BiH Theory C key terms

The legal priority one road user has over another at a junction, crossing, or narrow passage, usually decided by signs, signals, or the general rules of priority.

An inverted triangular sign telling drivers to slow down and give priority to traffic on the road they are joining or crossing before proceeding.

An octagonal red sign requiring a driver to bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the marked line and give way before entering the intersection.

The rule that vehicles already circulating in the roundabout have priority, so an entering driver must yield unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.

The gap a driver keeps behind the vehicle ahead, long enough to stop safely if it brakes suddenly; it grows with speed and poor conditions.

A simple method of checking following distance by counting two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your own vehicle reaching it.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver decides to brake until it comes to rest, combining reaction distance and braking distance.

The distance covered while the driver is still reacting before the brakes take effect, roughly the speed in metres per second multiplied by reaction time.

The delay between a driver noticing a hazard and beginning to act, typically around one second but longer when tired, distracted, or impaired.

Loss of tyre contact with the road when a layer of water builds under the tyres, causing steering and braking to become briefly ineffective at speed.

Sliding of the tyres over the road surface when grip is lost, often caused by braking, accelerating, or steering too sharply on a slippery surface.

An electronic system that detects loss of grip and applies individual brakes to help keep the vehicle on its intended path during sudden manoeuvres.

A system that prevents the wheels from locking during hard braking, allowing the driver to keep steering control while stopping as quickly as possible.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops, increasing with speed, load, and slippery road conditions.

The depth of the grooves in a tyre's surface; the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, and deeper tread improves grip and water drainage.

The amount of air inside a tyre, which must be checked regularly when cold and kept at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended level for safety and economy.

The greatest total weight a vehicle is permitted to have when fully loaded, including the vehicle itself, fuel, passengers, and cargo, as stated by the manufacturer.

The weight of cargo and passengers a vehicle may legally carry, calculated as the maximum authorised mass minus the vehicle's own unladen weight.

The share of a vehicle's total weight carried by one axle, which must not exceed the limits set for the road and vehicle type.

Carrying more weight, passengers, or cargo than the vehicle is designed or legally permitted to take, which harms handling, braking, and tyre safety.

The practice of fastening and arranging cargo so it cannot shift, fall, or affect the vehicle's balance during travel, using straps, nets, or restraints.

The point where a vehicle's weight is considered concentrated; a higher or shifted centre of gravity makes a vehicle more prone to rolling over.

The danger that a vehicle tips onto its side or roof, increased by high speed in curves, sudden steering, heavy roof loads, and a high centre of gravity.

A driving licence category covering motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass with no more than eight passenger seats besides the driver.

A driving licence category for goods vehicles above 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass, excluding buses and vehicles reserved for passenger transport.

An unpowered vehicle towed behind another, subject to its own weight limits and licence rules depending on whether it is light or heavy.

A restraint fitted to a vehicle seat that holds occupants in place during a collision; wearing it is compulsory where fitted and greatly reduces injury risk.

A purpose-built seat or booster designed for a child's size, required for young children and chosen according to the child's height and weight.

Vehicle features such as crumple zones, airbags, and seat belts that reduce injury during a crash, as opposed to systems that help avoid the crash.

Systems and features such as brakes, steering, tyres, and electronic aids that help a driver prevent an accident from happening in the first place.

Physical and mental tiredness that slows reactions and judgement while driving; it is managed by rest breaks and by stopping when drowsy.

Reduced coordination, attention, and judgement caused by drinking alcohol, which raises crash risk and is subject to strict legal blood limits.

A mandatory set of dressings, bandages, gloves, and similar supplies kept in the vehicle for treating injuries before professional help arrives.

Contacting the emergency services after a crash, giving the location, number of casualties, and hazards clearly so that help can be sent quickly.

Making a crash site safe by switching on hazard lights, placing a warning triangle, and moving people away from traffic before giving aid.

A reflective folding triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down or crashed vehicle to warn approaching drivers, at the legally required distance.

A stable side-lying posture used for an unconscious but breathing casualty to keep the airway open and prevent choking while waiting for help.

Flashing indicator lights on all four corners used to warn other road users of a breakdown, crash, or other temporary danger on the road.

Driving smoothly at steady speed, using higher gears early, and avoiding unnecessary idling or harsh acceleration to reduce fuel use and emissions.

A style of driving that anticipates traffic, avoids sharp braking and acceleration, and plans routes to cut fuel consumption, emissions, and wear.

An exhaust component that turns harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances before they leave the vehicle.

A periodic check of a vehicle's exhaust gases to confirm it meets pollution limits and that emission-control systems are working correctly.

A mandatory regular examination of a vehicle's brakes, lights, steering, tyres, and emissions to confirm it is roadworthy and safe to use.