Denmark Category C Truck Theory Test key terms

The legal duty of a road user to give way to other traffic at a junction, roundabout or crossing, determined by signs, road markings or the general right-hand rule in Denmark.

The default rule that a driver must give way to traffic approaching from the right where no sign, marking or signal says otherwise. Frequently tested because it applies on many Danish minor roads.

An absolute obligation to give way, imposed by a STOP sign, give-way triangle or a specific marking, meaning the driver may not proceed until the way is genuinely clear of all traffic.

A Danish limited-access road for motor vehicles only, marked by a blue sign with a white car symbol. Lower speed limit than a motorvej and often with at-grade junctions and no central barrier.

A motorway: a dual carriageway for motor vehicles only, with no at-grade crossings, no pedestrians or cyclists, and a hard shoulder. Entering and leaving is only via slip roads.

The maximum permitted speed on a stretch of road, set by sign or by general rule. In Denmark general limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside, and 110 or 130 km/h on motorways.

The clutch or coupling that connects the tractor unit's engine and driveline to the semi-trailer, allowing the combination to be coupled, uncoupled and parked safely. Correct engagement is checked before every departure.

The vertical steel pin on the underside of a semi-trailer that locks into the fifth-wheel coupling of the tractor unit. Its locking jaws and wear must be checked because a failed lock separates the combination.

A semi-trailer: a trailer whose front rests on and is carried by the tractor unit's fifth wheel, so it has no front axle of its own. Common for long-distance goods transport.

A drawbar trailer towed behind a rigid truck or tractor, with its own axles at the front and rear and a rigid drawbar. Used for heavy combinations and for trailer-plus-dolly setups.

A converter bogie with one or two axles and a fifth wheel, placed between a rigid truck and a semi-trailer so that a rigid vehicle can tow a semi-trailer legally and safely.

An auxiliary braking system, often hydraulic or electromagnetic, that slows the vehicle without using the service brakes. It reduces brake fade and overheating on long descents with a heavy load.

Engine braking achieved by closing the exhaust or changing valve timing so the engine absorbs energy. Used together with the retarder to control speed downhill and spare the foundation brakes.

Loss of braking effect caused by heat build-up in drums or discs after prolonged or repeated braking. Prevented by engine braking, retarders and a low gear on long descents.

Anti-lock braking system: it modulates brake pressure to stop wheels locking, keeping steering control during hard braking. On a truck it works per wheel or per axle and is checked by a warning lamp.

Electronic braking system: an electronically controlled air-brake system that shortens response time, balances braking between tractor and trailer, and supports stability functions such as ESC.

The compressed-air braking system used on heavy trucks and trailers, where air pressure applies the brakes and spring brakes engage automatically when pressure is lost.

The inflation pressure of a tyre. Correct pressure for the axle load gives even wear, stable handling and lower fuel use; too low a pressure overheats the tyre and can cause a blowout.

The tread depth and pattern of a tyre. Legal minimum tread depth and condition must be met, and good tread matters most for grip on wet roads and in winter.

Tyres designed for cold weather and snow, with a compound and tread that stay flexible at low temperature. In Denmark winter tyres are not compulsory, but conditions can make them effectively necessary.

Slippery road conditions from ice, snow, slush or wet leaves. A truck driver must reduce speed, increase following distance, brake gently and avoid sudden steering on such surfaces.

The gap to the vehicle ahead. It must grow with speed, load and poor conditions; a heavy combination needs far more distance to stop than a car, and a safe rule is at least two seconds in good weather.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment braking starts until it stops. It rises with the square of speed and grows with load, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

The time between a hazard appearing and the driver acting, typically around one second. During it the vehicle continues at full speed, so reaction distance must be added to braking distance.

The area around a truck that the driver cannot see in the mirrors, especially alongside and directly in front of the cab. Cyclists and pedestrians in the blind spot are a major collision risk in towns.

A collision in which a truck turning right strikes a cyclist or pedestrian who was alongside it. Prevented by mirror checks, blind-spot mirrors, speed reduction and giving cyclists room before the turn.

Correct adjustment of the main and wide-angle mirrors so that the vehicle sides, the rear and the blind-spot zones are visible. Mirrors are set before driving and rechecked after coupling a trailer.

The load carried by a single axle or axle group, which must stay within the vehicle's permitted limits. It is checked at weighbridges and affects tyre pressure, braking and road wear.

The total mass of the vehicle or combination including load, which may not exceed the permitted maximum. Overloading is fined and makes steering, braking and hill climbing unsafe.

Placing and spreading cargo so that axle loads stay within limits and the centre of gravity stays low and central. Poor distribution overloads axles and can make the combination unstable.

Securing cargo with straps, chains, lashings or blocking so it cannot move, slide or tip during braking, cornering or emergency manoeuvres. The method must match the load's weight and type.

The legal requirement that cargo be secured adequately for the journey, using approved equipment and enough lashings or blocking to resist the forces of normal and emergency driving.

The EU rules limiting daily and weekly driving time and requiring minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest. They protect road safety and are checked through tachograph records.

The European agreement on driving and rest time for international road transport, applying the same core limits as the EU rules and used for journeys to or through certain non-EU countries.

The recording device fitted to trucks that logs driving, work, availability and rest. Digital tachographs store data on a driver card and must be used correctly, including manual entries.

The driver's personal smart card inserted into the digital tachograph to identify the driver and record activity. It must not be used by another person and must be kept valid and undamaged.

Certificate of Professional Competence: the EU driver qualification, renewed through periodic training, that a professional truck driver must hold in addition to the driving licence.

First aid at the scene: securing the site, alerting emergency services, checking breathing and consciousness, stopping severe bleeding and keeping the casualty warm until help arrives.

Making a crash site safe before helping: warning other traffic, switching on hazard lights, placing a warning triangle, wearing a reflective vest and moving casualties only if there is immediate danger.

The emergency call to the alarm centre, giving exact location, number of casualties, type of incident and hazards. Clear, calm information speeds up the response of ambulance and rescue services.

Driving style that cuts fuel use and emissions: smooth acceleration, early gear changes, steady speed, anticipation, correct tyre pressure and avoiding unnecessary idling.

Leaving the engine running while stationary. It wastes fuel, adds emissions and noise, and is unnecessary; modern engines need no long warm-up and should be switched off during longer stops.

A planned, anticipatory driving pattern using momentum, engine braking and gentle inputs to reduce fuel consumption, brake wear and accident risk, especially with a heavy combination.

Driving through a tunnel, where headlights are required, following distance must be increased and stopping or U-turns are forbidden. In an emergency, drivers follow marked escape routes to exits.

A bridge crossing, where side wind, narrow lanes and weight or height restrictions may apply. Trucks must watch for wind warning systems and obey posted limits before entering.

Crosswind that pushes a high-sided truck or trailer sideways, especially on open bridges and in exposed terrain. The driver reduces speed and corrects smoothly to stay in lane.