Croatia Category A Theory key terms

The legal priority to pass first at a junction, narrowing or obstacle. It is granted by signs, signals or the general rules of the road, and it must be given clearly and in good time rather than claimed aggressively.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating normally has priority unless signs say otherwise. The rider enters at a moderate speed, picks the lane before entering, signals on exit and watches for vehicles cutting across lanes.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction. It is allowed only where visibility, markings and signs permit, with a clear gap, an early signal and enough space to return without forcing anyone to brake or swerve.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead. A minimum of two seconds in good conditions, more in rain, darkness or on gravel; it buys the time and space needed to stop or swerve when the vehicle in front brakes hard.

Riding between slow-moving or stationary lines of traffic. It is permitted only where the rules allow it and where it is safe: low speed, no crossing of the opposite lane, and constant watch for mirrors, doors and pedestrians.

The maximum permitted speed on a road, shown by a sign or set by the general rule for that road type. It is an upper limit, not a target: weather, surface and visibility often call for a much lower speed.

An octagonal sign requiring a complete stop at the stop line, followed by giving way to all traffic on the priority road. The stop must be genuine, with the wheels halted, even when the road looks empty.

An inverted triangle telling the rider to give priority to traffic on the road being joined. A full stop is needed only if necessary, but speed must be reduced enough to stop safely if a vehicle appears.

A solid longitudinal road marking that must not be crossed or straddled, typically near bends, crests and junctions. It marks places where overtaking or lane changes would be dangerous because sight lines are short.

Signals controlling the right to proceed. Red means stop before the line; amber means stop unless stopping is unsafe; green means go only if the exit is clear. Flashing amber and arrow signals have their own separate meanings.

Arm signals given by riders, police officers or road workers to show turning, slowing or stopping. A rider's own signal supplements the indicators and must be given early, clearly, and cancelled once the manoeuvre is finished.

The technique of pressing the handlebar on the side you want to turn towards; above walking pace the machine leans and turns that way. It is the quickest way to change direction and to swerve around an obstacle.

The human tendency to steer towards whatever the eyes are locked onto. In a hazard it makes riders ride straight into the obstacle, so the trained response is to look at the escape route, not at the danger.

Maximum braking applied quickly and progressively, mainly with the front brake and lightly with the rear, arms relaxed, machine upright and travelling in a straight line. Regular practice is needed to avoid locking the front wheel.

The area beside and behind a vehicle that the mirrors do not show. Riders must clear it with a shoulder glance before changing lane, and must avoid lingering inside the blind spots of lorries, buses and cars.

Being easy to see: bright or reflective clothing, a light-coloured helmet, the headlight on, and a lane position that keeps the rider visible in other drivers' mirrors instead of hidden behind pillars or screens.

The path chosen through a bend: wide entry, late apex, wide exit where it is safe, so the machine is upright when braking and the arc stays smooth. The line must always remain inside the rider's own lane.

Road covered with gravel, sand, wet leaves, paint, metal, ice or spilled diesel. Grip falls sharply, so the rider reduces lean angle, avoids braking and turning at the same time, and crosses such patches as upright as possible.

Approval of a helmet to a recognised safety standard, in Europe ECE 22.06, shown on a label sewn inside. Only a correctly sized, undamaged and properly fastened approved helmet gives the protection the law demands.

Jacket, trousers, gloves and boots made for riding, with CE-certified armour at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees and abrasion-resistant fabric. It prevents or reduces injury and also protects against wind, rain and fatigue.

The depth of the grooves cut into the tyre. Croatian rules require at least 1 mm on a motorcycle; below that, water cannot escape and wet grip collapses. Sidewalls, cuts and bulges must also be free of damage.

Inflation measured before the tyres warm up, which is the figure the manufacturer specifies. Check it weekly and before long rides; under-inflation overheats the tyre, slows steering and raises fuel consumption.

The free vertical movement of the drive chain at its loosest point, set by the manufacturer, commonly around 20 to 30 mm. Too tight damages bearings and the gearbox; too loose risks the chain jumping off or snapping.

A short inspection before setting off: tyres, controls, lights, oil and fuel, chain, mirrors and stands. It takes a minute and catches the defects behind many breakdowns and a fair share of crashes.

Anti-lock braking prevents wheel lock under hard braking; combined braking applies some front brake when the rear pedal is used. Both help mainly on slippery surfaces, but neither replaces correct technique or a safe speed.

The maximum permitted blood alcohol concentration for drivers in Croatia, generally 0.5 g/kg, that is 0.5 promille. Alcohol slows reactions, narrows attention and increases risk-taking long before that legal limit is reached.

Points recorded against a driver's licence for defined traffic offences. They accumulate, and reaching the prescribed total leads to compulsory retraining, a fresh driving test or loss of the licence for a period.

The motorcycle licence classes, defined by engine capacity, engine power and power-to-weight ratio together with the rider's age. Riding a machine above your category is an offence and can leave you without insurance cover.

The periodic check that a motorcycle is roadworthy and insured, confirmed by plates, a registration certificate and a validity sticker. Riding an unregistered or uninsured machine is prohibited and carries heavy penalties.

Lying an unconscious but breathing casualty on their side, head supported and airway open, so that vomit or the tongue cannot block breathing. Avoid it if a spinal injury is suspected, unless breathing is threatened.

Chest compressions combined with rescue breaths, 30 compressions to 2 breaths, at 100 to 120 compressions per minute and about 5 to 6 cm deep, for a casualty who is not breathing normally.

Making the crash site safe before help arrives: hazard lights, warning triangle if available, visible clothing, engines switched off, bystanders kept back, and a call to 112 with exact location and number of casualties.

Taking off a crashed rider's helmet. It should be left to trained rescuers unless the airway is blocked and cannot be cleared another way, because moving the neck can make a spinal injury worse.

Smooth throttle and brake use, early anticipation, correct tyre pressure, a clean air filter and no unnecessary idling. It lowers fuel use, emissions and noise, and it is also the smoothest and safest way to ride.

Slowing the machine by closing the throttle and using a lower gear, so the engine resists the rear wheel. It saves brake wear and fuel and improves control on long descents, but it does not replace the brakes in an emergency.