Bulgaria Driver CPC key terms

A recording device fitted to a goods vehicle that automatically logs driving time, other work, availability, rest and break periods, so that working time compliance can be checked by enforcement officers.

The period during which a driver is actually at the controls of a moving vehicle; it is recorded automatically and counted against daily and weekly limits.

The maximum total time a driver may spend driving within one working day, normally nine hours, extendable to ten hours twice in a week under the EU social rules.

The maximum total driving time permitted within a single week, fixed at 56 hours, with a further cap of 90 hours across any two consecutive weeks.

A period during which a driver performs no driving or other work and which serves to interrupt driving time; after 4.5 hours of driving a break of at least 45 minutes is required.

The continuous rest a driver must take within each 24-hour period, normally at least 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours a limited number of times per week.

A continuous period of rest taken each week, normally at least 45 hours, which may in certain cases be reduced to 24 hours and compensated later.

Equivalent rest time that must be taken later to make up for a reduced weekly rest period, attached to another rest period of at least nine hours.

The enforcement tool used to check tachograph records and working time documents, allowing authorities to verify compliance with driving and rest rules.

The paper or digital record on which driving, work, availability and rest periods are registered, serving as evidence of compliance during roadside inspections.

A device that restricts the maximum speed of a heavy goods vehicle, typically to 90 km/h, and must be functioning correctly and not tampered with.

The vehicle system that slows and stops the vehicle, including service brakes, emergency braking and parking brake; it must be inspected and maintained in working order.

The minimum legal depth of tread grooves on a tyre, which for heavy vehicles is generally at least 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width.

The amount of air inside a tyre; correct pressure ensures grip, fuel efficiency and even wear, and should be checked regularly when tyres are cold.

A systematic check of the vehicle's tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, fluids and load security carried out before departure to confirm roadworthiness.

The practice of arranging and restraining cargo so it cannot shift, fall or affect stability during transport, using straps, bars or other approved restraints.

Placing cargo so that weight is spread correctly over the axles, respecting maximum axle loads and keeping the vehicle stable and within legal limits.

The total weight carried by a single axle of the vehicle, which must not exceed the manufacturer's or legal maximum for that axle.

The maximum total weight of a vehicle including its load, as specified by the manufacturer and permitted by law, which must never be exceeded.

A written record of any fault found on the vehicle that is submitted to the operator so that repairs can be arranged and the vehicle taken out of service if unsafe.

A driving style using smooth acceleration, early gear changes, steady speeds and anticipation to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and wear on the vehicle.

Looking ahead and reading the road, traffic and weather to plan actions early, allowing smooth braking and avoidance of sudden manoeuvres.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, allowing enough time to stop safely; in good conditions a minimum of two seconds is recommended, more in rain or darkness.

The total distance travelled from the moment a hazard is seen until the vehicle comes to rest, comprising reaction distance plus braking distance.

The area around a heavy vehicle that the driver cannot see directly or in the mirrors, requiring extra checks and caution when turning or changing lanes.

Correct setting of the vehicle's mirrors to maximise the visible area around the vehicle and minimise blind spots before and during a journey.

A road user at greater risk of injury in a collision, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children, who require particular care from professional drivers.

A state of physical or mental tiredness that reduces alertness and reaction time; drivers must plan rest breaks and stop driving when tired.

Substances that impair judgement, coordination and reaction time; driving under their influence is prohibited and subject to strict legal limits and penalties.

The delay between perceiving a hazard and beginning to act, typically around one second and increased by fatigue, alcohol or distraction.

The classification on a driving licence that states which vehicle types the holder is permitted to drive, such as C for lorries and D for buses.

A card proving that a professional driver has completed the required periodic training, which must be carried and presented during roadside checks.

A legal penalty withdrawing a driver's right to drive for a specified period, often imposed for serious traffic offences or repeated violations.

Organising routes, schedules, loading and deliveries efficiently so that goods reach their destination on time while respecting driving and rest rules.

Choosing the best path for a journey considering distance, traffic, restrictions, delivery windows and legal driving limits to save time and fuel.

The way a professional driver interacts with clients during loading, delivery and communication, including punctuality, politeness and care for goods.

A rapid, controlled application of the brakes to avoid a collision, performed while keeping steering control and warning following traffic.

The techniques used to regain grip when a vehicle loses traction, such as easing off the accelerator and steering smoothly in the intended direction.