Swiss Category C Theory (Truck) flashcards

35 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Maximum speed for trucks

On Swiss motorways and outside built-up areas, trucks over 3.5 t are limited to 80 km/h; in built-up areas the limit is 50 km/h unless signs indicate otherwise.

Following distance rule

A truck must maintain a minimum following distance in metres equal to half the speed in km/h; for example, at 80 km/h the minimum gap is 40 metres.

Red traffic light

A red light requires a complete stop before the stop line; proceeding is prohibited until the light turns green, except when a police officer directs otherwise.

Continuous white line

A continuous white line in the centre of the road may not be crossed or straddled; it indicates that overtaking or turning across it is prohibited.

Air brake pressure check

Before driving, the air brake system must reach at least 5.5 bar; a warning buzzer sounds below this pressure, and the vehicle must not be driven until pressure is restored.

Minimum tyre tread depth

Truck tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm in the main circumferential grooves; tyres below this limit are illegal and unsafe, especially in wet conditions.

Load securing lashing capacity

The required lashing capacity (LC) is calculated as the load mass times acceleration coefficient (0.8 g forward, 0.5 g sideways/rearward) minus friction, divided by the number of lashings.

Fifth wheel coupling check

After coupling, visually confirm the kingpin is fully engaged and the locking lever is secured; perform a pull test by gently driving forward with the trailer brake applied.

Braking distance formula

Braking distance d equals v squared divided by twice the deceleration a (d = v² / 2a); at 80 km/h (22.2 m/s) with a = 5 m/s², d is about 49 metres.

Total stopping distance

Total stopping distance is the sum of reaction distance (speed times reaction time, typically 1 second) and braking distance; at 80 km/h it is about 22 metres plus braking distance.

Centrifugal force in curves

Centrifugal force Fc equals mass times speed squared divided by curve radius (Fc = m v² / r); doubling speed quadruples the force, increasing rollover risk for high-centre-of-gravity trucks.

Aquaplaning recovery

If aquaplaning occurs, ease off the accelerator, hold the steering steady, and avoid sudden braking; grip returns as speed decreases and the tyres regain contact with the road.

MSM routine

Mirror–Signal–Manoeuvre: check mirrors, signal intention, then perform the manoeuvre; always include a blind-spot check over the shoulder before changing lanes.

Two-second following rule

In good conditions, maintain at least a two-second gap behind the vehicle ahead; in rain, darkness, or with a heavy load, double the gap to four seconds.

Overtaking safety

Before overtaking, ensure the road ahead is clear, check mirrors, signal, and accelerate decisively; abort if unsure, and never overtake on bends, hills, or where prohibited.

Fog light usage

Use rear fog lights only when visibility is below 50 metres; switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Maximum authorised width

In Switzerland, the maximum authorised width for trucks is 2.55 metres; refrigerated vehicles may be 2.60 metres to allow for insulation thickness.

Maximum authorised mass

The maximum authorised mass for a 5-axle articulated vehicle is 40 tonnes; certain 5-axle combinations with twin tyres and air suspension may operate at 44 tonnes.

Drive axle load limit

The drive axle load limit is 11.5 tonnes when fitted with twin tyres and road-friendly suspension; other axles are limited to 10 tonnes.

Overloading consequences

Exceeding maximum mass or axle loads is an offence; fines increase with the degree of overload, and the vehicle may be prohibited from continuing until the load is reduced.

Daily driving time limit

The daily driving time is limited to 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice per week; the weekly driving time must not exceed 56 hours.

Break after 4.5 hours driving

After 4.5 hours of driving, a 45-minute break is required; it may be split into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes, taken in that order.

Reduced daily rest

A reduced daily rest of at least 9 hours may be taken instead of the regular 11 hours, but no more than three times between weekly rest periods.

Tachograph record retention

Drivers must keep tachograph records for at least 28 days and produce them on request; digital tachograph data must be downloaded every 90 days.

ADR orange plates

When carrying dangerous goods, orange plates displaying the UN number and hazard identification number must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle.

ADR safety equipment

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must carry at least one 2 kg fire extinguisher for the cab and one 6 kg for the load, plus a warning triangle, high-visibility vest, torch, and spill kit.

Tunnel category restrictions

Dangerous goods may be prohibited from certain tunnels; observe tunnel category signs, for example category B prohibits vehicles carrying flammable liquids.

Warning triangle placement

On a motorway, place the warning triangle at least 100 metres behind the vehicle; on other roads, at least 50 metres behind, and switch on hazard lights.

Emergency call number

In Switzerland, dial 144 for ambulance and fire brigade; provide location, number of casualties, type of incident, and any dangerous goods information.

Vehicle fire response

Switch off the engine, evacuate occupants, call the fire brigade, and use a fire extinguisher only on small fires; never fully open a bonnet if fire is suspected.

Eco-driving acceleration

Accelerate smoothly and progressively, use the highest gear possible, and anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking; this reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

Idling reduction

Switch off the engine during waits longer than about two minutes; modern engines do not require warming up, and idling wastes fuel and increases emissions.

Category C licence

Category C licence permits driving trucks over 3.5 tonnes; the minimum age is 18, and a medical certificate plus theory and practical tests are required.

Medical examination frequency

Professional drivers must undergo periodic medical examinations: every 5 years until age 50, every 3 years until 65, and annually after age 65.

Alcohol limit for professionals

The blood alcohol concentration limit for professional drivers is 0.5 per mille (0.25 mg/l breath); novice drivers within their first three years are subject to zero tolerance.