Belgium Theory C cheat sheet

Belgian default speed limits for lorries over 3.5 t: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h outside built-up areas, 120 km/h on motorways; lower posted limits always prevail.

In built-up areas, a lorry over 7.5 t may be banned from certain streets; the blue rectangular sign with a lorry symbol imposes the restriction, and a supplementary panel states the weight threshold.

Priority to the right applies at intersections without signs or markings; at a roundabout marked with yield signs, traffic already circulating has priority unless signs state otherwise.

A red-bordered circle with a lorry silhouette is a prohibition for goods vehicles; a blue circle with a lorry is a mandatory route for goods vehicles - border colour determines prohibition versus obligation.

Level crossings: a flashing red light or a lowered barrier means absolute stop; a St Andrew's cross without barriers requires stopping only when a train is approaching.

Motorway hard shoulder use is limited to emergencies; a broken white line separates the hard shoulder, and a continuous white line marks the edge of the carriageway.

Overtaking bans on lorries are shown by a red-bordered circle containing two cars side by side; the ban applies until the next intersection or the sign showing its end.

Traffic lights: flashing amber means proceed with caution and yield; a green arrow permits movement only in the arrow's direction even when the main light is red.

Belgian technical inspection for lorries over 3.5 t is annual; the certificate must be carried in the vehicle and the inspection sticker is affixed to the windscreen.

Braking systems on heavy lorries typically combine service brakes, a parking (spring) brake, and an endurance brake such as an engine brake or retarder; the endurance brake must not replace the service brake.

Air brake reservoir pressure must reach the manufacturer's operating range before departure; a pressure warning buzzer or light indicates insufficient pressure to release the spring brakes.

Tyre tread depth minimum for lorries is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; sidewall damage, bulges, or exposure of cords require immediate replacement.

The tachograph is a legally controlled device; tampering, manipulation, or use of a manipulated signal is an offence, and calibration is required every two years.

AdBlue is a urea solution used in selective catalytic reduction to reduce NOx; running out typically derates engine power and may prevent restart after switching off.

Daily pre-departure checks include lights, tyres, brake air pressure, coupling security, and load restraints; defects affecting road safety prohibit departure.

The European accident statement and the vehicle registration certificate must be available in the cab; the insurance green card is no longer required within the EEA.

Daily driving limit is 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice per week; weekly driving limit is 56 hours and the two-week limit is 90 hours.

A break is required after 4.5 hours of driving: 45 minutes, or 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes, taken as driving breaks or other work interruptions.

Daily rest is 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours at most three times between weekly rests; a split daily rest is 3 hours plus 9 hours.

Weekly rest is 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours; reductions must be compensated en bloc before the end of the third following week.

A weekly rest that begins in one week and ends in the next may count in either week, but not in both.

The tachograph records driving, other work, availability, and rest; manual entries are required for periods outside the vehicle, and records must be produced on request for the current day plus the previous 28 days.

In Belgium, drivers of lorries over 3.5 t must hold a code 95 driver qualification card, renewed every five years after 35 hours of periodic training.

Night work and Sunday driving bans for heavy lorries apply in Belgium with defined exemptions; the ban generally covers Sundays and public holidays.

Maximum authorised mass for a lorry combination in Belgium is generally 44 t for international transport; national limits may differ and must be verified for the specific operation.

Maximum width is 2.55 m, height 4.0 m, and length 16.5 m for articulated combinations and 18.75 m for road trains, subject to national rules.

Axle load limits apply: a drive axle typically may not exceed 11.5 t and a single axle 10 t; the load must be distributed so no axle is overloaded.

Securing force requirement: the total lashing force must at least equal the weight of the cargo in the forward direction, using EN 12195-1 principles.

Load securing methods include form-fit (blocking), force-fit (lashing), and combined methods; top-over lashings rely on friction and require adequate friction coefficient between load and bed.

The load must not protrude beyond the rear of the vehicle by more than the permitted overhang, and projecting loads must be marked with a warning panel.

Dangerous goods transport requires ADR compliance: orange plates, placards, transport document, and driver training certificate; tunnel restrictions depend on the goods category.

Weight distribution affects stability and braking; the centre of gravity should be as low and as close to the drive axle as possible.

Blind spot management: lorries have large blind areas at the front, sides, and rear; mirrors and camera systems must be adjusted before departure, and turning right requires particular caution for cyclists.

Safety distance: a two-second gap in dry conditions, doubled in rain, and at least four seconds on ice or snow; heavy vehicles need longer braking distances.

In an accident, the sequence is: secure the scene, warn other traffic, alert emergency services (112 in Belgium), and provide first aid within competence.

First aid priorities follow the ABC approach: airway, breathing, circulation; unconscious but breathing casualties are placed in the recovery position.

Severe bleeding is controlled by direct pressure on the wound; a tourniquet is a last resort for life-threatening limb bleeding.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire; suspected spinal injury requires immobilisation until help arrives.

Fatigue is a major crash cause: signs include yawning, lane drift, and heavy eyelids; the only effective remedy is stopping for rest, not opening a window or drinking coffee.

Seat belts must be worn by all occupants where fitted; the driver is responsible for ensuring children under 18 use appropriate restraints.

Fuel consumption rises steeply with speed: aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed, so reducing motorway speed from 90 to 80 km/h yields a measurable saving.

Anticipatory driving - reading traffic ahead, releasing the accelerator early, and avoiding unnecessary braking - reduces fuel use and brake wear.

Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance; under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and wear and can overheat.

Idling wastes fuel; switch off the engine during longer stops where the vehicle allows, and avoid unnecessary warm-up idling.

Use of cruise control and predictive driving on motorways smooths speed and reduces consumption on long journeys.

Regular maintenance, clean air filters, and correct wheel alignment keep consumption within the manufacturer's range.

Route planning and load optimisation reduce empty running; consolidating loads lowers fuel per tonne-kilometre.

Euro emission standards classify lorries; low-emission zones in Belgian cities restrict access based on the Euro class shown on the registration certificate.