WPDSA Online Driver's Education Program
Driver Vocabulary |
A | ||
Acceleration Lane | part of a highway system entrance that allows you to increase speed to that of traffic on the highway system. | |
Active Restraint | restraint device that you have to engage to use. | |
Adaptive Equipment | equipment installed in a vehicle for a driver with disabilities. | |
Added Lane Area | an area where another traffic lane starts. | |
Advisory Speed Limit | speed suggested for a certain area such as curves, hills, and other areas where your visablity is limited. | |
Angle Parking | parking your vehicle diagonally to the curb. | |
Antilock Braking System (ABS) | computer controlled system to help drivers use controlled braking and steering while stopping quickly. | |
Antitheft Device | a device used to protect the vehicle from theft. | |
Assigned-Risk Insurance | provides insurance coverage for drivers that are high risk. | |
Automatic Assistance Notification | service that automatically notifies police, fire, or rescue services if you are involved in a crash. | |
Automatic Transmission | vehicle that automatically selcts the proper forward driving gear. |
B | ||
Basic Speed Law | speed that is safe for the present conditions. | |
Big Rig | another name for a semi-tractor trailer. | |
Blind Spot Area | area not seen by looking only in the vehicle mirrors. | |
Blood Alcohol Concentration | percent of alcohol in a person's bloodstream. | |
Blow Out | occurs when a tire on a moving vehicle losses air pressure suddenly. | |
Blue Book, Kelly | lists the average selling price of used vehicles. | |
Brake Fade | condition that occurs from long, continuous, hard braking. | |
Bucket Truck | vehicle with a bucket lift to reach high areas and/or objects. | |
Bus Stop | place where people can get on or off a city or school bus. |
C | ||
Canceling the Signal | manually turning the turn signal off. | |
Car Pooling | several people commuting to work or school in the same vehicle. | |
Carbon Monoxide | colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that is give off by the vehicle's exhaust system. | |
Centrifugal Force | force that tends to push a moving object out of a curve and into a straight path. | |
Chain Reaction | type of collision involving may vehicles. | |
Chronic Illness | an illness that lasts for a long time. | |
Collision | when a vehicle hits something it was not suppose to hit. | |
Color Blindness | not being able to tell one color from another very easily. | |
Common Speed | speed used by most drivers who drive on a roadway. | |
Compromise Space | reduce risk by giving more space to the greatest hazard. | |
Console | compartment mounted between the front seats. | |
Controlled Access Highway | type of highway system where vehicles can enter or leave only at an interchange (on and off ramps). | |
Controlled Braking | reducing speed quickly while keeping control of the vehicle. | |
Controlled Intersection | intersection that has traffic lights or stop signs controlling traffic. | |
Construction Zone | area where there is construction on or near the roadway. | |
Covering the Brake | placing your foot over the brake pedal to be prepared to stop. | |
Cross Traffic | place where vehicles cross your path of travel. | |
Countersteer | to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction. |
D | ||
Deceleration Lane | added lane on a highway system in which to slow down. | |
Decide (SIPDE) | a step that a driver takes to select the best thing to do. A driver determines what needs to be done. | |
Deductible | amount of money you pay after a crash that the insurance doe not pay for. | |
Defensive Driving | driving to save time. lives, and money. | |
Delayed Green Traffic Signal | a traffic light allowing oncoming traffic to proceed before other traffic. | |
Depreciation | decrease of vehicle vaule due to it's age. | |
Depressant | a drug that slows down the central nervous system. | |
Depth Perception | abiltiy to judge the distance between you and other objects. | |
Designated Driver | a person that does not drink alcohol at social functions in order to be a safe driver for others. | |
Divided Highway | a highway system that lanes of traffic are divided by a median. | |
Double Parking | parking illegally in the traffic lane next to a vehicle already parallel parked. | |
Downshifting | shifting your vehicle from a higher gear to a lower gear. | |
Drafting | following another vehicle closely to avoid a head wind. | |
Draw Bridge | a roadway bridge that lifts up to let ships and boats through. | |
Driving Task | all the actions a driver takes to drive a vehicle safely. |
E | ||
Emergency Brake | brake system that uses a cable, now called parking brake. | |
Emergency Flare | warning device set at least 500 feet behind a disabled vehicle. | |
Emergency Flashers | warning device on your vehicle to warn other drivers that your vehicle is a hazard. | |
Emergency Scene | an area that an emergency has happed in. | |
Emergency Vehicle Sensor | allows emergency vehicles to change the traffic light to GREEN. | |
Emissions Inspection | test to determine how much pollution your vehicle gives off. | |
Enforcement | to up-hold the laws passed by the local, state, and US government. | |
Entrance Ramp | ramp that gives you access to the highway system. | |
Escape Path | a place to go in case of an unexpected conflict. | |
Escort Vehicle | a vehicle that leads or follows a vehicle carrying wide or oversized loads. | |
Execute (SIPDE) | when a driver performs the proper car control. | |
Exit Ramp | ramp that leads vehicles off the highway system. | |
Express Lane | highway system lane with few exits, used during rush hour traffic. |
F | ||
Field Sobriety Test | roadside test a police officer gives you to detect a driver who is driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. | |
Fishtail | when the rear of the vehicle slides from side to side. | |
Flagperson | a person who directs traffic in a work/construction zone. | |
Flash Flood | sudden rush of water due to excessive rain. | |
Flashing traffic signal | flashing light that indicates stop or use caution. | |
Flashing Yellow Traffic Signal/Light | a traffic light that indicates you need to slow down and proceed with caution. | |
Force of Impact | force with which one object hits another object. | |
Fresh Green Traffic Signal/Light | a traffic light that has just turned GREEN from RED. | |
Friction | force that keeps each tire from sliding on the roadway. | |
Friction Point | in a manual transmission car, the stage at which the engine and transmission combine to begin moving a vehicle. |
G | ||
Gap in Traffic | the distance between your vehicle and other vehicles. | |
Glare Recovery Time | the time your eyes take to regain clear vision after looking at bright lights. | |
Good Samaritan Law | law that protects bystanders when giving aid to those injured. | |
Gravity | force that pulls all objects towards the earth. | |
Green Traffic Light | a traffic signal indicating you may proceed with caution when the way is clear and safe. | |
Ground Viewing | quickly looking at the road in front of your vehicle. | |
Guide Sign | sign that gives you information on location and direction. |
H | ||
Hand Over Hand Steering | a method of steering the vehicle using the top of the steering wheel and moving one hand over the other hand until the steering wheel is turned to desired position. | |
Hidden Driveway | a driveway that is not easily seen from the roadway. | |
Highway Hypnosis | condition in which a driver is lulled into an inattentive, drowsy state while driving for a long distance or period of time. | |
Highway Transportation System | a system of moving people and goods (cargo) from place to place safely, cheaply, and quickly. | |
Hit and Run Crash | crash wher one of the vehicles involved does not stay at the crash scene. | |
Hitch Hiking | to travel by asking for and receiving rides in passing vehicles. | |
Hydroplane | tires riding on the surface of standing water. |
I | ||
Identify (SIPDE) | the SIPDE step a driver takes to recognize potential hazards. | |
Implied Consent Law | by accepting a driver's license, a person agrees to a BAC test if asked by a police officer. | |
Inhibitions | inner forces of personality that hold back or restrain one's impulsive behavior. | |
Interest | amount of money you pay to have a loan. | |
International Symbols | same symbols used on signs in many different countries. | |
Intoxilyzer | a machine that determines a driver's BAC by the amount of infrared light that is absorbed by the breath. | |
Instrument Panel | panel in front of driver that shows the vehicle gauges and lights. |
J | ||
Jack, Tire | device used to lift the vehicle to change a flat tire. | |
Jackknifing | what might happen if a semi-truck loses control of the trailer. | |
Jaywalking | crossing a street as a pedestrain without regard to the rules. | |
Joining Traffic | turning right or left into lanes of traffic to join other traffic on that street. |
K | ||
L | ||
Lane Restriction | something that keeps you from using a certain traffic lane. | |
Lane Selection | choosing the best traffic lane to use. | |
Lane Signal | a signal that directs the flow of traffic in a lane. | |
Leasing | the long term renting of a vehicle. | |
Lending Agencies | places such as banks and credit unions to borrow money from for vehicle loans. | |
Liability Insurance | type of insurance that pays for damage you cause to other people's property or injuries to other people. | |
Line of Sight | the distance you can see ahead of you while driving. | |
Locking the Brakes | applying and holding the brake pedal hard. | |
Lug Nuts | small pieces of hardware that hold the wheel on the vehicle. |
M | ||
Manual Transmission | a vehicle that requires the driver to choose the proper forward gear. Also known as a stick shift vehicle. | |
Mass Transportation | several methods of moving large numbers of people. city transit, subways, etc. | |
Maximum Speed Limit | fastest legal speed you can go during good conditions. | |
Median | area on the highway system that separates two-way traffic. | |
Merging Area | part of the highway system entrance area you enter at the same speed as traffic in the right lane. | |
Merging Traffic | traffic that is entering your roadway. | |
Mile Marker | a sign that helps drivers locate where they are on the highway system. | |
Minimum Speed Limit | slowest legal speed you can go during good conditions. | |
Minimize Hazards | when you reduce risk by putting more space between you and another hazard. |
N | ||
Night Blindness | not being able to see well when driving during hours of darkness. | |
Nystagmus | the involuntary jerking of the eyes. |
O | ||
Off-Tracking | moving into the left lane to make a wide right turn. | |
Operating Under the Influence | driving with a BAC of .07% or lower in WI. | |
Operating While Intoxicated | driving with a BAC of .08% or higher in WI. | |
Orderly Visual Search Pattern | looking at critical areas in a regular sequence. | |
Over Steering | turning the steering wheel too much when turning resulting in making a sharp turn. | |
Overdriving Headlights | when you are not able to stop within your headlight spray. | |
Overinflated Tire | a vehicle tire with too much air in it. | |
Owners Manual | book the owner gets that explains the features of the vehicle. |
P | ||
Palming the Streering Wheel | a method of steering using only one hand without gripping the steering wheel. | |
Parallel Parking | parking the vehicle on the roadway parallel to the curb. | |
Parking Brake | brake system that uses a cable, also known as Emergency Brake. | |
Passive Restraint | a restraint device that works automatically. | |
Pedestrian Signal | traffic signal syaing walk or don't walk used for pedistrians. | |
Peripheral Vision | the side vision a person has to the right and left. | |
Perpendicular Parking | parking at a right angle to the curb. Also known as straight parking. | |
Personal Reference Points | a spot a driver uses as a reference point for certain vehicles. | |
Point-of-no-Return | point beyond which a driver can no longer stop safely without entering an intersection. | |
Policy, Insurance | agreement between you and the insurance company defining the terms and conditions of the insurance coverage. | |
Power Steering Failure | loss of power steering due to engine or power steering pump failure. | |
Predict (SIPDE) | the step a driver takes to guess what might happen while driving. | |
Premium | amount you pay to the insurance company for the insurance coverage. | |
Pre-Trip Inspection | checking the vehicle for problems before driving the vehicle. | |
Preventive Maintenance | care given to a vehicle to keep problems from occurring. | |
Protective Gear | gear used by cycle operators to protect them is cause of a fall or crash. | |
Pull Out Area | an area where slower traffic can move to allow faster traffic to pass. | |
Pumping the Brakes | a process of applying the brakes, letting go, applying the brakes to help with controlled braking. Do not do with ABS brake systems. |
Q | ||
R | ||
Railroad Crossing | an area where trains cross the roadway. | |
Reaction Time | the time it take to react to something. | |
Red Traffic Signal/Light | a traffic light that indicates you to to stop and wait. | |
Reduced Visibility | unable to see clearly 500 feet or more ahead of your vehicle. | |
Reference Point | a spot you will use as a reference point for any type of vehicle. Normally used to help the driver park the vehicle. | |
Regulatory Sign | sign that informs you of traffic laws and regulations. | |
Riding the Brake | placing your left foot on the brake pedal while driving. | |
Riding the Clutch | placing your left foot on the clutch pedal while driving. | |
Right of Way | privilege to use the roadway before other vehicles. | |
Right turn on Red | making a right turn, when safe, at a red traffic signal. | |
Road Kill | dead animals on or along side the roadway. | |
Roadside Assistance | type of insurance to help you when you have a vehicle break down. | |
Roadway Marking | lines, words, and symbols painted on the roadway. | |
Roadway Users | the people who use the HTS by walking, riding, or driving. | |
Rocking the Car/Vehicle | maneuver to free the vehicle from snow, mud, or sand. Moving the vehicle forward, backward, forward over and over until the vehicle is freed. | |
Rolling Stop | not stopping completely when required to stop. | |
Roundabouts | a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around center island. | |
Rumble Strips | rough areas of the roadway warning a driver to slow or stop ahead. | |
RV | (Recreational Vehicle) a vehicle used for camping and traveling in. |
S | ||
School Crossing | an area where children cross the street by a school. | |
School Zone | a 2 to 3 block area by a school where you need to be alert for children. | |
Search (SIPDE) | the step a driver takes to notice hazards and other things ahead. | |
Selective Seeing | looking at those items that will affect your driving path. | |
Separate Hazards | adjusting your vehicle speed to handle one hazard at a time. | |
Service Center | business that repairs vehicles. | |
Service Sign | a sign that gives you information about food, gas, lodging or other services. | |
Shared Left Turn Lane | lane that is used by both directions of traffic to make a left turn off a roadway. | |
Shift Indicator | indicator that shows which gear the vehicle is in. | |
Shuffling the Steering Wheel | a method of steering using the bottom of the steering wheel without taking your hands off the steering wheel. | |
S.I.P.D.E Process | an organized system of seeing, thinking, and doing. | |
Space Cushion | open space around your vehicle as you drive. | |
Stale Green Traffic Signal/Light | a traffic signal that has been GREEN for some time and is about to change. | |
Sticker Price | the asking price listed on a vehicle that is for sale. | |
Stop Arm | a stop sign that swings out on a school bus to stop traffic. | |
Stop Gate | a gate at a railroad crossing, draw bridge or other area that lowers to stop traffic from entering the area. | |
Stopping Time | the time it takes to stop the vehicle. | |
SUV | Sport Utility Vehicle is a combination truck and minivan. | |
Switchback | series of sharp turns, often found in mountainous areas. |
T | ||
Tailgating | following another vehicle at an unsafe distance. Also known as following too closely. | |
Tilt Steering | a steering wheel that is adjustable. | |
T-Intersection | an intersection that has only one other roadway meeting it with one of the roadways ending at the intersection. | |
Tire Chains | devices placed on tires to improve traction on snow and ice. | |
Towing Insurance | insurance that pays to have your vehicle towed if needed. | |
Tracking | looking far ahead of the vehicle where you want the vehicle to go. | |
Tracking Device | a radio device used to locate a vehicle. | |
Trade In | giving your vehicle to the dealer for a different vehicle. | |
Traffic Check | checking for traffic and other things in your mirrors and blind spot areas. | |
Traffic Circles | intersection that forms when several roadways meet and form a circle. | |
Traffic Signal | a traffic light, arrow, lane signal, or pedestrian signal used to direct the flow of traffic. | |
Tune-Up | cleaning, checking, and repairing vehicle parts to keep bigger problems from developing. | |
Tunnel Vision | narrow field of vision, does not have good peripheral vision. | |
Turnabout | maneuver for turning the vehicle around. |
U | ||
Uncontrolled Intersection | an intersection that has no traffic lights or signs controlling traffic. | |
Under Steering | not turning the steering wheel enough when turning resulting in making a wide turn. | |
Underinflated Tire | a vehicle tire with not enough air in it. | |
Unprotected Left Turn | left turn made at an intersection that does not have a special turn light. |
V | ||
Vehicle Code | laws passed by the legislature to control the H.T.S. (Highway Transportation System) | |
Vehicle Dealer | a person who sells vehicles for a job. | |
Vehicle Title | state certificate showing ownership of a vehicle. | |
Velocitation | condition in which a driver unconsciously drives too fast after leaving a high speed roadway. | |
Visual Acuity | the ability to see things clearly both near and far away. |
W | ||
Warning Lights | lights in the vehicle dash that indicate a problem. | |
Warning Sign | a sign that alerts drivers of hazadous areas or road conditions or things you need to be alert for. | |
Warranty | written agreement between the buyer and seller for repairs to the vehicle if needed. | |
Wide Load | a vehicle that is wider than the normal traffic lane. | |
Wind Effect | the gust of wind from a passing larger vehicle. | |
Wolf Pack | group of vehicles bunched together on a highway system. |
X | ||
Y | ||
Yellow Traffic Signal/Light | a traffic signal/light that indicates you need to slow down and prepare to stop. | |
Yield | to allow another vehicle or pedestrian to go before you. |
Z | ||
# | ||
12 O'Clock Steering Position | placing your left hand at the top of the steering wheel. |