Belgium Theory D flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Yellow diamond sign B1

This sign marks a priority road in Belgium. Drivers on it have right of way over traffic from side roads until the sign is cancelled by a black diagonal bar.

Continuous white line

A solid white line along the centre of the road. Drivers may not cross it or straddle it, so overtaking is prohibited where it is present.

Amber traffic light

When amber appears alone, drivers must stop before the line unless stopping would be unsafe. Flashing amber allows proceeding while yielding to other traffic.

Right-hand priority rule

At an intersection without signs or markings, drivers must yield to vehicles approaching from their right. Signs such as STOP or yield override this rule.

Roundabout yield rule

In a roundabout marked with yield signs, traffic already circulating has priority. Drivers entering must give way and must not apply the right-hand rule inside.

Tram priority

Trams generally have priority over other vehicles unless signs or signals state otherwise. Drivers must yield to an approaching tram that cannot otherwise pass.

Emergency vehicle priority

Vehicles using blue flashing lights and a two-tone siren have absolute priority. Other drivers must clear the path and stop if necessary.

Urban speed limit Belgium

The general limit in built-up areas is 30 km/h unless signed otherwise, though some regions apply 50 km/h on certain urban roads. Outside built-up areas it is 70 km/h.

Motorway speed limit

On Belgian motorways the maximum speed for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes is 120 km/h. Lower limits apply in rain or where signs indicate.

Two-second following rule

Outside built-up areas drivers must keep at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead. On wet or icy roads the gap should be doubled or more.

Child restraint requirement

Children shorter than 1.35 metres must travel in an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.

Alcohol limit for drivers

The standard limit is 0.5 g/L blood alcohol. Professional drivers and novice drivers within two years of passing their test must stay below 0.2 g/L.

Category D licence

This licence covers buses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats plus the driver. The minimum age is 24, or 21 with code 95.

Code 95 entry

A code 95 marking on the driving licence confirms the driver completed 35 hours of periodic professional training within the last five years.

Bus documents to carry

A bus driver must carry a valid driving licence, registration certificate, insurance certificate, valid roadworthiness certificate, and tachograph records for inspection.

Bus speed limiter

Category M3 buses and coaches must be fitted with a speed limiter set to a maximum of 100 km/h to reduce severity of high-speed collisions.

Bus fire extinguisher

Buses must carry at least one approved fire extinguisher of 2 kg or 2 litres capacity, inspected annually and mounted in an accessible location.

Tyre tread minimum

Tyres must have at least 1.6 mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tread width. Worn tyres increase braking distance and aquaplaning risk.

Tachograph calibration

The tachograph must be calibrated every two years by an approved workshop. A plaque on the vehicle shows the date of the next calibration.

Passenger capacity limit

The number of passengers must never exceed the seating capacity plus any approved standing capacity recorded on the vehicle's registration document.

Luggage stowage rule

Luggage must be placed in designated compartments or racks so that it cannot block aisles, obstruct emergency exits, or fall onto passengers during the journey.

School transport caution

Vehicles carrying schoolchildren display a school transport sign. Drivers must slow down near schools and stops and watch for children crossing unexpectedly.

Emergency evacuation steps

The driver must stop the engine, apply the parking brake, open emergency exits, and guide passengers to a safe assembly point away from traffic.

Daily driving limit

Professional drivers may drive at most 9 hours per day, extendable to 10 hours twice per week. The weekly limit is 56 hours.

Forty-five minute break

After at most 4.5 hours of driving, a break of at least 45 minutes is required. It may be split into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes.

Daily rest requirement

Drivers must take at least 11 hours of uninterrupted daily rest within each 24-hour period. This may be reduced to 9 hours up to three times.

Weekly rest rule

A weekly rest of at least 45 hours is required. It may be reduced to 24 hours if an equivalent period is compensated before the end of the third following week.

Defensive following distance

Keep at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry weather, four seconds in rain, and six seconds or more on ice or snow.

Eco-safe driving technique

Accelerate smoothly, keep a steady speed, anticipate traffic to avoid hard braking, and use engine braking on descents to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Bus blind spot checks

Buses have large blind spots. Drivers must check mirrors and perform a head-check before changing lanes or turning, especially near cyclists and pedestrians.

European emergency number

Dialling 112 connects to ambulance, fire and police services across Europe. Give your location, the number of casualties, and the nature of injuries.

Recovery position

An unconscious but breathing casualty should be placed on their side in the recovery position, with breathing monitored continuously until emergency services arrive.