Kansas Driving Handbook – Vocabulary Flashcards

A collection of key vocabulary terms and definitions drawn from the Kansas Non-Commercial Driver’s Manual to help learners master essential concepts for the written and skills exams.

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)

A safety system that prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to steer while braking firmly.

Accelerator

The foot pedal that controls engine power and vehicle speed.

Added Lane Sign

A warning sign indicating that another lane is joining the roadway; neither traffic stream needs to merge.

Advisory Speed

A recommended maximum speed for a specific roadway feature such as a curve, exit ramp, or work zone.

Air Bags

Supplemental restraints that inflate on impact to reduce injury, designed to work with safety belts.

All-Way Stop

An intersection where traffic from every approach must come to a complete stop before proceeding.

BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration)

The percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream; .08% is illegal for adult drivers in Kansas.

Basic Speed Law

Kansas law requiring drivers to travel at a safe speed for existing conditions, regardless of posted limits.

Blind Spot

Areas around a vehicle that the driver cannot see with mirrors and must check by looking over the shoulder.

Brake Lights

Red rear lights that illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed, signaling slowing or stopping.

Braking Distance

The distance a vehicle travels from the time brakes are applied to when it stops.

Center of Gravity

The point where a vehicle’s weight is balanced; higher centers increase rollover risk.

Child Safety Seat

A federally approved seat that restrains children under age 4 or up to required height/weight limits.

Controlled Intersection

An intersection regulated by signs, signals, or law enforcement.

Deceleration Lane

A roadway lane that allows vehicles to slow down before leaving a limited-access highway.

Defroster

Vehicle system that removes frost, ice, or condensation from the windshield and windows.

Double Solid Yellow Line

Roadway marking that prohibits passing for traffic in both directions.

Driver Distraction

Any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting controls.

Driver’s Education

State-approved classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction required for certain Kansas licensing stages.

Emergency Notification System (ENS)

Blue sign at railroad crossings providing a 24/7 phone number and crossing ID for reporting problems.

Escape / Runaway Ramp

An emergency lane on steep downgrades for large vehicles that lose braking power.

Fatigue

Physical or mental tiredness that impairs vision, judgment, and reaction time when driving.

Following Distance

The space cushion between your vehicle and the one ahead, measured by the two-second rule.

Forward Two-Point Turnabout

A maneuver that uses a driveway or alley to turn forward into and then back onto the roadway to reverse direction.

Four-Way Stop

See All-Way Stop.

Front No-Zone

The large blind spot directly in front of a commercial vehicle where the driver cannot see your car.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

A phased licensing system that gradually introduces driving privileges to beginners under age 17.

Hand-Over-Hand Steering

Low-speed steering method where one hand crosses over the other as the wheel turns.

Hand-To-Hand (Push-Pull) Steering

Normal driving steering method where hands slide and do not cross over the wheel.

Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing

An intersection where a roadway and railroad tracks cross at the same level.

High-Beam Headlights

Brighter lights providing 350-400 feet of visibility; must be dimmed for oncoming traffic within about one block.

Hydroplaning

A condition in which tires ride on a film of water at speeds above 35-50 mph, causing loss of traction.

Ignition Interlock Device

A breath-testing device required after certain DUI convictions that prevents a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.

Implied Consent Law

Kansas law stating that licensed drivers must submit to BAC testing or face license suspension.

Incident Sign

Temporary fluorescent pink sign warning of unplanned events like crashes, spills, or emergency scenes.

Lane Use Control Sign

Regulatory sign indicating which lanes may be used for specific movements such as turns or through travel.

Left-Turn Yield on Green

Sign indicating drivers may turn left on a circular green light after yielding to oncoming traffic.

Low-Beam Headlights

Regular headlights providing 150-200 feet of visibility, required when wipers are in use or visibility is poor.

Merge

To join traffic flow by entering a lane and adjusting speed to match other vehicles.

Mid-Block Crosswalk

A pedestrian crossing located between intersections, often marked with signs and pavement markings.

Minimum Speed Law

Kansas law prohibiting driving so slowly that traffic is impeded, except when necessary for safety.

Mirror Settings (Traditional)

Side mirrors adjusted so you can just see the side of your vehicle, common for large vehicles or backing.

Mirror Settings (Enhanced)

Side mirrors angled farther outward to add 12-16° of viewing area and reduce blind spots.

Motorized Bicycle (Moped)

Two- or three-wheeled device with ≤3.5 hp, ≤130 cc, automatic transmission, and top speed ≤30 mph.

Move-Over Law

Requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary emergency or service vehicles with flashing lights.

No Passing Zone

Pennant-shaped yellow warning sign placed on the left side of the road indicating where passing is prohibited.

No-Turn-On-Red

Regulatory sign prohibiting right (or sometimes left) turns during a steady red signal.

Parallel Parking

Parking method that positions a vehicle parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb.

Parking Brake

Mechanical brake used to secure a parked vehicle; also called emergency brake.

Perception Distance

Distance a vehicle travels from the time a hazard is seen to the moment the driver recognizes it.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Safety Inspection

Test requiring applicants to point out and explain checks of vehicle components to ensure safe operation.

Reverse Two-Point Turnabout

Backing into a driveway or alley and then driving forward in the opposite direction.

Reversible Lane

Center lane where traffic direction changes by time of day, controlled by overhead lane-use signals.

Right-of-Way

The legal right to proceed first in traffic; must be yielded to avoid collisions.

Road Rage (Aggressive Driving)

Intentional unsafe driving actions such as tailgating, excessive speed, or rude gestures that endanger others.

Roundabout

Circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise around a center island; entering vehicles yield to circulating traffic.

Runaway Ramp

See Escape Ramp.

Safety Zone

Marked area reserved for pedestrians boarding public transportation; vehicles may not drive through it.

School Speed Limit When Flashing

Reduced speed posted near schools, required only when yellow lights are flashing or children are present.

Seatbelt Law (Kansas)

Primary law requiring all vehicle occupants to use a safety restraint; front-seat violations can be stopped solely for non-use.

Service Sign

Blue rectangular sign indicating locations of facilities such as gas, food, lodging, or hospitals.

Shared Center Left-Turn Lane

Lane in the middle of a two-way road reserved for left turns from either direction, not for passing.

Side No-Zone

Large blind areas to the left and right sides of commercial vehicles where cars disappear from view.

Signal Ahead Sign

Warning sign alerting drivers of a traffic signal at the next intersection.

Skid

Loss of tire traction that causes a vehicle to slide uncontrollably; often due to hard braking or sharp steering.

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

Orange-red triangular sign displayed on vehicles traveling ≤25 mph, such as farm equipment.

Space Cushion

Safe space maintained around a vehicle to allow time to react to hazards.

Stopping Distance

Combination of perception, reaction, and braking distances needed to bring a vehicle to a complete stop.

Studded Snow Tires

Winter tires with metal studs for ice traction; legal in Kansas only Nov 1–Apr 1.

Three-Point Turnabout

Maneuver using forward, reverse, and forward motion to turn a vehicle around on a narrow roadway.

Tire Blowout

Rapid loss of air pressure in a tire, causing wobble or pull; steer straight and slow gradually.

Total Stopping Distance

Sum of perception, reaction, and braking distances required to stop a vehicle.

Traction

Friction between tires and roadway surface that permits acceleration, braking, and steering.

Transit Bus Lane

Lane reserved exclusively for public buses; other vehicles may not drive or park in it.

Turn Signal

Flashing amber/red lights used to indicate a driver’s intention to turn or change lanes.

Two-Second Rule

Minimum safe following distance under ideal conditions: count two seconds between the vehicle ahead and your vehicle passing a fixed point.

U-Turn

Turning maneuver that reverses a vehicle’s direction; not permitted where prohibited or visibility <500 ft.

Vision Lead Time

Looking 20–30 seconds ahead along the travel path to identify hazards early.

Warning Sign

Yellow (or fluorescent yellow-green) diamond-shaped sign alerting drivers to upcoming hazards or changes.

Work Zone

Area of roadway with construction, maintenance, or emergency operations; marked by orange signs and equipment.

Yield Sign

Red and white triangular sign requiring drivers to slow or stop to give right-of-way to cross traffic.