Bulgaria Theory Test C cheat sheet

Bulgarian traffic law is codified in the Road Traffic Act (ЗДвП); the right-hand traffic rule applies, with overtaking normally performed on the left.

A driver must carry a valid driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, compulsory third-party liability insurance (ГО) and, where required, a tachograph record and transport documents.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers; children under 12 or shorter than 150 cm must use an approved child restraint appropriate to their size.

The general urban speed limit is 50 km/h, outside built-up areas 90 km/h, and on motorways 140 km/h, unless signs state otherwise.

A pedestrian on a marked crossing has priority; the driver must slow down and stop when a pedestrian has entered or is about to enter the crossing.

Driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.5 ‰ is an offence; for novice drivers and professional drivers the tolerated limit is effectively zero.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited; only hands-free equipment may be used.

At an unguarded level crossing the driver must stop, look both ways and proceed only when no train is approaching.

Signs are grouped by shape: triangles warn of hazards, circles impose prohibitions or orders, rectangles and squares give information, and octagons mean STOP.

A red-bordered circle with a number is a maximum speed limit; a blue circle with a number is a minimum speed or mandatory speed.

A continuous white centre line may not be crossed; a broken line may be crossed when overtaking or turning is safe and permitted.

A yellow zigzag or yellow kerb marking indicates a no-stopping zone, commonly at bus stops and pedestrian crossings.

Traffic light sequence: red, red plus amber, green, amber, red; a flashing amber light means proceed with caution.

A traffic controller's signals take priority over traffic lights, and traffic lights take priority over road signs, which take priority over markings.

Give-way signs (inverted triangle) require yielding without necessarily stopping; the STOP sign requires a full stop at the line.

Direction signs with a green background indicate motorway routes; blue backgrounds indicate ordinary roads outside built-up areas.

The safe following distance in dry conditions is at least the distance travelled in two seconds; double it in rain and triple it on ice.

Braking distance grows with the square of speed: doubling speed quadruples the braking distance.

Total stopping distance equals reaction distance (speed × reaction time) plus braking distance.

In fog, use dipped headlights or fog lamps; do not use main beam, because it reflects off the fog and reduces visibility.

Aquaplaning occurs when tyres lose contact with a wet road; the response is to ease off the accelerator, avoid braking hard and hold the steering steady.

Blind spots must be checked by mirror and shoulder glance before changing lanes or pulling out.

On a motorway, keep right except when overtaking; the left lane is for overtaking, not for cruising.

Hazard perception means scanning far ahead, reading the road for junctions, parked vehicles and pedestrians, and anticipating rather than reacting.

Category AM covers mopeds up to 45 km/h and 50 cc; category A covers motorcycles, with A2 and A1 as restricted sub-categories.

Category B covers cars up to 3,500 kg with up to eight seats; a B licence also permits towing a trailer up to 750 kg.

Category C covers goods vehicles over 3,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg; category C1 covers goods vehicles from 3,500 to 7,500 kg.

Category D covers buses with more than eight passenger seats; D1 covers minibuses up to 16 seats.

Categories BE, CE and DE are trailer entitlements attached to the corresponding base category.

Drivers under 21 may not drive category C or D vehicles professionally; minimum ages are 18 for C and 21 for D.

A category C driver must hold a valid medical certificate and, for professional transport, a driver qualification card (code 95).

Vehicle categories are defined by maximum authorised mass, not by the vehicle's actual load at the time of driving.

A driving licence is valid for ten years for categories B and C; the medical fitness certificate must be renewed every five years after age 60.

The licence must be carried while driving; failure to produce it on request by the police is an offence.

Points are recorded against the licence for traffic offences; accumulation of points can lead to suspension.

A driver must report a change of address and any medical condition affecting fitness to drive.

Professional drivers must hold a certificate of professional competence (CPC) and complete periodic training of 35 hours every five years.

The driver is responsible for the vehicle's roadworthiness before each journey, including tyres, lights, brakes and load security.

A driver involved in an accident must stop, render assistance, exchange details and notify the police where required.

The minimum tread depth for category C tyres is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; tyres must match in size and type on the same axle.

The air brake system must be checked for pressure build-up and leak-down before driving; a pressure drop with the engine off indicates a leak.

The tachograph must be calibrated every two years and sealed; tampering is an offence.

Daily checks cover lights, indicators, mirrors, wipers, horn, brakes, tyres, fluid levels and load security.

The ABS warning lamp must extinguish after the self-test; if it stays on, the vehicle should not be driven until checked.

The maximum authorised mass (MAM) and axle loads are stated on the vehicle plate; overloading is an offence and affects braking.

The exhaust brake or retarder must be used on long descents to prevent brake fade.

A category C vehicle must carry a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit.

Maximum authorised dimensions for a rigid lorry: 12 m length, 2.55 m width, 4 m height; a road train may be up to 18.75 m.

Maximum gross vehicle weight for a rigid three-axle lorry is 26 t; for a four-axle rigid it is 32 t; for an articulated combination it is 40 t.

The load must be secured so that it cannot shift, fall or affect stability; the driver is responsible for load security.

Loads projecting more than 1 m beyond the rear must be marked with a warning flag or board; at night, with a red light.

The load must not obscure lights, reflectors, the registration plate or the driver's view.

A trailer up to 750 kg may be towed by a category B vehicle; heavier trailers require BE or the appropriate category.

Axle loads must not exceed the manufacturer's limits even if the gross weight is within the legal maximum.

Overloading is checked at weighbridges; penalties apply to the driver and the operator.

Daily driving limit is 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice a week.

Weekly driving limit is 56 hours; the two-week limit is 90 hours.

After 4.5 hours of driving, a break of at least 45 minutes is required, which may be split into 15 minutes plus 30 minutes.

Daily rest is 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours three times between weekly rests.

A weekly rest is 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours under conditions that require compensation.

The tachograph records driving, other work, availability and rest; manual entries must be made where required.

Drivers must carry tachograph records for the current day and the previous 28 days.

The 4.5-hour rule is measured by the tachograph; a break cannot be replaced by other work.

A digital tachograph records speed, distance, driving time and driver activity; the driver card is personal and must not be shared.

The driver must insert the card at the start of the shift and remove it at the end, making manual entries for any gaps.

The tachograph must be calibrated every two years; a calibration plaque is displayed in the vehicle.

The driver must carry a driver card, a printout if required, the CMR consignment note for international carriage and the vehicle documents.

The CMR note is the international consignment note for road freight; it identifies the parties, the goods and the route.

A driver qualification card (code 95) proves CPC compliance and must be carried.

Records must be produced on request by enforcement officers; failure to produce is an offence.

Printouts must be signed by the driver when used to replace missing records.

The first action at an accident scene is to secure the area: switch off engines, set the warning triangle and switch on hazard lights.

The emergency number in Bulgaria is 112; give location, number of casualties and hazards.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.

The recovery position is used for an unconscious but breathing casualty; check breathing and clear the airway.

For severe bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean dressing and elevate the limb if possible.

For a suspected spinal injury, keep the head and neck aligned and do not twist the casualty.

CPR ratio for adults is 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths; compression depth is 5–6 cm at 100–120 per minute.

After an accident, exchange names, addresses, insurance details and registration numbers, and do not leave the scene without justification.

Fuel consumption rises sharply above 90 km/h because aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed.

Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance; under-inflation increases fuel use and tyre wear.

Anticipatory driving, smooth acceleration and early gear changes reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Idling the engine wastes fuel; switch off when stationary for more than a short period.

Roof racks and unnecessary loads increase drag and weight, raising fuel consumption.

Euro emission standards classify engines by pollutant output; low-emission zones may restrict older vehicles.

Regular servicing, clean air filters and correct engine oil reduce emissions and fuel use.

Using air conditioning increases fuel consumption; use ventilation at low speeds and air conditioning at high speeds.

A category C licence permits driving goods vehicles over 3,500 kg with a trailer up to 750 kg; CE is required for heavier trailers.

The minimum age for category C is 18; for professional driving of C vehicles the driver must be at least 21 and hold a CPC.

The driver card and tachograph records must be produced on request; the licence and medical certificate must be valid.

The driver is responsible for the daily walk-around check and for reporting defects before departure.

The vehicle must have a valid periodic technical inspection (ГТП) and compulsory insurance.

A driver must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs driving.

Professional drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years.

The driver must ensure the load is secure and within the permitted dimensions and weights.

The air dryer and reservoir drains must be checked; water in the air system can freeze and disable the brakes.

The parking brake must hold the vehicle on a gradient; the test is part of the daily check.

The fifth-wheel coupling on a tractor unit must be checked for wear and correct locking before coupling.

The tachograph seal must be intact; a broken seal means the vehicle must be presented for calibration.

The load must be distributed so that axle loads are within limits and stability is maintained.

The ABS and EBS systems must be checked; warning lamps must extinguish after the self-test.

The tyres must be free of cuts, bulges and exposed cords; twin tyres must not touch.

The vehicle must carry a warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and, where required, wheel chocks.

The maximum height for a vehicle is 4 m; loads exceeding this require a special permit.

The maximum width is 2.55 m for a refrigerated vehicle and 2.55 m for a standard lorry; oversize loads require a permit.

A load projecting more than 1 m to the rear must be marked; at night it must carry a red light and reflector.

The load must not obscure the registration plate, lights or reflectors; if it does, duplicate plates and lights must be fitted.

The maximum gross combination weight for a road train is 40 t; for an articulated combination it is 40 t.

The trailer must be coupled with a safety connection and the breakaway cable must be attached.

The load must be secured with straps or chains rated for the load; the number of lashings depends on the load weight.

Overloading affects braking distance, tyre wear and stability; it is an offence.

A break of 45 minutes may be split into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes; the order matters.

Daily driving time is measured between two daily rests; it may not exceed 9 hours, or 10 hours twice a week.

The weekly rest must be taken within six consecutive 24-hour periods from the end of the previous weekly rest.

A reduced weekly rest of 24 hours must be compensated by an equivalent period attached to another rest within three weeks.

The driver must record other work and availability; these count toward the 4.5-hour break rule.

The tachograph must be used correctly; manual entries are required for any period not recorded automatically.

The driver must carry the previous 28 days of records and produce them on request.

Rest periods must be taken away from the vehicle where possible; a break may be taken in the vehicle if it has a bunk.

The digital tachograph card is personal; using another driver's card is an offence.

The driver must make manual entries for ferry crossings and other interruptions.

The CMR note is required for international carriage; it is not a substitute for the tachograph record.

The driver must carry the vehicle registration document, insurance certificate and, where required, the transport licence.

The tachograph must be calibrated every two years; the calibration plaque shows the next date.

Printouts must be signed and dated by the driver when used to replace missing records.

The driver must produce records on request; failure to do so is an offence.

The driver card must be renewed before expiry; an expired card cannot be used.

The emergency number 112 works across the EU; give the location, the number of casualties and the hazards.

The recovery position protects the airway; it is used for an unconscious but breathing casualty.

For severe bleeding, apply direct pressure and, if possible, elevate the limb; do not remove an embedded object.

For burns, cool with water for at least 10 minutes and do not remove clothing stuck to the burn.

For a suspected spinal injury, keep the head and neck aligned and do not move the casualty unless there is immediate danger.

CPR for adults uses 30 compressions to 2 breaths at 100–120 per minute with a depth of 5–6 cm.

After an accident, exchange details, do not leave the scene and notify the police where required.

The warning triangle must be placed at a sufficient distance to warn approaching traffic.

Fuel consumption increases with speed; driving at 90 km/h instead of 110 km/h can reduce consumption significantly.

Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and fuel use.

Anticipatory driving and smooth acceleration reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Idling wastes fuel; switch off the engine when stationary for more than a short period.

Roof racks and unnecessary loads increase drag and weight.

Regular servicing and clean filters reduce emissions and fuel use.

Air conditioning increases fuel consumption; use ventilation at low speeds.

Euro emission standards classify engines by pollutant output; low-emission zones may restrict older vehicles.