2 Second Rule
A way to judge your following gap by counting two seconds after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point. Leave at least this gap in good conditions, and allow more space when conditions worsen.
Read moreLearning Centre
Driving dictionary
Welcome to driveJohnson’s Driving Dictionary
Have you ever heard your instructor say something that you don’t quite understand but you’re too scared to ask? Or are you a trainee instructor trying to learn the different terminologies used for your driving instructor training? Whatever your reasons are for being on this page, we have hopefully got the simple meanings for you, so you don’t have to second guess anymore.
86 terms
0–9
6 Point Check
A sequence of observations covering both shoulders, both door mirrors, the interior mirror and the road ahead. It helps you check all around the car before moving off or manoeuvring.
Read more360 Degree Observation
An all-round check before moving off or starting a manoeuvre. Look around the car, including the mirrors and blind spots, to spot approaching people or vehicles before you move.
Read moreA
Acceleration Sense
Judging when to ease off the accelerator so the car slows naturally before a bend, junction or hazard. It relies on looking ahead and anticipating changes in traffic speed.
Read moreAnti Locking Braking System
A braking system, usually called ABS, that detects when wheels are about to lock and adjusts braking pressure. It helps the driver retain steering control during hard braking.
Read moreAquaplaning
When water builds up between the tyres and the road, causing the tyres to lose grip. The car may feel as though it is floating, with reduced steering and braking control.
Read moreAwareness and Planning
Noticing what is happening around you and deciding what to do before a situation becomes urgent. This includes anticipating other road users, spotting hazards and adjusting your speed or position early.
Read moreB
Bay Parking
Parking within a marked space in a car park, either forwards or in reverse. The aim is to finish fully inside the bay while controlling the car and checking for others nearby.
Read moreBiting Point
The position of the clutch pedal where the clutch starts to engage and transfer engine power to the wheels. You find it by gradually raising the pedal when preparing to move off.
Read moreBlack Box Insurance
Car insurance that uses a device or app to record aspects of your driving, such as speed, braking and journey times. The insurer uses this information according to the terms of your policy.
Read moreBlind Spot
An area around the car that you cannot properly see in your mirrors. Looking over your shoulder helps you check for road users hidden there before moving off or changing lanes.
Read moreBrake Fade
A reduction in how effectively the brakes slow the car, often caused by heat building up during prolonged braking. The car can take longer to stop even though you are pressing the pedal.
Read moreBraking Distance
The distance your car travels from the moment you apply the brakes until it stops. Speed, road conditions, tyres and brakes all affect how much distance is needed.
Read moreBus Lane
A lane reserved for buses and any other vehicles shown on its signs during the stated operating times. Check the signs before entering, as permitted vehicles and restrictions vary.
Read moreC
Cadence Braking
A braking technique involving releasing and reapplying pressure to help control wheel lock in a vehicle without ABS. It is not the technique for emergency braking in an ABS-equipped car; follow the vehicle handbook.
Read moreClearance
The space you leave between your vehicle and other road users or obstacles when passing. Adequate clearance gives room for hazards such as an opening car door or a pedestrian stepping out.
Read moreClosing Speed
The rate at which the gap between two approaching vehicles reduces. Vehicles travelling towards each other close the distance faster than either vehicle's individual speed suggests.
Read moreClutch Control
Using the clutch pedal to control how engine power reaches the wheels in a manual car. It helps you move off smoothly and manage the car at very low speeds.
Read moreCoasting
Allowing the car to roll with the clutch fully pressed down or the gearbox in neutral. This disconnects the engine from the wheels and removes the slowing effect of engine braking.
Read moreCongestion Charge
A charge for driving within a designated area during its operating hours, intended to reduce traffic congestion. The charging boundary, times and exemptions depend on the scheme.
Read moreControlled Stop
Bringing the car to a prompt stop while keeping it under control. On a driving test, this exercise checks how you react to the examiner's signal and stop as though responding to an emergency.
Read moreCrossroads
A junction where two roads cross, giving traffic several possible directions. Signs, markings or traffic lights may control priority, and you need to watch for vehicles crossing or turning across your path.
Read moreD
Dangerous Fault
A driving test fault involving actual danger to you, the examiner, another person or property. A single dangerous fault means you do not pass the test.
Read moreDead Ground
A section of road hidden from view by a dip or rise. Although you may see the road beyond it, vehicles or other hazards could be concealed in between.
Read moreDefensive Driving
Driving in a way that anticipates hazards and allows for other people's mistakes. Looking well ahead, leaving space and adapting to conditions help you avoid being forced into sudden action.
Read moreDriving Examiner
The person who assesses your driving during the practical test. They give directions, observe how you handle the car and road situations, and record faults against the test standard.
Read moreDriving Fault
A fault on a driving test that is not potentially dangerous. Repeating the same mistake can become a serious fault, depending on how it affects your driving.
Read moreDual Carriageway
A road with a central reservation separating traffic travelling in opposite directions. It is the separation between the carriageways, rather than the number of lanes, that makes it a dual carriageway.
Read moreDVLA
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency maintains driver and vehicle records in Great Britain. Its work includes driving licences, vehicle registration and vehicle tax; it does not conduct driving tests.
Read moreDVSA
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency conducts driving tests in Great Britain and oversees driving instructor standards. It also carries out work relating to vehicle testing and roadworthiness.
Read moreE
Emergency Stop
Bringing the car to a stop promptly while keeping it under control in response to immediate danger. It requires a quick reaction and firmer braking than a normal planned stop.
Read moreEngine Braking
The slowing effect of the engine when you ease off the accelerator while the car remains in gear. It helps reduce speed without relying entirely on the footbrake.
Read moreETA / Examiner Took Action
A note on the driving test report showing that the examiner intervened for safety. The intervention may be verbal or physical, such as using dual controls or taking the steering wheel.
Read moreF
Forward Bay Parking
Driving forwards into a marked parking bay and finishing within its lines. The manoeuvre also requires careful observation and control when reversing out into the car park afterwards.
Read moreFull Lock
Turning the steering wheel as far as it will go in one direction. Instructors often use the phrase during parking manoeuvres when a tight turn is needed.
Read moreG
Gear Change / Changing Gears
Selecting a different gear to suit the car's speed and the road ahead. In a manual car, this involves coordinating the clutch, gear lever and accelerator for a smooth change.
Read moreH
Hard Shoulder
A surfaced strip beside the main carriageway, most commonly associated with motorways, provided for emergencies. It is not an ordinary driving lane; signs and signals determine where it may be used.
Read moreHazard
Something that may require you to slow down or change direction, such as a cyclist, parked vehicle or obstruction. Spotting it early gives you more time to decide how to respond.
Read moreHazard Perception
Recognising situations that may require you to change speed or direction. The hazard perception part of the theory test assesses how promptly you identify developing hazards in video clips.
Read moreHill Parking
Parking on a slope, where the car needs to be secured against rolling. The direction of the slope and whether there is a kerb affect how you position the wheels.
Read moreHill Start
Moving off on a slope while keeping the car under control and avoiding unwanted rolling. In a manual car, this involves coordinating the accelerator, clutch and brake release.
Read moreI
Independent Driving
Driving a route by following sat nav instructions, traffic signs or a combination of both, rather than receiving every turn from the examiner. You still need to make your own safe driving decisions.
Read moreJ
L
LADA
Look, Assess, Decide, Act: a routine for approaching hazards. Look ahead, assess what is happening, decide on a safe response and then put that decision into action.
Read moreLane Discipline
Choosing the appropriate lane and maintaining a safe position within it. Good lane discipline includes planning lane changes, checking around you and following signs and road markings.
Read moreLoading Bay
A marked area reserved for loading or unloading goods rather than general parking. Nearby signs explain when it operates and whether restrictions apply to vehicle types or the length of stay.
Read moreM
Manoeuvre
A controlled movement of the car, often involving careful use of steering, pedals and speed. In lessons, the term commonly refers to exercises such as bay parking or parallel parking.
Read moreMini Roundabout
A small roundabout with a painted central circle, sometimes slightly raised. Approach carefully, look for traffic from the right and follow the markings while allowing for the limited space.
Read moreMock Driving Test
A practice driving test, usually conducted by an instructor under conditions similar to the real test. It helps identify strengths, recurring faults and areas that need more work before test day.
Read moreMotorway
A road designed for longer journeys, with separate carriageways for opposite directions and junctions for joining and leaving. It has multiple lanes and specific restrictions on stopping.
Read moreMSM
Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre: a routine used when preparing to change what the car is doing. The manoeuvre stage includes choosing your position and speed and looking before proceeding.
Read moreMSPSL
Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look: a routine for approaching junctions and hazards. It helps you organise your observations, communicate your intentions and prepare the car before proceeding.
Read moreN
No Stopping Sign
A sign indicating that you must not make a voluntary stop where the restriction applies. Check any accompanying information for its operating times and the area covered.
Read moreNo Waiting Sign
A sign showing that waiting or parking is restricted during the stated times. Read the accompanying plate carefully to find out when the restriction applies.
Read moreO
Overtaking
Passing a road user travelling in the same direction. Before starting, you need enough visibility, space and time to complete the manoeuvre safely without making others change speed or direction.
Read moreP
Parallel Parking
Parking alongside the kerb, usually by reversing into a space behind another vehicle. Slow control, effective observations and accurate steering help you finish close to and parallel with the kerb.
Read moreParking On A Bend
Leaving a car on a curved section of road, where it can obstruct traffic and create danger. Choose a safer stopping place with a clearer view for approaching road users.
Read moreParking On Grass
Leaving a vehicle on a grassed area, sometimes used for overflow parking. Whether it is permitted depends on local restrictions, and the vehicle must not cause an obstruction.
Read moreParking On The Pavement
Leaving a vehicle partly or wholly on the footway. It can block people walking, using wheelchairs or pushing prams; restrictions depend on the location and any signs.
Read morePedestrian Crossing
A designated place for people to cross the road, marked by road markings, lights or both. Different crossing types have different signals and priorities, so identify the type as you approach.
Read morePeep Creep
Moving forwards very slowly at a junction with a restricted view, while repeatedly looking for approaching traffic. Your instructor may use the phrase to remind you to improve your view gradually.
Read morePermit Holders Only
A parking restriction reserving spaces for vehicles with the relevant permit. The sign identifies the permit area and may specify the days and times when the restriction applies.
Read morePOM
Preparation, Observation, Manoeuvre: a routine for moving off. Prepare the car first, check around you for hazards, then move away when it is safe to do so.
Read moreP Plates
Optional green plates that tell other road users you have recently passed your driving test. Some new drivers use them while building confidence, but they do not change your responsibilities on the road.
Read moreProvisional Driving Licence
The licence you need before learning to drive on public roads. It allows you to practise subject to learner-driver conditions, including appropriate supervision, insurance and displaying learner plates.
Read morePull Up on the Right
A driving test manoeuvre involving stopping on the right-hand side of the road, reversing about two car lengths and rejoining traffic. Careful observation is needed throughout, particularly when moving back across the road.
Read moreR
Reverse Around a Corner
Reversing from one road into a side road while following the kerb around the corner. It develops low-speed control, steering accuracy and all-round observation when the vehicle's direction changes.
Read moreReverse Bay Parking
Reversing into a marked parking space so the car finishes fully within the bay. You need to control speed and steering while checking for pedestrians, vehicles and the front of the car swinging out.
Read moreRight Shoulder Check
Looking over your right shoulder to check the blind spot that your mirrors do not cover. It is an important observation when moving off or preparing to move to the right.
Read moreRoundabout
A junction where traffic circulates around a central island. Plan your approach lane and exit, read the signs and markings, and watch for vehicles already circulating or changing position.
Read moreS
SCALP
Safe, Convenient And Legal Place: a reminder for choosing where to pull up and park. It helps you assess the location rather than stopping immediately when asked.
Read moreSerious Fault
A driving test fault that is potentially dangerous, even if no actual danger occurs. One serious fault is enough to mean you do not pass the test.
Read moreShow Me, Tell Me Questions
Vehicle safety questions asked during the practical driving test. A tell-me question asks you to explain a check, while a show-me question asks you to demonstrate using a control safely.
Read moreSkid / Skidding
When one or more tyres lose their grip and the car slides instead of following its intended path. Harsh braking, acceleration or steering can cause a skid, especially on slippery surfaces.
Read moreSORN
A Statutory Off Road Notification tells DVLA that a vehicle is being kept off public roads. It is used when taking a vehicle off the road rather than continuing to tax it.
Read moreSpeed Awareness Course
An educational course that may be offered to an eligible driver after a speeding offence. It covers speed choice, risks and ways to avoid speeding; receiving an offer is not guaranteed.
Read moreStalling
When the engine cuts out, often because the clutch is released too quickly or the gear is too high for the speed. Learners commonly experience it while moving off.
Read moreStopping Distance
The total distance your car travels from noticing a need to stop until it comes to rest. It combines thinking distance, before braking starts, with braking distance.
Read moreT
T-Junction
A junction where one road ends at another, forming a T shape. Drivers approaching the end of the road usually need to turn left or right, following the signs and markings.
Read moreThinking Distance
The distance the car travels while you recognise a hazard and react, before the brakes take effect. Higher speed and slower reactions both increase this part of the stopping distance.
Read moreTurn in the Road
Turning the car to face the opposite direction using a series of forward and reverse movements. It requires a suitable location, slow control and careful observation throughout each change of direction.
Read moreTyres and Tarmac
A visual reminder to leave enough space to see the rear tyres of the vehicle ahead meeting the road when stopped in a queue. The gap leaves room to manoeuvre if needed.
Read moreU
Urban Clearway
A road with restrictions on stopping during the hours shown on its signs, intended to keep traffic moving. Briefly picking up or setting down passengers is normally permitted.
Read moreY
Yellow Box Junction
A junction marked with yellow criss-cross lines, intended to keep it clear of queuing traffic. Check that your exit is clear before entering; there is a specific exception for turning right.
Read moreYellow Lines
Road markings that indicate waiting restrictions. Single yellow lines apply during specified times, while double yellow lines indicate a restriction at all times; check for additional loading restrictions.
Read moreZ
Zig-Zag Lines
Road markings used near pedestrian crossings and school entrances to keep sightlines clear. White and yellow zig-zags have different restrictions, so check the markings and any accompanying signs before stopping.
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How to drive a car
Build your confidence with the essentials of driving.
Manoeuvres
Build confidence with parking and reversing.
Driving test preparation
Get ready for the day of your practical test.
Independent driving
Practise following signs and directions.
Show me, tell me
Learn the vehicle safety questions.
Adverse weather
Prepare for changing driving conditions.
