Denmark Category TM Tractor Theory Test key terms

The Danish Road Traffic Act, the statute setting out the basic rules of conduct for all road users, including tractor drivers, and the legal basis for most signs, penalties and obligations tested on the theory test.

The legal right to drive a vehicle of a given category. For tractors this requires the correct licence class, and driving without it is a criminal offence regardless of vehicle condition.

The classification of a vehicle by licence and construction rules, such as small tractor, large tractor, or trailer. The category determines speed limits, licence requirements and which technical rules apply.

The obligation to give way to other traffic. It arises from signs, road markings, the right-hand rule at unmarked junctions, or when leaving a driveway, field or parking area.

The default right-of-way rule at Danish junctions without signs or markings: you must give way to traffic approaching from your right, and tractors are not exempt from this.

The rule that a driver leaving a field, farm track, driveway, petrol station or parking area must give way to all traffic already on the road, including pedestrians and cyclists.

A colloquial Danish name for the principle that traffic exiting a field or private track must yield to road traffic. Used in training to stress that farm exits are always low-priority.

A roundabout. Traffic already circulating has priority, and entering drivers must give way. Indicators are used on exit, and large tractors with trailers need extra care when choosing lane and turning radius.

Traffic signals. Red means stop before the stop line, yellow means stop unless you are too close to stop safely, and green permits proceeding only if the exit is clear, which matters for slow tractors.

A stop line marking the point where a vehicle must stop at a signal or a stop sign. A tractor must stop with its front behind the line, not merely slow down.

A mandatory stop obligation created by a stop sign, a stop line or a signal. It requires a full stop and observation before proceeding, even when the road appears empty.

A supplementary plate under a sign restricting the rule to certain vehicle classes, such as goods vehicles or tractors. It changes whether the sign applies to you.

A prohibitory sign, usually round with a red border, banning an action such as entry, overtaking, turning or exceeding a stated weight or width. It overrides general permissions.

A posted maximum speed. On Danish roads the general limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside them and up to 130 km/h on motorways, with special lower limits applying to tractors and trailers.

The special speed ceiling for tractors. It depends on the tractor class and equipment, and a trailer or implement may reduce the permitted speed further, so the driver must know the vehicle's approved maximum.

The gap to the vehicle ahead that allows you to stop if it brakes suddenly. It grows with speed and with the heavy, poorly braking mass of a loaded tractor and trailer.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment braking begins until it stops. For tractors it is longer when loaded, on loose surfaces, or with a trailer lacking its own brakes.

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

Systematic use of mirrors before turning, changing lane or opening a door. Tractors often have restricted rear view, and a trailer can hide cyclists, so mirrors and direct checks are essential.

Areas around a tractor and trailer that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. They are large for tall vehicles with high cabs and must be checked by looking directly before manoeuvring.

The driver's field of view from the cab. It can be blocked by a front loader, a raised implement, mud on windows or a dirty mirror, so the driver must keep it clear before driving.

A trailer towed by a tractor. Its permitted total weight, braking system and coupling must match the tractor, and the combination's speed and load limits apply to the pair.

The mechanical connection between tractor and trailer, including the drawbar, hitch and safety connection. It must be correctly locked and checked before driving, since a failed coupling causes runaways.

A secondary chain or cable linking tractor and trailer so that if the main coupling fails, the trailer is still held and its brakes can activate. It must be attached properly on every trip.

The maximum permitted total mass of a vehicle or combination, including load, fuel and driver. Exceeding it is an offence and also worsens braking and stability.

The load carried by a single axle. Each axle has a permitted maximum, and loading the trailer too far forward or back can overload one axle even when total weight is legal.

The cargo and the securing of it. Loads must be placed so they cannot shift, fall or obscure lights and plates, and must be tied down with straps or netting rated for the weight.

The part of a load extending beyond the vehicle's outline. It must be marked with a flag or light in the dark, and excessive overhang is restricted because it endangers other road users.

The braking system of the tractor or trailer, including service brake, parking brake and, on trailers, an independent or overrun brake. It must be tested and in working order before use.

The parking or hand brake. On a tractor it must hold the vehicle and trailer on a slope, and it must be applied whenever the driver leaves the cab, especially on farm terrain.

Tyres and tread depth. Adequate tread and correct pressure are needed for grip, particularly on wet roads and with heavy trailer loads; worn tyres lengthen braking distance.

A driving style that anticipates other people's mistakes, keeps space and speed margins, and assumes that cyclists, children and elderly pedestrians may act unpredictably near farms and rural roads.

Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and horse riders. They have little protection, so a tractor driver must slow down, keep distance and avoid passing too closely.

Driving with alcohol in the blood above the legal limit. In Denmark the limit is 0.5 per mille, and stricter rules apply to young or professional drivers, with penalties including licence loss.

Illegal drugs and medicinal products that impair driving. Even prescription medicine can make driving unsafe, and the driver is responsible for checking whether it affects alertness or reaction time.

Fatigue from long working hours, especially during harvest. It slows reaction and judgement, and the correct response is to stop and rest rather than open a window or turn up the radio.

The scene of an accident and the first aid given there. The driver must stop, secure the site, call emergency services, and give help within their ability without moving injured people unnecessarily.

Using engine braking and a low gear to control speed on descents, rather than relying only on the foot brake, which can overheat and fade when a heavy trailer is pushing.

Movement on fields, tracks and farm roads and the transition onto public roads. Mud, uneven ground and blind exits mean the driver must slow, clean the tyres and check carefully before entering the road.