Denmark B Theory key terms

The obligation to yield to other traffic. In Denmark it is normally shown by a yield sign, a stop sign, a give-way line, or by the standard right-hand rule where no sign or marking decides priority.

The default rule that at an unsigned junction you must give way to traffic approaching from your right. It applies in built-up areas and outside them unless signs, markings, or a different rule such as a roundabout changes priority.

An absolute duty to give way, created by a stop sign, a yield sign, or a give-way line. It overrides the right-hand rule, so you must let crossing and joining traffic pass even if it comes from your left.

The broken white line painted across your lane at a junction, marking where you must stop or wait when you have to yield. It is not a stop line, so you may roll up to it and proceed when clear.

A solid white line at a stop sign that you must not cross until you have stopped completely. You stop, check for traffic in both directions, and only then drive on when the way is clear.

A circular junction where traffic already on the ring has priority and entering drivers yield. You signal right before leaving, keep to the right, and never change lane on the ring without checking and signalling.

The maximum permitted speed on a stretch of road, set by signs or by the general rules. It is a ceiling, not a target, and you must stay below it and slow further when conditions demand.

A built-up area, marked by a town-name sign, where the general speed limit is 50 km/h unless signs say otherwise. The zone ends at the sign with a red diagonal line through the town name.

A main road for motor traffic, marked by a special blue sign, where the general limit is 80 km/h. It has fewer access points than an ordinary road but is not a motorway.

A divided high-speed road for motor vehicles only, marked by a blue motorway sign, with a general limit of 130 km/h. It has no at-grade junctions, no pedestrians, and no slow traffic such as mopeds.

Driving at a speed that fits the actual conditions, such as rain, darkness, traffic, or poor visibility, even when it is below the posted limit. You must be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

The distance travelled while you notice a hazard and move your foot to the brake, before braking begins. At 80 km/h a one-second reaction time already covers about 22 metres.

The distance covered from the moment braking starts until the vehicle stops. It grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples the braking distance, and wet or icy roads lengthen it further.

The total distance needed to stop, equal to reaction distance plus braking distance. It is the figure to compare with the distance you can see ahead, especially on country roads at night.

The seat belt that drivers and passengers must wear when the seat is fitted with one. The driver is responsible for ensuring that children under 15 are properly restrained.

A child restraint approved for the child's weight and height, required for children under 135 cm and generally up to 15 years. It must be fitted to the vehicle and used exactly as the manufacturer instructs.

A child seat mounted facing rearwards, which spreads crash forces over the child's back and head. It is recommended for as long as the seat allows, and must never be placed in front of an active airbag.

A standard system of anchor points built into the car and matching connectors on the child seat, letting the seat lock directly to the body. It reduces fitting errors compared with a belt-mounted seat.

A helmet that must be worn by riders of mopeds and motorcycles and is strongly advised for cyclists. It must fit snugly, be fastened, and meet the approved standard to protect the head in a fall.

The unit for alcohol concentration in the blood. For ordinary drivers the Danish limit is 0.5 promille, and for drivers who have not yet held a full licence for three years the limit is 0.2 promille.

Driving while over the legal alcohol limit, which is a criminal offence. Penalties escalate with the measured level and can include a fine, loss of the licence, and in serious cases imprisonment and vehicle confiscation.

The alcohol concentration measured in the blood or estimated from a breath test. A breath result is converted to the blood scale, and the reading at the time of driving is what counts, not how you feel later.

Driving under the influence of illegal drugs or other substances that impair your ability to drive safely. It is punishable even when no fixed concentration limit applies, based on signs of impairment.

The rule that you must not drive if medicine makes you drowsy, slow, or unable to react. Check the package leaflet and the pharmacy label for a warning triangle before driving.

A major crash risk on long drives that slows reactions and can cause brief sleep episodes. Take a break at least every two hours, stop for coffee or a nap, and never rely on willpower to get you home.

Driving so that you anticipate other road users' mistakes and leave yourself room and time to react. It means scanning far ahead, keeping a safe gap, and not assuming that others have seen you.

The skill of noticing developing hazards early, such as a pedestrian approaching a crossing or a car edging out of a side road. It is trained by scanning ahead and reading the road, not just the car in front.

The gap you keep to the vehicle ahead, normally at least the distance covered in two seconds and more in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic. It gives you time to react if the car in front brakes suddenly.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show, especially beside and behind lorries and vans. Before changing lane, turn your head to check, and never linger alongside a large vehicle.

How well the tyres grip the road surface. It falls sharply on wet, icy, or loose surfaces and when tyres are worn or wrongly inflated, which lengthens braking distance and reduces steering control.

The depth of the tread grooves on a tyre, which clears water and keeps contact with the road. The legal minimum in Denmark is 1.6 mm, but at least 3 mm is recommended for safety in rain.

The air pressure inside a tyre, which should be checked cold and set to the car maker's figures. Too low a pressure causes overheating, poor grip, and higher fuel use; too high reduces the contact patch.

Loss of grip when a layer of water lifts the tyre off the road. Ease off the accelerator, keep the steering steady, and avoid braking hard; worn tyres and high speed make it far more likely.

The hard shoulder on a motorway, reserved for emergencies and breakdowns. Stop as far right as possible, switch on the hazard lights, and get everyone behind the barrier before calling for help.

A breakdown or crash that leaves a vehicle unable to continue safely. Warn other traffic, move people to a safe place, call 112 if anyone is hurt, and exchange details with the other parties involved.

Immediate help given at the scene before the emergency services arrive: check the airway and breathing, stop severe bleeding, keep the casualty warm, and call 112. Do not move an injured driver unless there is fire or traffic danger.

The place where a crash has happened, which must be secured so that rescuers and other road users are not put at risk. Switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle, and wear a high-visibility vest when you step out.

A reflective triangle carried in the car and placed on the road behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic. On ordinary roads it is set out about 50 to 100 metres back, and further on fast roads.

An inflating cushion that protects occupants in a frontal impact and works best together with a correctly worn seat belt. A rear-facing child seat must never be used in front of an active airbag.

The head restraint on a seat, set so that its top is about level with the top of your head. It reduces whiplash injury in a rear-end collision and must be adjusted for each driver.

A moped, split into small and large classes by top speed and engine size, with its own age and licence rules. Riders must use a helmet and ride on the right, and small mopeds may use cycle paths.