Czech Theory Test T cheat sheet
Czech Theory Test T · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Traffic Rules and Road Signage
Priority to the right applies at unmarked intersections in the Czech Republic; an exception is a T-junction where the through road continues and the joining road must yield.
Roundabouts: trams and vehicles already circulating have priority; entering drivers yield. A roundabout marked with a give-way line plus a triangle means circulating traffic has priority.
Speed limits in built-up areas: 50 km/h; outside built-up areas 90 km/h; motorways 130 km/h. A tractor with a trailer is capped at 50 km/h regardless of road type.
A tractor is a motor vehicle; if its maximum design speed exceeds 45 km/h it may use motorways only when permitted, but with a trailer it is generally banned from motorways.
Red flashing light at a level crossing means STOP; the barrier may still be raised. Yellow flashing at a crossing means the equipment is out of order - proceed only with extreme caution.
Traffic signs are grouped: warning (triangle, red border), regulatory (circle, red border = prohibition, blue = order), informational (rectangle), and priority signs (triangle with thick red border).
A blue square with a white arrow pointing up means one-way traffic; a red circle with a vehicle means no entry for that vehicle type.
Level crossing with a barrier has a striped barrier; without a barrier it uses a St Andrew's cross. Both require stopping when the red light flashes.
Overtaking a tractor with a trailer requires a clear view and sufficient distance; overtaking is forbidden at level crossings and on blind curves.
Safe Driving and Hazard Perception
Safe following distance at 50 km/h is at least 2 seconds; double it in rain, at night, or when the road surface is wet.
A tractor-trailer combination has a much longer braking distance than a solo tractor; the trailer pushes the tractor and can cause jack-knifing under hard braking.
Blind spots on a tractor are large and asymmetric; before reversing, check all mirrors and, if possible, use a spotter.
Hazard perception rule: scan 12-15 seconds ahead in rural areas and 4-6 seconds in built-up areas; check mirrors every 5-8 seconds.
On a wet or icy road, reduce speed by at least 30 % and increase following distance; a tractor with an empty trailer is more prone to skidding.
A tractor's high centre of gravity makes it prone to overturning on side slopes; avoid slopes steeper than the manufacturer's limit and never turn sharply on a slope.
At night, dipped headlights are mandatory; use main beam only when no oncoming traffic and no vehicle ahead within 200 m.
If a tractor starts to skid, release the accelerator, steer gently in the direction of the skid, and avoid hard braking.
Fatigue: after 4 hours of driving, a break of at least 15 minutes (or 30 minutes after 8 hours) is required for professional drivers under EU rules.
Vehicle Knowledge, Maintenance and Technical Inspection
A tractor's technical inspection is valid for 4 years from first registration, then every 2 years; trailers have their own inspection cycle.
Brake system check: pedal free play should be within the manufacturer's tolerance; a spongy pedal indicates air in the hydraulic system.
Tyre tread depth minimum for tractors is 1.6 mm in the main grooves; check pressure cold and adjust for load.
Coolant level is checked when the engine is cold; never open a hot radiator cap - risk of scalding.
Engine oil level is checked with the dipstick on a level surface, engine off, at least 5 minutes after stopping.
Lighting check: headlights, indicators, brake lights, hazard lights, and rear reflectors must all function; a failed light is a defect that must be fixed before driving.
A tractor's air brake system must reach operating pressure before driving; a low-pressure warning means do not move.
The registration certificate (technický průkaz) and proof of insurance must be carried; a valid inspection sticker is displayed on the vehicle.
Hydraulic fluid and brake fluid levels are checked regularly; leaks on a tractor's hydraulic system can cause sudden loss of lifting or steering power.
Tractor and Trailer Handling, Coupling and Load Security
Before coupling, align the tractor and trailer drawbar, apply the trailer parking brake, and chock the wheels.
Coupling sequence: connect the drawbar, then the safety chain or breakaway cable, then the electrical plug, then the hydraulic and air lines.
After coupling, raise the trailer's jockey wheel and check that the coupling pin is fully engaged and locked.
Load security: the load must be secured against forward, backward, and lateral movement; use straps rated for the load weight and check tension after the first few kilometres.
Maximum trailer load must not exceed the tractor's towing capacity as stated in the registration document.
A trailer's overhang and width must be marked with a red-and-white striped board if it extends beyond the tractor's width.
Reversing with a trailer: steer in the opposite direction to the desired trailer movement; use small corrections and check mirrors continuously.
The breakaway cable must be attached to a fixed point on the tractor, not to the drawbar itself, so it activates the trailer brake if separation occurs.
Load height must not obstruct the driver's view; a load extending beyond the rear must be marked with a red flag or light at night.
Driver Obligations, Documentation and Administrative Rules
A tractor driver must hold a category T licence; category B does not cover tractors above 3.5 t.
The driver must carry: driving licence, registration certificate, proof of insurance, and (for professional transport) the driver card or attestation.
A tractor used for agricultural work is exempt from some commercial transport rules, but roadworthiness and insurance are always required.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited; the Czech Republic applies a zero-tolerance limit (0.0 ‰).
The driver must report any accident involving injury or property damage above the statutory threshold to the police.
A tractor's insurance must cover third-party liability; the green card or equivalent proof is required when crossing borders.
Professional drivers must comply with EU driving time rules: maximum 9 hours daily (extendable to 10 twice a week) and 56 hours weekly.
The vehicle must display a valid technical inspection sticker; driving without one is an offence and invalidates insurance cover in some cases.
A driver must notify the registry of a change of address or vehicle ownership within the statutory period.
First Aid and Incident Response
Scene safety first: switch off the engine, apply the parking brake, put on a warning triangle, and wear a high-visibility vest before approaching.
Emergency number in the Czech Republic: 112 (general), 155 (ambulance), 158 (police), 150 (fire).
Warning triangle placement: at least 50 m behind the vehicle on a normal road, 100 m on a motorway.
DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation - check and act in that order.
If the casualty is not breathing, start CPR at 100-120 chest compressions per minute, 5-6 cm deep, and use an AED if available.
Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic); suspected spinal injury requires immobilisation.
Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and a clean dressing; do not remove an object embedded in a wound.
Report the accident to the police and exchange details with the other party; do not leave the scene until it is safe to do so.
Environmental Impact and Economical Driving
Economical driving: shift up early (around 1,500-2,000 rpm for diesel tractors), maintain steady speed, and avoid unnecessary idling.
Idling a tractor engine for more than a few minutes wastes fuel and increases emissions; switch off when stationary for long periods.
Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and fuel consumption; under-inflation can increase consumption by up to 5 %.
A tractor's exhaust after-treatment (DPF, SCR/AdBlue) requires correct fluid levels; running out of AdBlue can trigger a power derate.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads and remove unused ballast; extra weight increases fuel consumption and wear.
Plan routes to avoid congested areas and steep gradients; a steady route uses less fuel than stop-start driving.
Regular maintenance (air filter, fuel filter, injectors) keeps the engine efficient and reduces emissions.
Use engine braking on descents rather than riding the brakes; this saves fuel and reduces brake wear.
Noise: avoid unnecessary revving near residential areas; a tractor's noise limits are set by the technical inspection.
Traffic Rules and Road Signage (Supplementary)
A give-way sign (inverted triangle) means yield to traffic on the priority road; a stop sign (octagon) requires a full stop.
A priority road sign (yellow diamond) indicates you have priority at intersections until cancelled by an end-of-priority sign.
A blue circle with a white bicycle means a mandatory cycle path; tractors must not enter.
A red-bordered circle with a tractor symbol means no entry for tractors; a blue circle with a tractor means tractors only.
Level crossing warning signs: a St Andrew's cross with a red light means stop when flashing; a barrier crossing has a striped barrier.
A yellow diamond with a black border on a white background is the priority road sign; it is cancelled by a grey diagonal bar.
Road markings: a solid white line means no crossing; a broken white line means crossing is permitted when safe.
A sign showing a truck with a red diagonal line means no entry for goods vehicles; a tractor with a trailer may still be restricted by weight.
Temporary signs (yellow background) override permanent signs; obey them even if they conflict with the permanent signage.
Safe Driving and Hazard Perception (Supplementary)
On rural roads, reduce speed before bends; a tractor with a trailer has a wide turning path and can swing into the oncoming lane.
When following a cyclist or horse rider, leave at least 1.5 m clearance and reduce speed; a tractor's noise can spook animals.
In fog, use dipped headlights and fog lights; do not use main beam as it reflects back and reduces visibility.
At a level crossing, never stop on the tracks; if the barrier starts to close, do not attempt to cross.
Hazard perception: look for children, animals, and farm machinery near field entrances and concealed driveways.
When driving a tractor with a trailer on a downhill gradient, select a lower gear before the descent and use engine braking.
Overtaking a slow-moving tractor requires a clear view; do not overtake on a crest, bend, or at a junction.
In strong crosswinds, a high-sided trailer can be pushed sideways; reduce speed and hold the steering firmly.
At night, a tractor's rear lights may be dim; ensure all reflectors are clean and functional before driving.
Vehicle Knowledge, Maintenance and Technical Inspection (Supplementary)
Check the hydraulic system for leaks before each use; a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure can cause the trailer to drop.
The air brake system must be tested daily: build pressure, check for leaks, and confirm the low-pressure warning works.
Tyre condition: check for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear; replace tyres with tread below 1.6 mm or with sidewall damage.
The battery should be checked for secure mounting and clean terminals; a loose battery can cause electrical failure.
The cooling system must be checked for coolant level and fan belt tension; overheating can warp the cylinder head.
The steering system should have no excessive play; a worn steering box is a defect that must be repaired before driving.
The trailer's brake system must be tested after coupling; a breakaway cable must activate the trailer brake if separation occurs.
The technical inspection sticker must be valid; an expired inspection invalidates the vehicle's roadworthiness and may void insurance.
Check the lights and reflectors on both tractor and trailer; a failed light is a defect that must be fixed before driving.
Tractor and Trailer Handling, Coupling and Load Security (Supplementary)
Before coupling, ensure the trailer's parking brake is applied and the wheels are chocked; never rely on the tractor's brakes alone.
Coupling order: drawbar, safety chain/breakaway cable, electrical plug, hydraulic lines, air lines; check the coupling pin is locked.
After coupling, raise the jockey wheel and check that the trailer is level and the load is secure.
Load security: use straps rated for the load; secure against forward, backward, and lateral movement; check tension after the first few kilometres.
The trailer's maximum load must not exceed the tractor's towing capacity as stated in the registration document.
A load extending beyond the rear must be marked with a red flag by day and a red light at night.
Reversing with a trailer: steer in the opposite direction to the desired trailer movement; use small corrections.
The breakaway cable must be attached to a fixed point on the tractor, not to the drawbar, so it activates the trailer brake if separation occurs.
Check the trailer's tyre pressure and condition before each journey; an under-inflated trailer tyre can cause sway.
Driver Obligations, Documentation and Administrative Rules (Supplementary)
A category T licence is required for tractors; category B does not cover tractors above 3.5 t.
Carry: driving licence, registration certificate, proof of insurance, and (for professional transport) the driver card or attestation.
Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0 ‰) applies in the Czech Republic; any alcohol is an offence.
Report any accident involving injury or property damage above the statutory threshold to the police.
Professional drivers must comply with EU driving time rules: maximum 9 hours daily (extendable to 10 twice a week) and 56 hours weekly.
A valid technical inspection sticker must be displayed; driving without one is an offence.
Notify the registry of a change of address or vehicle ownership within the statutory period.
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory; the green card or equivalent proof is required when crossing borders.
A tractor used for agricultural work is exempt from some commercial transport rules, but roadworthiness and insurance are always required.
First Aid and Incident Response (Supplementary)
Scene safety first: switch off the engine, apply the parking brake, put on a high-visibility vest, and place a warning triangle.
Emergency numbers: 112 (general), 155 (ambulance), 158 (police), 150 (fire).
Warning triangle: at least 50 m behind the vehicle on a normal road, 100 m on a motorway.
DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation - check and act in that order.
If the casualty is not breathing, start CPR at 100-120 compressions per minute, 5-6 cm deep, and use an AED if available.
Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger; suspected spinal injury requires immobilisation.
Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and a clean dressing; do not remove an embedded object.
Report the accident to the police and exchange details; do not leave the scene until it is safe to do so.
Keep a first-aid kit in the vehicle; check that it is complete and within its expiry date.
Environmental Impact and Economical Driving (Supplementary)
Economical driving: shift up early (around 1,500-2,000 rpm for diesel tractors), maintain steady speed, and avoid unnecessary idling.
Idling a tractor engine for more than a few minutes wastes fuel and increases emissions; switch off when stationary for long periods.
Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and fuel consumption; under-inflation can increase consumption by up to 5 %.
A tractor's exhaust after-treatment (DPF, SCR/AdBlue) requires correct fluid levels; running out of AdBlue can trigger a power derate.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads and remove unused ballast; extra weight increases fuel consumption and wear.
Plan routes to avoid congested areas and steep gradients; a steady route uses less fuel than stop-start driving.
Regular maintenance (air filter, fuel filter, injectors) keeps the engine efficient and reduces emissions.
Use engine braking on descents rather than riding the brakes; this saves fuel and reduces brake wear.
Noise: avoid unnecessary revving near residential areas; a tractor's noise limits are set by the technical inspection.