Glossary of Driving Terms

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
A safety system that prevents wheels from locking up during emergency braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.

ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)
An individual who has been approved by the DVSA and is registered to teach learners to drive.

Amber Gambler
A driver who accelerates through traffic lights as they turn from amber to red, which is both dangerous and illegal.

Automatic Transmission
A type of transmission that changes gears automatically, without manual input from the driver.

Bay Parking
A manoeuvre where the driver parks their vehicle in a marked bay, either by driving in or reversing.

Blind Spot
The area around a vehicle that cannot be directly observed by the driver while at the controls, even with the aid of mirrors.

Box Junction
A yellow box painted on the road at junctions, which drivers must not enter unless their exit is clear.

 

Brake Control
A technique used to control the speed of the vehicle using the brake pedal, particularly useful when moving slowly or on downhill gradients.

 

Closed Junction
A junction where the view of oncoming traffic is restricted or obscured, requiring extra caution and often a full stop before proceeding.

Clutch Control
The skill of operating the clutch pedal to control the connection between the engine and the wheels in a manual car.

Cockpit Drill
A routine performed before starting to drive, including adjusting the seat, mirrors, and familiarising oneself with controls.

Coasting
Allowing the car to move without the use of engine power, typically with the clutch pedal pressed down.

 

Creep
The act of moving a vehicle forward very slowly, typically using careful clutch control or brake control.

Crossroads
An junction where two roads cross each other.

Dangerous Fault
A mistake made during the driving test that involves actual danger to the driver, examiner, public, or property. A single dangerous fault results in failing the test.

Driver Fault
Also known as a "minor fault," this is a mistake made during the driving test that is not potentially dangerous. You can make up to 15 driver faults and still pass your test.

Dual Carriageway
A road where traffic travels in two separate directions with a central reservation (physical barrier) running down the middle.

DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)
The UK government agency responsible for conducting driving tests and regulating driving instructors.

Emergency Stop
A manoeuvre where the driver brings the vehicle to a complete stop as quickly and safely as possible.

Examiner Took Action (ETA)
A notation on the driving test mark sheet indicating that the examiner had to intervene either verbally or physically (e.g., using dual controls) during the test.

Eyesight Test
A basic vision check conducted at the start of the practical driving test.

Feather Braking
A technique of lightly tapping the brake pedal to reduce speed gradually.

Footwell
The area in the car where the driver's feet rest and operate the pedals.

Give Way
A rule or sign indicating that a driver must allow other vehicles to pass before proceeding.

Handbrake
A lever or button-operated brake that keeps the vehicle stationary when parked.

Hazard
Anything that could potentially require a driver to change speed or direction.

Hazard Perception Test
A part of the theory test where candidates must identify developing hazards in video clips.

Highway Code
A collection of information and rules for all road users in the United Kingdom.

Independent Driving
A section of the practical driving test where the learner follows directions from either traffic signs or a sat nav for about 20 minutes.

Kerb Weight
The total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment and all necessary operating consumables such as motor oil and coolant, but without passengers or cargo.

L-Plates
The small square signs that must be displayed on any car being driven by a learner driver.

Lane Discipline
The practice of staying within marked lanes and using them correctly.

Level Crossing
A place where a railway line crosses a road. Drivers must be extremely cautious at level crossings and follow all signals and barriers.

Major Fault
A serious or dangerous fault during the driving test that results in an instant fail.

Manoeuvre
A specific driving skill tested during lessons and the practical test, such as parallel or bay parking.

Manual Transmission
A type of transmission where the driver changes gears using a gear stick and clutch pedal.

Meeting Situation
A scenario where two vehicles traveling in opposite directions encounter each other on a narrow road where there is not enough space for both to pass simultaneously. Drivers must assess the situation, determine priority, and decide whether to proceed or give way.

Merge in Turn
A system where vehicles from two lanes merge into one by taking turns, often used at roadworks.

Minor (or Driver) Fault
A driving fault that is a mistake but does not pose immediate danger. Up to 15 can be made before failing the test.

MOT (Ministry of Transport) Test
An annual test required for vehicles over three years old to ensure they meet road safety and environmental standards.

Motorway
A type of road designed for fast-moving traffic, with multiple lanes and controlled entrances and exits. In the UK, learner drivers are now allowed to practice on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car.

MSM (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre)
A routine for safely executing driving manoeuvres.

National Speed Limit
The default maximum speed allowed on roads where no specific speed limit is posted. In the UK, it's 70 mph (113 km/h) for cars on dual carriageways and motorways, 60 mph (97 km/h) on single carriageways, and 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas. The limit may be lower for certain vehicle types or in specific conditions. It's indicated by a white circular sign with a black diagonal stripe.

Observation
The act of actively looking around and being aware of other road users and potential hazards.

 

Open Junction
A junction where there is a clear view of oncoming traffic from both directions, allowing drivers to proceed with caution without necessarily coming to a full stop.

Overtaking
The act of passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction.

P-Plates
Optional plates that newly qualified drivers can display to indicate they have recently passed their test.

Parallel Park
A parking manoeuvre where the driver parks their vehicle parallel to the road, usually in line with other parked vehicles. It usually involves reversing into a space between two parked cars, but on the UK practical driving test it is usually performed behind just one car.

PDI (Potential Driving Instructor)
Someone who is training to become a qualified driving instructor but has not yet passed all required exams. They display a pink licence in their windscreen when teaching

 

Peep and Creep
A technique used at junctions with limited visibility i.e.closed junctions. The driver slowly edges forward ("creeps") while continuously looking ("peeping") for oncoming traffic. This allows for gradually improved visibility without committing fully to entering the junction.
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Pelican Crossing
A pedestrian crossing with traffic lights that can be controlled by pedestrians.

Practical Driving Test
The test candidates must pass to obtain a full driving licence in the UK. It includes an eyesight check, "show me, tell me" vehicle safety questions, and about 40 minutes of assessed driving, including specific manoeuvres and 20 minutes of independent driving.

Progressive Braking
A technique of gradually increasing brake pressure to slow the vehicle smoothly and efficiently, rather than applying sudden, hard braking.

Provisional Driving Licence
The licence held while learning to drive, before obtaining a full licence.

Puffin Crossing
A type of pedestrian crossing with sensors that detect when pedestrians are crossing. The name stands for "Pedestrian User-Friendly INtelligent" crossing. It features traffic lights and pedestrian signals on the same side of the road as the waiting pedestrian.

Pull Up on the Right and Reverse Manoeuvre
A driving test manoeuvre introduced in December 2017 where the candidate is asked to pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for about 2 car lengths, and then drive on when ready.

Repeater Sign
A smaller version of a speed limit sign placed at intervals along a road to remind drivers of the current speed limit.

Roundabout
A circular junction where traffic travels in a clockwise direction.

Serious Fault
A mistake made during the driving test that has the potential to be dangerous. A single serious fault results in failing the test.

Show Me, Tell Me
Vehicle safety questions asked at as part of the practical driving test.

Slip Road
A short road for entering or leaving a main road or motorway.

Spiral Roundabout
A type of roundabout where lanes spiral outward, guiding drivers to their intended exits. Drivers must choose the correct lane on approach and follow it as it spirals around the roundabout to their exit, without changing lanes.

Steering Lock
The maximum angle through which the front wheels of a vehicle can be turned.

Theory Test
A computerised test of road knowledge and hazard perception that must be passed before taking the practical driving test.

Three-Point Turn
A manoeuvre used to turn a vehicle around in a narrow space, also known as a 'turn in the road'.

Toucan Crossing
A type of pedestrian crossing that also allows cyclists to cross.

Traction Control
An electronic system that prevents loss of traction (grip) of driven road wheels.

 

Traffic Calming
Measures designed to slow down or reduce traffic, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists. These can include speed bumps, chicanes, narrowed roads, and altered road surfaces.

Two-Second Rule
A guideline for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front. The driver should allow at least two seconds to pass between when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point and when their own vehicle reaches that same point. This gap should be doubled in adverse weather conditions.

Tyres and Tarmac
A rule for maintaining a safe stopping distance in slow-moving traffic. The driver should be able to see the rear tyres of the vehicle in front touching the road (tarmac). This ensures enough space to manoeuvre or stop safely if needed.

Vehophobia
Also known as amaxophobia or ochophobia, it is an intense and irrational fear of driving. This phobia can develop after a traumatic experience like a car accident or gradually over time. Symptoms may include anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance of driving.

Zebra Crossing
A type of pedestrian crossing marked by alternating dark and light stripes on the road and flashing amber beacons.