BiH Theory B key terms

The legal priority one road user has to proceed ahead of another at a junction, crossing, or narrow passage. It is granted by signs, signals, or general rules and must still be given cautiously.

A road marked by a specific sign whose traffic has precedence over vehicles entering from side roads. Drivers on it may rely on priority but must still watch for users who fail to yield.

An octagonal red sign requiring a complete halt at the marked line before entering the junction. The driver must give way to all traffic on the crossing road regardless of its direction.

An inverted triangular sign warning that the driver must yield to traffic on the road being entered. Unlike a stop sign, stopping is required only when traffic or circumstances make it necessary.

A junction without signs or signals dictating priority. The general rule usually requires yielding to traffic approaching from the right, and turning vehicles yield to those going straight.

A circular junction where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. Entering drivers normally yield to vehicles already circulating, and indicators signal the intended exit.

Slowing or stopping to let another road user pass before continuing. Yielding means giving up priority voluntarily and requires checking mirrors, signalling early, and avoiding abrupt braking that endangers following traffic.

Keeping to the correct lane, staying centred within it, and changing lanes only after checking mirrors and blind spots and signalling. It reduces sideswipes and keeps traffic flow predictable for everyone.

The area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see through mirrors or direct vision. Before changing direction, the driver must turn the head to check it, especially for cyclists and pedestrians.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly at least two seconds in good conditions and more when wet, dark, or heavily loaded. It provides time to react if the leader brakes suddenly.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver perceives a hazard until it comes to rest. It combines reaction distance and braking distance and grows sharply with speed.

The delay between noticing a hazard and beginning to brake or steer. It is lengthened by fatigue, alcohol, distraction, and surprise, and it directly increases the distance covered before slowing.

Loss of tyre contact with the road because a film of water builds under the tread. Steering and braking become ineffective; the driver should ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs until grip returns.

Sliding of tyres over the road surface after grip is lost through harsh braking, acceleration, or steering. The driver should stay calm, look where they want to go, and avoid slamming the brakes.

An electronic system that rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking. It preserves steering control on slippery surfaces but does not shorten stopping distance on all surfaces.

The depth of the grooves cut into a tyre, which channels water away from the contact patch. Insufficient depth increases aquaplaning risk and lengthens braking distance on wet roads.

The inflation level inside a tyre, measured cold and set to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. Wrong pressure harms grip, wear, fuel use, and stability, and should be checked regularly.

A hydraulic liquid that transmits pedal force to the brakes. It absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point and risking brake fade, so it must be replaced at the interval the manufacturer specifies.

A lubricant that reduces friction and carries heat away from moving engine parts. Its level and condition must be checked regularly, because low or degraded oil can cause serious and costly engine damage.

A fluid that circulates through the engine to remove excess heat and prevent overheating. It should be checked when the engine is cold, and the reservoir kept between the marked minimum and maximum levels.

A short inspection before driving covering tyres, lights, fluids, mirrors, wipers, and load security. It catches defects early, prevents breakdowns, and is a legal duty for many commercial drivers.

An illuminated symbol on the dashboard indicating a fault or active system, such as low oil pressure or a brake problem. Red lights usually demand an immediate stop; amber ones call for prompt attention.

A style of driving that anticipates mistakes by others and prepares for them in advance. It includes scanning far ahead, keeping space, and avoiding assumptions about other road users' intentions.

The skill of spotting developing dangers early, such as a child near the kerb or a car edging out of a side road. Early recognition buys time to slow smoothly rather than brake abruptly.

A person at higher risk in traffic because of limited protection or visibility, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children. Drivers must give them extra space and expect unpredictable movement.

Operating a vehicle while attention is taken by phone use, conversation, navigation, or other tasks. It lengthens reaction time and is a leading cause of collisions, and handheld phone use is generally prohibited.

Physical or mental tiredness that slows reactions, impairs judgement, and can cause micro-sleeps at the wheel. The only effective remedy is stopping for rest; fresh air and coffee are only temporary aids.

The maximum permitted blood or breath alcohol concentration for a driver, set by national law. Even below the limit, alcohol impairs reaction and judgement, and penalties rise sharply for exceeding it.

Points added to a driver's record for specified traffic offences. Accumulating too many within a set period can lead to a driving ban, higher insurance, and loss of a probationary licence.

The official document authorising a person to drive specified vehicle categories. It must be valid, carried when required, and endorsed with any restrictions; driving without it can invalidate insurance and attract penalties.

A strap system that restrains occupants in a collision and greatly reduces death and injury risk. Use is compulsory for front and rear occupants where fitted, with limited legal exemptions.

A seat or booster designed for a child's size, required by law up to a certain age or height. It must be correctly fitted and appropriate for the child, and rear-facing seats must not face an active airbag.

An inflatable cushion that deploys in a serious impact to reduce injury. It works only in combination with a seat belt and can injure a child or adult sitting too close to it.

A marked section of road where pedestrians have priority once they show intent to cross. Drivers must approach at a speed allowing them to stop and must not overtake a vehicle stopped at one.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. It must be done only where permitted, with clear sight lines, adequate space, and a signal, and is forbidden at many crossings and blind bends.

The maximum legal speed for a road or vehicle category, shown by signs or general rules. Drivers must often go slower than the limit when conditions such as rain, fog, or traffic demand it.

Choosing a speed suited to visibility, road surface, traffic, and load rather than simply obeying the posted maximum. The legal limit is a ceiling, not a target for every condition.

Painted lines, arrows, and symbols on the surface that regulate positioning, parking, and priority. Solid lines generally forbid crossing, while broken lines permit it when safe.

A signal head controlling traffic with red, amber, and green phases. A steady red means stop, green permits movement if the way is clear, and amber warns that the phase is ending.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives. It includes making the scene safe, checking responsiveness and breathing, controlling bleeding, and calling emergency services.

Contacting the emergency number to request ambulance, police, or fire services. The caller should give a precise location, the number of casualties, and hazards, and stay on the line until told to hang up.

A stable side-lying posture used for an unconscious person who is breathing normally. It keeps the airway open and allows fluids to drain, and the person must be monitored continuously until help arrives.

Chest compressions, with rescue breaths if trained, used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Compressions should be deep, regular, and continued until professionals take over.

A reflective triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic. It should be set at a safe distance on the same side, and never on a motorway where placing it would be dangerous.

A bright reflective garment worn when leaving a vehicle stopped on the road. Carrying one is mandatory in many countries, and wearing it before stepping out greatly reduces the risk of being struck.

Techniques such as smooth acceleration, early gear changes, steady speed, and anticipating traffic to cut fuel use. It also lowers emissions, reduces wear, and saves money without increasing journey time significantly.

A driving style combining fuel-saving habits with reduced pollution and noise. It includes avoiding unnecessary idling, removing roof racks and excess weight, and planning routes to avoid congestion.

Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator and using the engine's resistance, often in a lower gear. It saves fuel and brake wear, and is especially useful on long descents to prevent overheating.