Term Meaning
Diverging Any lane change, lane merge or lateral movement within the lane (whether marked or unmarked) of at least a car width.
Evasive action Any change of course or speed (including swerving, stopping, slowing or accelerating) by another road user to avoid a potential collision with the applicant’s vehicle.
Head check The applicant looks back over their left or right shoulder through the vehicle’s side windows (not the rear window) to check for other road users in blind spots that cannot be seen in the mirrors.
Lane A portion of the road intended for use by a single line of traffic. The left and right boundaries of the lane may be defined by pavement markings (lane lines, centre line or edge line) or by the kerb, the edge of the sealed road surface or the centre of the road.
Lateral Movement sideways or from side to side (differs from forwards and backwards).
Merging
  • A single vehicle joining a traffic stream (eg when a vehicle pulls out from the kerb).

  • Two or more traffic streams joining to become one stream (eg when two adjacent lanes join to become a single lane).

Pedestrian crossing A part of the road painted with parallel white stripes and indicated by a pedestrian crossing sign, with or without flashing yellow lights.
Road user The driver or rider of a motor vehicle or the rider of a bicycle or a pedestrian.
Traffic Includes not only motor vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc) but also bicycles and pedestrians.
Turning Changing direction to travel from one road into another road at an intersection. Does not include driving around a curve or bend when continuing on the same road or when following the centre line at an intersection.