Complete Glossary Of Driving Lesson Terms

Driving Lessons Glossary

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System):
  A safety system that prevents the wheels from locking during braking, helping to maintain steering control.
• Advanced Driving Course:
  A course designed to improve driving skills beyond basic learner level, often for those looking to enhance road safety and confidence.
• Automatic Driving Lessons:
  Lessons focused on driving vehicles with automatic transmissions, which don’t require manual gear changes.
• Blind Spot:
  The area around your car that is not visible through your mirrors, requiring a shoulder check to ensure safety when changing lanes.
• Clutch Control:
  The technique of managing the clutch to engage the gears smoothly, crucial for manual car drivers.
• Defensive Driving:
  A style of driving that anticipates potential hazards and avoids accidents by staying alert and making safe driving decisions.
• Driving Test:
  The practical test taken to assess a learner driver’s ability to drive safely and competently before receiving a full driving license.
• Dual Controls:
  A second set of controls installed in learner vehicles for the instructor to use in case of emergencies or to assist the learner.
• Emergency Stop:
  A controlled but rapid stop performed to avoid accidents, often tested during the practical driving test.
• Hazard Perception:
  The ability to recognize potential dangers on the road, which is tested as part of the theory test.
• Independent Driving:
  A section of the driving test where candidates must navigate using road signs or a sat nav without instructor guidance.
• Instructor:
  A qualified professional who teaches students how to drive safely and prepare for their driving test.
• Learner Driver (L-Driver):
  A person learning to drive, usually displaying an “L” plate on their vehicle to indicate their status.
• Manual Driving Lessons:
  Lessons that teach driving in a manual car, requiring the use of a clutch and gear stick.
• Motorway Lessons:
  Lessons specifically designed to help learners or new drivers gain experience and confidence driving on motorways.
• Parallel Parking:
  A maneuver where the car is parked parallel to the road, typically between two parked vehicles, often tested in the driving exam.
• Pass Plus:
  A voluntary course designed to enhance driving skills after passing the driving test, offering experience in areas like motorway driving and night driving.
• Provisional License:
  A temporary license that allows you to learn to drive with an instructor or qualified driver before passing your driving test.
• Refresher Driving Courses:
  Courses aimed at drivers who already have a license but want to improve or refresh their driving skills, often after a long break from driving.
• Road Positioning:
  The practice of placing your car in the correct lane and position on the road based on conditions and maneuvers.
• Roundabout:
  A circular junction where traffic moves around a central island, requiring drivers to give way to vehicles approaching from the right in the UK.
• Show Me, Tell Me Questions:
  Questions asked during the driving test to assess the candidate’s knowledge of car safety and basic maintenance.
• Speed Awareness Course:
  A course offered to drivers who have been caught speeding, designed to educate them about the dangers of speeding rather than receiving penalty points.
• Stopping Distance:
  The total distance a car travels from the time the driver decides to stop to when the vehicle comes to a complete halt, including reaction time and braking distance.
• Theory Test:
  A computer-based test that assesses a learner driver’s knowledge of road signs, the Highway Code, and hazard perception before they can take their practical test.
• Three-Point Turn:
  A maneuver used to turn the car around in a confined space by reversing and steering in three steps. Also known as a “turn in the road.”
• Traffic Signs:
  Road signs that give instructions, warnings, or information to drivers, important for safe and lawful driving.
• Turn in the Road:
  Another term for the three-point turn, used to change the car’s direction in a limited space.
• Zebra Crossing:
  A type of pedestrian crossing marked with white stripes where drivers must stop for pedestrians.