Burkina Faso Permis E (Remorque) key terms

The trailer entitlement added to a category B licence after passing a specific test; it authorises driving a car towing a trailer whose combined weight exceeds the limits allowed under category B alone.

The maximum total weight a vehicle or trailer may legally reach when loaded, as stated by its manufacturer and recorded on the registration document; exceeding it is an offence and affects braking and stability.

The maximum combined weight permitted for the towing vehicle plus its loaded trailer, given by the manufacturer; it caps what the combination may weigh even when each unit is individually within its own limit.

The weight of a vehicle or trailer with fuel and standard equipment but without passengers, load or optional accessories; it is the basis for calculating load capacity and the weight ratio between car and trailer.

The difference between the authorised maximum weight and the empty weight, meaning the maximum mass of passengers, luggage and cargo that may legally be carried in the vehicle or trailer.

Carrying more weight than the vehicle, trailer or axle is authorised to bear; it lengthens braking distances, destabilises the combination and exposes the driver to fines and immobilisation.

The mechanical assembly joining the towing vehicle to the trailer, comprising the tow ball or coupling head, the safety device and the electrical connection; it must be compatible, locked and checked before every journey.

The spherical metal coupling fixed to the rear of the towing vehicle onto which the trailer's coupling head locks; its diameter, wear and tightening must conform to the trailer and be inspected regularly.

The rigid drawbar extending forward from the trailer chassis that carries the coupling head and, on braked trailers, the overrun mechanism; it transmits pulling and pushing forces between trailer and car.

A small retractable wheel mounted on the drawbar that supports the trailer when it is unhitched, allowing it to be moved and manoeuvred by hand; it must be raised and locked before driving.

A braking system in which the trailer's momentum pushes the drawbar inwards when the towing vehicle slows, applying the trailer brakes; it requires correct adjustment and a working overrun device to brake smoothly.

A secondary flexible link between the towing vehicle and the trailer that applies the trailer brakes or retains the trailer if the main coupling fails; it must be attached to a solid point, not to the ball itself.

A red rear lamp on the vehicle and trailer that lights when the brake pedal is pressed, warning following drivers that the combination is slowing; its operation on the trailer must be checked before departure.

Flashing hazard lights on all four corners used to warn other road users of danger, breakdown or an abnormally slow combination; they must also function on the trailer when it is coupled.

The multi-pin connector linking the car's lighting circuit to the trailer, supplying stop, indicator, position and fog lamps; corroded pins or a loose plug cause lighting failures that make the combination unsafe and illegal.

A reflective warning triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down vehicle or combination to alert approaching traffic, mandatory in France and strongly advised in Burkina Faso when visibility is reduced.

A high-visibility vest worn by anyone leaving the vehicle on or beside the road at night or in poor visibility, making them visible to traffic while placing a triangle or changing a wheel.

Distributing weight correctly in the trailer and car so that the nose load on the coupling stays within limits, the trailer is slightly nose-heavy and no axle is overloaded; bad distribution causes swaying.

The downward force the loaded trailer's drawbar exerts on the tow ball; too little causes snaking, too much overloads the rear axle and steering, so it must stay within the manufacturer's stated range.

A dangerous side-to-side swinging of the trailer that can spread to the whole combination; it is caused by poor load distribution, excessive speed or sudden steering and is corrected by easing off the accelerator.

An accessory fitted between the coupling and the drawbar that damps sideways movement of the trailer, reducing the risk of snaking; it assists but never replaces correct loading and moderate speed.

Reversing a car and trailer, where steering input is inverted relative to the trailer's movement; the technique uses small corrections, mirrors and a guide, and is a compulsory manoeuvre in the test.

The curved path traced by the combination when turning; the trailer cuts inside the car's line, so the driver must swing wider and check mirrors to avoid striking kerbs, poles or pedestrians.

The area beside and behind the vehicle not visible in the mirrors, enlarged by a trailer; the driver must turn the head and use extended mirrors before changing lane or turning.

A mirror giving a view along the sides and rear; when towing, the standard mirrors are often insufficient and extended mirrors must be fitted on both sides and adjusted before setting off.

The distance a moving vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops; it grows with speed, load and wet roads and is always longer for a car towing a trailer.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, at least two seconds in good conditions and more when towing or in rain, so that braking can be completed without collision.

Loss of tyre contact with the road when water builds up under the wheels, causing loss of steering and braking; the risk rises with speed, worn tyres and a lightly loaded trailer.

The concentration of alcohol in the blood, measured in grams per litre; it is legally limited, slows reactions and judgement, and its effects are more dangerous when driving a heavy combination.

Physical and mental tiredness that reduces attention, lengthens reaction time and increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel; it requires regular breaks, especially on long hauls with a trailer.

The delay between perceiving a hazard and acting on it, typically about one second; alcohol, fatigue and distraction lengthen it, and at speed it adds many metres to the stopping distance.

Compulsory cover that pays compensation to third parties injured or damaged by the vehicle or its trailer; the driver must be able to show proof of valid cover when requested.

The vehicle registration document listing the owner, the technical characteristics and the authorised weights; it must be carried and its figures used to check that the combination is legal.

A triangular sign with a red border warning of a hazard ahead such as a bend, steep descent or narrowing road; it calls for reduced speed and heightened attention, particularly with a trailer.

A round sign with a red border prohibiting an action, such as exceeding a speed or weight limit or overtaking; some prohibitions apply specifically to vehicles towing trailers.

A solid white road marking that must not be crossed or straddled, forbidding overtaking; with a trailer, the longer overtaking distance makes respecting it even more important.

Overtaking another road user; with a trailer it needs more time, space and visibility, and is forbidden where signs or markings prohibit it or where the combination cannot complete it safely.

The immediate actions taken at an accident scene: securing the area, alerting emergency services, and giving basic care such as stopping bleeding or the recovery position until help arrives.

The telephone number called to summon police, fire or medical help after a crash; the caller should state the exact location, the number of casualties and any hazards present.