penalty for breaking a traffic rule, issued by an officer or recorded by an automatic camera. Unpaid fines can block vehicle registration and other official services.

When the authorities seize and hold a vehicle for a set period because of a serious or repeated offence, such as driving without a licence or reckless driving. Costs must be paid to release it.

The official permit allowing a person to drive a stated category of vehicle on public roads. Driving without a valid licence for the vehicle you are using is an offence.

The document, often called the mulkiya, recording a vehicle's registration details and owner. A valid one must be carried and shown on request, and it is renewed every year.

Cover that must be in place before a vehicle is used on the road. It pays for injury or damage the vehicle causes to other people and their property, but not for repairs to the insured vehicle itself.

A periodic roadworthiness test of tyres, brakes, lights, chassis and emissions. Passing it is needed to keep the registration valid, so any faults must be repaired before the test.

A strap that restrains vehicle occupants in a crash. Drivers and passengers in front and rear seats must wear one where fitted, and young children must use a suitable child restraint.

Handling or looking at a phone to call, message or browse while in control of a moving vehicle. It takes your eyes and attention off the road and carries a fine and black points.

The telephone numbers to call after a crash or medical emergency in the UAE: 999 for the police, 998 for an ambulance and 997 for the fire service.

A stable side-lying position for an unconscious person who is still breathing. It keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain from the mouth while you wait for help to arrive.

A reflective triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down vehicle to alert approaching traffic. Put it well back from the vehicle, switch on hazard lights and wear a reflective jacket.

Yellow markings along a kerb show where waiting or parking is restricted or banned. Where the marking prohibits it, you must not leave the vehicle there, even for a short time.