50km/h
The default speed limit where there are buildings next to the road or street lighting and there is no posted speed limit signs
100km/h
The speed limit for roads without buildings or street lighting
If there are no traffic lights or signs, and if you are turning across another vehicle's path
You must give way to oncoming vehicles from the left, right or go straight
Slowly brake and stop at the lights
This should be done if you are on a crossroad where the light suddenly turns from green to yellow
Stop sign
You must come to a complete stop at the sign, stop line, pedestrian crosswalk or curb
When you hear the siren of a police car, you should
Check to see if the police is near then ease to the left lane.
This needs to be down at a Rail Crossing sign
Slow down then stop
The penalty for driving over the speed limit for more than 30km/h
A minimum of 5 demerit points, licence will be suspended for at least 3 months and a large fine.
chauffeur
a person hired to drive or bring someone to another location; a driver
child
any person whose size, height or build is such that the person experiences difficulty with the upper anchorage point of a seat belt
child restraint system
a seat belt, restraint system or other device or combination of devices, designed to diminish the risk of injury to a child, in the event of collision or of abrupt deceleration of a vehicle, by limiting the mobility of the body of the child
Licensing Authority
An entity or governmental department that issues licenses and creates rules and regulations that govern licenses and licensees.
motor vehicle
A vehicle that is self-propelled but not operated upon rails; any mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads
owner
the person, for the time being, in whose name any motor vehicle or trailer is registered
unwary
not aware of danger; not watchful or cautious
over-inflation
too much air in the tire - only center touches the roadway
defensive driving
being aware of potential hazards on the road and taking action to avoid them
pillion
a seat for a passenger behind a motorcyclist.
steering wheel
controls the direction or imparts guiding movements of the front wheels
the clutch
mechanism in a manual transmission vehicle that enables a driver to shift gears; used to engage and disengage the transmission and enable smooth shifting of gears
accelerator pedal
the device used by the driver to control the speed of the vehicle
gear lever
a stick with a handle that you move to change gear in a vehicle; gear shift
astute
(adj.) shrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom
Road Code
All persons have a right to use the road for the purpose of passage.
Red (or red and amber) light
Light at the stop light which means stop. Wait behind the stop line on the carriageway
carriageway
Other term for roadway.
Green Light
Indicates that you can go only if the way is clear.
Amber Light
be ready to stop; indicates that you must stop at the stop line. You may only go if this light appears after you have crossed the stop line or are so close to it that stopping might cause an accident.
The 1st Rule of the Road
Keep well to the left unless you are about to overtake or turn right.
The only scenarios in which you are allowed to overtake on the left
On a one way road, at a roundabout, when the driver in front gives a signal that he is about to turn right, passing a line of slow moving vehicles in order to clear a traffic congestion, turning left at cross-roads, on four lane road
check your rear view mirrors
often to see how traffic is moving behind you; this is done before rejoining the lane after overtaking a vechile
Scenarios where the lights must be dipped
On wet roads, in brightly lit areas, approaching an oncoming vechile, approaching a police officer on point duty, at traffic lights, approaching cattle, ascending a hill and when approaching a corner or bend
The person who has the right of way on a hill
The vehicle coming down, but a heavier vehicle whether up or down.
Filtration
When one is held up at a road junction by a person regulating traffic and he turns left without getting a definite signal.
Slip road
An entrance on the corner of a major intersection which allows vehicles turning left to filter without inconvenience to other vehicles crossing the intersection. This can be used on any light as long as the way is clear.
Scenarios where the horn should not be blown
In built up areas, approaching a policeman on point duty, to demand free passage on the highway, when your vehicle is stationary, approaching cattle, passing parliament in session, passing a church, hospital, library or school in session
Dual carriageway
A two way road divided by a strip of land in the middle.
cul-de-sac
a blind alley or dead-end street; any situation in which further progress is impossible; an impasse; a dead end road
Filter light
A green arrow which appears indicating that you may go in the direction shown by the arrow disregarding whatever other lights may be showing
A combined police stop signal
The signal given by a point duty policeman to simultaneously stop vehicles approaching from in front and behind him.
150m [or 500 feet]
The distance you should travel behind an emergency vehicle.
The speed limit for motor cars
50km/h [about 30 m.p.h) in built up areas and 80km/h [50 m.p.h] along Highways
5 days
Time allowed to produce drivers licence when requested by the police
Faulty driving
The main cause of skidding
Ride your brakes gently for a while
This should be down after driving through water.
Concealed entrance
A driveway which is not clearly seen leading unto the roadway
yield right of way
To give way
23m (approximately 75 feet)
The distance away you should be If you are driving behind another motorist at 50km/h
12m (40 feet)
This is how close to a corner you are allowed to park
Emergency vehicles
Fire brigade, an ambulance and a police vehicle with siren sounding
How to turn your vehicle around if you are at an intersection of a major road
Reverse unto the minor road and then drive forward unto the major road
On the front of the car
This is where it is illegal to have a red light showing
Rules of the road
Keep well to the left unless you're about to overtake or turn right.
Always be able to stop your vehicle well within the distance from which you can see the road to be clear.
Take special care when it is misty or rainy, when light is bad, or when roads are wet, slippery or otherwise dangerous.
At nights, always drive within the limit of your lights. If you are dazzled by oncoming lights, slow down or even stop.
Go slow in narrow roads or winding lanes.
If a policeman is directing traffic and tells you to stop but it contradicts a traffic light or signal, you should
obey the policeman
If you intend to move out into the road from a parking spot, what should you do before moving out?
Proceed with caution when there is no traffic near enough to cause an accident.
What should you do when approaching a Round-About?
Merge with the traffic at a reduced speed.
In what position should your car be before making a left turn from a one way street?
In the nearest lane to the left.
If you are involved in an accident, when should you report it to the police?
Within 24 hours
If two vehicles of similar size meet on a hill which one has the right of way?
The vehicle going downhill
Indicate the 3 places where you are not permitted to overtake?
At a pedestrian crossing, crossroad and on a humpback bridge.
Which rules should you observe hen traveling in a silence zone?
Do not sound your horn and do not rev your engine unnecessarily
What does a broken white line in the center of the road mean?
You may overtake if the way is clear
What is a fording?
A place where a stream crosses the road.
Why is double parking prohibited?
It causes congestion.
What should you do when you hear the siren of an emergency vehicle?
Pull over to the left and stop.
What does a stationary amber light at a crossing mean?
Stop
How far can you reverse along a main road?
Only as far as is necessary.
What should you do when driving on a wet or slippery road?
Drive in low gear.
What is the maximum speed limit for cars on any road in Jamaica?
80 km/h {or 50 m.p.h}
When should a driver make use of the right of way?
When it is safe to do so.
What it is the minimum distance you should park from a fire hydrant?
9 meters or 30 feet
What does the flashing amber light mean?
Motorists proceed with caution.
What does an unbroken white line in the center of the road mean?
You should not overtake.
When may you use a slip road at the traffic light?
On any light
If you are driving along and your rear wheels skid, what should you do?
Steer in the direction of the skid.
Layby
designated paved area beside a main road where cars can stop temporarily
What should you do after passing through deep water?
Ride your brake gently for a while.
Detour
deviating from the usual or more direct route
Soft Shoulder
unpaved strip of land at the side of a road which is not intended for vehicular traffic.
Give 2 causes of skidding.
Faulty driving and smooth tyres
If two vehicles of different sizes meet on a hill which one has the right of way
The larger one
When the road is divided into three lanes and there is no other marking or direction what is the centre lane used for
For overtaking only