Greece Category D Theory cheat sheet

Greece drives on the right; overtaking is on the left except when traffic is in ordered lanes and the left lane is occupied by a turning vehicle.

Priority to the right applies at uncontrolled intersections; a driver leaving a private road, dirt track, or parking area must yield to all traffic already on the public road.

Sign shapes: red-bordered triangles warn, red-bordered circles prohibit or restrict, blue circles command, blue squares and rectangles inform, octagons stop.

A STOP sign (octagon, 'STOP') requires a complete halt at the stop line; a yield triangle requires giving way without necessarily stopping.

Speed limits for lorries over 3.5 t: 80 km/h on ordinary roads outside built-up areas, 90 km/h on motorways, 50 km/h in built-up areas unless signed otherwise.

Minimum following distance is at least the distance covered in 2 seconds; in tunnels and on bridges a fixed gap must be kept where signed.

Safety belt use is mandatory for driver and all passengers; children under 12 and under 150 cm need an approved restraint system.

Alcohol limit is 0.50 g/l blood alcohol for category B and C/D licence holders; 0.20 g/l applies to professional drivers of lorries and buses and to novice drivers.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited; only hands-free equipment is allowed.

Stopping distance = reaction distance + braking distance; braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed quadruples braking distance.

On dry asphalt a loaded lorry's braking distance at 80 km/h is roughly 55-60 m; on wet road add about 50%, on ice multiply by up to 10.

Total stopping distance at 50 km/h on dry road is about 27 m (14 m reaction + 13 m braking); at 90 km/h it is about 90 m.

A lorry's blind spots extend along both sides and directly in front; a cyclist or pedestrian within 2 m of the cab front is invisible to the driver.

When a bus or lorry ahead brakes suddenly, treat it as a signal that a pedestrian or obstacle is crossing in front of it.

In fog use dipped headlights and fog lamps, reduce speed so that you can stop within the visible distance, and never use rear fog lamps in clear conditions.

Hydroplaning begins at roughly 80 km/h on a film of water 2 mm deep; ease off the accelerator and do not brake hard.

On a downhill gradient, select a low gear before descending and use engine braking; continuous service braking overheats drums and fades the brakes.

Overtaking a long vehicle needs a clear view far ahead: the overtaking distance at 80 km/h versus 60 km/h exceeds 300 m.

Category B: motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass with no more than 8 seats excluding the driver, optionally with a trailer up to 750 kg.

Category C1: goods vehicles from 3,500 kg to 7,500 kg; Category C: goods vehicles over 3,500 kg (C1 included), optionally with a trailer up to 750 kg.

Category D1: buses with up to 16 passenger seats plus the driver and maximum length 8 m; Category D: buses with more than 8 seats, no upper mass limit.

Trailer classes: BE up to 3,500 kg trailer, C1E up to 7,500 kg combination, CE unlimited, DE buses with trailer.

A category C or D licence requires a medical certificate and, for professional use, a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

Drivers under 21 cannot hold a C or D licence for hire or reward; minimum age for C is 21 and for D is 24, with exceptions for scheduled services under 50 km.

Category AM covers mopeds up to 50 cc and 45 km/h; A1 up to 125 cc and 11 kW; A2 up to 35 kW; A unlimited.

Licence categories are shown on the Greek licence with harmonised EU codes; code 95 marks CPC qualification.

EU maximum authorised mass for a rigid lorry is 40 t; a road train (lorry plus trailer) may reach 40 t, and 44 t for combined transport of containers.

Maximum width 2.55 m (2.60 m for refrigerated vehicles), maximum height 4.00 m, maximum length 12 m for a rigid vehicle and 18.75 m for a road train.

Maximum axle load is 10 t for a single driving axle and 11.5 t for a single non-driving axle; a tandem axle group is limited to 19 t.

Payload = maximum authorised mass minus kerb weight; the load must never push any axle over its plated limit, so distribute weight evenly.

Loads may overhang the front only slightly; rear overhang beyond the vehicle body must be marked with a red-and-white panel by day and a red light at night.

Loads projecting more than 1 m beyond the rear must be signalled; the total length including load must stay within legal limits.

The load must be secured so it cannot shift, fall, or drag; tarpaulins and ropes must be checked before departure and after the first 50 km.

Vehicle documents carried: registration certificate, insurance certificate, and for hire or reward the licence and CPC card; the tachograph record must be available for inspection.

Daily driving limit is 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice in a week; weekly driving limit is 56 hours; two consecutive weeks must not exceed 90 hours.

After 4.5 hours of driving a 45-minute break is required, which may be split into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes.

Daily rest is 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours at most three times between weekly rests; a split daily rest is 3 hours plus 9 hours.

Weekly rest is 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours; any reduction must be compensated en bloc before the end of the third following week.

A rest period is uninterrupted time for recuperation; a break is any period not counted as driving or other work.

The tachograph records driving, other work, availability and rest; manual entries must be made for any period not recorded automatically.

Drivers must carry the previous 28 days of tachograph records and the current day's record and present them on request.

The digital tachograph card is personal; using another driver's card or driving without a card is an offence.

Daily walk-around check: tyres (tread depth at least 1.6 mm for cars, 1.0 mm for lorries, no cuts or bulges), lights, mirrors, plates, and load security.

Check engine oil, coolant and washer fluid with the engine cold and the vehicle level; low coolant can cause overheating and head gasket failure.

Air brake system: pressure must build to operating level before moving; a warning buzzer or low-pressure lamp means do not drive.

Drain water from the air tanks and check the automatic drain; moisture in the air system can freeze and disable the brakes in winter.

Tyre pressure is checked cold; under-inflation increases rolling resistance, fuel consumption and tyre temperature, risking a blowout.

Brake test: at low speed apply the brakes firmly and check for pull to one side, vibration, or a spongy pedal, indicating air or fluid loss.

The ABS warning lamp must go out after the self-test; if it stays on, the anti-lock function is disabled even if normal braking works.

Check the coupling and safety devices of a trailer: fifth-wheel jaw, kingpin, air lines, electrical cable, and the parking brake.

At an accident: stop, secure the scene with hazard lights and warning triangle at least 50 m behind (150 m on motorways), and call 112.

Do not move an injured person unless there is fire, risk of further collision, or the airway is blocked; suspected spinal injury makes movement dangerous.

Check responsiveness and breathing; if absent, start chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, 5-6 cm deep, and use an AED if available.

For severe bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth and elevate the limb; do not remove an object embedded in a wound.

For burns, cool with running water for at least 10 minutes and never apply ice, butter, or ointments; do not burst blisters.

Place an unconscious but breathing casualty in the recovery position and monitor breathing continuously until help arrives.

A fire in the engine compartment: switch off the engine, do not open the bonnet fully, and use a dry powder or CO2 extinguisher through the gap.

Exchange details at the scene: names, addresses, insurance and registration numbers; report the accident to the police if there are injuries or a dispute.

Fuel consumption rises steeply above 80-90 km/h because aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed; driving at 80 instead of 100 km/h saves roughly 20-25% fuel.

Use the highest gear that does not labour the engine; change up at about 1,500-2,000 rpm in a diesel and keep the engine in its economical band.

Anticipate traffic and use engine braking rather than late, hard braking; smooth driving cuts fuel use and brake wear.

Idling wastes about 0.5-1 litre per hour; switch off the engine for stops longer than about 30 seconds where the vehicle allows it.

Correct tyre pressure and wheel alignment reduce rolling resistance; under-inflated tyres can raise fuel consumption by several percent.

Remove unnecessary roof racks and empty loads; extra mass and drag increase consumption and emissions.

A cold engine uses more fuel; avoid short trips and combine errands, and do not warm up by idling.

Euro emission standards (Euro VI for new lorries) set NOx and particulate limits; low-emission zones may restrict older vehicles.

The driver is responsible for the vehicle, the load and the tachograph records; falsifying records or tampering with the tachograph is an offence.

Professional drivers must hold a valid CPC card and complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.

A driver must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or fatigue; fatigue is a leading cause of lorry accidents, and the remedy is rest, not coffee.

Courteous behaviour includes not tailgating, giving way to buses leaving stops, and not blocking junctions or pedestrian crossings.

The driver must check the load and secure it before departure and is liable for overweight or unsecured loads even if loaded by others.

Report accidents and mechanical defects to the operator immediately; the operator must keep maintenance records for inspection.

Drivers must carry a valid driving licence, CPC card, medical certificate and vehicle documents and present them to inspectors.

Discrimination, harassment and aggressive driving are disciplinary matters; keep a professional log of incidents.

Bus passengers must be seated or provided with handholds; standing passengers are not allowed on motorways or at speeds above 80 km/h.

Safety belts must be worn where fitted; the driver must ensure that children are properly restrained and that the aisle and exits are clear.

Emergency exits must be marked, unobstructed and operable from inside; the driver checks them before each trip.

A first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle are mandatory equipment on buses; check their presence and expiry dates.

Before departure the driver checks the passenger list, luggage security, doors closed and the route; the bus must not move with a door open.

Passengers may not stand in the stairwell, on the platform, or lean out of windows; the driver enforces this and stops the vehicle if necessary.

Transport documents: the passenger transport licence, the vehicle registration, insurance for passengers, and the driver's CPC card must be on board.

For international or school transport, additional authorisation and a passenger list are required; keep them with the vehicle documents.

A yellow diamond sign indicates a priority road; at its end the priority-to-the-right rule resumes.

Traffic lights: flashing amber means proceed with caution and give way as at an uncontrolled junction.

A solid white line means no crossing; a broken line may be crossed when safe.

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, on bridges, in tunnels and where visibility is limited.

Parking is prohibited within 5 m of a junction, on crossings, at bus stops and on pavements unless signed.

A vehicle must stop for a red light before the stop line, not on the crossing.

Roundabouts: traffic already on the roundabout has priority unless signs say otherwise.

In strong crosswind, reduce speed and hold the wheel firmly; high-sided vehicles are most affected on bridges and open stretches.

At night, dip headlights when meeting oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.

When a vehicle ahead flashes its headlights, do not assume it is giving way; check the situation yourself.

Tiredness signs: heavy eyelids, wandering attention, yawning; stop at a safe place and rest.

Snow chains are required where signed; fit them on the driving wheels and keep speed below 50 km/h.

A skid is corrected by steering into it and easing off the accelerator, not by braking hard.

A BE licence allows a category B vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg, up to a combined mass of 3,500 kg.

A C1E licence allows a C1 vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg, up to a combined mass of 12,000 kg.

A D1E licence allows a D1 bus with a trailer over 750 kg, up to a combined mass of 12,000 kg.

A CE licence covers a C vehicle with a trailer of any mass.

A DE licence covers a D bus with a trailer of any mass.

Codes on the licence (e.g. 95, 01, 78) restrict or describe the entitlement; 95 means CPC qualification.

The plated maximum authorised mass is shown on the manufacturer's plate; it must not be exceeded even if the road limit is higher.

The axle load limit is checked on a weighbridge; overloading an axle damages the road and causes tyre failure.

A load must not obstruct lights, plates, mirrors or the driver's view.

Loads that can shift must be restrained with straps, nets or bars rated for the load.

The load must be covered if it can blow off or cause dust.

Maximum height including load is 4.00 m; check bridge heights on the route.

Driving time includes time spent at the wheel with the vehicle moving; waiting time with the engine off can be recorded as availability.

A break may be taken on the vehicle if the driver is not required to work.

The tachograph must be switched to the correct mode: driving, other work, availability, rest.

Records must be produced for the last 28 days; missing records can lead to a fine.

The weekly rest must be taken in the first 24 hours after the end of the previous weekly rest.

Compensation for reduced weekly rest is added to a rest period of at least 9 hours.

Check the battery terminals and electrolyte level; a weak battery fails in cold weather.

Check the alternator belt tension and condition; a slipping belt stops charging.

Check the cooling fan and radiator for debris; a blocked radiator causes overheating.

Check the exhaust for leaks; carbon monoxide can enter the cab.

Check the lights and indicators with a helper or by reflection.

Check the mirrors and adjust them before moving.

Check the fire extinguisher pressure gauge and the first-aid kit.

Call 112 for ambulance, police or fire; give location, number of casualties and hazards.

Do not give food or drink to an injured person.

Keep the casualty warm with a blanket or coat.

For a fracture, immobilise the limb and do not attempt to straighten it.

For a suspected spinal injury, keep the head and neck still and wait for help.

For a choking casualty, give back blows and abdominal thrusts.

For a chemical splash in the eye, rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes.

Plan routes to avoid congestion and steep gradients; a steady route saves fuel.

Use cruise control on motorways where traffic allows.

Avoid rapid acceleration and late braking; smooth driving cuts fuel use.

Keep the engine well maintained; a dirty air filter or faulty injector increases consumption.

Use the correct engine oil grade; the wrong oil increases friction.

Check the tyre pressure weekly; under-inflation raises consumption.

Do not carry unnecessary weight; every 100 kg adds about 1% fuel use.

Keep a professional appearance and treat passengers and other road users with respect.

Do not use a mobile phone while driving; use hands-free only.

Do not smoke in the cab if the vehicle is a bus or carries passengers.

Report any accident, near miss or defect to the operator.

Keep the cab clean and the documents in order.

Do not accept gifts or favours that could affect your judgement.

Follow the operator's instructions on routes and schedules.

Check the passenger list before departure and after each stop.

Ensure luggage is stored safely and does not block the aisle or exits.

Check that doors are closed before moving.

Ensure the first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are on board and in date.

Know the location of emergency exits and how to open them.

Keep the transport licence, insurance and CPC card on board.

For school transport, keep the passenger list and authorisation with the documents.