Glossary of Terms
Here is an example of one of our Number 8+ Student Hub pages...
When you start learning to drive, including reading DVSA publications for your theory, and attending driving lessons you will quickly find out that we use a wide variety of terms, phrases, synonyms, analogies, and style of language to communicate and remember routines, describe methods, identify hazards, or quickly reference a skill. It can create a different language in the car, and its one you will become familiar with, and find comfortable - especially when a quick reminder such as 'set gas' reminds how to prevent stall (speaking of which, we learn early on that 'stall is our friend' and nothing to fear).
The glossary of terms that we use in the car - along with some interesting facts
(well, interesting to us anyway - after all we are a little 'geeky' about driving and the rules, it's part of our special skill set that makes us great instructors)
A
Accelerator
The foot pedal that controls the speed of the car by increasing or decreasing fuel intake. In most cars it is the pedal located on the right. aka Gas, or Go pedal.
ADI
Stands for Approved Driving Instructor. An individual who has been through rigorous training, proven with three different advanced tests before becoming approved by the DVSA, and registered to teach learners to drive.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
In addition to the features of cruise control, it matches the speed of your vehicle to the vehicle ahead, when the traffic is slower than your target speed, ensuring safety via the two second rule. Risk of collision is drastically reduced as the radar in the car analyses the distance to the vehicle ahead and slows your vehicle accordingly. If the distance to the vehicle ahead reduces drastically, a warning displays on the digital display and a warning sound alerts you to brake and the cruise control disengages.
Advisory
Not a ‘mandatory’ rule, but a suggestion or recommendation. For example, a school area has an advisory speed limit, normally only to be recognised when school children are present, unless the limit is mandatory (identified by a red border to the order sign).
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Airbag
Your airbag is a safety device which only activates in the event of a collision. When the car senses a collision, the bag inflates, protecting you from hitting hard surfaces in the vehicle. They can be located in the boss of the steering wheel, in the pillars near the windscreen, and near the top of the doors.
Air Conditioning
A system that produces warm and cold, dry air that comes into the car to increase or reduce air temperature, reducing humidity, preventing any misting of windows in damp conditions. Down side is that it uses more fuel to run the system.
ANPR
Automatic Number Plate Recognition system used by Police, and local authorities to issue speeding, parking and restricted access fines. The number plate of your vehicle is matched to your address using the DVLA database.
Alternator
In basic terms the part of the engine that produces electricity to run some of the systems in the car and charge the 12v battery.
Angled Move Away
The move away after a pull up where you are asked to stop on the left, around one car length away from another vehicle. The main feature of this routine is to check right blind spot as you move away, and steer around the vehicle ahead.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
A computer-managed system that prevents a car's wheels from locking when a driver is forced to brake hard. It is a safety feature intended to reduce or prevent uncontrolled skidding.
Anticipation
What if… that pedestrian walks into the road... a car is stopped around the corner… pedestrians are crossing behind this bus… a car is overtaking and in the middle of the road… - these are all things we can anticipate and are reasonable things to expect on the road. Part of the Hi5 skills, anticipation is a skill that allows us to 'expect the expected’.
Appropriate Speed in an Appropriate Gear
Making sure we are in the correct gear, for the speed we are travelling. For example, as we slow to a set of red lights we should come down gears, so if we are approaching at 40mph we are likely in 5th or 6th gear, we should change to 4th whilst braking, pull the clutch to experience engine braking, then we can either go through each gear and repeat, if we have time, or block change to 2nd gear, and to 1st as we stop. The point is that by being in the right gear at the right speed, if the lights change to green we can make instant progress, without delaying other road users.
Automatic Headlights
Through a light sensor in the windscreen, the car will turn on its headlights by itself, when light conditions reduce.
Auto-Stop/Start
This intelligent system in the car saves fuel when we stop at junctions, traffic lights or queuing traffic. The system kicks in and stops the engine when we select neutral, apply the handbrake, and are not touching any pedals or the steering wheel. To start the engine again, either depress the clutch, or move the steering wheel. This system activates whenever the 12v battery is charged sufficiently.
Automatic Vehicle
Vehicles in which gears are selected and changed for you (automatically). Some people find automatic vehicles easier to drive because you don't have to spend so much time and thought working on gear selection and clutch control. The downside is that they can use fuel more quickly than manual cars and cost more to insure. Selection of used vehicles is more limited, and are generally more expensive to purchase and run than manual vehicles.
Average Speed Camera
A camera system that uses ANPR to register the time it takes to pass through two points on the road, calculating the speed you are travelling at. Normally positioned in accident black spots, or areas of where the speed limit is not respected.
Awareness
Part of the observation skill set, our awareness of what is around us (using all the windows, mirrors, sounds and even smells) is vital to keep us, and everyone else, safe. Part of the HI5 skills awareness can lead to better anticipations, and plans which builds our control and judgment skills.
Aquaplaning
When driving through standing water, at higher speeds, the tyres can lift on top of the water losing contact with the road, in turn making the steering feel light and the vehicle will experience a lack of control. You should keep the steering wheel straight, ease off the accelerator, and slowly brake once the tyres have made contact with the road again.
B
Battery
The 12v battery stores electricity needed to start the car, and initially powers many important functions. It is charged by the alternator. To start the car, the battery must have enough charge. If the battery runs flat, you will more than likely need to replace the 12v battery soon, however you can jump start your vehicle from another vehicle using jump leads. If you know you will not use your vehicle for a number of weeks, you should ideally keep the battery charged using a trickle charger, which will maintain the health of the battery during prolonged periods of non-use.
Bay Parking
One of the manoeuvres you may be required to demonstrate, during the practical driving test. It involves either reversing in, and driving out of, or driving in and reversing out of, a parking bay in a car park.
Belisha Beacon
The amber flashing lights situated on top of the black and white poles, at both sides of a zebra crossing.
Binnacle
The area behind the steering wheel that contains the instruments telling us our speed, and engine revs, fuel level, engine temperature, and warning lights. Vehicles with digital binnacle displays can also show maps, sat nav directions, and other features.
Bite Point
The bite or biting point is when the spinning plates of the engine and clutch meet, connect, and drive the wheels. If the plates meet too quickly the car will stall. A smooth connection of the plates means a smooth pull, resulting in good progress.
Black and White Poles
All traffic sings used to be mounted on black and white poles, however they are now reserved for pedestrian areas. Zebra Crossings and Pedestrian Refuge’s are the normal place to see these, however some legacy signage still has this unusual feature.
Black Ice
Transparent layers of ice that form on the surface of roads and pavements after particularly cold weather. Black ice can be hard to spot and sometimes causes accidents, which is why it's really important to take extra care when driving in winter conditions
Blind Spot
The areas that you cannot see, even when using your mirrors. The blind spot over your right shoulder is particularly important and must be checked before setting off on a drive, on angled move aways, and as you perform the pull up to the right manoeuvre.
Blind Spot Mirrors
The mini mirrors attached to the door mirrors that are more convex, allowing a wider view of what is behind us. They are particularly useful during reverse manoeuvres. When you pass your test with us and already have a car, I will give you a set Free of Charge - just ask!
Blue Lights
Identifies emergency vehicles that are on route to incidents. Preservation of life will determine how quickly and urgently they will drive through traffic. Blue Light vehicles will not expect you to break the law to get out of their way.
Blue Paint
Blue painted lines are of local significance, a creation of the Nottingham Park Estate (a gated private residence estate with restricted vehicle access in the deer park of Nottingham Castle). Double blue means "No parking including vehicles with residents parking permits displayed", while single blue means “only residents of immediately adjacent properties can park”. The Estate has the right to impose fixed penalty fines.
Block Gear Change
When we change gear, up or down, and skip one gear – for example from 4th gear to 2nd gear as we slow, or 1st to 3rd down a steep hill.
Bollards
Bollards, aka Traffic Bollards, are areas where low level traffic signs can be located. Normally identifying flow of traffic, and protecting vulnerable road users. They discourage overtaking, narrow the carriageway and calm traffic speed. Other bollards can simply protect vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians) from traffic such as bell bollards, and the red and white markers on certain rural roads. Directional bollards are one of the mandatory instruction signs that emergency vehicles are allowed to ignore, (along with road speed limit sign,s and stop lines at traffic lights).
Box Junctions
Marked by criss-crossed yellow lines, you can usually find these at large, busy crossroads, or adjacent to Fire, Ambulance, and Police stations, or areas that must be kept clear for access. You should not enter a box junction unless your exit road is clear, so always wait just before the junction if traffic is blocking your exit.
Brakes
The brake pedal slows down or stops a vehicle when pressure is applied to it. In manual cars it is the pedal located in the middle. When we press the pedal it will illuminate the brake lights at the rear of the car.
Breathalyser
A piece of equipment used by police to determine how much alcohol is in a person's system. If you are suspected of drink-driving you will be asked to take a breathalyser test, as well as a few other assessments. If you refuse to take the test you can be penalised.
Bus Lane
A lane on popular routes to allow buses and other vehicles (inc. Cycles, Wheelchair Accessible Taxi’s, ULEV) to make better progress with less traffic. Bus Lanes are identified with a wide solid white line, and often white painted text with ‘BUS LANE’. Blue signs accompany the bus lanes with information on the times of operation and who can use the lane. The lanes can be active ‘at all times’ or active at specific times, such as morning rush hour.
By-Pass
A road that has been built to circumnavigate a town, or village reducing traffic and pollution. Locally in our test area we have Colwick Loop Road (that by-passes Netherfield, Gedling and Colwick) and the 2020 Gedling by-pass which allows for development of land to the north of Gedling joining Mapperley Plains with Burton Road (near Burton Joyce village)
C
Camber
Many suburban roads feature camber. This is the shape of the road, and how it falls away from a high point in the middle, towards a lower point near the kerb to help drain roads of water. The road can also have camber (shape) on corners to allow more control of the vehicle, for example if a road has a sharp turn left, the height of the road on the right will be higher than the left side, encouraging your vehicle to turn into the corner easier than if it was flat. Adverse camber is the opposite, where the shape of the road can encourage the vehicle to exit the corner and come off the road. Adverse camber signs are warning sigs that advise this effect on certain corners. (Wheatcroft Island: Nottingham Knight exit)
Carriageway
A road, usually with two or more lanes, designed for vehicles and not for pedestrians. For example, each side of a motorway is a carriageway.
Cat’s Eye
aka Motorway Studs, or Studs. The 'Cat’s eye' is a safety device imbedded on roads around the world to identify lanes, edge of carriageways, road exits etc. Invented in the 1930’s in the UK, they feature on 99% of all roads and have very clever design features, such as rubber mounts to prevent damage, and self-cleaning lenses – no wonder that the inventor’s company made over 1 million of them a year in the 1930’s and 40’s. They are made from reflective glass beads that mimic the reflective properties of the eyes of cat’s in the dark, hence the name. They reflect the lights from your headlights and there are a number of colour variations used on the roads today; White mark lanes on a road, amber identifies the right edge of a multi-lane carriageway near the central reservation, whist red identifies the left of the carriageway. Green identifies exits and rest areas, whist blue identifies fire hydrants and areas for emergency services. These cat’s eyes are really useful on dark sections of road (with no road lighting – such as rural roads and dark sections of motorway), they lead the way and can really help when visibility is reduced.
Catalytic Converter
A device on a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces the amount of pollutants being emitted. It converts harmful gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons into harmless substances like carbon dioxide. It can be smelly!
Central Reservation
The strip of land in the middle of a major road, like a motorway. It separates traffic flowing in opposite directions and is often marked by amber studs. It's what distinguishes a road as a dual carriageway.
Choke
A choke of the engine happens just before a stall. It’s a warning sign the engine is struggling and you need to take action, such as change to a lower gear or apply more gas. We hear the engine spluttering slightly, and this is a clue you are in danger of a stall. The engine is in effect choking itself, as a result of feedback from the wheels, as it can’t make progress with the gear that is selected. In older cars we had a 'choke lever' that we could pull to automatically increase rev’s in a car that had not yet ‘warmed up’. Nowadays the choke lever is automatic, and cold engine stalls are a thing of the past.
Clearance Bubbles & Colours
The distance we keep to other vehicles for safety. Not just behind other vehicles as we drive, but to the side as we pass (see passing distance). When driving in traffic, we implement the ‘two second rule’. We use coloured bubbles in our visualisation of other vehicles. Standard clearance is a yellow bubble, enhanced clearance is an orange bubble (for when we are unsure of a driver due to something we have witnessed, such as poor lane discipline, some erratic braking etc) and for drivers who we consider to be putting us and others at higher risk we choose a red bubble (for example other vehicles racing each other, erratic driving at high speeds, mounting kerbs etc).
Clearway
A clearway is a road or section of road on which it is illegal to stop on the main carriageway for any reason except in an emergency. Certain sections of urban road may be designated Urban Clearway, which is a little-used designation, but one which prevents vehicles being stopped during the peak hours, typically 07:00–09:30 and 15:30–18:30. Vehicles are permitted to stop only as long as necessary to pick up or set down passengers.
Climate Panel
The area on the central console (in front of the gear stick) that controls the comfort and climate inside the vehicle. It contains controls for; desired air temperature, air speed, air conditioning on/off, buttons to de-mist the front and rear screens and heated seat controls.
Clutch
The mechanism that connects the engine to the transmission (gear and driveshaft) system in manual vehicles. The clutch pedal is located on the left and you use it to change gears and when braking. Mastering clutch control is an important part of the process of learning to drive.
Coasting
This happens when you allow a vehicle to free-wheel without using engine power, by holding down the clutch or leaving the car in neutral. Drivers sometimes coast in order to reduce the amount of petrol being used, but it is a dangerous habit as you have no mechanical control of the car when coasting. During the driving test, if you coast more than once or for a significant period of time, you may receive a serious fault and not pass the test.
Congestion Charge
A charge applied to vehicles driving in certain areas during established time frames. They are implemented in areas prone to heavy traffic, like central London, in an attempt to reduce congestion.
Continuous Movement
A skill that allows you to keep wheels rolling, whilst dealing with priority decisions, or communicating to other vehicles that we would like the gift of priority. This reduces chances of stall, and increases our progress.
Contra-flow
When a multi lane dual carriageway, like a motorway undergoes repair work and one of the lanes is opened to the opposite direction.
Creep
Slowly move the vehicle to achieve better observations, and / or control for safety.
Cruise Control
An intelligent system in the car that keeps the car at a consistent speed without need to accelerate. Also see adaptive cruise control. The benefit of using cruise control is to experience consistent speed, and allow us better observations and planning on higher speed roads. Cruise control should not be used in wet conditions, when driving in heavy traffic, or when visibility of the road ahead is restricted.
D
Dancing
When we ‘Dance’ we are adjusting our speed and position on the road to ensure that we approach or pass by other road users, or situations, without wasting energy (fuel), or cause ourselves to stop unnecessarily, and subsequently perform a pull away (stall risk). Like the dancers on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, we should be able to move around our dance hall (the road) without crashing into others, or stopping when we don't need to.
Dashboard
The control panel of a vehicle. Normally located in front of the driver, some parts inside the binnacle, it displays instruments and controls such as the speedometer and fuel levels. You should keep an eye out for any warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, as this indicates there is a problem with part of the vehicle that requires inspection. The dashboard area in modern vehicles can extend beyond just the area in front of the driver.
Dash-Cam
Camera (normally located at the front, inside of the vehicle) to record what happens as we drive. In the learner vehicle we have a number of these to record what happens outside the vehicle (front and back) and inside the vehicle (for training and safeguarding). The dash-cam footage can be saved to an external device, such as a phone or SD card, and may be used as evidence in case of an incident, or accident to help prove facts.
Defensive Driving
A style of driving that involves using your skill and knowledge to anticipate potential hazards and be prepared to deal with them in a safe and effective manner. It acknowledges that there are circumstances out of your control (like other road users or bad weather) that may put you at risk. Using defensive driving techniques - like maintaining a safe distance between you and the car in front - can minimise the likelihood that you will end up in an accident.
Demister
A device within a vehicle that uses heat and / or air to reduce condensation on windows -particularly the windscreen and rear window. When setting off in cold weather it is important that you have defrosted your vehicle, and demisting the windows is a major part of this process.
Diesel
An alternative to petrol that is often more expensive but more fuel-efficient. It is more environmentally damaging than petrol. In diesel engines, power is created when air is compressed and then fuel is added (whereas in petrol engines, fuel is mixed with air and then compressed). If you accidentally put petrol in a diesel car it can damage the fuel system.
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Differential
A mechanical device that allows the driven wheels of a car to turn at different speeds, splitting engine torque between the wheels so that the outside wheel in a corner can rotate faster than the inside wheel.
Dipped Headlights
Dipped beam is a setting on a vehicle's headlights that illuminates the road without dazzling other drivers. If a dark road is empty or visibility is particularly poor, you can switch to full beam headlights. Dipped headlights are the setting you should use most frequently as they are the safest option.
Disabled Parking Badge / Zone
Used by registered disabled drivers, to allow for parking closer to amenities. This includes disabled parking zones and bays in city or town centres, and also double and single yellow lines.
Door Mirrors
Also referred to as side mirrors, and used to be called wing mirrors (when they were positioned at the front of the vehicle). The two mirrors, one on either side of the front doors of a vehicle, that allow the driver to see what's happening at the side and rear of the vehicle. They should be checked before setting off, during travel and when performing manoeuvres.
Driving Examiner
The individuals who assess you during your practical test. In order to qualify to be a driving examiner you must: be 24 or over, have had a UK or EU licence for over 4 years, and no more than 3 penalty points on your licence.
Driving Fault
A driving fault is an action that is a mistake, but does not pose any danger to yourself or any other road users. However, if a certain driving fault is repeated, it may become a serious fault. On the driving test you can make up to 15 driving faults before it constitutes a fail.
Driving Instructor
A person who teaches learners how to drive. Qualified driving instructors are graded as either A (high standard) or B (satisfactory standard). To charge money for driving lessons, an individual must be a registered ADI.
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Driving Lane
The left lane of a multi-lane road. The driving lane may become directional as you get closer to junctions, and you may need to prepare to change lanes. On motorways, or dual carriageways, you should always drive on the lane closest to the left when possible. At junctions, such as traffic lights, you must choose the driving lane, this it will be classed as a positioning fault if not. To remember we use the phrase 'Left for Learners'.
Drug Wipe
Normally in the form of a mouth swab, and used by Police to check if a driver has illegal drugs in their system, that may inhibit their ability to drive legally and safely.
Dry Steering
Moving the steering wheel when stationary. This used to be a driving fault due to the extra strain and wear and tear this caused to the tyres, steering and suspension of the vehicle. It is still something to avoid, but is no longer deemed as a fault.
Dual Carriageway
A road with a physical central reservation dividing two different flows of traffic. Very similar to motorways, except they don't have controlled access and learner drivers are allowed to drive on them. The national speed limit applies to dual carriageways, unless they are in a built-up area.
Dual Controls
A car that has pedals on the passenger's side as well as the driver's side is a dual-controlled car. They are used by driving instructors to ensure safety during lessons.
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DFT
The Department for Transport. They are a UK Government department, who work with agencies (Including DVLA, and DVSA) and other partners to support the transport network that gets people and goods travelling around the country. They plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK road network developing and moving.
DVLA
The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency. It is a government organisation that keeps records of all the drivers and vehicles in the country. DVLA is responsible for creating and maintaining vehicle records and issuing vehicle registration certificates (V5), collecting vehicle excise duty, providing refunds, and recording keeper, accident, scrapped and theft details. It also manages driving licences, including driver endorsements, disqualifications and medical conditions. They also market and manage they sale of personalised number plates, maximising revenue to UK government.
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DVSA
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. It is an executive agency of the UK Department for Transport that is responsible for setting driving and vehicle standards. They do this by carrying out a range of tests and checks on vehicles and the people using them (including the theory and practical driving tests), providing educational resources and investigating when standards are not met.
E
Emergency Kit
The items you store under your boot liner, or in your boot in case of emergency, or as part of weekly safety checks. In my emergency kit I have: Warning Triangle / Oversized High Visibility Gilet (to go over any coat I am wearing) / Hooded Waterproof Coat / Umbrella / First Aid Kit / Torch / Basic Tool Kit / Alloy Wheel Locking Nut / Small Tarpaulin / 12v Tyre Inflator / Tyre Gunk (to seal a small puncture) / Tyre Tread Depth Gauge / Tyre Pressure Gauge / Fire Extinguisher / Fleece Jacket / Heat Pads / 2 x Blankets / 2 x Bottles of Water / Long Life Cereal Bars / Jump Leads / Tow Rope / Ice Scraper / Atlas / Window Cleaner Spray / 6 x Microfibre towels / Small piece of bounded carpet / USB Charger Cables / USB Battery (to charge phone or sat-nav) / Small bottle of engine oil , coolant and screenwash. After a couple of experiences over the years. I am now well prepared for a breakdown, being stranded in snow, or able to repair a punctured tyre in the rain (no spare in my car, so no torque wrench for taking the wheel off). Even if I am stranded on a closed section of motorway during a snowstorm overnight, I won’t be thirsty, cold or hungry.
Emergency Stop
A safety technique that 1 in 3 pupils will be required to demonstrate during their practical test. It involves stopping the car as quickly as possible, with very little notice. As soon as the examiner signals, you should firmly press on the brake pedal (and the clutch if you can, to prevent the car from stalling), put the handbrake on, and put the gears in neutral. This is designed to test your reaction time to unexpected hazards, something you need to be prepared for as a qualified driver.
Emergency Vehicle
Vehicles used by emergency services personnel, such as ambulances and police cars. They are fitted with bright blue / red lights and two tone sirens which they will display in emergency situations. It is important when you are driving to look / listen out for such vehicles and move out of the way to let them past (if you are able to and it is legal and safe to do so) when they are en-route to an emergency.
Engine
The machinery within a vehicle that turns fuel into mechanical movement. It does this by compressing the fuel with air and adding a spark to produce combustion forces. As part of the ‘show me, tell me' section of the practical test, you may be asked how to check levels of coolant or engine oil.
Exhaust System
The mechanism that carries dangerous exhaust gases away from the engine and emits them from the vehicle, usually through an exhaust pipe.
F
Fail
A word we don’t like – we prefer ‘unsuccessful this time’ as we always have opportunity to try again, and again if necessary. The result you get if you do not pass your theory or practical test. A fail on the theory test is any score below 43/50 on the multiple-choice section and anything below 44/75 on the hazard perception section. You will fail the practical test if you make more than 15 driving faults or any single serious or dangerous fault.
Filter Lights
The green arrows that appear on certain traffic lights. When they illuminate it indicates that traffic travelling in the highlighted direction has priority. They are usually situated at busy junctions, where traffic turning right, for example, may have limited opportunity to go. Filter lights can be activated before or after a full green phase.
Fire Path
An area kept clear of obstructions, which only allows access in emergencies by fire engines, and other high wheelbase vehicles with robust suspension. Identified by yellow paint, with the words ‘FIRE PATH KEEP CLEAR’, and road is blocked with a raised area featuring irregular concrete shapes to ensure normal vehicles are unable to cross.
Flashing Headlights
Flashing of head lights officially means ‘here I am, have you seen me?’. Not 'come on through, its safe', or ‘I am stopping’. Flashing of headlight is used by other road users in different ways to the rules, such as saying hello to a friend, or colleague, or ‘watch out!’ Regardless of the intention, always take a moment to consider your options, and make a safe decision for yourself.
Fog Lights
The most powerful setting on a vehicle's lights. The beams are so strong that they can have the effect of dazzling other road users, which is very dangerous. Fog lights should only be used in instances where visibility is so poor that you cannot see more than 100 metres ahead of you. You can be fined by the police for inappropriate use of fog lights.
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Follow the Road Signs
1 in 5 pupils will experience a 'follow the road signs' test route as part of their independant drive section of their practical driving test, instead of a Sat-Nav route. You will be asked to follow the road signs to a single or multiple locations using the scanning and planning skill.
Four-Wheel Drive
A vehicle where all four wheels receive torque (power) from the engine simultaneously, allowing the driver to have more control over the steering. These vehicles are designed to be used for off-road driving, because the system makes navigating rough surfaces much easier.
Fuel Consumption
The level of fuel a vehicle requires to travel a certain distance. In the UK, it is measured in miles per gallon. The more fuel efficient a car is, the cheaper it should be for you to run it in the long term.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge advises how much fuel is in the fuel tank. Some vehicles also display the number of miles of fuel remaining, the gauge features a symbol of a fuel pump with an arrow on one side. If the arrow is to the left, your fuel filler cap is on the left of the vehicle, similarly if the arrow is on the right, the filler cap is on the right. Blow the minds of older drivers with this revelation!
Full Beam Headlights
The setting on a vehicle's lights that are stronger than dipped beam but not as powerful as fog lights. They can be used in scenarios when visibility is poor and the road is empty. If you notice other vehicles while your full beam headlights are on, you should switch to dipped (unless visibility is extremely limited) to avoid dazzling other drivers.
G
Gantry
The bridge-like structures displaying signs, often found on busy carriageways with multiple lanes. On modern and ‘smart' motorways, gantries can be used to provide updated information on speed limits and traffic congestion. They also contain direction signs, or lane assistance signage. They can also feature speed cameras on the rear as part of ANPR average speed traps. Traffic cameras are often mounted on gantries to help with smart motorway speed limits and warnings.
Gas
aka Accelerator – see A. We say ‘gas’ in the car as its quicker to say, and most importantly, quicker for student brains to process and react to.
Gears
The mechanism that determines the ratio between engine output and speed of the car. In manual vehicles the driver controls the gears using the gear stick and clutch. Automatic vehicles take care of this step for you, as the name suggests, automatically.
Gear Stick
Located in the centre console of the car, we use the gear stick to change the gear to an appropriate gear at an appropriate speed, using the clutch.
Ghost Island
aka Hatched area. An area of road surface marked with white paint markings, as a means of separating traffic, reducing speed, or (when empty) to provide a safe area to wait and turn right across approaching traffic. When the borders to the area are broken and the area filled you may enter to go past stationary obstructions, or in case of emergency. If the borders are solid and the area filled, you must not enter.
H
Handbrake
Also known as the parking brake. Situated between the two front seats, it is a lever operated by hand that is mainly used when the car is at a complete stop, preventing an unwanted roll forward or back. It's also recommended that you put the handbrake on after performing an emergency stop.
Hard Shoulder
The hardened strip of land alongside motorways and other major roads that are generally only to be used in emergency situations, such as your car breaking down. Newer ‘smart' motorways sometimes open up the hard shoulder as an extra lane, in an effort to reduce congestion.
Hazard Markers / Delineators
These are marker posts, or high visibility guides to help traffic navigate corners, soft verges or pinch points – especially during bad weather, or heavy snow. They are not warnings of hazards, but help identify changes to the road. They are predominantly used on country lanes and rural roads, but can also been seen in suburbs to identify speed bumps, pinch points or very high kerbs, such as tram stops.
Hazard Lights
The setting that causes all the indicator lights on a vehicle to flash simultaneously, indicating to other road users that the driver is experiencing some kind of problem. It may signal that said vehicle is about to slow down or stop abruptly.
Hazard Perception Test
A section of the theory test that measures a learner's ability to observe developing hazards that would require a driver to act. The test involves watching 14 video clips and clicking a mouse as soon as you notice a hazard developing. The pass mark is 44/75.
Hi5 Skills
If we have good Awareness, with Anticipation, this allows us to make Plans, using our Control and Judgement skills. These 5 skills are in use in a constant loop whilst we drive.
Highway Code
A collection of information and rules for all road users in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of areas including road signs, pedestrian crossings and speed limits. It's the ultimate handbook for road safety and a great resource for learners.
Hill Start
When you set off in a vehicle that's been parked on an incline. Whether travelling up or downhill, starting a vehicle from this position requires particularly good clutch control. If you unintentionally roll back, you will incur one driving fault.
Horsepower
The unit of measurement that determines the power of an engine, also known as BHP. The horsepower of a car refers to the maximum power its engine can produce, it reflects the number of horses the power of the engine replaces.
I
Independent Driving
A section of the practical driving test that was introduced in October 2010. It lasts for roughly 20 minutes and involves following directions from either traffic signs (1 in 5 chance) or a sat nav, without further instructions from the examiner.
Indicators
The flashing lights on either side of a vehicle that signal to other road users whether the driver is going left or right. You should indicate when turning corners, changing lanes, and when exiting or pulling up on a road.
Intensive Driving Course
A course option for learners that involves longer lessons being taken in a short amount of time. Rather than hourly lessons over a period of months, for example, intensive courses usually consist of a number of lessons being taken most days over a number of weeks. Intensive courses often mean learners pass much sooner and can save money in the long run.
Intermittent (Automatic) Windscreen Wipers
Through a rain sensor in the windscreen, the car can clear the windscreen using the wipers when the rain level reaches the pre-determined level, set by the driver using the wiper stalk on the steering column.
J
Jump Leads
Electric cables that are used to connect one vehicle's battery to that of another, in order to recharge and jump start a battery that has run out of power.
Junction
An area where two or more roads come together. Navigating junctions requires careful observation and clear signalling. Examples include roundabouts, traffic lights, give way junctions, stop junctions and crossroads.
K
Kerb
The stone edge of pavements. It's important to avoid touching the kerb when driving, particularly when performing manoeuvres. If you hit the kerb during the driving test, it will not necessarily result in a fail. You will likely pick up a driving fault - unless you hit it with particular force or mount the kerb, in which case it could count as a serious fault.
L
Lane
Sections of a road, usually defined by painted lines, that separate single lines of traffic. Can also refer to narrow roads, often found in the countryside. Different lanes may have different uses. For example, on motorways the middle and right lane are for overtaking.
Lane Assist
An intelligent safety warning function that alerts the driver, via a visual warning and steering wheel vibration, at speeds over 40mph, if they change lane without indicating. This feature ensures that lane discipline is maintained at higher speeds.
Lane Discipline
Choosing the correct position in, and which, lane you should travel in - especially when there are multiple choices. You should avoid changing lanes unintentionally, and if you do change lane it should be only after good observations.
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Left for Learners
A reminder to choose the 'driving lane' whenever possible. See 'driving lane' for more details.
Level Crossing
Areas where train tracks and roads cross one another. They are usually marked by barriers and lights, as these crossings can be particularly dangerous. You should be vigilant and pay close attention to the rules when navigating level crossings.
Licence
In driving terms, this refers to permits bestowed by the DVLA that either enable you to learn to drive (provisional) or confirm you are a qualified driver (full driving licence). The licence is provided in the form of a card, which differ in colour depending on your driving status: provisional licences are green, while full licences are pink.
Light Control Knob
Located on the lower dash to the right of the steering wheel the light control knob allows us to manually switch from auto , to dipped beam head lights, and switch on the fog lights front and rear, when visibility is reduced to 100m or less.
Lines & Signs
The phrase we use in conjunction with ’Scanning & Planning’ where we look for Advisory, Order and Warning signs and paint on the road to help us make good plans and decisions.
L-Plates
The small square signs (178x178mm exactly) that must be displayed on any car being driven by a learner driver. There should be a L-plate visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle, in a position that makes them visible to other road users, normally positioned on the side of the driver.
Loading Bays
Areas reserved for vehicles loading or unloading (such as deliveries). Not just for commercial vehicles, cars may use them to collect large or heavy items from shops. Identified with a painted white dotted line and the words LOADING BAY. And often supported with a parking restriction traffic sign, detailing the times and days the bay is active. Restriction is normally for 20 minutes, and loading must be ‘active’ and constant, if no activity is seen for 5 minutes, a penalty notice will be issued. Some loading bays are observed and policed by ANPR cameras, as well as Traffic Wardens
M
Mandatory
Something you must do, i.e. compulsory, law, from the Latin to mandate.
Manoeuvre
A driving manoeuvre tests your observation skills and ability to control the car at the same time. On the driving test you will be asked to perform 1 of 3 possible reverse manoeuvres: a parallel park, parking in a bay or pulling up on the right. You should also practice turning in the road with your instructor.
Manual Vehicle
A vehicle in which the driver must use the clutch to select gears, thus connecting the transmission to the engine. Some find it harder to learn to drive in a manual car because of the extra work mastering clutch control and gear selection. However, if you get a manual licence, you are permitted to drive both manual and automatic vehicles (it does not work the other way around).
Motorway
Major roads with multiple lanes designed for fast travel over long distances. Traffic travelling in opposite directions is often separated by a central reservation and you enter and leave a motorway via slip roads. The speed limit is 70 mph, but this may be reduced in instances of congestion, or when there has been an accident.
MOT
A test designed by the Ministry of Transport that all UK vehicles over three years old must pass to ensure they are safe to drive. The tests are required on a yearly basis and involve multiple checks being carried out on a vehicle's systems.
Move away
‘Drive on and move away, when you are ready’ is one of the most commonly used phrases in the car. There are a number of different move away reasons; angled, hill, from the right, and the most common, from the left.
MPG
This refers to how many Miles we travel Per Gallon of fuel used. Although we purchase fuel in litres, for nostalgic reasons we still use MPG as the benchmark for efficiency. For reference there are 4.5 litres in a (metric) gallon.
MPH
The acronym for Miles Per Hour – our measure of speed. If we travel at 60mph we will cover 1 mile for every minute we drive at this speed.
N
Neutral
The position the gear stick in a manual car is in when it is not connected to the engine via the clutch plate. If you allow the car to continue moving while in neutral, this is known as ‘coasting'.
O
One-Way Street
A street on which traffic is only allowed to travel in one direction. They are marked by rectangular blue signs with a white arrow pointing in the direction of traffic flow. During your test keep an eye out for no entry signs (a red circle with a white horizontal bar inside) that signal one-way roads you cannot enter from your position on the road.
Oil
You put oil in your car to prevent the engine from overheating. The engine is made up of a lot of moving parts; the oil absorbs the heat produced by these motions and eases the movement. The ‘show me, tell me' section of the driving test may involve you being asked how you would check your car's oil level.
Oversteer
When the vehicle turns more than intended, usually as a result of not straightening the steering wheel soon enough.
Overtake
This is performed when you need to pass a slower moving vehicle or road user travelling in the same direction as you. This can include tractor’s, caravan’s, cyclists, stationery buses, or horses. Passing should always be on the right (unless in congested situations) and at a safe distance (1m minimum, and at lease 2m for cyclists and horses (no more than 10mph for passing horses)
P
P-Plates
Similar to L-plates, these green and white signs indicate that the driver of a vehicle has only recently passed their test. The P stands for ‘probationary' and, while not mandatory, P-plates encourage other drivers to be more patient with you, which is helpful when you are new to the road.
Paint
Used on the road to communicate directions, instructions, restrictions, speeds, and other messages to the driver – can be white / yellow / red / blue – see various sections.
Palm
The method of changing gear using your palm to ensure accurate gear change, avoiding a flustered moment when you realise you have selected gear 3 instead of gear 1 – we use ‘palm to stay calm’.
Parallel Parking
A manoeuvre that involves parking by initially positioning the vehicle parallel to a parked vehicle at the side of the road, and moving directly behind the vehicle that is already parked. It is 1 of 3 reverse manoeuvres you may be required to demonstrate on the practical test.
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Park Assist
This optional extra help us park the vehicle. Vehicles feature different levels of Park Assist. The most advanced park assist systems will physically park the vehicle using gas and steering. Interestingly, if your learner car has this automatic park function it cannot be used on the test, as you must display the ability to reverse the vehicle yourself. Our vehicle has a reverse camera, parking sensors, and wheel direction display, all of which are displayed on the centre console, and can be used on test.
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Parking Sensors
Sensors that sound an audible and visual warning when an object is near our front or rear bumpers. The graphic on the park assist display (in the centre console) shows the distance to objects and the sound changes accordingly the closer we get.
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Pass Plus
A non-mandatory practical training course for qualified drivers that aims to improve both skills and driving safety. It takes at least 6 hours overall and covers important areas such as night-time driving and motorways.
Pass Rate
The driving test pass rate shows, as a percentage, the number of people who passed the test versus the number of tests taken overall. According to the most recent figures from the DVSA (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/drt02-practical-car-test-pass-rates), the nationwide pass rate currently stands at 46.6%. That’s less than half of the people who take a test, pass.
Passing Distance
Also see clearance bubbles. When passing other vehicles, the minimum distance we keep away is 1m, ideally 1.5m (car door width) and for cyclists we leave 2.5m. If we cannot give this space, whilst another car approaches from the opposite direction, we must slow down to ensure safety, or stop to allow priority. We are considering vulnerable road users; pedestrians walking between cars, cyclists and children near schools or recreational parks etc.
Passing Place
Normally found on narrow single carriageway country lanes, a passing place allows a driver to pull in to allow another vehicle to pass who is travelling in the opposite direction. Stay on the tarmac, and do not be tempted to go off road with any wheels. If you are faced with a large agricultural vehicle they are normally equipped for off road driving – allow them to take that risk.
Peep & Creep
Where we creep out of a junction or situation with limited view, to achieve better observations before we move away, or proceed.
Pedestrian
A person travelling by foot rather than vehicle. Drivers need to be mindful of pedestrians, as they also use the roads and reckless driving or lack of sufficient observation can result in fatal accidents. They are at the top of the vulnerable road user’s hierarchy.
Pedestrian Crossing
Points in the road designed to allow pedestrians to cross. There are a variety of different types, each with slightly different rules and symbols. At all pedestrian crossings, drivers should be prepared to stop and give way to those needing to cross the road.
Pegasus / Equine Crossing
The variation of pedestrian crossing that caters to horses (and their riders) as well as cyclists and general pedestrians. They are also known as equestrian crossings.
Pelican Crossing
Stands for Pedestrian Light Indication. A type of crossing where pedestrians control the flow of traffic by pressing a button at the side of the road. A red or green man located next to the lights on the opposite side of the road indicates to pedestrians when it is their turn to cross. It's original name was 'Pedestrian Light Controlled' crossing. Shortened to Pelicon, and when other crossings were later introduced, changed again to Pelican to follow the theme of crossings named after animals... Pegasus / Toucan / Zebra.
Penalty Points (Endorsements)
A system that accrues points for serious infringements of the highway code and laws it covers. Issued and applied to your driving licence for various issues, such as speeding, dangerous driving, driving through red traffic lights, ignoring mandatory direction signs, parking on zig zag lines near a pedestrian crossing, driving with illegal tyre tread depth, and so on. In your first two years of driving, if you accrue 6 or more penalty points you will have your full licence revoked, and you must retake your theory test, and driving test before you are able to drive again. For a full list visit https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements/endorsement-codes-and-penalty-points
Petrol
The fuel used to power most cars. In petrol engines, power is created when the fuel is mixed with air and then compressed. You have a choice of E10, or E5 petrol at most petrol forecourts. E10 petrol gets its name from the fact it has up to 10% ethanol in it, while E5 petrol has up to 5%. Having a higher ethanol content helps to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, partly because the crops that are grown to create the fuel capture CO2 from the atmosphere. Lower ethanol makes E5 fuel more explosive giving better performance.
Pinch Point
A point in the road which is narrower than the approach. Often located as part of traffic calming methods, or refuges for pedestrian crossings. Pinch points can also be caused by parked vehicles, obstructions etc. Mirror checks are an essential way of dealing with pinch points safely.
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Pizza Crust
We use the analogy of the pizza when it comes to multi-lane roundabouts. If we are on a 2 lane road approaching a roundabout, there are 2 lanes around that roundabout. They may not be marked with paint, but they are there! We use the pizza crust analogy to remember to stay close to the edge of the roundabout when we approach in the driving lane.
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Planning
Am I proceeding? stopping? dancing? Which lane do I choose? Which exit do I need at the roundabout? We have many multiple choices as we drive, and as your judgment skill improves, your planning will too. Making good observations and taking time to make good plans, will help choosing which one to implement.
Power Steering
A system that uses hydraulic and/or electric power to aid the driver in turning the wheels of the car via the steering wheel. It makes it much easier for drivers to perform manoeuvres and other actions that require a lot of steering.
Priority
Who should proceed when the space on the road is not wide enough for two vehicles. We use priority as a gift that we give or receive, there is only guidance in the highway code, no rules. Priority at junctions is determined by who is crossing who’s path of travel.
Progress
How quickly we get up to speed, not only when we pull away, but also when we are building up to a new speed limit, or keeping up with traffic, within the speed limit. Our progress should not hinder the progress of other vehicles behind, this can result in a driving fault.
Puffin Crossing
Stands for Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent crossing. They have similar activation buttons to those at pelican crossings, but also employ sensors to determine when pedestrians are waiting to cross. The green and red man symbols are located at the side of the crossing, rather than on the opposite side of the road.
Pull
As part of finding biting point, we can also choose what level of ‘pull’ the meeting of plates (of the engine and clutch) gives us – i.e. how much momentum it gives us. We can experience a gentle pull to start with, building to a bigger pull the more we lift the clutch. We use the dog analogy sometimes to describe this – a Chihuahua Pull to a Great Dane Pull, and all the other dogs in between.
Q
Q Plate
Registration plates starting with a Q indicate the vehicle was either not originally registered in the UK and proof of its age was not available at time of registration, or that it was built using a large number of off-the-shelf parts (e.g. kit cars).
Queuing Traffic
Stay in your lane if traffic is moving slowly in queues. If the queue on your right is moving more slowly than you are, you may pass on the left. Cyclists may pass slower moving or stationary traffic on their right or left and should proceed with caution as the driver may not be able to see you. Use observations to plan when to progress, always use TTT in queuing traffic.
R
Rear View Mirror
The mirror inside the car that allows you to check behind. We check the rear-view mirror on a regular basis, normally as we change speed, or direction.
Red Light Camera
A camera system that issues fixed penalty notices consisting or a monetary fine and penalty points to drivers driving through stop lines at traffic lights or level crossings, when the red lights stop are displayed.
Red Routes
Red routes are major roads with red painted lines at the sides showing where vehicles are not allowed to stop. The restriction includes stopping for loading or unloading, and to boarding or alighting from a vehicle (except for licensed taxis and the holders of blue badges) Red routes are mainly used on major bus and commuting routes, or near hospitals or in busy city locations. Double red lines mean that the rules and regulations apply at all times and on all days. Single red lines means that the prohibition applies during times displayed on nearby signs or at the entry to the zone. Red route clearways are signed but there are no lines on the road. Stopping is only permitted in lay-bys (red lines are only marked at junctions).
Refresher Course
Short driving courses designed to refresh the knowledge of people who have had driving lessons before, but have taken a significant break from practising. They can also be used as a quick refresher for someone who has recently failed their test and aims to retake one as soon as possible. Refreshers are also popular with young drivers who passed their test before attending university, then returning to driving a few years later.
Refuge Island
Small sections of pavement, located in the middle of particularly busy roads, that provide a safe place (refuge) for pedestrians to wait when they're halfway through crossing the road. Usually identified with a white beacon on top of a black and white striped pole, and direction bollards to show which side vehicles should pass.
Rev’s
Short for revolutions (or speed) of the engine – the more rev’s, the faster the engine is turning, and the more fuel it is burning. We feel the correct level of rev’s and change gear – we can listen, feel, or look at the rev counter on the rev counter in the binnacle. We aim to keep revs below 3,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) – this makes the car fuel efficient and ensures we change gear at the appropriate time.
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Reversing Camera
The camera built into the car that, when reverse gear is selected, displays an image of what is behind us on the centre console. To be used for reference only whilst stationary. It is not a replacement for looking through the glass in the car. The lense is a wide angle lense, so should not be used to judge distances.
Right Of Way
Only applicable to pedestrians and horses in law. A pedestrian supersedes all other road users, especially on pedestrian crossings and they have a 'right of way' covered by law. No vehicle can have a right of way over another, instead we have the gift of priority.
Ring Road
Identified with a yellow border, a white letter R on a green background rectangular sign, these roads often form a ring around a city to allow traffic to flow around the city rather than through it causing urban pollution and congestion. The M25 is probably the largest ring road in the UK, in total there are 85 ring roads in the UK at present. Some cities have inner ring roads and outer ring roads. In Nottingham we have a Ring Road that runs from Arnold to Gamston, but does not form a full ring.
Road Tax
A tax that must be paid on a yearly basis by owners of any vehicles using public roads. Also known as Vehicle Excise Duty.
Roundabout
A junction at which multiple roads join and traffic must travel around a circular central reservation in order to reach the various exits. On roundabouts you should always give way to the traffic on your right. When driving on roundabouts you need to make sure you are positioned in the correct lane and signal appropriately. We experience 3 different levels of roundabout - Mini / Standard / Complex.
S
Sat Nav
Short for satellite navigation. Sat navs are used in many vehicles to show drivers where they are on a map and provide directions to inputted locations. As of December 2017, the independent driving section of the practical test includes a stage during which the learner is required to follow directions from a sat-nav. 1 in 5 students will be required to follow directions from road signs instead.
Scanning & Planning
This skill is used to make excelling observations. We are not looking at one spot on the road ahead continuously, we are scanning our eyes forward to the road ahead, and then back to the road coming up. We are looking for ‘Lines and Signs’ telling us early regarding choices, warnings or orders, enabling us to make plans / options for how we can deal with each situation.
School Crossing
Pedestrian crossings designed to cater to school children and their parents. Usually only in operation during school hours (early morning and late afternoon), they are often manned by a crossing guard. School crossings can be established on existing zebra crossings, or any part of a road that is a convenient crossing point for school users (parents and children).
School Safety Zone
An area near a school, with several measures to restrict road users speed, and increase awareness. Speed Limits (mandatory and advisory) are in place, alongside speed bumps, speed tables, warning signs, lights to show when the school zone is active, reminders of children being near such as small models of children near crossings (in the suburb of Sneinton), extra paint, zig-zag yellow paint and the words ‘SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR’, which must not be parked on or opposite under any circumstances. These lines can also be found near emergency service stations, hospitals etc.
School Crossing Patrol
Located outside a school to assist children and parents to safely cross the road. They are an authorised person to stop traffic. Normally identified by a Children warning traffic signs, with two flashing lights at the side of the road, and a school crossing warden with a ‘lollipop’ hand held circular (order) sign with STOP on it. You must follow the directions and instructions of a school crossing warden, it is an offence to ignore them. You must not overtake near a school crossing patrol, and you must take extra care and travel at an appropriate speed.
Show Me, Tell Me Questions
At the beginning of the driving test, the examiner will ask you a ‘tell me' question, which requires you to tell the examiner how you would carry out a particular safety test. For example, they may ask you to open the car's bonnet and explain how you would check that the car has sufficient oil. During the test, the examiner will ask you a ‘show me' question, requiring you to actually show the examiner how you would carry out a safety task. For example, they may ask you to show them how you would turn on the dipped headlights.
Answering these questions incorrectly will not mean you have failed the test, incorrect answer to either or both will incur one driving fault.
Secure the car
This phrase means that you need to make the car secure. Don’t confuse this with getting out and locking the car, but rather secure the car from moving whilst stationary. We do this by moving the gear to neutral, applying the hand brake to prevent roll, and then releasing the pedals.
Serious Fault
Officially referred to as ‘serious' or ‘dangerous' faults on the driving test, a serious fault involves an action that is potentially dangerous or actually poses danger to you, the examiner, other road users or property. Incurring even one serious fault during the driving test will result in an instant fail, however in most cases, you will complete your test.
Service
An annual or periodic check or change of your vehicle's consumables such as fluid, filters, and selected mechanical parts. A service ensures your car is in good condition, and an opportunity for a trained mechanic to check other aspects of the vehicle and its operational and mechanical parts.
Service History
The record of when a service has been performed on a vehicle and what has been checked and changed
Signals
We can signal to other road users using our indicators, brake lights, car position, eye contact, speed, wheel positions and our smile. Signals we should not use, are hand gestures, including waves and flashing of lights.
Signs (aka Road Sign / Traffic Signs)
We use signs with lines to scan and plan as we drive. Road signs come in different shapes and colours to tell us different information, for example round signs communicate orders, triangle signs are warnings. There are signs for directions, mandatory instructions and information. For more information download the free pdf book here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656ef4271104cf0013fa74ef/know-your-traffic-signs-dft.pdf
Skid
This occurs when a driver loses control of the car and the wheels slide across the road's surface. The chances of skidding are increased when conditions are icy, but it can also happen if a driver stops or turns the car too quickly. Chances of skidding is reduced if your vehicle is fitted with ABS.
Slip Road
The roads on which you enter and exit motorways or dual carriageways. They are designed to give you enough time to build up speed, so that you can match the speed on the road you are entering, and join the traffic on the carriageway in a safe manner. In the case of exit slip roads, you should do most of your slowing down in the exit slip road, rather than the dual carriageway or motorway lane. When you have limited vision on slip roads, you should proceed at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
Smart Motorway
A motorway that uses active traffic management techniques to spot hazards and respond in real time by controlling the flow of traffic accordingly. Techniques include adjusting the speed limit and employing an ‘all lanes running' policy, which involves using the hard shoulder as an extra lane. Currently, sections of the M1, M4, M6, M25 and M45 have been converted into smart motorways, with major expansions planned for the near future.
Soft Verges
Verges are the area of soil, or grass next to the carriageway on rural roads and country lanes. If there are soft verges these are often warned about with a warning road sign. In addition, or instead of a warning sign, they will often be identified with red hazard delineator marker posts on the left, or white delineators on the right (to replicate the lights you are likely to see on other vehicles, whilst driving). These markers also identify other hazards such as corners or pinch points.
Speed Bumps
A traffic calming measure to slow vehicles in accident hot spots, high risk areas, where lots of pedestrians are located, or where vulnerable road users can be found – such as schools. They are marked with white painted arrows, as a warning to reduce speed and can be different heights, widths and lengths. Various names are given to them based upon their sizes, such as speed cushion, speed table and sleeping policeman.
Speed Camera
Normally located in accident black spots, or areas where speed limits are not respected. They can take different forms, such as average speed, mobile, handheld radar, roadside, gantry – all are verified before a fixed penalty notice is issued, consisting of; a monetary fine, and penalty points to be applied to your driving licence.
Speed Limits
Defines the maximum speed a vehicle is allowed to travel on a particular road. In the UK, the national speed limit for road cars is 70 mph on motorways, 60 mph on single carriageways and 30mph in built up areas (you can use street lights as an indication you are entering a built-up area). Local councils can also impose speed limits, so look out for signs signalling a change to the limit (black numbers on a white background within a red circle). The red circle denotes this maximum speed limit is mandatory and must be adhered to at all times, failure to do so means you have broken the law and is classed a serious fault. You are, in some circumstances, allowed to temporarily exceed the speed limit as long as you address the fault as soon as possible, in a safe way - braking too hard may cause another road user to swerve or emergency brake, causing a driving fault. Going too slow is also reason for fault, for example driving closer to 20mph than 30mph in a 30mph zone, when the road is clear and safe.
In some areas, minimum speed limits may also be found. These are necessary to ensure a steady flow of traffic in places such as tunnels. Signs indicating minimum speed limits will feature a number within a blue circle; if you see the same number with a red diagonal line through it, the minimum speed limit zone has come to an end.
Advisory speed limits can normally be found near areas where vulnerable road users are often located, or there is a potential danger at certain times. These can include schools, areas where many pedestrians can be found (shopping zones), or temporary road surfaces etc. Look out for signs signalling an advisory speed limit - black numbers on a white background within a grey circle. If you see these grey signs with black lines going through then this is the end of the advisory zone. Other examples of advisory speed limits are for environmental / pollution reasons, these feature black numbers on a white background inside a green circle. In all cases, unless they are inside a red circle they are advisory only (warning of potential danger, however you decide what speed is safe)
Spinning Plates
An old circus / variety show trick, where someone would balance and spin plates on top of a cane by wiggling the cane – if one of the canes was neglected and not wiggled enough to keep the plate spinning, the plate would fall off and break, shocking the audience (great entertainment before the internet…) . We use this analogy in the car to describe the skill of managing all jobs and responsibilities that keeps everyone safe. We share the spinning of plates between us. I am able to spin all plates on my own, but you need practice to do this and the only way to learn is to experience what jobs are needed to be done and when you can fit them all in.
Stalk
In most cars there are two steering column stalks, positioned just behind the steering wheel. The left one is used for operation of signals: indicators (two modes – on, or three blinks), and headlight mode (switch between full beam / dipped beam lights). The right stalk is used for operation of the windscreen wipers, front and rear.
Stall
When the engine of a vehicle is overloaded it will suddenly shut off. This is known as stalling; we often feel a ‘choke’ before a stall. A common scenario in which this occurs is when the clutch is released too quickly, or when starting on a hill no gas is applied. Stalling is an error that all drivers make at some point, particularly those who are still in the learning process. Stalling during the practical test will not necessarily result in a fail, unless it happens repeatedly and creates a potentially dangerous situation, such as rolling back, or blocking of a junction preventing other vehicles from making progress.
Stopping Distance
A combination of thinking distance and braking distance. In other words, the distance a vehicle travels between the moment the driver decides to stop and the moment the vehicle actually comes to a stop. Factors affecting stopping distance include driver reflexes, road conditions, and inclines or declines.
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Suspension
The springs, wishbones, dampers and links that attach a vehicle to its wheels. The main function of suspension is to provide a car’s specific ride and handling characteristics. A luxury car’s suspension will focus on isolating occupants from bad road surfaces while a sportscar’s set up will favour flatter handling through corners.
T
TTT
Short for Tyres, Tarmac and Top - a reference to the distance we keep away from a stationary vehicle in traffic or queuing at a junction. We need to be able to see the rear Tyres of the vehicle in front, the Tarmac directly behind them, and the Top of the vehicle if it is a tall one, such as a lorry, bus, van.
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Tailgating
The act of driving very closely behind another vehicle. It is a dangerous habit because it leaves no room for stopping distance in the event of a hazard. You should aim to maintain a two-second gap between you and the car in front if conditions are normal. Hazardous conditions or larger vehicles will require an increased gap.
Temporary Traffic Signals
Normally found at roadwork areas, temporary traffic signals can take the form of traffic lights, and manually operated Stop/Go boards. Extra care should be taken with all workers. When temporary traffic signals are in use these supersede all other signals.
Test Centre
aka Theory Test Centre, Driving Test Centre, DTC. Locations that are run by DVSA and provide examinations. The theory test takes place inside a theory test centre, while the practical test begins and ends at a driving test centre.
Theory Test
The non-practical stage of the driving test that must be passed before you can book a practical test. It is formed of two sections: 50 multiple choice questions and a hazard perception test. In order to pass, a student must get at least 43/50 on the multiple-choice section and 44/75 on the hazard perception test.
Third Party Insurance
The minimum insurance cover required by law. It protects other vehicles, people and property in accidents that are your fault, but does not cover you (the first party). Also partnered with ‘fire and theft’ cover which insures your vehicle from catching fire (an issue that is quite rare now) and theft.
Torque
Simply put, torque is a measurement of your car's ability to do work. So, the more torque, the greater amount of power an engine can produce. If your engine has a lot of torque, your car can accelerate more quickly when the vehicle is beginning to pull away.
Torque Converter
The most common type of transmission used in automatic cars. The converter selects the gears (connecting the transmission to the engine), meaning the driver doesn't require a clutch or gear stick, because the job is done for them.
Toucan Crossing
A type of pedestrian crossing that caters to cyclists as well as pedestrians (Two Can Cross). They tend to be wider than puffin and pelican crossings, and are often located near recreational parks.
Traffic Calming Measures
Measures that urban planners and engineers put in place to encourage safer / slower driving. Examples include speed limits, speed bumps, speed cushions, speed tables and refuge islands, causing a pinch point in the road. In the suburb of Sneinton we even see miniature children models near schools to remind drivers of school safety zones.
Traffic Cameras
Normally found in cities at intersections, such as roundabouts or major junctions, plus on motorways dual carriageways, ring roads, or anywhere that suffers with congestion as certain times. Not to be confused with speed cameras, these are for office-based traffic officers (on behalf of the highways agency) to analyse at a central hub; allowing them to create diversions, change speed limits or close lanes on smart motorways, despatch traffic officers to assist drivers who have broken down, or even change sequencing of traffic lights to alleviate congestion.
Traffic Officers
Highly trained and visible officers who are authorised to direct traffic, and their directions must be followed, it is an offence to ignore them. They are in high visibility clothing and vehicles, and carry equipment to clear carriageways, signage to warn of incidents, and can help motorists arrange recovery, offer safety advice, and are authorised to direct traffic, and finally plan and implement road closures and diversions.
Tram Tracks, Lanes, Signs and Signals
Tram tracks are made from metal and are flush with the road, so we can drive over them and along them, but they are more slippery than the road, so we do like to keep off of them just in case we need to brake hard (they also make the car feel a little wobbly when we ride on them). Nottingham has a tram network (NET) containing several routes, and we need to acknowledge that there are certain areas that only these trams can enter. We will also see signs that are specifically for trams (elongated triangles) - we don’t necessarily need to know what they mean, just that they are for the tram drivers, not us. Signals appear on selected traffic lights that are specifically for trams (dotted lines), advising the driver if it is safe to go through, or stop.
Transmission
The piece of machinery within a vehicle that connects to the engine and controls the distribution of speed and power. In manual cars, the driver connects the transmission to the engine by depressing the clutch and putting the car in gear. In automatic cars, a torque converter does the job.
Tread Depth
The measurement from the top of the tread rubber to the deepest grooves on a on a car's tyre. Tread depth is important for traction and expelling water. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, across 3/4 of the central width of the tyre, for the full circumference of the tyre.
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Turbocharger
A method of getting more air into the cylinders by compressing it and blowing it in, increasing the engine’s power. The atmospheric air is compressed via a turbine that is spun by exhaust gases from the engine.
Turn in the Road
Also known as a three-point turn. It involves a series of turns and reverses that position a car so that it is facing in the opposite direction from which it started. Though no longer a part of the driving test (as of December 2017), it is important that you learn it with your instructor, because this manoeuvre is often required in day-to-day driving.
Two Second Rule
‘Only a fool breaks the two second rule’ is the phrase we use as the vehicle ahead of us passes a point on the road, be it paint, a bush, lamppost or wheelie bin. If we say the phrase it takes two seconds, if we don’t finish the phrase by the time we arrive at the reference point we are too close. When its raining we expand the rhyme with another sentence, ‘when its wet on the floor, better make it four’ making the total phrase four seconds. By default the ACC in the car allows for the two second rule, always keeping you 2 seconds away from the car ahead regardless of speed below your target speed.
Tyre Pressure
The amount of air that is required in each tyre, for optimal grip and comfort. Note that these should be checked weekly, and before any long journey. The amount of pressure required will differ based upon load, and will be different for the front axle compared to the rear.
U
Unmarked Junctions
Junctions that have no signs or road markings. They are far more common in rural areas. Often no one has right of way at unmarked junctions, so you should show good judgement and sufficient caution when approaching and making your turn.
Understeer
When the vehicle does not turn as expected, moving you into the kerb, or opposite side of the road. Often caused by too high speed, or not moving the steering wheel enough.
ULEV Lane
Located in Colwick, on the Colwick Loop Road, the combined Bus and ULEV lane (Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) allows partially and fully electric powered vehicles to use the left lane to make progress.
ULEZ
Ultra-Low Emission Zone that only allows low emission vehicles to enter without charge. All other vehicles are charged a fee per day.
V
Valve Caps
Protects the tyre inflation valve from the weather elements, and debris on the road.
Vehicle Handbook
The book that comes with your vehicle – or an online version for some models, that advises how to operate all the different functions of the vehicle. It also details locations of important maintenance items, such as coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, oil etc. Includes technical information such as tyre pressures and fuse ratings.
W
Waiting Box
On some right turn junctions, with or without Traffic Lights, we will see an empty box, normally proceeded by a ghost island, or refuge. This painted box will invariably also feature an arrow to the right showing it is for waiting vehicles to stop in, whilst they wait for a safe time to complete their turn.
Warning Triangle
Located in the boot or mounted inside the rear boot door of a vehicle, the warning triangle if for use if you break down and need to warn other drivers of your vehicle being a hazard. You should locate it 45m away from the rear of your car – quite a distance. Use approx. 50 paces or 10 car lengths to measure this, whilst wearing a high visibility piece of clothing that should also be in your emergency kit in your boot.
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Weekly Checks
The checks you should perform on your vehicle weekly, and definitely before a long journey. These include, tyre pressure, tyre tread depth and condition, screen wash top up, coolant level, brake fluid, engine oil. You should also check that the following are cleaned regularly (especially in winter); windscreen, windows, headlights, rear lights, number plates, number plate lights, reversing camera lense.
Wig-Wag Signals
Found at level crossings, fire / ambulance stations, lifting bridges, tunnels or airfields. They are used for irregular stops where the driver cannot predict when traffic may need to stop due to no visibility of the reason for activation. The lights are normally activated by a manual press of a button, or as a train passes a point on the track. Unlike traffic lights, blue light vehicles may not pass through.
Windscreen
The front window on vehicles. It should be kept clean and clear to ensure the driver has sufficient views of the road. In colder conditions the windscreen may need to be de-iced and demisted before the driver can set off.
Windscreen Washer Bottle
Located under the bonnet, filling the bottle with fluid is part of your regular maintenance. During winter months use neat fluid to prevent freezing, during summer months you can use diluted fluid, if you wish. Always use good quality washer fluid to prevent clogging of the bottle filter which is often difficult to access, and can be expensive to replace.
White Paint
White paint on the road has various purposes. It can identify lane; directions, road numbers, destinations, mark the centre of or edge of the road, identify bus lanes, parking areas, no blocking zones (white lines with bars at each end), and entrances to driveways or exits on clearways.
X
X Red Gantry Sign
A Red X sign is used to identify when a lane is closed and indicates that drivers should move into an open lane to continue their journeys. They are used on smart motorways and other major routes to help manage traffic and incidents effectively and efficiently. If you see a red X then do not proceed in that lane - it is against the law to carry on. If caught on CCTV You will get upto £100 fine and 3 penalty points applied to your licence.
Y
Yellow Paint
Road markings along the side of a carriageway that indicate waiting restrictions. A single yellow line signifies that waiting (or parking) is not allowed during a specified time (which is usually displayed on a nearby sign). Double yellow lines at the edge of a road indicate that waiting is prohibited at all times. Parking on these lines during restricted hours can result in the driver being fined. Yellow paint at bus stops identifies that stopping / parking is not allowed (except when waiting in traffic). Yellow hatched paint in junctions identifies that you should not enter unless your exit is clear, you can enter if you are waiting for priority from oncoming traffic and your exit is clear.
Z
Zebra Crossing
A type of pedestrian crossing that gives priority to pedestrians. They are marked by black and white lines on the road (hence, zebra) and feature flashing yellow beacons, on traditional black and white poles. Drivers must stop and give way to pedestrians that are waiting at zebra crossings.