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Drving Test Success - Driving test info Category: Travel and Transportation > Driving Tests Date & country: 24/11/2013, USA Words: 212

Diagonal stripes / chevrons
These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right. If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so. If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.

Demisters
Before you set off you MUST be able to see, so make sure that they mirrors are clean and the windows are demisted.

Defensive driving
Being able to operate a motor vehicle with the skills to avoid an accident in a situation where one could possibly occur.

Dazzle
If you are dazzled by oncoming headlights, slow down and if necessary stop.

Cycle only crossing
Cycle tracks on opposite sides of the road may be linked by signalled crossings. You may ride across but you MUST NOT cross until the green cycle symbol is showing.

Cycle lanes/cycle tracks
If a cycle lane is marked by a solid white line, you must NOT drive or park during the times of operation shown on the signs. If the cycle lane is marked by a broken white line, you can not drive or park in it unless it is unavoidable.

Cruise control
Sometimes known as speed control or autocruise, is a system that automatically controls the speed of a vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.

Crosswinds
High sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclists, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.

Crawler lanes
These lanes are typically used on hills for large or slow moving vehicles. When traveling uphill, these types of vehicles join the crawler lane, allowing faster moving vehicles to overtake safely in the outside lane.

Country roads
Take extra care on country roads and reduce your speed when approaching bends, which can be sharper than they appear, and at junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden. Be prepared for pedestrians, horse risers, cyclists, slow-moving farm vehicles or mud on the road.

Cornering on ice and snow
Approach a corner at a steady speed using as high a gear as you reasonably can. Be very gentle with the accelerator, don

Controlled parking zones (CPZs)
Areas where all on-street parking is controlled. This helps keep roads free from dangerous parking and give priority to residents and local businesses, which must display a parking permit or voucher. There are signs at the entry roads to all CPZs stating the hours during which the controls and yellow line restrictions are operational.

Controlled crossings
A controlled crossing is where a pedestrian has priority over vehicles. These include Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, Traffic signaled junctions with pedestrian phases and zebra crossing.

Contraflow systems
Is when you may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal with no permanent barrier between you and oncoming traffic. The hard shoulder may be used for traffic, but be aware that there may be broken-down vehicles ahead of you. Always keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead and observe any temporary speed limits.

Conspicuity
When riding make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear. Wear a brightly coloured helmet, fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good light will also make you more conspicuous.

Consideration
You MUST NOT drive dangerously, drive without due care and attention or drive without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Cockpit drill
Every time you get into your vehicle it is important that you carry out the cockpit drill. 1. Check that all the doors are closed. 2. Check your seat and head restraint are properly adjusted. 3. Fasten your seatbelt. 4. Check your mirrors are properly adjusted. 5. You will also need to check that the hand brake is on and the gear stick is in neutral before you start the engine.

Concentration
It is important that you are NOT distracted whilst driving. Distractions come in many different forms, including loud music, trying to read maps, tuning the radio, eating or drinking and smoking. You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. If you are not concentrating on the road you are more likely to be involved in an accident.

Coasting
Either when the clutch pedal is held down or the gear lever is in the neutral position. It is important that you avoid coasting as it reduces the driver

Clutch
The connection between the engine and the gearbox, which is controlled by the foot pedal that is operated by the left foot of the driver.

Clearways
Some main roads are designated as No Stopping zones or Clearways. This means that you are NOT allowed to stop at any time, not even to pick up or drop off passengers or goods.

Choke
This is usually a pull control on or under the instrument panel, but many vehicles these days have automatic chokes. The main function is to reduce the amount of air in the air/fuel mixture, and helps to start the engine from cold.

Child restraints
The driver MUST ensure that all children under 14 years of age in cars, vans and other goods vehicles wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint where required.

Child locks
If you are carrying children in your car you should ensure that the child safety door locks (where fitted) are used.

Changing lanes
When changing lanes you should first check your mirrors and if necessary take a quick sideways glance to make sure that you will not force another road user to change course or speed. When it is safe to do so, signal to indicate your intentions to other road users and when clear, move over.

Central Islands
These are designed to allow pedestrians to cross the road in a safe place. These are normally positioned in the middle of the road at a crossing.

Caravans/Trailers
you MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits. If you passed a car test after 1 Jan 1997 you are restricted to the weight of the trailer you can tow. DO NOT overload your vehicle/trailer and ensure that you have secured your load which MUST NOT stick out dangerously. Ensure that you have properly distributed the weight in your caravan or trailer with heavy items mainly over the axle(s) and ensure a downward load on the tow ball. Manufacturers recommend weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded. This should avoid the possibility of swerving or snaking and going out of control (if this does happen, ease off the accelerator and reduce your speed gradually until you gain full control). You may need to adjust your headlights if you

Car parks
Always follow the arrow markings and signs. Use your mirrors and signal if necessary and check your position and keep your speed down. For indoor car parks use dipped headlights so other drivers and pedestrians can see you. Always try to park squarely in one space so you have enough room to open your door.

Broken white line
This marks the centre of the road. When this line lengthens and the gap shortens, it means that there is a hazard ahead. Do not cross it unless you can see the road is clear and wish to overtake or turn off.

Breaks in journeys
Always give yourself ample of time for your journey. You must stop for a rest break after every 2.5

Breakdowns
If your vehicle breaks down get your vehicle off the road if possible and warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if it

Braking on bends
ALWAYS break BEFORE you reach the bend. Braking on a bend can have serious consequences, resulting in the weight of the vehicle being thrown outwards as well as forwards. The front tyre on the outside of the bend will be over-loaded and the vehicle could be thrown into a severe skid.

Box Junctions
These have criss-cross lines painted on the road. You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right.

Blue Badge Scheme
This provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme operates throughout the UK.

Blow-outs
If your car suddenly becomes unstable or you begin to feel steering problems you may have a blow-out. Take your foot off the accelerator, don

Blind spots
An area of the road that cannot be seen while looking forward or through either the rear-view or side mirrors. It is essential that you ALWAYS look round over your right shoulder to check the blind spot BEFORE you move off.

Biting point
In its simplest form, the clutch creates the link between the engine and the wheels. When your left foot slowly brings the clutch pedal up the two clutch plates meet, and this is what is referred to as the

Battery Check
Periodic checks on your battery are essential for safety. Top up with distilled water if necessary, although some batteries are maintenance free and don

Bends
When approaching a bend you need to look well ahead and try to assess how severe the bend is. You will then be able to assess at what speed you need to be travelling at in order to negotiate it safely and under full control.

Audio equipment
It is important NOT to try to tune the radio or change CD whilst driving as this will affect your concentration. DO NOT listen to loud music or use headphones of any kind, as these can mask other sounds.

Attitude
It is important to remember to be careful of and considerate towards all types of road users, especially those requiring extra care.

ATM
Active Traffic Management Signs. These are used to reduce congestion and improve safety by providing reliable and up-to-date information to drivers.

Arm signals
these are not often used by drivers but can be used to indicate your intention to change direction or slow down. These can be used in either in place of the indicators, or if they had failed or to re-enforce your intended direction.

Aquaplaning
This occurs when a layer of water builds between the rubber tyres of the vehicle and the road surface, leading to the loss of traction which prevents the vehicle from responding to control inputs such as steering, braking or accelerating.

Alcohol
It is against the law to drink and drive as it seriously affects your judgement and abilities. You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath of a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood.

Age (minimum for MOTORCYCLISTS)
You can drive a moped with an engine size of no more than 50cc when you are 17 years old, but this can only be done once you have acquired your provisional driving licence and have also undertaken a CBT course.

Age (minimum for CAR DRIVERS)
you must be 17 years of age before you can start learning to drive and hold a provisional driving licence. If you are receiving disability living allowance at the higher rate you can begin learning when you are 16 years old.

Advanced stop lines
some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists and motorcyclists MUST stop at the first white line when instructed (e.g., by red traffic light).

ADI
Approved Driving Instructor

Acceleration
the rate of increase of speed.

Accelerator
a pedal in a motor vehicle that is pressed to increase speed.

ABS
Anti-lock braking systems

ABS Braking
An anti-lock braking system (or ABS for short) is a safety system which prevents the wheels on a motor vehicle from locking while braking.

U-turn
A U-turn is when you turn the car around without having to reverse. Before you make a U-turn always check that it is safe, legal, and convenient and that the road is wide enough for you to complete the manoeuvre. NEVER make a U-turn on a motorway, in a one-way street or wherever you see a road sign that permits you from completing the manoeuvre.

B + E driving test
The car and trailer test (B+E)

D-plates
In Wales, a D-plate may be used in place of the L-plate. The D stands for dysgwr, Welsh for

L plates
Any vehicle driven by a learner MUST display red L plates. They must conform to legal specifications and MUST be clearly visible to others from the front and from behind. Plates should be removed or covered when not being driven by a learner (except on driving school vehicles).

Yellow lines
You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone). Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping.

Zebra crossing
As you approach a zebra crossing look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross. You MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing but do not wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching. Always allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads and be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing. A zebra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings.

Winter driving
Before winter ensure that the battery is maintained and that there are appropriate anti-freeze agents in your radiator and windscreen bottle.

Windy weather
High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges. In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.

Windscreen wipers/washers
You MUST ensure that windscreens and wipers are kept clean and free from obstructions to vision.

Wet roads
In wet weather, the rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen so stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather you should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead. If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.

Water (on brakes)
If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal to make sure that they work. If they are not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.

Waiting
You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone). Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings (see

Warning lights
When you turn the ignition key, warning lights will be illuminated but will go out when the engine starts (except the handbrake warning light). If they do not, or if they come on while you are driving, stop and investigate the problem, as you could have a serious fault.

VLT
Visual Light Transmittance

VOSA
Vehicle and Operator Services Agency officers

Vulnerable pedestrians
These include children and older pedestrians who may not be able to judge your speed and could step into the road in front of you. At 40 mph (64 km/h) your vehicle will probably kill any pedestrians it hits. At 20 mph (32 km/h) there is only a 1 in 20 chance of the pedestrian being killed. Older pedestrians who may need more time to cross the road. Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time. Do not hurry them by revving your engine or edging forward.

Vehicle Test Certificate
Cars and motorcycles MUST normally pass an MOT test three years from the date of the first registration and every year thereafter. You MUST NOT drive a motor vehicle without an MOT certificate when it should have one. Exceptionally, you may drive to a pre-arranged test appointment or to a garage for repairs required for the test. Driving an unroadworthy motor vehicle may invalidate your insurance.

Vision
You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres (or 20.5 metres where the old style number plate is used). If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you MUST wear them at all times while driving. The police have the power to require a driver to undertake an eyesight test.

Vehicle markings
vehicles carrying dangerous goods in packages will be marked with plain orange reflective plates. Road tankers and vehicles carrying tank containers of dangerous goods will have hazard warning plates.

Vehicle Registration Certificate
Also called harmonised registration certificates are issued for all motor vehicles used on the road, describing them (make, model etc) and giving details of the registered keeper. You MUST notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea as soon as possible when you buy or sell a motor vehicle, or if you change your name and address. For registration certificates issued after 27 March 1997, the buyer and seller are responsible for completing the registration certificates. The seller is responsible for forwarding them to the DVLA.

Vehicle licence
A valid vehicle licence is required by law to be displayed on any registered motor vehicle if it is to be used or kept on a public road.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)
All motor vehicles used or kept on public roads MUST display a valid Vehicle Excise Duty disc (tax disc) at all times. Even motor vehicles exempt from duty MUST display a tax disc at all times.

Two-second rule
The two-second rule is a guide for all drivers to help maintain a safe following distance at any speed. The practice has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of tailgating, road rage and collision, and also the severity of an accident should an accident occur.

Tyre pressures
Incorrect tyre pressures can affect your steering, so it

Tyres
Tyres MUST be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer

Turning right
Well before you intend to turn right you should use your mirrors to make sure you know the position and movement of traffic behind you and give a right-turn signal. Take up a position just left of the middle of the road or in the space marked for traffic turning right but leave room for other vehicles to pass on the left, if possible.

Turn in the road
Also known as the

Turning left
Use your mirrors and give a left-turn signal well before you turn left. Do not overtake just before you turn left and watch out for traffic coming up on the left before you make the turn, especially if driving a large vehicle. Cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users in particular may be hidden from your view. When turning keep as close to the left as is safe and practicable and give way to any vehicles using a bus lane, cycle lane or tramway from either direction.

Tunnels
When approaching a tunnel switch on your dipped headlights and tune your radio into the indicated frequency. Observe the road signs and signals and ALWAYS keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Do not wear sunglasses.

Triangles
Advanced warning triangles are folded flat and stored in your car until needed. In the event of a breakdown the warning triangle is used to warn other road users if your car is causing an obstruction. You should place the warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if you have them. Always take great care when placing or retrieving them, but never use them on motorways.

Traffic lights
Intended to direct traffic by means of coloured lights, these MUST be obeyed at all times. Red means stop and wait behind the stop line. Red and amber also means stop

Traffic wardens
A traffic warden is a member of civilian staff employed by a British police force to assist in regulating the flow of traffic. You MUST obey signals given by traffic wardens.

Tramways
You MUST NOT enter a road, lane or other route reserved for trams. Take extra care where trams run along the road. You should avoid driving directly on top of the rails and should take care where trams leave the main carriageway to enter the reserved route, to ensure you do not follow them. Diamond-shaped signs and white light signals give instructions to tram drivers only. You MUST NOT park your vehicle where it would get in the way of trams or where it would force other drivers to do so. Look out for pedestrians, especially children, running to catch a tram approaching a stop. Always give priority to trams, especially when they signal to pull away from stops, unless it would be unsafe to do so.

Tiredness/illness
Driving when you are tired greatly increases your risk of collision. To minimise this risk make sure you are fit to drive. Plan your journey in advance and do not begin a journey if you are tired. Get a good night

Tinted glasses / windows
You MUST NOT use a vehicle with excessively dark tinting applied to the windscreen, or to the glass in any front window to either side of the driver.

Theory Test
You must pass your Theory Test before you book your Practical Driving Test. In this computer-based multiple-choice test, you will be required to answer 50 questions covering topics that include alertness, attitude, safety, road signs and much more. To pass this section of the test, you must answer at least 43 questions correctly in the allocated time of 57 minutes.

Thinking distance
This varies depending on the individual but on average it takes well over half a second for most people to react, but this will increase if you

Tailgating
When a vehicle is travelling too close to you from behind, gradually ease off the accelerator to increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front.

Supertrams
These are modern versions of

Tactile paving
Raised surfaces that can be felt underfoot provide warning and guidance to blind or partially sighted pedestrians. The most common surfaces are a series of raised studs, which are used at crossing points with a dropped kerb, or a series of rounded raised bars which are used at level crossings, at the top and bottom of steps and at some other hazards.

Stopping distance
Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. Always allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased even further on icy roads. Remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop. If you have to stop in a tunnel, leave at least a 5-metre gap between you and the vehicle in front.

Steering
Whilst in control of your vehicle it is essential that you hold the steering wheel at either the ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position and avoid crossing your hands over one another when turning the wheel. Avoid letting the wheel spin back through your hands when you are straightening up and NEVER take both hands off the steering wheel. Always ensure that you turn the wheel smoothly and steer at the correct time.

Stop signs
These are octagonal with white lettering on a red background. A stop sign is always accompanied with a white line marked on the road, which you MUST stop at (even if you can see the road is clear). Once you can see the road ahead is clear, you can then proceed past the Stop sign.

Speedometer
A device normally found on the dashboard that shows the driver at what speed they are traveling at.

Spray on roads
In wet conditions you may be affected by spray thrown up off the roads from other vehicles, especially when overtaking or being overtaken. It is important to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front to ensure that the spray does not cause temporarily blindness to conditions ahead.

Speed limiters
Many large vehicles are fitted with speed limiting devices that will restrict speed to 56mph (90 km/h) even on a motorway.

Speed limits
You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle. The presence of street lights generally means that there is a 30 mph (48 km/h) speed limit unless otherwise specified. The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends, in bad weather, at night or if there are other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists or horse riders around.