Belgium AM Theory key terms

A street area reserved mainly for pedestrians where mopeds may only enter if a sign explicitly allows it, and riders must then yield to pedestrians and keep a walking pace.

A road section marked by signs or markings that is reserved for cyclists and, where indicated, for class A mopeds; other mopeds must use the roadway instead.

The default rule at intersections without signs or markings that a rider must yield to traffic approaching from the right, unless a traffic light or priority sign says otherwise.

An octagonal red sign at which a rider must come to a complete standstill, check that the way is clear, and only then continue, yielding to all other traffic.

A road marked with priority signs where traffic on it has right of way over vehicles emerging from side roads, until a sign or light ends that priority.

The area inside the place-name signs that marks built-up territory, where lower general speed limits, parking rules and specific overtaking restrictions apply to all vehicles.

A signed area in which the maximum speed is 30 km/h for all vehicles, usually near schools or residential streets, and where riders must adapt speed to protect weaker road users.

A longitudinal strip of the roadway marked by lines, intended for one line of moving vehicles; mopeds must normally stay within their lane and not straddle markings.

Choosing and taking the correct lane or position well before a junction or turn, signalling in time so that other road users can anticipate the rider's movement.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction; it must be done on the left, with sufficient clearance, and is forbidden at crossings, on blind bends and near pedestrian crossings.

The gap a rider keeps behind the vehicle ahead, long enough to stop or swerve if it brakes suddenly; it grows with speed and in rain or on slippery surfaces.

The distance a moped covers from the moment braking begins until it stops; it rises with the square of speed and is longer on wet, gravelly or icy roads.

The delay between a rider noticing a hazard and actually applying the brakes, typically about one second and lengthened by fatigue, alcohol, distraction or surprise.

The area around a lorry, bus or van that the driver cannot see in the mirrors; riders should avoid lingering there, especially beside the cab before a turn.

The lateral clearance a rider keeps from parked cars, kerbs and other traffic; opening doors and sudden movements make a margin of at least one metre advisable in built-up areas.

A maximum-effort braking manoeuvre using both brakes together with a firm, progressive squeeze, keeping the body upright and the front wheel straight to avoid a skid.

A wheel that has stopped rotating under braking and slides, losing steering control and often lengthening the stopping distance; the brake must then be released slightly.

The Belgian licence category that authorises riding class A and class B mopeds; it can be obtained from age 16 after theory and practical training and examination.

A moped with a maximum design speed of 25 km/h and an engine of at most 50 cc or 4 kW for electric drive, which may use cycle paths where indicated.

A moped with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h and an engine up to 50 cc or 4 kW electric, which normally rides on the roadway and needs an approved helmet.

A protective head covering bearing a recognised approval mark such as ECE 22.05 or 22.06, correctly fastened under the chin, which every moped rider and passenger must wear.

Jacket, trousers, gloves and sturdy footwear made of abrasion-resistant material with impact protection, reducing injuries in a fall even though only the helmet is legally required.

Being easy for others to see, achieved through bright or reflective clothing, a working headlight, clean reflectors and riding outside others' blind spots, especially in rain or darkness.

A unit expressing grams of alcohol per litre of blood; for novice riders the legal limit is 0.2 g/l and for experienced drivers 0.5 g/l, with heavy penalties above that.

A roadside breath screening used by police to estimate alcohol in the exhaled air; a positive or refused test leads to a breath analysis and possible licence withdrawal.

The physical and mental condition needed to ride safely; it is impaired by alcohol, drugs, certain medicines, illness and extreme fatigue, and a rider must not ride when unfit.

Tiredness that slows reactions and reduces attention; riders should rest before long trips, avoid riding after poor sleep and take breaks rather than push on.

First aid: the immediate help given to an injured person before professional services arrive, including checking danger, calling emergency services and stopping bleeding.

The European emergency telephone number for police, fire and ambulance; the caller should give the exact location, the number of victims and the nature of the injuries.

A spot off the roadway where an injured rider can be moved only if there is real danger such as fire or oncoming traffic; otherwise leave the casualty still and warm.

The standard accident report form completed and signed by both parties after a collision, recording circumstances, damage and insurer details for the claim.

The compulsory civil liability cover that pays for damage or injury a moped rider causes to others; riding without valid cover is an offence and can lead to heavy fines.

The official registration document for a moped, showing its identity and technical data; it should be kept with the vehicle and produced when police ask for it.

The periodic safety and emissions inspection a moped must pass, checking brakes, lights, tyres, steering and exhaust so that the vehicle remains roadworthy.

The air pressure inside the tyres, which must match the manufacturer's recommendation; too low a pressure harms grip, steering and fuel use and increases the risk of a blowout.

The braking system of a moped, normally a front and rear brake that must be checked regularly, kept adjusted and used together for effective, stable stopping.

Riding smoothly with steady acceleration, timely gear or throttle use and correct tyre pressure to cut fuel consumption, noise and emissions without losing safety.

The indicator used to announce a turn or lane change in good time; it must be cancelled afterwards, and hand signals are used if the indicator is broken.