Pedestrian Crossings, Passenger Transport and Railway Crossings
Pedestrian crossings
Approach a crossing ready to stop. Give way to pedestrians on the crossing and to those who have stepped onto it. Do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing - a pedestrian may be hidden in front of it. Do not stop on the crossing or within the zigzag markings. At unmarked crossings, pedestrians still have priority once they are on the carriageway.
Passenger transport
Give way to buses and trolleybuses pulling out from a marked stop in a built-up area - this is a duty, not a courtesy. Do not stop at bus stops except to pick up or set down passengers, and then only where permitted. When passing a stopped tram, watch for passengers crossing in front of it.
Railway crossings
Approach with care; slow down and be ready to stop. A STOP at a crossing means a complete stop regardless of whether a train is visible. Barriers, flashing red lights, bells or a raised barrier arm all mean stop. Never enter a crossing if the exit is blocked - you could be trapped. Overtaking, reversing and U-turns are prohibited at railway crossings. Do not stop closer than the marked distance to the rails.
Traps
Questions test whether you must yield to a bus leaving a stop (yes, in built-up areas), whether you may overtake at a crossing (no), and whether a raised barrier with a red light means go (no - the red light governs). Another trap: a pedestrian waiting at the kerb does not yet have priority, but one who has stepped onto the crossing does.
Rule of thumb
At any crossing - pedestrian or railway - "expect the hidden": assume someone or something is behind the stopped vehicle or the barrier.
Vehicle Lighting, Warning Signals and Special Conditions
Lighting
Use dipped headlights at night and in poor visibility, and during the day outside built-up areas (and in tunnels). Main beam may be used on unlit roads when it does not dazzle; dip it when meeting oncoming traffic, when following closely, and when a vehicle ahead may be dazzled. Fog lights are for fog, heavy rain or snow. Hazard warning lights signal a breakdown, an emergency stop, or a hazard ahead; they do not grant priority. Side lights alone are insufficient at night on a moving vehicle.
Warning signals
The horn may be used only to warn of danger, and is banned in built-up areas except to prevent an accident. Flashing headlights may warn of danger but must not be used to demand priority. Direction indicators must be used before every manoeuvre and cancelled afterwards.
Special conditions
In fog, rain, snow or ice: reduce speed, increase following distance, use dipped lights, avoid sudden braking and steering. On ice, brake gently and steer smoothly. In strong crosswind, reduce speed and hold the wheel firmly. In a tunnel, use dipped lights, keep distance, do not stop, reverse or U-turn.
Traps
Questions test whether hazard lights give priority (no), whether fog lights may be used in clear weather (no), and whether you may flash headlights to demand passage (no). Another trap: daytime running lights are not a substitute for dipped headlights in poor visibility.
Rule of thumb
"See and be seen." If you can see less than about 300 m, use dipped headlights regardless of time of day; if you cannot stop within the visible distance, slow down.
First Aid, Safety Equipment and Vehicle Condition
First aid priorities
Assess the scene for danger, call emergency services (112 in Belarus), then check responsiveness, breathing and circulation. Control severe bleeding with direct pressure. For a suspected spinal injury, do not move the casualty unless there is immediate danger. For burns, cool with clean water. Do not give food or drink to an unconscious casualty. Know the recovery position.
Safety equipment
Every vehicle must carry a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a warning triangle and a reflective vest. Place the triangle at the required distance behind the vehicle - typically 15–30 m in built-up areas and 30–100 m outside them, and further on motorways. Wear the reflective vest when outside the vehicle at night or in poor visibility. A spare wheel and tools are required for most vehicles.
Vehicle condition
Tyres must have legal tread depth and correct pressure; brakes, lights, steering and wipers must work. Do not drive a vehicle with a defect that affects safety. Loads must be secure and must not obstruct lights, plates or the driver's view.
Traps
Questions test the warning triangle distance (not "a few metres") and whether the extinguisher is required (yes). Another trap: moving an injured motorcyclist's helmet - do not remove it unless necessary to maintain the airway. A third: giving water to an unconscious person is dangerous.
Rule of thumb
"D-R-S-A-B-C": Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Follow it in order and you will not miss the essentials.