Czech Theory Test T key terms

A divided high-speed road reserved for motor vehicles, marked by a specific blue sign and entered only at slip roads. Driving in reverse, turning around and stopping outside emergency bays are prohibited.

A high-speed road similar to a motorway but not always fully divided or grade-separated. It is marked with its own sign and carries motorway-style rules such as restricted entry and no stopping.

The hard shoulder on a motorway set aside for emergencies, breakdowns and emergency services. Driving or parking there without a genuine reason is an offence and creates serious danger for stopped vehicles.

The right of one road user to proceed before another at a junction or narrowing. It is given by traffic signs, road markings or the general rule of yielding to traffic approaching from the right where nothing else is specified.

A triangular warning sign with a red border and inverted point that orders the driver to let other vehicles pass before entering the junction. It is often combined with a supplementary plate showing the layout of the priority road.

An octagonal red sign requiring the driver to stop completely at the marked line before entering the junction, regardless of whether other traffic is visible. Only then may the driver proceed when it is safe.

A junction with no traffic lights and no priority signs, where drivers apply the basic rule of yielding to vehicles coming from the right. The rule changes when signs or markings give a road clear priority.

A circular junction where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. Unless signs state otherwise, vehicles entering must yield to those already circulating, and drivers signal when leaving.

A marked pedestrian crossing indicated by blue signs and white stripes. Drivers must let pedestrians on the crossing or clearly intending to cross pass safely, and must not overtake a vehicle stopped at one.

The maximum permitted speed set by law or by a round sign with a red border. It may be general for a road type or local, and it always takes priority over the driver's own judgement of what feels safe.

The gap a driver keeps behind the vehicle ahead so that a sudden stop can still be made without collision. It grows with speed, poor visibility, wet or icy surfaces and heavy loads.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It increases with the square of speed and is much longer on wet, icy or gravel surfaces and with a loaded trailer.

The time between a driver noticing a hazard and actually pressing the brake, typically about one second for an alert driver. During this time the vehicle continues at unchanged speed, adding to the total stopping distance.

The area beside and behind a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors, especially large on tractors and trailers. Drivers must check it by turning the head before changing direction or reversing.

Mirrors that give a view behind and to the sides of the vehicle. They must be correctly adjusted, clean and undamaged, and on a tractor-trailer combination they must show the trailer's sides clearly.

The periodic official inspection of a vehicle's roadworthiness, covering brakes, steering, lights, emissions and body condition. A valid inspection certificate is a condition for using the vehicle on public roads.

A separate measurement of exhaust emissions required at set intervals, recorded alongside the technical inspection. It confirms that the engine and exhaust treatment still meet the limits for that vehicle type.

The vehicle registration document listing the owner, technical data and approved weights and dimensions. It must match the vehicle actually driven, and changes such as a new owner must be recorded officially.

Compulsory third-party liability insurance covering damage the vehicle causes to others. Driving without valid cover is an offence, and the insurer may recover costs from an uninsured driver.

The maximum permitted total weight, axle loads and trailer weight stated in the registration document. Exceeding them is illegal, overloads the brakes and tyres and makes the combination unstable.

The way weight is spread over the vehicle and trailer. Load must be secured against shifting, kept low and centred, and heavy items placed over or ahead of the axles to preserve steering and braking stability.

The use of straps, chains, nets or sideboards to stop cargo moving, tipping or falling during transport. Securing must suit the load's weight and type and be checked again during the journey.

Loading a trailer beyond its permitted total or drawbar weight. It causes tyre and axle failure, poor braking, snaking at speed and can invalidate insurance or lead to a fine and driving ban.

Side-to-side swaying of a trailer at higher speed, often triggered by poor load distribution, crosswind or sudden steering. The correct response is to ease off the accelerator gently and avoid sharp braking.

The coupling on the towing vehicle that holds the trailer's drawbar eye or ball head. It must be the correct type and size for the trailer, fully latched, and checked before every journey.

An unpowered vehicle towed behind a tractor or car, used for goods or equipment. It needs its own registration, lighting, brakes where required, and a coupling matched to the towing vehicle.

A secondary safety cable or chain connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle in case the main coupling fails. It must be attached with enough slack to allow full turning without breaking.

Reversing a towing combination, where steering must be corrected in the opposite sense to the intended trailer direction. It requires slow speed, frequent checks in mirrors and a clear view behind.

An event on a road involving a vehicle that causes injury, death or property damage. Participants must stop, secure the scene, provide first aid, report to police where required and exchange details.

Immediate care given to an injured person before professional help arrives. It includes making the scene safe, checking consciousness and breathing, stopping severe bleeding, and calling emergency services.

The single European emergency number connecting to police, fire and ambulance services. The caller should state the location, the number of casualties, the type of incident and any continuing hazards.

A reflective triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down or crashed vehicle to warn approaching traffic. It is set at a distance that gives others time to react, further away on fast roads.

A state in which an injured person does not respond and cannot protect their airway. The priority is to check breathing, keep the airway open and place the person in the recovery position if breathing continues.

Driving style that cuts fuel use and emissions by smooth acceleration, early gear changes, steady speed, anticipating traffic and avoiding unnecessary idling. It also reduces wear on brakes and tyres.

A system that holds a set speed without the driver pressing the accelerator. It saves fuel on long steady routes but should not be used on slippery, winding or busy roads where quick speed changes are needed.

The documents a driver must carry or be able to produce: driving licence, vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance. Missing or expired documents can lead to fines and further checks.

Rules limiting continuous driving time and requiring breaks and daily rest, especially for professional drivers. Fatigue sharply reduces reaction time, so breaks must be taken before tiredness sets in.