DRIVING TERMS
Driver education is one of the most important classes anyone will take during their life. We realized that it is also confusing at times trying to understand all of the terminology and what it really means. In order to make the experience of learning how to drive easier for both parents and teens taking our virtual drivers ed we created a glossary for you to use.
This resource is intended to provide information related to Texas driver education. Please make sure you check with your state DMV or DPS for the most up to date details related to driving laws and terminology. The states are always updating laws and information to make the roads safer for all of us.
Please refer to this page while you are taking your virtual drivers ed course. It will help you with the course and exams.
Terms & Definitions
- Accelerator
- The foot pedal which regulates the amount of fuel going to the engine.
- Air bag
- A restraint device that will inflate during a collision, preventing more serious injury or harm.
- Blood-alcohol content (BAC)
- The percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream.
- Blind spots
- Areas on both sides and the rear of a vehicle where a driver is not able to see in the rearview mirror.
- Braking distance
- The distance which a vehicle goes in the time the brake pedal is used to the time the vehicle fully stops.
- Centering
- Looking forward to know where your vehicle will be in approximately eight (8) seconds.
- Collision insurance
- Insurance covering damages to a vehicle resulting from an accident or collision.
- Comprehensive insurance
- Insurance that covers a vehicle in the event that it is stolen or damaged.
- Controlled railroad crossing
- Railroad track crossing which has flashing red lights and/or crossing gates.
- Cruise control
- The device which allows a car’s speed to be automatically set for highway driving.
- Deductible
- The amount of money a driver is required to pay before the insurance carroerwill cover the remaining amount for repairs or to replace a vehicle.
- Defensive driving
- Operating a vehicle in a manner which helps prevent the driver from dangerous and unexpected changes on the roadways.
- Detour
- An alternate route, usually due to construction or road maintenance.
- Driver Education
- State mandated requirements and training, online or in a classroom, which teaches road rules and regulations.
- Driver’s license
- A State issued document granting a person the right to operate a vehicle.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Emergency flashers
- Car device that when activated flashes all four signals on and off.
- Entrance ramp
- Roadways that serve as an access point to enter highways and expressways.
- Exit ramp
- Roadways that allow drivers to exit highways and expressways in a controlled manner.
- Field of vision
- Range of area that a person can see without moving his/her eyes.
- Field sobriety test
- Tests given by law enforcement to determine if a driver is impaired in any way.
- Guide sign
- Signs on roads and highways which provide drivers information about direction, location, area services, and points of interest.
- Hand signals
- Motions which drivers can make with their arms and hands to let other drivers know the driver is turning, slowing down, and/or stopping.
- Hydroplane
- When a vehicles wheels are on the top of a layer of water as opposd to being on the surface of the road.
- Instruction permit
- A state-issued, restricted license that allows a new drivers to use the roadways while learning how to drive.
- Intersection
- A place on the roads where two or more streets cross each other.
- Liability insurance
- Insurance coverage protecting drivers from monetary loss due to injuries or damage the driver may have caused others or others property.
- Maintenance
- Routine vehicle checkups, to determine needed service and/or repairs in order to maintain a vehicle in good operating condition.
- Merging
- Blending of vehicles into traffic.
- Minimal insurance coverage
- The minimum amount of vehicle insurance drivers need to maintain.
- MPH
- miles-per-hour; the number of miles traveled in one hour.
- Night vision
- One’s visual perception, and glare recovery after sunset and prior to sunrise.
- Overpass
- A bridge or structure which carries one roadway over one or more other roadways.
- Owner’s manual
- The booklet which provides vehicle information and instructions for its operation.
- Pedestrian signals
- Signals and signs guiding pedestrians across roadways.
- Ramps
- Areas of a roadway which are used to access or exit a highway or expressway.
- Reckless driving
- “Reckless driving” is normally defined as driving “any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
- Regulatory signs
- Traffic signs and signals which inform drivers about what they need to do or not due and the penalty for breaking such laws.
- Right of Way
- The legal right to proceed at an intersection or stop.
- Route marker
- A road sign which displays highway number. Please note size and shape may vary depending on road type.
- Safety belt
- A restraint device that is attached to a vehicle frame. Proper use prevents the those in the vehicle from being more seriously injured in the event of a collision.
- School zone
- The section of a roadway in proximity to a school in which there are special speed limits set by state or local laws.
- Stopping distance
- The total distance needed to stop a vehicle.
- Suspension of license
- Withdrawal by the state of a person’s license for a set timeframe or length of time.
- Title
- The proof of vehicle ownership
- Traffic signal lights
- Traffic controls located on roads which regulate the flow of traffic.
- Turn signals
- Lights on a vehicle used to indicate right and left turns.
- Uncontrolled intersection
- Intersections that do not have any signs or signals regulating traffic flow.
- Unprotected left turn
- A Left turn performed in an intersection which does not have a turn light.
- Warning signs
- Traffic signals and/or signage alerting drivers to road conditions and potential hazards.