DR Congo Driving Theory Test cheat sheet

Sign shapes carry meaning: inverted triangle = yield (cédez le passage); octagon = stop; circle = regulatory prohibition or obligation; diamond = priority road; rectangle = information or direction.

Sign colours in DRC follow the Vienna Convention system: red ring = prohibition, blue disc = mandatory instruction, red triangle = danger warning, yellow/white rectangle = temporary or information.

A stop sign requires a complete halt at the stop line, or at the edge of the intersecting roadway when no line is painted, plus a check both ways before entering.

A yield sign requires slowing and giving way; a full stop is only mandatory if traffic or pedestrians are present.

Traffic light sequence: red, then red plus amber (prepare to move, do not proceed), then green, then amber (stop unless stopping is unsafe), then red.

Flashing amber at an intersection means the signals are out of order and the standard right-of-way rules apply; flashing red means stop then proceed when clear.

Continuous white edge line marks the carriageway limit; a continuous centre line means no crossing, a broken centre line permits overtaking when safe.

Zebra crossings give pedestrians absolute priority once they have stepped onto the crossing; approach speed must allow a stop.

A police officer's signals override traffic lights, signs and markings; an arm raised vertically means stop for all traffic facing the officer.

DRC drives on the right; overtaking is performed on the left except where a vehicle indicates a left turn, in which case passing on the right is permitted if there is room.

Default priority at an unsigned intersection: give way to traffic approaching from the right (priorité à droite).

A vehicle already in a roundabout has priority over vehicles entering it; entering traffic yields.

Priority road traffic keeps right-of-way over vehicles emerging from side roads, even if the priority vehicle is turning.

Emergency vehicles with siren and/or blue flashing lights have absolute priority; drivers must slow, pull to the right and stop if necessary.

At a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian who has begun to cross or shows clear intent to cross has priority over all vehicles.

Turning left across oncoming traffic requires yielding to that oncoming traffic and to pedestrians on the road being entered.

Minimum following distance: the two-second rule in dry conditions, doubled to four seconds in rain or on gravel, and further increased at night.

Speed limits in built-up areas are typically 50 km/h unless signed otherwise; outside built-up areas the limit is set by posted signs and reduced near schools, markets and junctions.

Tyre tread minimum legal depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; check pressure when tyres are cold.

Tyre pressure too low increases fuel consumption, heat build-up and blowout risk; too high reduces grip and increases uneven wear.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs moisture over time and should be replaced roughly every two years or per manufacturer schedule.

Engine oil level is checked with the dipstick on level ground with the engine off and cool; level must sit between the min and max marks.

Coolant must never be opened when the engine is hot; the pressurised system can cause severe scalding.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers; children must use an appropriate child restraint, never a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.

A vehicle must carry a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit; the triangle is placed about 30 m behind the vehicle on a straight road.

Headlights, brake lights, indicators and the horn must all function; a defective brake light is a common cause of rear-end collisions.

Battery terminals showing white or green corrosion should be cleaned and the connection tightened; a slipping alternator belt prevents charging.

Scanning pattern: look 12-15 seconds ahead in urban areas and further on open road; check mirrors every 5-8 seconds.

The two-second gap becomes four seconds in rain and up to ten seconds on wet gravel or in fog, because stopping distance grows faster than reaction distance.

Stopping distance = thinking distance (speed x reaction time) + braking distance; braking distance rises with the square of speed, so doubling speed quadruples it.

Aquaplaning occurs when water lifts the tyres off the road; response is to ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight and avoid braking hard.

In fog, use dipped headlights or fog lights, never full beam, which reflects back and reduces visibility.

A hazard is any element requiring a change of speed or direction: parked cars with occupants, children near the road, market stalls, animals, potholes and motorbikes weaving.

Overtaking is prohibited on blind crests, blind bends, at pedestrian crossings, at railway crossings and where a continuous line prohibits it.

Fatigue impairs reaction time comparably to alcohol; after about two hours of continuous driving a break of at least 15 minutes is required.

In heavy rain, potholes fill with water and hide depth; slow down and avoid driving through flooded sections whose depth is unknown.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence; any measurable alcohol level impairs judgement and the safest legal limit is zero.

The driving licence is a points-based document in DRC practice: offences such as speeding, red-light running and phone use carry points and fines, and accumulation leads to suspension.

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

Failure to stop after an accident involving injury is a serious offence (délit de fuite) carrying imprisonment as well as a fine.

Driving without a valid licence, without insurance or with an expired roadworthiness certificate is an offence and grounds for vehicle immobilisation.

Refusing to submit to a breathalyser or blood test is itself an offence and is treated as severely as driving over the limit.

Excessive speed, dangerous overtaking and ignoring a stop sign or red light are the offences most frequently linked to fatal crashes.

Seat-belt and child-restraint non-compliance is sanctioned on the driver, who is responsible for all occupants of the vehicle.

Corruption-adjacent conduct: never pay an on-the-spot fine without an official receipt; fines are payable through the competent authority.

Accident sequence: protect (warning triangle, hazard lights, high-visibility vest), alert (police and ambulance), then assist within your competence.

Never move an injured person unless there is fire, risk of further collision or the airway is obstructed; suspected spinal injury makes movement dangerous.

Unconscious but breathing casualty: place in the recovery position on the side, head tilted back, and monitor breathing continuously.

Not breathing: begin chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, about 5-6 cm deep, with 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth and elevate the limb; do not remove an object impaled in a wound.

Burns: cool with clean running water for at least 10 minutes, never apply oil, butter or ice, and do not burst blisters.

Shock signs: pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, confusion and thirst; keep the casualty warm, lying down, and do not give food or drink.

At the scene, exchange details (name, address, insurer, policy and registration numbers) with the other party and record witness contacts.

Report the accident to the police within the legally required delay; an official report is needed for insurance claims.

Documents required while driving: valid driving licence of the correct category, vehicle registration document (carte grise), valid insurance certificate and valid roadworthiness certificate.

The driving licence must match the vehicle category: A for motorcycles, B for light vehicles, C for heavy goods vehicles and D for passenger transport.

Learner drivers must display a distinguishing mark and drive only when accompanied by a qualified driver holding the relevant category.

Vehicle insurance covering third-party liability is compulsory; driving uninsured is an offence and owners are liable for damage caused.

The technical inspection (contrôle technique) is periodic and its validity is shown on a sticker or certificate; an expired inspection invalidates the vehicle for road use.

The carte grise records the owner, the registration number and the vehicle's technical characteristics; a change of ownership must be registered.

A medical certificate of fitness is required for certain licence categories, particularly professional and passenger-transport licences.

Licences have a validity period and must be renewed; driving with an expired licence is treated as driving without a licence.

The vehicle must display valid registration plates, front and rear, legible and not obscured.

Check tyre tread and pressure weekly; check oil, coolant and brake fluid at least weekly and before long journeys.

A brake pedal that feels spongy or travels too far indicates air in the hydraulic circuit or a fluid leak; the vehicle must not be driven.

Steering that pulls to one side suggests incorrect tyre pressure, uneven tyre wear or misaligned suspension.

The handbrake must hold the vehicle on a slope; a handbrake lever that travels to the end of its travel needs adjustment.

Warning lights: red oil-can light means stop immediately; red battery light means the charging system has failed; red brake light means a brake fault.

Windscreen washer fluid and wiper blades must be serviceable; worn blades smear and reduce visibility in rain.

A spare wheel, jack and wheel brace must be present and in working order; wheel nuts are loosened before the vehicle is jacked up.

The exhaust emitting persistent blue smoke indicates oil burning; black smoke indicates over-fuelling or a clogged air filter.

Mirrors must be adjusted before moving off: the interior mirror shows the road behind, the door mirrors show the adjacent lanes with minimal bodywork visible.

A yellow diamond sign indicates a priority road; the same sign with a black diagonal bar indicates the end of priority.

A red-bordered circle with a black number is a speed limit; a blue circle with a number is a minimum speed.

A blue square with a white arrow indicates a one-way street; a red-bordered circle with a white bar means no entry.

A red-bordered circle with a black car and a red diagonal means no motor vehicles; a blue circle with a pedestrian means a compulsory footpath.

Level crossing with barriers: a red-bordered triangle with a fence symbol; without barriers: a triangle with a steam train symbol.

A triangle with a pedestrian symbol warns of a pedestrian crossing ahead; a blue square with a walking figure marks the crossing itself.

Road markings: yellow zigzags or a yellow line at a bus stop mean no parking; a solid white line at the edge marks the carriageway boundary.

Directional arrows painted on the road indicate the lane's permitted direction; a straight-ahead arrow in a lane means no turning from that lane.

A sign with a red border and a black symbol crossed by a red diagonal indicates the end of the prohibition.

At a T-junction with no signs, traffic on the continuing road has priority over traffic emerging from the terminating road, unless the right-hand rule applies.

A vehicle turning left must give way to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.

A vehicle entering a road from a private driveway, petrol station or parking area must give way to all traffic on the road.

Buses leaving a designated stop in a built-up area may have priority; drivers should anticipate and allow them to pull out where signed.

At an unmarked pedestrian crossing, pedestrians already crossing have priority; drivers must be able to stop within the distance they can see to be clear.

Traffic circles: indicate right on approach where required, and indicate left before leaving; yield to traffic already circulating.

Narrow road with an obstacle on your side: you must give way to oncoming traffic; if the obstacle is on their side, you proceed.

At a railway crossing with a barrier down or lights flashing, stop and wait; never attempt to cross around a lowered barrier.

When two vehicles arrive simultaneously at a four-way stop, the vehicle on the right proceeds first; if opposite and both go straight, both may proceed.

The four-second following rule applies in rain; in fog or at night with poor visibility, increase further and reduce speed so you can stop within the visible distance.

Overtaking a heavy lorry requires extra time: drop back to see past it, check mirrors and blind spot, indicate, and do not linger alongside.

A parked car with a driver inside or brake lights on may pull out or open a door; create a lateral gap of at least one metre where possible.

Children, pedestrians carrying loads, and animals near the roadside are unpredictable; reduce speed and cover the brake when passing markets or schools.

Motorcycles and mopeds weaving through traffic are a leading hazard in Congolese cities; check mirrors and blind spots before any lane change.

In rain, road markings and metal surfaces such as manhole covers become slippery; brake earlier and more gently.

Night driving: reduce speed so stopping distance stays within the lit area; dip headlights for oncoming traffic to avoid dazzling.

The blind spot is not covered by mirrors; a shoulder check before changing lanes or pulling out is essential.

Horn use is for warning of danger only, not for expressing impatience; excessive horn use is a nuisance offence.

Emergency call: give the exact location, the number of casualties, the type of injuries and any fire or fuel spill, then stay on the line.

Check responsiveness by speaking and gently shaking the shoulders; check breathing by looking, listening and feeling for up to 10 seconds.

Recovery position: the casualty lies on their side, lower arm forward, upper leg bent, head tilted back to keep the airway open.

CPR ratio for adults is 30 compressions to 2 breaths; if unwilling or unable to give breaths, perform compression-only CPR.

Do not give an unconscious casualty anything by mouth; do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless the airway is at risk.

Fracture: immobilise the limb in the position found, support it and do not attempt to realign it.

Bleeding from the nose or ears after a head injury may indicate a skull fracture; keep the casualty still and call for help.

At the scene, switch off the ignition of the damaged vehicle and do not smoke near a fuel leak.

Keep a written record of what you did and when; this helps the emergency services and the insurance claim.

Running a red light, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and dangerous overtaking are classified as serious offences.

Driving while disqualified or with a suspended licence is an offence; the vehicle may be seized.

Carrying more passengers than the vehicle is designed for is an offence and invalidates insurance cover for the excess.

Driving a vehicle that is unroadworthy (bald tyres, defective brakes or lights) is an offence regardless of whether a crash occurs.

Hit-and-run with injury carries imprisonment; stopping, identifying yourself and assisting the injured are legal obligations.

Failing to give way to an emergency vehicle is an offence; obstructing a police officer in the execution of duty is separately sanctioned.

Driving without a valid licence or insurance can result in a fine, vehicle immobilisation and, for repeat offences, imprisonment.

Aggressive driving, tailgating and deliberate horn abuse are treated as conduct offences and can lead to licence suspension.

Penalties escalate for repeat offences within a set period; a record of prior offences is considered by the court.

The driving licence must be carried at all times when driving and produced on demand to a police officer.

Insurance must cover at least third-party liability; a valid certificate or sticker must be displayed or produced on demand.

The technical inspection certificate is issued after a periodic check of brakes, lights, steering, emissions and chassis integrity.

A change of address or of vehicle ownership must be declared to the registration authority within the prescribed period.

Professional drivers of passenger transport (category D) need a medical certificate and, where applicable, a professional competence card.

A learner may only drive a vehicle of the category being learned and must be accompanied by a qualified driver.

The registration document (carte grise) must match the vehicle's engine and chassis numbers; mismatches indicate an irregular vehicle.

Driving with an expired technical inspection or insurance is treated as driving without valid documents and is sanctioned accordingly.

Keep copies of documents separately from originals; the originals must still be produced on demand.

The safe tyre pressure is specified by the manufacturer and shown on a placard or in the handbook; it is not the maximum pressure moulded on the tyre sidewall.

Check the spare tyre as well; a flat spare is useless when needed.

Brake pads should be replaced when the friction material is worn to about 2-3 mm; a squeal or metal-on-metal sound means immediate replacement.

The cooling system must be checked when cold; the level should sit between the min and max marks on the expansion tank.

Lights to check before every journey: headlights (dip and main), indicators, brake lights, reversing lights and hazard lights.

A vehicle that has been standing should have its battery, tyres and fluid levels checked before use.

Overloading increases braking distance and tyre wear and makes the vehicle unstable; respect the maximum authorised mass.

A worn shock absorber shows as continued bouncing after a push test; it lengthens stopping distance and reduces grip.

The horn must be audible from a reasonable distance; a silent horn is a defect.

A red-bordered triangle with a black exclamation mark warns of an unspecified danger ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop.

A red-bordered triangle with a winding road symbol warns of a series of bends; the first bend direction is shown by the symbol.

A blue circle with a white bicycle means a compulsory cycle track; cyclists must use it and other vehicles must not.

A rectangular sign with a white P on a blue background means parking permitted; a red diagonal bar across it means no parking.

A sign with a red border and the word STOP in white on red is the only octagonal sign; it always requires a full stop.

A triangle with a cross symbol warns of a crossroads ahead where the right-hand priority rule may apply.

A blue square with a white arrow pointing down-left indicates the side on which to pass an obstacle or traffic island.

Temporary roadworks signs have a yellow background; they override the permanent signs they replace.

A continuous yellow line along the kerb means no parking or waiting at any time; a broken yellow line means no parking during stated hours.

A vehicle reversing must give way to all other traffic and to pedestrians; reversing from a side road onto a main road is prohibited where it endangers others.

A vehicle leaving a parking space must give way to vehicles already on the carriageway.

At a junction controlled by a police officer, the officer's signals override lights and signs; stop when the arm is raised toward you.

When an emergency vehicle approaches with siren, pull to the right and stop; do not stop in the middle of a junction.

A pedestrian already on a zebra crossing has absolute priority; a driver must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the lane.

At a roundabout, indicate right on approach if the layout requires it, and always indicate left before the exit you intend to take.

A vehicle towing a trailer must not exceed the speed limit for towing and must keep to the right-hand lane on multi-lane roads.

At a level crossing, if the barrier is down or the lights flash, stop; if the crossing is clear and no train is approaching, proceed without stopping.

When two vehicles meet on a narrow hill, the descending vehicle has priority unless it is easier for it to reverse.

The three-second rule applies at speeds above about 50 km/h; at 90 km/h the gap should be at least four seconds.

Wet road braking distance can double; on gravel or mud it can more than triple, so speed must be reduced accordingly.

Before overtaking, ask: is it legal, is it necessary, and can I complete it before the hazard ahead? If any answer is no, do not overtake.

A blind crest or bend hides oncoming traffic; never overtake where you cannot see far enough to complete the manoeuvre safely.

When a vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, brake firmly and check the mirror before changing direction to avoid the obstacle.

Roadside markets, pedestrians carrying loads and livestock are common hazards in DRC; reduce speed well before them and be ready to stop.

In urban traffic, maintain a gap that allows you to see the rear tyres of the vehicle ahead; this gives room to manoeuvre.

Distraction from phones, passengers or the radio increases reaction time; set navigation and music before moving off.

At night, use main beam only when no oncoming traffic is within about 200 m; dip early to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Protect the scene first: hazard lights on, warning triangle about 30 m behind on a straight road and further on a bend or crest.

Call the emergency services and give the location using landmarks, road names and the direction of travel.

Check the airway, breathing and circulation in that order; only then address bleeding and fractures.

Do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless the airway is obstructed; if removal is essential, two people should support the head and neck.

For a suspected spinal injury, keep the casualty still and support the head in line with the spine until help arrives.

Do not give food or drink to an injured person; they may need surgery and swallowing may be impaired.

For a chemical or fuel spill, keep bystanders away, do not smoke, and warn the emergency services on arrival.

Record the other party's details and those of any witnesses; take photographs of the scene and vehicle positions if safe.

Stay at the scene until the police have recorded the accident unless you need medical treatment yourself.

The legal alcohol limit is effectively zero for professional and novice drivers; any alcohol impairs reaction time and judgement.

Drug-impaired driving is treated like alcohol-impaired driving; refusal to be tested is an offence.

Racing, stunts and driving on the pavement are classified as dangerous driving and carry the heaviest penalties.

Driving a vehicle with a false or altered registration plate or document is fraud as well as a traffic offence.

Using a phone at the wheel, even at a red light, is an offence; the engine need not be running for the offence to apply.

Failing to stop for a police officer directing traffic is an offence; obey the officer's signals even if they contradict the lights.

Insurance fraud (staged accidents, false claims) is a criminal offence separate from any traffic sanction.

Repeat offences within a short period lead to licence suspension or withdrawal; the court considers the record.

Fines must be paid through the official channel and a receipt obtained; unofficial payments are not valid discharge.

The driving licence categories follow the international system: A (motorcycles), B (cars up to 3.5 t), C (lorries), D (buses), E (trailers).

A category B licence covers a vehicle up to 3,500 kg with up to eight passenger seats in addition to the driver.

A learner must hold a provisional entitlement and drive only with a qualified accompanying driver; motorways and certain roads may be prohibited.

The technical inspection is required periodically and its validity is recorded; an expired inspection is an offence.

Third-party insurance is compulsory; the certificate must be produced on demand and the policy number recorded after an accident.

The registration document records the owner and vehicle details; the owner is liable for offences committed with the vehicle unless another driver is identified.

A medical certificate is required for professional licences and for drivers with certain medical conditions.

Licence renewal is required at the end of the validity period; driving with an expired licence is an offence.

Keep the vehicle's documents in the vehicle; producing them on demand is a legal obligation.

Check the engine oil with the dipstick on level ground with the engine off; the level must be between the min and max marks.

Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot; the pressurised coolant can cause severe burns.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture and must be replaced periodically; a low level indicates a leak or worn pads.

Tyre tread must be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters; replace tyres showing cracks, bulges or exposed cords.

Check tyre pressures when cold; under-inflation causes overheating and increases the risk of a blowout.

The battery should be secure, terminals clean and tight; a battery that turns the engine slowly indicates a weak charge or a failing alternator.

Windscreen wipers and washer fluid must be serviceable; worn blades smear and reduce visibility in rain.

A warning triangle, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit must be carried and in working order.

A spare wheel, jack and wheel brace must be present; loosen wheel nuts before jacking the vehicle.

A red-bordered circle with a white horizontal bar means no entry for all vehicles; it is often placed at the exit of a one-way street.

A blue circle with a white arrow pointing straight ahead means proceed straight only; turning is prohibited.

A red-bordered triangle with a bicycle symbol warns of cyclists ahead or a cycle crossing.

A red-bordered triangle with a cow or animal symbol warns of livestock on the road; reduce speed and be ready to stop.

A blue square with a white bed symbol indicates a hospital or clinic; a red cross on white indicates a first-aid post.

A yellow diamond with a black border marks a priority road; the same sign with a black diagonal bar marks its end.

A red-bordered circle with a black motorcycle means no motorcycles; a blue circle with a motorcycle means a compulsory motorcycle route.

Road markings: a broken white line in the centre permits overtaking when safe; a double continuous line prohibits crossing in either direction.

A white arrow painted on the road shows the permitted direction for that lane; a straight arrow means no turn from that lane.

At an unsigned crossroads, the right-hand priority rule applies: yield to vehicles approaching from your right.

A vehicle on a priority road keeps right-of-way even when turning; vehicles emerging from side roads must yield.

A vehicle already in a roundabout has priority over entering traffic; entering drivers yield.

A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.

A vehicle leaving a private driveway or petrol station must yield to all traffic on the road.

Emergency vehicles with siren and blue lights have absolute priority; pull to the right and stop if necessary.

At a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian who has begun to cross has absolute priority; approach at a speed that allows a stop.

At a level crossing with a lowered barrier or flashing red lights, stop and wait; never cross around a barrier.

When two vehicles meet on a narrow road and one must reverse, the descending vehicle normally reverses unless it is easier for the other.

The two-second rule applies in dry conditions; double it in rain and increase further in fog or at night.

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

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight and avoid hard braking until grip returns.

In fog, use dipped headlights or fog lights, never main beam, which reflects back and reduces visibility.

Before overtaking, check mirrors, blind spot and the road ahead; abort the manoeuvre if you cannot see far enough to complete it.

A parked car with occupants or brake lights on may pull out or open a door; leave at least a metre of lateral clearance.

Children, pedestrians carrying loads and livestock near the road are unpredictable; reduce speed and cover the brake.

Motorcycles weaving through traffic are a leading hazard in cities; check mirrors and blind spots before any lane change.

Fatigue impairs reaction time; take a break of at least 15 minutes after about two hours of continuous driving.

Protect the scene: hazard lights on, warning triangle about 30 m behind on a straight road, further on a bend or crest.

Alert the emergency services and give the exact location, number of casualties and type of injuries.

Check responsiveness and breathing for up to 10 seconds before starting CPR.

Unconscious but breathing: place in the recovery position on the side, head tilted back, and monitor breathing.

Not breathing: chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, 5-6 cm deep, 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth and elevate the limb; do not remove an impaled object.

Burns: cool with clean running water for at least 10 minutes; never apply oil, butter or ice.

Shock: pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse and confusion; keep the casualty warm and lying down, give nothing by mouth.

Exchange details with the other party and record witness contacts; report the accident to the police within the required delay.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence; the safest legal limit is zero.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited; only hands-free equipment is allowed.

Failure to stop after an accident involving injury (délit de fuite) carries imprisonment as well as a fine.

Driving without a valid licence, insurance or technical inspection is an offence and grounds for immobilisation.

Refusing a breathalyser or blood test is an offence treated as severely as driving over the limit.

Speeding, dangerous overtaking and ignoring a stop sign or red light are the offences most often linked to fatal crashes.

Seat-belt and child-restraint non-compliance is sanctioned on the driver, who is responsible for all occupants.

Running a red light, wrong-way driving and dangerous overtaking are classified as serious offences.

Penalties escalate for repeat offences within a set period; the court considers the record.

Documents required while driving: valid licence of the correct category, registration document, insurance certificate and valid technical inspection.

Licence categories: A motorcycles, B light vehicles up to 3.5 t, C heavy goods, D passenger transport, E trailers.

Learner drivers must display a distinguishing mark and drive only when accompanied by a qualified driver.

Third-party insurance is compulsory; driving uninsured is an offence and the owner is liable for damage caused.

The technical inspection is periodic; an expired inspection invalidates the vehicle for road use.

The registration document records the owner and vehicle details; a change of ownership must be registered.

A medical certificate of fitness is required for professional and passenger-transport licences.

Licences have a validity period and must be renewed; driving with an expired licence is an offence.

Registration plates must be displayed front and rear, legible and not obscured.

Check tyre tread and pressure weekly; check oil, coolant and brake fluid at least weekly and before long journeys.

A spongy brake pedal indicates air in the hydraulic circuit or a fluid leak; the vehicle must not be driven.

Steering that pulls to one side suggests incorrect tyre pressure, uneven wear or misaligned suspension.

The handbrake must hold the vehicle on a slope; a lever that travels to the end of its travel needs adjustment.

Warning lights: red oil-can means stop immediately; red battery means charging failure; red brake light means a brake fault.

Windscreen washer fluid and wiper blades must be serviceable; worn blades smear and reduce visibility.

A spare wheel, jack and wheel brace must be present and in working order; loosen wheel nuts before jacking.

Persistent blue exhaust smoke indicates oil burning; black smoke indicates over-fuelling or a clogged air filter.

Adjust mirrors before moving off: the interior mirror shows the road behind, the door mirrors show adjacent lanes with minimal bodywork visible.

Inverted triangle = yield; octagon = stop; circle = regulatory; diamond = priority road; rectangle = information.

Red ring = prohibition; blue disc = mandatory instruction; red triangle = danger warning.

A stop sign requires a complete halt at the stop line or at the edge of the roadway, plus a check both ways before entering.

A yield sign requires slowing and giving way; a full stop is only mandatory if traffic or pedestrians are present.

Traffic light sequence: red, red plus amber (prepare, do not proceed), green, amber (stop unless unsafe), red.

Flashing amber means the signals are out of order and standard right-of-way rules apply; flashing red means stop then proceed when clear.

A continuous white edge line marks the carriageway limit; a continuous centre line means no crossing.

Zebra crossings give pedestrians absolute priority once they step onto the crossing; approach speed must allow a stop.

A police officer's signals override lights, signs and markings; a raised arm means stop for all traffic facing the officer.

DRC drives on the right; overtaking is on the left except where a vehicle indicates a left turn, when passing on the right is permitted if there is room.

Default priority at an unsigned intersection: yield to traffic approaching from the right (priorité à droite).

A vehicle already in a roundabout has priority over entering traffic.

Priority road traffic keeps right-of-way over vehicles emerging from side roads, even when turning.

Emergency vehicles with siren and blue lights have absolute priority; slow, pull to the right and stop if necessary.

At a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian who has begun to cross or shows clear intent has priority over all vehicles.

Turning left across oncoming traffic requires yielding to that traffic and to pedestrians on the road being entered.

Minimum following distance: two seconds in dry conditions, four in rain or on gravel, more at night.

Speed limits in built-up areas are typically 50 km/h unless signed otherwise; limits are reduced near schools and markets.

Scanning pattern: look 12-15 seconds ahead in urban areas and further on open road; check mirrors every 5-8 seconds.

The two-second gap becomes four in rain and up to ten on wet gravel or in fog.

Stopping distance = thinking distance plus braking distance; braking distance rises with the square of speed.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight and avoid hard braking.

In fog, use dipped headlights or fog lights, never main beam.

A hazard is anything requiring a change of speed or direction: parked cars with occupants, children, market stalls, animals, potholes and weaving motorbikes.

Overtaking is prohibited on blind crests, blind bends, at pedestrian crossings, at railway crossings and where a continuous line prohibits it.

Fatigue impairs reaction time comparably to alcohol; take a break of at least 15 minutes after about two hours.

In heavy rain, potholes fill with water and hide depth; slow down and avoid flooded sections of unknown depth.