Croatia Category CE Theory key terms

The maximum total mass a vehicle or combination may legally have when fully loaded, including the vehicle itself, cargo, fuel and occupants. Exceeding it is an offence and affects braking and stability.

The share of a vehicle's total weight carried by a single axle or axle group and transmitted to the road. It must stay within the limits set for the axle type and road class.

The legal ceiling for the load on one axle or axle group, fixed by vehicle construction and by road traffic rules. Overloading an axle reduces steering and braking control and damages the pavement.

The actual, measured mass of a vehicle combination at a given moment, comprising the towing vehicle, trailer, load, fuel and persons on board. It is compared against the permitted mass to check compliance.

The way cargo is distributed along and across the load platform so that axle loads, centre of gravity and stability remain acceptable. Poor distribution can overload one axle while the total mass is still legal.

Securing cargo with lashing straps, chains, nets or blocking so it cannot shift, slide, roll or fall during braking, cornering or sudden manoeuvres. Inadequate securing endangers other road users and is a serious offence.

The maximum permitted length, width and height of a vehicle or combination, including the load. Loads projecting beyond these limits need special marking and often a permit and escort arrangements.

Transport of loads or vehicles exceeding the normal mass or dimension limits. It requires prior approval, a defined route, and often warning signs, escort vehicles or police assistance.

Marking the rear and sides of cargo that projects beyond the vehicle body, typically with a red-and-white striped board or flag by day and a red light at night. It warns following and oncoming drivers of the overhang.

The tractor unit or lorry that pulls a semi-trailer or trailer and carries the coupling, air and electrical connections, and part of the load. Its mass and power must suit the trailer it hauls.

A semi-trailer whose front end rests on and is coupled to the tractor unit's fifth-wheel coupling, transferring part of its weight to the tractor. It has no front axle of its own.

The mechanical coupling device joining tractor and trailer, such as a fifth-wheel plate or drawbar coupling. It must be locked, checked before departure and matched to the trailer's coupling pin or eye.

A secondary safety chain or cable connecting trailer to towing vehicle so the trailer cannot break away completely if the main coupling fails. It must be attached with enough slack for turning.

The service brake system of a trailer, usually air-operated and controlled by the towing vehicle's brake pedal through a coupling line. It must operate in harmony with the tractor's brakes.

An air brake arrangement with two lines between tractor and trailer: a supply line charging the trailer reservoir and a control line signalling brake demand. Loss of one line triggers protective braking.

Using engine braking or a retarder to slow the vehicle on long descents, reducing reliance on the service brakes and preventing them from overheating and fading.

Loss of braking efficiency caused by excessive heat in the brake drums or discs, often after prolonged downhill braking. It leads to fading and longer stopping distances and is avoided by engine braking and lower gears.

The gap a driver keeps to the vehicle ahead so as to stop safely if it brakes suddenly. It grows with speed, mass and poor road or weather conditions and is longer for loaded combinations.

The area around a lorry or combination that the driver cannot see in the mirrors, especially alongside the trailer and directly behind. Checking blind spots before turning or changing lanes prevents collisions with cyclists and cars.

The systematic check of tyres, lights, brakes, couplings, air pressure and load securing before starting a journey. It catches defects early and is a legal duty of the driver.

A recording device fitted to heavy vehicles that logs driving time, rest, other work and availability. Modern digital tachographs also store driver cards and support enforcement checks of driving and rest limits.

The period during which a driver is actually driving and which counts toward daily and weekly limits under the tachograph rules. It must be interrupted by qualifying breaks and daily or weekly rest.

A period in which the driver may freely dispose of their time, without any work duties, used to satisfy the mandatory daily and weekly rest requirements. It is distinct from a break taken during the working day.

The total period of work, including driving, loading, paperwork and other duties, governed by working-time rules separate from the driving and rest limits recorded on the tachograph.

Standardised signs warning of hazards, imposing orders, giving information or indicating facilities. Their shape and colour carry meaning, and drivers must obey them as part of road traffic law.

Road markings painted or applied on the surface, such as lane lines, stop lines, arrows and hatched areas. They guide and regulate traffic and complement the upright signs.

A hand or whistle signal from a police officer directing traffic. It overrides traffic lights, signs and markings, and drivers must follow it even when it conflicts with them.

The right of a road user to proceed first at an intersection, junction or narrowing. It is determined by signs, signals, markings or general rules and must be given without ambiguity.

The concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream, measured in grams per litre or permille. Driving above the legal limit is prohibited and professional drivers face stricter limits and penalties.

A breach of road traffic rules such as speeding, overloading, ignoring signs or driving under the influence. It carries fines, penalty points and, for serious cases, driving bans.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, such as stopping bleeding, maintaining breathing and preventing shock. Every driver is expected to assist at an accident.

Calling the emergency number to report an accident, giving the exact location, number of injured and hazards. Prompt and accurate information speeds up the arrival of ambulance, fire and police services.

Making the scene safe by switching on hazard lights, placing a warning triangle at a proper distance, wearing a reflective vest and moving people away from traffic. It prevents secondary collisions.

The restraint system that keeps occupants in their seats during a collision or sudden braking. Its use is compulsory and greatly reduces the risk of serious injury in a crash.

A fuel-saving and low-emission driving style using smooth acceleration, early gear changes, anticipation and engine braking. It reduces fuel consumption, wear and exhaust emissions without losing journey time.

The amount of fuel a vehicle uses over a distance or period, influenced by speed, load, tyre pressure, driving style and maintenance. Monitoring it helps drivers control costs and emissions.

Regular servicing and checks of tyres, brakes, fluids, lights and emissions systems that keep the vehicle safe, reliable and efficient. Neglect raises breakdown risk, fuel use and pollution.

The official registration document identifying a vehicle and its owner and confirming it may be used on public roads. It must be carried or available and kept up to date with changes of ownership.

Compulsory third-party liability insurance covering damage or injury caused to others by the insured vehicle. Driving without valid cover is illegal and can lead to heavy personal liability.

A multilateral permit allowing international road haulage between participating countries under agreed quotas. It replaces several bilateral permits and must be carried and used within its validity and conditions.