Academic Test Glossary
Environmental Test Glossary
Medical Test Glossary
Employment Test Glossary
Intelligence and Personality Test Glossary
Transportation Test Glossary
Active Suspension
A vehicle's computer-based suspension system that enables a vehicle to safety accommodate road conditions using springs and shocks.
Air Bag
A restraint system that, along with a seat belt, is designed to minimize impact during a collision.
Anti-Lock Brakes
A braking system in which the brakes do not lock up when the driver applies steady pressure to the pedal.
B Restriction
Restricts drivers from driving Class A buses.
Blind Spots
Areas around the car for which a driver cannot easily see using the rearview mirror.
Blue Sign
Indicates specific information for drivers.
Braking Point
The point in which a driver begins to apply pressure to the brake pedal so that the vehicle is able to stop at a designated point in time.
Braking Threshold
The highest level of force that can be applied to the brakes before the tires stop rotating.
Broken White Lines
Indicate separate traffic lanes for traffic that is moving in the same direction, such as two-lanes moving one way on a four-lane highway.
Broken Yellow Lines
Indicate the center between two-way traffic. The broken line indicates that drivers may pass the driver in front of them.
Brown Sign
Includes information about recreational facilities and parks in the vicinity.
C Restriction
Restricts drivers from operating Class A or B buses.
Cadence Braking
A rhythmic braking procedure using the emergency brake system.
Class A (Commercial)
The Class A Commercial license is issued to drivers of vehicles with GWR higher than 26,000 pounds with a tow vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Class A (Non-Commercial)
In many states, a Class A license is given to non-commercial drivers who operate vehicles, such as an RV, with a GWR of 26,001 pounds or more with a tow vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Class B (Commercial)
Class B Commercial licenses are issed to drivers of vehicles with GWR of 26,001 or more, or those vehicles that tow vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds.
Class B (Non-Commercial)
In many states, a Class B license is given to non-commercial drivers who operate vehicles with a GWR of more than 26,000 pounds.
Class C (Commercial)
Class C Commercial licenses are issued to drivers of vehicles that cannot be classified as A or B and are used to transport hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers.
Class C (Non-Commercial)
In most states, a Class C license is given to non-commercial drivers ages 16 and older who are driving any type of vehicle except those as defined by Classes A, B or M.
Class G (Non-Commercial) - South Carolina
A Class G license is for drivers of mopeds.
Class M (Non-Commercial)
A Class M license is issued to motorcycle drivers.
Crosswalk
A place in a street where white lines extend from one sidewalk to another, giving pedestrians an appropriate amount of space to cross the street.
Daytime Running Lamps
Headlights that run all the time, automatically, while a vehicle is running.
Defensive Driving
A way of driving in which a driver is mindful of the potential for accidents and does his best to avoid a collision.
Driving Under the Influence
When a driver has consumed an alcoholic beverage or drug that alters her judgement and ability to drive safely.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
When a driver has a blood alcohol level that exceeds the legal limit for the state.
Five-Sided Signs
These signs indicate that a school is located nearby and that drivers should be cautious of children.
Flashing Red Light
A flashing red light at an intersection means stop. Drivers are to treat it as a stop sign.
Flashing Yellow Light
A flashing yellow light indicates that a driver should proceed slowly and cautiously.
Front-Wheel Drive
A vehicle design in which the weight and traction are distributed equally throughout the vehicle.
Green Sign
Indicates exits, mileage or directional information for drivers.
Gross Weight Rating (GWR)
Weight of a vehicle including its fuel, tools, equipment, load, passengers and more.
H - Hazardous Materials
An endorsement required by commercial drivers of vehicles containing hazardous materials.
High Occupancy Vehicle
A vehicle that contains more than two people. Some highways have commuter lanes designed expressly for carpoolers or those with several people in the car.
Hydroplane
A condition in which the road is too wet for a tire to safely grip the road, causing the vehicle to float for a period of time.
L Restriction
An L restriction prohibits the driver from driving a vehicle with air brakes.
Learner's Permit
A temporary license that grants a new driver permission to learn how to drive a vehicle under the supervision of a licensed driver.
Median
A strip of land that separates opposite lanes of traffic.
N - Tank Vehicle
This endorsement to a commercial license is required for those who wish to drive tank vehicles.
Ocular Driving
A driving technique in which a driver focuses his attention on a fixed point.
Orange Sign
Indicates road construction or maintenance ahead and often includes specific requirements for drivers.
P - Passenger
The P endorsement is required by drivers of vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers.
Pedestrian
A person using the road who is not in a vehicle or bicycle. Pedestrians may be on foot, skates, skateboard or wheelchair.
Points
Penalties issued to drivers who violate traffic laws. Depending on the state, a certain number of points may lead to punishment, such as a suspended license.
Red Sign
Indicates that the driver must adhere to the posted requirements.
Right of Way
Right of way indicates which driver or pedestrian can proceed first at an intersection. Drivers must always yield to the right of way of pedestrians and cyclists.
Roundabout
An intersection in which traffic moves counter-clockwise around a centrally-located island.
S - School Bus
The S endorsement is specifically for drivers of school buses.
Shoulder
The far right portion of a highway that is intended to be used for emergency stops.
Solid Green Light
A solid green light tells the driver it is safe to proceed after giving the appropriate right of way to other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists.
Solid Red Light
A solid red light means stop. Drivers are to stop until the light turns green.
Solid White Lines
Indicate traffic lanes in which the traffic moves in the same direction.
Solid Yellow Light
Drivers are to proceed cautiously through an intersection with a solid yellow light. The light acts as a warning that the light is preparing to turn red.
Solid Yellow Lines
Indicate the center of a two-way road. Drivers may not cross the center line(s).
Stop Sign
A red stop sign indicates that a driver should make a complete stop. Drivers at stop signs should yield to pedestrians and cyclists and then take turns proceeding.
T - Double/Triple Trailer
This endorsement is given to drivers of commercial trailers.
Tailgating
Following another car at a distance that is so close, it prohibits drivers from having enough time to make safe stops, and can obstruct views.
Technical Driving
A driving technique in which a driver considers maximum control with minimal risk to drive at the highest, safest speed possible.
White Sign
Indicates traffic information that the driver must be aware of and obey.
X - Combination Tank/Hazardous
The X endorsement for drivers who drive both hazardous and tank vehicles, or a tank vehicle that transports hazardous material.
Yellow Sign
Indicates that the driver must be aware of road conditions.
Yield Sign
A red yield sign indicates that a driver must slow down or stop and allow other vehicles to pass first.
