Driving theory concepts

The cards, front and back

1. 1
   Front

   Stopping distance

   Back

   The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver sees a hazard until the vehicle stops. It equals thinking distance plus braking distance.

2. 2
   Front

   Thinking (reaction) distance

   Back

   The distance travelled between seeing a hazard and starting to brake. It increases with speed and with anything that slows reactions, such as tiredness, alcohol or distraction.

3. 3
   Front

   Braking distance

   Back

   The distance travelled from when the brakes are applied until the vehicle stops. It depends on speed, road surface, tyres, brakes and the vehicle's load.

4. 4
   Front

   Speed and braking distance

   Back

   Braking distance rises much faster than speed. As a rule of physics, doubling your speed roughly quadruples your braking distance.

5. 5
   Front

   Factors that increase stopping distance

   Back

   • Higher speed
   • Wet, icy or loose road surfaces
   • Worn tyres or brakes
   • Tiredness, alcohol, drugs or distraction
   • A heavily loaded vehicle
   • Driving downhill
6. 6
   Front

   Following distance

   Back

   Leave enough space to stop safely if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly. Many countries teach a time gap of at least two or three seconds in good conditions, and much more in rain, fog or ice.

7. 7
   Front

   Hazard perception

   Back

   The skill of spotting possible dangers early, such as a child near the kerb or a car waiting to pull out, so you have time to slow down or change position.

8. 8
   Front

   Developing hazard

   Back

   A hazard that is changing and may make you act, for example a pedestrian stepping towards the road or a cyclist about to move out around a parked car.

9. 9
   Front

   Blind spot

   Back

   An area around the vehicle that mirrors do not show. Check it by looking over your shoulder before changing lanes, pulling out or merging.

10. 10
    Front

    Mirrors, signal, manoeuvre

    Back

    A routine taught in many countries: check your mirrors, signal your intention in good time, then make the manoeuvre only when it is safe.

11. 11
    Front

    Right of way: the general principle

    Back

    Right of way rules vary between countries, so learn your local road rules. Everywhere, follow signs and road markings, never assume others will give way, and be ready to yield to avoid a crash.

12. 12
    Front

    Uncontrolled intersections

    Back

    Junctions with no signs or signals. Many countries have a rule about which driver gives way, such as giving way to traffic from the right, but the rule differs, so check your local handbook.

13. 13
    Front

    Roundabouts

    Back

    In most countries that use them, drivers entering a roundabout give way to traffic already on it. Which way you travel around it depends on which side of the road your country drives on.

14. 14
    Front

    Vulnerable road users

    Back

    Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and people using mobility aids. They have little protection, so slow down and give them plenty of space.

15. 15
    Front

    Emergency vehicles

    Back

    When you hear sirens or see flashing lights, stay calm, check where the vehicle is and pull over safely to let it pass. Do not break other rules or stop dangerously to do so.

16. 16
    Front

    Aquaplaning

    Back

    When a layer of water builds up between the tyres and the road, causing loss of steering and braking. Ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight and avoid braking hard until grip returns.

17. 17
    Front

    Skidding

    Back

    A skid happens when tyres lose grip, often from harsh braking, steering or accelerating. Ease off the controls and steer smoothly in the direction you want the vehicle to go.

18. 18
    Front

    Driver fatigue

    Back

    Tiredness slows reactions and can cause microsleeps. Plan regular breaks on long trips; many road safety authorities suggest at least every two hours.

19. 19
    Front

    Alcohol and drugs

    Back

    Both slow reaction times and impair judgement and coordination. Legal limits vary by country, and some set a zero limit, especially for new drivers. The safest choice is not to drink and drive.

20. 20
    Front

    Distraction

    Back

    Anything that takes your eyes, hands or mind off driving, such as phones, eating or loud passengers. Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal in many countries.

21. 21
    Front

    Speed limits

    Back

    A speed limit is the maximum allowed, not a target. Drive to the conditions: slower in rain, fog, darkness, heavy traffic or near schools.

22. 22
    Front

    Headlights

    Back

    Use low or dipped beams in poor visibility and at night in built-up areas. Switch from high to low beam when meeting oncoming traffic or following another vehicle so you do not dazzle other drivers.