Zimbabwe VID Provisional Test key terms

A red octagonal sign bearing the word STOP that requires a driver to bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the stop line or before entering the intersection, then proceed only when it is safe.

An inverted triangular sign warning that traffic on the road ahead has priority, so the driver must slow down and let those vehicles pass before joining or crossing their path.

A sign, usually circular with a red border, that imposes a legal requirement or prohibition, such as a speed limit, no entry, or no overtaking instruction that drivers must obey.

A triangular sign with a red border that alerts drivers in advance to a hazard or change in road conditions, such as a sharp bend, steep hill, or pedestrian crossing ahead.

A circular regulatory sign showing the maximum speed in kilometres per hour permitted on that stretch of road under normal conditions, regardless of what the driver considers safe.

A sign or board with arrow-shaped markings placed on the outside of a sharp bend to guide drivers through the curve and warn them to reduce speed before reaching it.

A warning sign indicating a raised section across the roadway ahead, alerting the driver to slow down so the vehicle does not lose grip or damage its suspension.

The fixed order of red, red-and-amber, green, and amber signals controlling traffic; drivers must stop on red, prepare on red-and-amber, and proceed only on green when the way is clear.

The yellow signal warning that the light is about to change to red; a driver must stop unless it is unsafe to do so because the vehicle is already too close to the line.

A solid white line painted across the lane at an intersection or crossing that marks the point where a vehicle must halt when required by a sign or signal.

A dashed line down the middle of the road that may be crossed to overtake or change lanes when it is safe and visibility allows, provided no other rule forbids it.

A continuous line along the edge or centre of the carriageway that should not be crossed except in an emergency, because it marks a boundary where lane changes are unsafe.

A marked crossing with broad white stripes where pedestrians have priority; drivers must slow down, be ready to stop, and give way to anyone on or entering the crossing.

The legal priority a road user has to proceed through a junction or narrow section while others must wait; it is never taken for granted and must be given when rules require.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating has priority, so an entering driver must give way to the right and travel anticlockwise around the central island.

Passing another moving vehicle travelling in the same direction, permitted only when there is clear visibility, enough road, and no solid line or sign prohibiting the manoeuvre.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, ideally at least two seconds in good conditions and more when wet or dark, so there is time to stop if it brakes suddenly.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver decides to stop until it comes to rest, made up of thinking distance plus braking distance.

Loss of tyre grip on the road surface, often caused by braking too hard, steering too sharply, or driving too fast in wet conditions, which makes the vehicle slide out of control.

A situation where a layer of water between the tyres and the road lifts the vehicle so steering and braking stop responding, usually at higher speeds on wet surfaces.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors; a driver must turn their head to check it before changing lanes or pulling out.

The routine of checking mirrors, giving the correct signal in good time, and then carrying out a turn or lane change only after confirming it is safe.

A style of driving in which the driver anticipates mistakes by others, keeps space and an escape route, and adjusts speed so hazards can be handled calmly.

The skill of noticing developing dangers early, such as a child near the kerb or a car edging out of a side road, and responding before the situation becomes an emergency.

A document confirming that a vehicle has passed the required roadworthiness inspection and is permitted to be used on public roads, subject to renewal at set intervals.

The physical examination of a vehicle's brakes, tyres, lights, steering, and body condition by an authorised testing station to confirm it meets roadworthiness standards.

The height of the rubber pattern on a tyre; too little tread reduces grip on wet roads and is a legal defect that can cause a vehicle to fail inspection.

A learner driver's permit allowing a person to drive only under the prescribed conditions, such as displaying learner plates and being accompanied by a qualified driver.

A clearly visible sign, usually red L plates on the front and rear, that must be displayed on a vehicle driven by a holder of a provisional licence.

The official document recording a vehicle's registration number, engine and chassis details, and owner, which must be kept and produced when requested by an authorised officer.

Compulsory cover that pays for injury or damage the insured driver causes to other people or their property, but does not cover damage to the insured's own vehicle.

The amount of alcohol measured in a person's blood, usually expressed in grams per 100 millilitres; exceeding the legal limit makes driving an offence.

A roadside test in which a driver blows into a device that estimates alcohol in the breath; refusing or failing it can lead to arrest and prosecution.

A driver's physical and mental ability to control a vehicle safely at that moment, which alcohol, drugs, illness, fatigue, or medication can reduce or remove entirely.

Tiredness that slows reactions and impairs judgement; drivers should rest regularly on long trips and stop driving when they feel drowsy rather than relying on fresh air or music.

The steps after a crash: stop, switch off the engine, warn other traffic, give first aid if trained, call emergency services, and exchange details without moving injured people unless there is danger.

A reflective triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down or crashed vehicle to warn approaching drivers, typically at a distance appropriate to the road and visibility.

A method of stopping a vehicle with a failed foot brake by using the parking brake gently while steering to a safe place, keeping control rather than braking abruptly.