Belarus GAI Theory C key terms

An event involving a moving vehicle on a road that causes injury, death, or damage to vehicles, cargo, roads, or other property. Drivers must stop, warn others, and report it to the police.

The part of the road used for vehicle movement, excluding sidewalks, shoulders, and dividing strips. Its width and lane count determine where a Category C truck may travel and overtake.

A longitudinal strip of the carriageway wide enough for one row of vehicles. Trucks must normally keep to the right-hand lanes and use the left lanes only for overtaking or turning.

The unpaved or reinforced strip beside the carriageway at the same level. Driving, stopping, and parking on it are generally prohibited except in specified cases such as an emergency.

A place where roads meet or cross at the same level. The type of junction, regulated or unregulated, decides who yields and which manoeuvres are allowed.

A road marked with priority signs or otherwise designated as dominant at junctions. Vehicles on it have the right of way over traffic entering from secondary roads.

To refrain from starting, continuing, or resuming movement if doing so would force other road users, who have priority, to change speed or direction.

Passing another moving vehicle by entering an adjacent lane or the oncoming traffic lane and then returning. It is banned at crossings, on bends with limited visibility, and where signs prohibit it.

Moving past another vehicle without leaving your own lane, for example when the other vehicle is slower or stopped. Unlike overtaking, it does not require entering the oncoming lane.

Stopping is a deliberate halt for up to five minutes or for loading and unloading; parking is any longer halt. Both are restricted near crossings, bends, and bus stops.

Lines, arrows, and symbols painted on the road surface that regulate lanes, stopping places, and priority. Drivers must follow them together with signs and signals.

A continuous painted line along the carriageway that may not be crossed. It separates opposing traffic flows or marks the edge of the road where crossing is unsafe.

A signal device with coloured lights controlling traffic at junctions and crossings. A flashing yellow light means the signal is off and drivers must apply the priority rules for unregulated junctions.

A police officer or authorised person directing traffic by hand and body signals. Their instructions override traffic lights, signs, and road markings, so drivers must obey them first.

The hazard lights that flash all indicators at once. They must be switched on after a breakdown, during towing, and whenever the vehicle poses a danger to other traffic.

A portable warning triangle placed behind a stopped vehicle to alert approaching drivers. It must be set at a distance that gives others enough time to react safely.

A periodic official inspection confirming that a vehicle meets safety and environmental standards. A valid inspection certificate is required to drive and to obtain compulsory insurance.

The components that slow and stop the vehicle, including service, parking, and auxiliary brakes. Trucks must have a working parking brake that holds the loaded vehicle on a slope.

An on-board device that records driving time, speed, and rest periods. Category C drivers must use it and respect the limits on continuous driving and daily rest.

The legal schedule of driving periods, breaks, and daily and weekly rest for professional drivers. Exceeding the limits causes fatigue and is an administrative offence.

The decline in attention and reaction speed caused by long driving, poor sleep, or illness. It is a major crash factor, so drivers must stop and rest before it impairs control.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, long enough to stop if it brakes suddenly. It must grow with speed, load weight, and poor road or weather conditions.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It rises sharply with speed and is longer for a loaded truck or on wet ground.

Loss of tyre contact with the road because a layer of water builds between them. Steering and braking become ineffective, so drivers must slow down in heavy rain.

The weight of the cargo carried by a truck. It must not exceed the vehicle's permitted payload, and it must be distributed so that axle loads stay within limits.

The rules for loading cargo so it cannot shift, fall, or obstruct the driver's view and lights. Loads must be secured with straps or other devices before the trip begins.

The permitted width, height, and length of a loaded vehicle. Cargo projecting beyond the limits must be marked and may require a special permit for the route.

Carrying people in a vehicle designed and equipped for them. In a truck, passengers may ride only in a cab or a properly fitted body, never in the cargo area.

A restraint that holds occupants in their seats during sudden braking or impact. Drivers and all passengers must wear one wherever seats are fitted with belts.

The official licence permitting a person to drive a given vehicle category. Driving a truck without the correct category, or while disqualified, carries administrative and criminal liability.

The papers a driver must carry and show on request: licence, vehicle registration, insurance, and for trucks the waybill and inspection certificate. Missing documents lead to fines.

Compulsory civil liability insurance covering harm caused to other road users. Driving without a valid policy is an offence and the driver bears the costs personally.

A penalty withdrawing the right to drive for a set period, imposed for serious offences such as drunk driving or refusing a medical test. Driving during the ban is a criminal matter.

An official test for alcohol or drugs in the body, ordered when a driver is suspected of impairment. Refusing to undergo it is treated as an admission of intoxication.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before medical help arrives, such as stopping bleeding, restoring breathing, and preventing shock. It must never worsen the injury.

Halting blood loss by direct pressure on the wound, a pressure bandage, or a tourniquet as a last resort. It is the first priority in severe injury after securing the scene.

Chest compressions combined with rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen moving when a person has stopped breathing and has no pulse. It continues until help arrives.

A life-threatening drop in blood circulation after severe injury or blood loss, shown by pale skin, rapid weak pulse, and confusion. Keep the casualty warm and lying down.

Loss of grip by the rear wheels, causing the back of the vehicle to slide sideways. The driver should ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction of the skid.