Cameroon Heavy-Vehicle Theory flashcards
Cameroon Heavy-Vehicle Theory · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Red octagon sign
- A stop sign. You must come to a complete halt at the stop line or edge of the intersection and yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.
- Solid white line
- A road marking that must not be crossed or straddled. It indicates that lane changes or overtaking are prohibited at that location, often due to limited visibility or a hazard.
- Flashing amber light
- A traffic signal meaning proceed with caution. It often indicates a malfunction or a warning at a crossing; reduce speed and be prepared to stop if necessary.
- Priority to the right
- At an uncontrolled intersection, you must yield to vehicles approaching from your right. This rule applies unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.
- Overtaking prohibition
- Overtaking is forbidden on solid lines, at pedestrian crossings, on blind curves, at hill crests, and at railway crossings. Overtake only when visibility and markings permit.
- Two-second rule
- A safe following distance in good conditions: stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Increase to four seconds or more in rain, dust, or poor visibility.
- Air brake leak test
- With the engine off and brakes released, pressure loss should not exceed 2 psi in one minute; with brakes applied, not more than 3 psi in one minute.
- Fifth wheel check
- After coupling, confirm the jaws are locked around the kingpin, the safety latch is closed, and the release handle is secured. Perform a tug test with the trailer brake applied.
- Low-air warning
- A warning that must activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi. At 20–45 psi, spring brakes should apply automatically to stop the vehicle.
- Maximum authorised mass
- In Cameroon, generally 26 tonnes for a rigid heavy vehicle and 40 tonnes for an articulated combination. Verify current decree, as limits may vary by axle configuration.
- Load projection marking
- Loads projecting more than 1 metre beyond the rear must be marked with a red flag or reflective panel by day and a red light at night.
- Axle load limit
- The maximum mass permitted on a single axle, typically 6–7 tonnes for steering axles and up to 11.5 tonnes for drive or trailer axles. Overloading any axle is an offence.
- SIPDE system
- Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. A defensive driving sequence: look far ahead, spot hazards, predict what may happen, choose an action, and carry it out smoothly.
- Engine braking
- Using a lower gear to slow the vehicle on a downgrade, reducing reliance on the service brakes and preventing brake fade from continuous application.
- Blind spots
- Areas around a heavy vehicle that the driver cannot see in mirrors. Before changing lanes, check mirrors, signal early, and confirm with a shoulder check if possible.
- Warning triangle placement
- Place at least 30 metres behind the vehicle on a straight road, or before a curve so it is visible to approaching traffic. On motorways, place at least 150 metres behind.
- Recovery position
- Placing an unconscious but breathing casualty on their side to keep the airway open. Do not use if a spinal injury is suspected.
- Accident reporting
- Report an accident with injuries or significant damage to the police within 24 hours. Exchange names, addresses, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers.
- Category C licence
- A driving licence category in Cameroon for rigid goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Minimum age is generally 21, with a valid medical certificate.
- Technical inspection
- A periodic roadworthiness check required for heavy vehicles, typically every six months. The certificate must be valid and carried in the vehicle.
- Mandatory insurance
- Third-party liability insurance is compulsory for all vehicles in Cameroon. Proof of insurance must be produced on demand by police.
- Alcohol limit
- In Cameroon, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is generally 0.05% (0.5 g/L). Lower limits may apply to professional drivers. Any alcohol impairs judgement.
- Fatigue signs
- Yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting between lanes, and missing signs. Stop at a safe place and rest for at least 15–20 minutes; a short nap is more effective than caffeine.
- Alcohol elimination rate
- The body eliminates alcohol at about 0.015% BAC per hour. Coffee, cold showers, or fresh air do not speed this up; only time reduces BAC.
- Fuel-efficient driving
- Accelerate smoothly, maintain steady speed, use the highest practical gear, and anticipate traffic to avoid unnecessary braking. This can reduce fuel use by 5–15%.
- Tyre pressure and fuel
- Under-inflation increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption by up to 3% per 10 psi drop. Check pressures weekly when tyres are cold.
- Idling waste
- Idling for more than one minute wastes fuel and increases emissions. Switch off the engine when parked or waiting for long periods.
- Speed limit sign
- A circular sign with a red border and a number indicating the maximum speed in kilometres per hour. Exceeding it is an offence.
- Roundabout priority
- When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating unless signs or markings indicate otherwise. Signal your exit intention.
- Pre-trip inspection ABC
- Air, Brakes, Coupling, and tyres/wheels. A systematic check before departure to ensure the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
- Overloading consequences
- Overloading increases stopping distance, damages roads, and is subject to fines and possible immobilisation. Never exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating.
- Emergency vehicle priority
- Vehicles with sirens and flashing lights have priority. Pull over to the right and stop if necessary to let them pass safely.