Find out about the most common driving acronyms by accessing the driving acronyms page.
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2-second rule
A good rough guide to check that you are leaving enough stopping distance between the vehicle in front of you. When icy, you should allow 10 times the normal distance.
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4-second rule
A good rough guide to check that you are leaving enough stopping distance between the vehicle in front of you when conditions are wet.
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Accelerator
The gas pedal/acceleration controls the speed of the vehicle by increasing or decreasing fuel intake and most vehicle it is the pedal located on the right side.
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ADI
Stands for Approved Driving Instructor. An individual who has been approved by the DVSA and is registered to teach learners how to drive.
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Advanced Stop Lines
A marked area on the road at traffic lights that allows cyclists or buses to wait in front of the traffic.
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Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
An electronic device that stops a car's wheels from locking up when the driver applies forceful braking. It serves as a safety measure meant to lessen or stop uncontrollable skidding.
Automatic Vehicle
Vehicles where the transmission is connected to the engine by a device known as a torque converter, which chooses the ratios for you automatically.
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Aquaplane
To slide out of control on a wet road surface.
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​Bay Parking
One of the manoeuvres you may be required to show during the driving test. It involves either reversing in and driving out or driving in and reversing out of a parking bay.
Belisha Beacon
The amber flashing lights are located on either side of a zebra crossing.
Biting Point
Place your right foot on the accelerator pedal and hold it steady. As you slowly start to lift your left foot off the clutch, you'll feel the engine and wheels starting to engage and may see the front of the bonnet rise a little
Black Ice
Transparent layers of ice form on the surface of roads after snowing or cold weather. Black ice can be hard to spot and sometimes causes accidents, which is why it's really important to take extra care
Blind Spot
The areas that you cannot see, even when using your mirrors. The blind spot over your right shoulder is the most important and must be checked before moving away.
Box Junctions
These are typically identified by crisscrossed yellow lines and are located at significant, congested intersections. If traffic is obstructing your path, always wait immediately before the junction. You shouldn't enter a box junction until your departure road is clear.
Brakes
The brake pedal slows down or stops a vehicle when pressure is applied to it. In a manual car, the pedal is located in the middle.
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Braking distance
A distance you must allow to slow the vehicle to a stop, for example, you should make sure you are at least 2 seconds or more before you pass the same fixed point.
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Brake Fade
Where brakes lose their effectiveness because of overheating or perhaps overuse.
Breathalyser
A piece of equipment that can be used by police or in fact anyone to check how much alcohol is in a person's system.
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Brow of a Hill
The highest point of a hill.
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Carriageway
A road, usually with two or more lanes, is designed for vehicles and not for pedestrians. E.g. Each side of a motorway is a carriageway.
Catalytic Converter
A device on a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces the number of toxic pollutants being emitted. It converts harmful gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons into harmless substances like carbon dioxide.
Central Reservation
The area of land in the centre of a busy route, such as a motorway. It divides traffic going in different directions and is frequently identified with amber studs.
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Chicane
A sharp double bend is used as a traffic-calming measure.
Clutch
The system in manual transmission vehicles links the engine to the transmission. You use the clutch pedal, which is on the left, to shift gears and brake. Learning clutch control is a crucial step in becoming a proficient driver. Refer to the biting point
Clutch control
The act of controlling the speed of a manual transmission vehicle by partly engaging the clutch plate, using the clutch pedal. This can be either instead of or in conjunction with the accelerator pedal
Coasting
By pressing and holding the clutch or leaving the vehicle in neutral, you can get a vehicle to free-wheel without using the engine. If you coast more than once or for a prolonged amount of time during the driving test, you risk failing.
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Defensive Driving
A method of driving that involves anticipating potential hazards and being ready to deal with them in a safe and efficient manner.
Demister
A mechanism inside a car that uses air to reduce condensation on windows, especially the back and front windscreen. It's crucial to defrost your car before leaving in cold weather, and demisting the windows is a vital step in this process.
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Dipped Headlights
The setting of a car's headlights known as "dipped beam" illuminates the road without dazzling other drivers. You can turn to full beam headlights if a dark road is empty, or visibility is especially bad. The setting you should use the most often is "dipped headlights," as it is the safest one.
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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 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.
Dual Carriageway
A large road with a 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 with an ADI and a car equipped dual pedals.
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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.
DVSA
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The UK Department for Transport's executive agency is in charge of establishing driving regulations. They achieve this by conducting a variety of examinations and checks on the cars and the drivers of them (including the practical driving test), offering educational materials, and investigating incidences when standards are not being followed.
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Emergency Stop
A measure of safety that the car needs to be stopped as swiftly and abruptly as possible. When the examiner signals, you should immediately apply hard pressure to the brake pedal, engage the handbrake, and place the gears in neutral while also trying to avoid stalling the vehicle. This is intended to assess how quickly you will react to sudden threats, which is a driver must have. Don't forget your mirror checks after this manoeuvre.
Emergency Vehicle
Police cars and ambulances are examples of vehicles used by emergency services personnel. They have lights and sirens that will come on when an emergency arises. When you are driving, it is crucial to keep an eye out for these types of vehicles and move out of the way to let them pass (if it is safe to do so) when they are headed to an emergency. Do not drive pass the red light or break any offence as you will be liable
Engine
The device inside a car converts fuel into mechanical motion. It accomplishes this by creating combustion forces by compressing the fuel with the air and a spark. You can be asked how to check the levels of engine coolant or oil as part of the "show me, tell me "Part of the practical test. Familiarise yourself with every vehicle you drive.
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Engine Coolant
Liquid in the radiator that removes heat from the engine.
Exhaust System
System that removes harmful exhaust fumes from the engine and releases them outside the car, typically through an exhaust pipe.
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Fail
Any multiple-choice score below 43/50 and any hazard perception score below 44/75 constitute failing the theory test. If you make more than 15 small errors or any large errors, you will fail the practical test.
Filter lights
The green arrows that some traffic signals display. When they light up, it means that traffic moving in the direction that is highlighted has priority. They are typically located at busy intersections where traffic turning to the right, for instance, may not have much of a choice in where to go. You can turn on filter lights either before or after a complete green phase.
Fog lights
A bright light on a car used in foggy conditions to improve road visibility or warn other drivers of one's presence. Only when vision is so bad that you cannot see more than 100 metres in front of you can fog lights be activated.
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. Because of the system's ease of usage on uneven terrain, these vehicles are intended for off-road use.
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Ford
Where a road passes through a shallow stream of a river.
Fuel consumption
The quantity of fuel needed for a particular distance by a vehicle. It is expressed in miles per gallon in the UK. Long-term operating costs for an automobile should decrease the more fuel-efficient it is.
Full beam headlights
Brightest type of headlight on a car.
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Gantry
The bridge-like structures display 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.
Gears
The system that regulates the car's speed in relation to engine output. In manual transmission cars, the clutch and gear stick are used by the driver to change gears. This process is taken care of by automatic vehicles.
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Handbrake
Also known as the parking brake. It is a hand-operated lever that is located between the two front seats and mostly used when the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Additionally, it is advised that you apply the handbrake after making an emergency stop.
Hard shoulder
The paved area that runs alongside highways and other important roadways is often only to be utilised in an emergency, such as when your vehicle breaks down. In an effort to relieve congestion, some more recent "smart" highways will occasionally open up the hard shoulder as an additional lane.
Hazard lights
The setting that makes all of a vehicle's indicator lights flash at once, signaling to other drivers that the driver is having some sort of issue. It can indicate that the vehicle is about to slam on the brakes or slow down.
Hazard perception
A section of the theory test which evaluates a learner's capacity to spot developing dangers that would require taking action on the part of the driver. The test requires you to watch 14 video segments and click a mouse whenever a danger appears. The required score is 44/75.
Highway code
A collection of guidelines and information for all UK road users. It covers a broad range of topics, such as speed limits, pedestrian crossings, and road signs. It is the ultimate guide to driving safety and an excellent learning tool.
Hill start
When you set off in a vehicle that has been parked on a slope/incline. Starting a car from this position demands especially good clutch control whether going uphill or downhill.
Horsepower
The measurement scale is used to gauge an engine's power. The maximum power an vehicle's engine is capable of producing is measured in horsepower.
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Independent driving
A section of the practical test that was implemented in October 2010. It lasts for about 20 minutes and requires that you drive according to traffic signs (1 in 5 chances) or a satellite navigation system without further guidance from the examiner.
Indicators
A vehicle's flashing side lights that let other drivers know whether the driver is going left or right. When making turns, changing lanes, leaving a road, or coming up on one, you should signal.
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Jump leads
In order to recharge and jump-start a battery that has lost power, electric cables are used to connect the batteries of two different vehicles.
Junction
A point where two or more roads intersect. Clear signaling and cautious observation are necessary for navigating junctions.
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Kerb
The pavement's stone edge. When driving, it's crucial to avoid touching the kerb, especially when making manoeuvres. During the driving test, mounting or hitting the kerb hard could result in a major fault.
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Level crossing
Areas where train tracks and roads cross one another. As these crossings can be extremely hazardous, they are typically marked by barriers and lighting. When using level crossings, you should be cautious and pay great attention to the rules.
License
In driving terms, this refers to licences issued by the DVSA that either allow you to learn to drive (provisional licences) or confirm you are a qualified driver (full driving licence). The licence is given as a card, and the colour of the card depends on your level of driving privileges: provisional licences are green, while full licences are pink.
L-plates
The small square signs (178x178mm exactly) that must be displayed on any car being driven by a learner driver. Both the front and the back of the car need to have L-plates, and they need to be visible to other drivers.
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Major Fault
A significant fault, also known as a "serious" or "dangerous" fault, occurs when you do something that could be harmful or actually puts you, the examiner, other drivers, or property in danger. Any significant mistakes made throughout the driving exam will result in an immediate failure.
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Minor Fault
A minor fault, sometimes known as a "driving fault," is an error in judgement that does not endanger others. However, if a given driving error keeps happening, it could develop into a serious error. You can commit up to 15 minor errors on the driving test before failing.
Manoeuvre
This tests your observation skills and ability to control the car at the same time. On the driving test, you will be asked to perform any manoeuvres such as parallel parking, parking in a bay or pulling up on the side of the road. You should also practice other manoeuvres, for example, turning in the road, reversing around a corner and so on.
Manual Vehicle
A car in which the driver must engage the clutch to change gears, connecting the engine and transmission. Due to the additional practice required to master clutch control and gear selection, some people find it more difficult to learn to drive a manual car. You may, however, operate both manual and automatic vehicles if you get a manual licence.
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Marker posts
These are installed at 100-metre intervals alongside the hard shoulder.
Motorway
Major roads with multiple lanes are 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
All UK vehicles over three years old must pass a test created by the Ministry of Transport to guarantee they are safe to drive. The tests, which must be performed annually, involve performing several system checks on a vehicle.
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One-way street
A street where only one direction of traffic is permitted. Rectangular blue signs with a white arrow pointing in the direction of traffic are used to identify them. Watch for no-entry signs (a red circle with a white horizontal bar inside) that indicate one-way highways you cannot enter from your current position on the road during your exam.
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Oil
In order to keep the engine from overheating, you put oil in your car. Numerous moving elements make up the engine; the oil absorbs the heat generated by these actions and makes the movement easier. You can be asked to demonstrate how you would check the oil level in your automobile during the "show me, tell me" portion of the driving exam.
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Over Steer
When driving through a bend and your rear wheels fail to follow the front wheels and instead deviate towards the outside of the turn.
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P-plates
Similar to L-plates, these green and white symbols show that a driver has just passed their test. The P stands for "probationary," and while they are not required, P-plates make other drivers more patient with you, which is beneficial when you are a new driver.
Parallel parking
A method of parking that starts with the car parallel to the side of the road and then moves it right behind another car that is already parked.
Pass Plus
A voluntary practical training session for licenced drivers with the goal of enhancing abilities and driving security. It takes at least 6 hours altogether and covers crucial terrain including highways and at-night driving.
Pedestrian
A person walking rather than travelling in a vehicle. Drivers must pay attention to pedestrians since they use the roads too, and careless driving or inadequate observation can lead to fatal collisions.
Pedestrian crossing
Intersections where pedestrians can cross the street. There are numerous types, each with a small variation in the symbols and regulations. Drivers should always be ready to stop and give way.
Pegasus crossing
Horses (and their riders), bikers, and regular walkers can all cross the street at this particular type of pedestrian crossing. Other names for them are equestrian crossings.
Pelican crossing
A type of pedestrian crossing with traffic signals for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic activated by a call button for pedestrians with the walk signal being directly across the road from the pedestrian.
Petrol
The substance that most cars utilise is gasoline. In petrol engines, the fuel and air mixture is compressed to produce power.
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P.O.M.
Prepare. Oberve. Manouvre.
Power steering
A system that helps the driver turn the car's wheels using the steering wheel by using hydraulic and/or electric power. It greatly facilitates manoeuvres and other activities that call for a lot of steering on the part of drivers.
Puffin crossing
Stands for Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent crossing. They use sensors to detect when people are ready to cross and have comparable activation buttons to pelican crossings. Instead of being on the other side of the road, the green and red man symbols are placed next to the crossing.
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Refresher course
Short driving courses created to rehabilitate the skills of those who have previously taken driving lessons but have taken a long hiatus from practising. If you recently failed your test and want to repeat it as soon as possible, you can use them as a short refresher.
Refuge Island
Small patches of pavement that offer a place for pedestrians to wait while they cross the street in the centre of highly congested roads.
Reverse around a corner
A manoeuvre that entails backing up and turning around a corner. You should master this manoeuvre with your teacher even though it isn't on the driving test anymore (as of December 2017), since you'll find it to be highly helpful in your future driving endeavours.
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Road Hump
A raised band across a road designed to make motorists reduce their speed, especially in built-up areas.
Road tax
Road tax is a yearly fee that owners of any vehicle using public roads are required to pay. Additional name: Vehicle Excise Duty.
Roundabout
A crossroads where several roads come together, and cars must navigate around a circular central reserve to reach the different exits. Give way to traffic on your right at all times when you are at a roundabout. You must position yourself in the proper lane and signal properly when driving on roundabouts.
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Rumble Strips
Raised strips across the road near the roundabout or junction that change the sound the tyres make and warn the driver to slow down. They are also used on motorways to separate the main carriageway from the hard shoulder.
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Satnav
An abbreviation for satellite navigation. Many cars have satellite navigation systems that show drivers where they are on a map and give directions to entered places.
School crossing
Pedestrian crossings made specifically for use by parents and schoolchildren. They are frequently manned by a crossing guard and are typically only open during school hours (early in the morning and late in the afternoon). Zebra crossings that already exist or any other area of a road that is a convenient crossing location for school users can become school crossings.
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Show Me, Tell Me questions
During the "tell me" question part of the driving test, the examiner will ask you to describe how you would perform a certain safety test. For instance, they might ask you to open the bonnet of the vehicle and describe how you would check the oil level.
A "show me" question throughout the examination will require you to demonstrate to the examiner how you would carry out a safety duty. For instance, they might want you to demonstrate how to activate the dipped headlights.
You will not automatically fail the test if you give the wrong answer to one of these questions.
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Single carriageway
A road with one lane in each direction.
Skid
When a driver loses control of the vehicle, the wheels will slide across the pavement. Skidding is more likely to occur in icy circumstances, but it can also occur when a driver stops or turns their car too quickly.
Slip road
The dual carriageways or motorways that you enter and leave on. They are designed to give you enough time to pick up speed so that you may safely merge with the other traffic already on the motorway.
Smart motorway
A motorway that uses active traffic management strategies to detect dangers and react in real-time by adjusting traffic flow. Adjusting the speed limit and implementing an "all lanes running" policy, which involves using the hard shoulder as an additional lane, are two strategies. Currently, portions of the M1, M4, M6, and M25 have been upgraded to smart motorways, and further expansions are anticipated soon.
Speed limit
Establishes the top speed at which a vehicle is permitted to travel on a specific road.
Stall
A vehicle's engine will abruptly shut off if it is overloaded. Stalling is the term for this. This frequently happens in situations where the clutch is released too rapidly. All drivers experience stalling at some point, especially those who are still learning the road. If you stall during the practical test once or twice without creating a potentially dangerous situation, you won't get a failing grade.
Stopping distance
A distance that combines stopping distance and thinking distance. To put it another way, the distance a vehicle travels between the decision to stop and the actual stopping of the vehicle. Road conditions and driver responses can both affect stopping distance.
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Tailgating
The practice of following another vehicle very closely. It is a risky habit because it doesn't provide for a safe stopping distance in case of a hazard. If the situation is normal, you should try to keep a two-second distance between you and the vehicle in front.
Test centre
Locations that provide examinations. The practical test starts and concludes at a test centre, just like the theory test does unless you elect to stop the test in the middle.
Theory test
The portion of the driving test that is not practical and must be passed before a practical test may be scheduled. It is divided into two sections: a test of hazard perception and 50 multiple-choice questions. A student must score at least 43/50 on the multiple-choice portion and 44/75 on the hazard perception test in order to pass.
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Thinking distance
The time it takes one to see a hazard and apply the brakes.
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Third-party insurance
The bare minimum of protection mandated by law. When you cause an accident, it safeguards other vehicles, people, and property, but it does not cover you (the first party).
Torque converter
The most popular gearbox style seen in automatic vehicles. The driver doesn't need a clutch or gear stick because the converter does the function of selecting the gears (connecting the transmission to the engine).
Toucan crossing
A specific kind of pedestrian crossing that accommodates both pedestrians and bikes. They are frequently seen close to parks and are typically wider than puffin and pelican crossings.
Traffic calming measures
Measures that engineers and urban planners have implemented to promote safer driving. Speed humps and refuge islands are two examples.
Transmission
The component of a car that links to the engine and regulates how much power and speed is used. In manual transmission vehicles, the driver engages the transmission's gears by pressing the clutch pedal. A torque converter accomplishes the work in automatic vehicles.
Tread depth
The distance between the deepest grooves and the top of the tread rubber on a car tyre. In the UK, 1.6mm is the required bare minimum tread depth.
Turn in the road
Likewise referred to as a three-point turn. It entails a sequence of turns and positions a car in reverse so that it faces the opposite direction from where it began. Despite the fact that it is no longer part of the driving test (as of December 2017), it is crucial that you practise this manoeuvre with your teacher because it is frequently needed when driving on a daily basis.
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Under Steer
When the wheels don't turn as much as you want while driving.
Unmarked junction
Junctions without any marks or signage. In rural places, they are far more prevalent. At unmarked crossroads, there is frequently no right of way, so you should use good judgement and take enough precautions when you approach and make your turn.
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Windscreen
The vehicle's front window. To ensure that the motorist has adequate visibility of the road, it should be kept clear and clean. In colder weather, the driver might need to de-ice the windscreen before driving.
Wing mirrors
Likewise known as side mirrors. the two mirrors on either side of a car's front doors that let the driver see what's going on around the side and back of the car. Prior to leaving, while travelling, and during manoeuvres, they should be checked.
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Yellow lines
Single yellow lines means no waiting or parking during the times shown on nearby signs or at the entrance of a controlled parking zone. Double yellow lines indicate that loading or unloading is prohibited at all times.
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Zebra crossing
A type of crossing where pedestrians are given the go-ahead. They are identified by zebra-like black and white lines on the road and blinking yellow beacons. At zebra crossings, drivers are required to stop and give way to pedestrians.