Hungary KRESZ D key terms

The Hungarian highway code: the body of rules governing who may use the road, how they must behave, and what signs, markings and signals mean. Category D candidates are tested on it in the national exam.

In Hungary vehicles keep to the right of the roadway; oncoming traffic passes on the driver's left. This baseline determines lane position, overtaking side and the geometry of most junction conflicts.

A road user with little or no protective shell: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children. Drivers must anticipate their unpredictable movement and give them extra space and time, especially in built-up areas.

The entitlement to proceed first through a conflict point such as a junction, crossing or narrowing. It is granted by signs, signals, markings or the general rules, and must still be yielded if the other party is already committed.

At an unsigned, unmarked junction of equal roads, the driver must give way to vehicles approaching from the right. This default applies only where no sign, signal or marking sets a different order.

The inverted triangle sign warning that the driver must let traffic on the priority road pass before entering or crossing it. It is often paired with a road marking and requires a full stop if necessary.

The yellow diamond sign marking a road on which traffic has right of way over vehicles joining from side roads. It removes the right-hand rule at junctions along that route until an end-of-priority sign appears.

The red octagon requiring a complete halt at the marked line before entering the junction or crossing, regardless of whether traffic is visible. The driver then yields and proceeds only when safe.

A solid white transverse line on the roadway showing exactly where a vehicle must halt at a stop sign, traffic light or pedestrian crossing. Stopping beyond it can block pedestrians or trigger a violation.

A marked section of roadway reserved for people on foot, usually zebra-striped. Drivers must approach at reduced speed and give way to pedestrians on it or clearly about to step onto it.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating normally has priority over vehicles entering, unless signs say otherwise. Drivers signal on exit, keep lane discipline and watch for cyclists and long vehicles cutting across lanes.

Direction indicators must be given in good time before turning, changing lane, joining traffic or leaving a roundabout, and cancelled afterwards. On a bus they warn following traffic and passengers of an intended manoeuvre.

A direct look over the shoulder and into the mirrors to confirm no vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian sits in the areas mirrors do not cover. Essential before lane changes, pulling out and opening bus doors.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction, normally on the left. It is forbidden where visibility, markings or signs prohibit it, and a heavy vehicle needs a much longer clear gap than a car.

The maximum permitted speed for a road, set by sign or by general rule. In Hungary the general limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on ordinary roads outside them and 130 km/h on motorways.

The gap to the vehicle ahead that allows a stop if it brakes suddenly. A common rule is at least two seconds in good conditions, doubled in rain or darkness; a loaded bus needs far more than a car.

The total distance travelled from perceiving a hazard to coming to rest: reaction distance plus braking distance. It grows with speed, load and slippery surfaces, so heavy vehicles must plan braking far earlier.

A device capping a heavy vehicle's top speed, typically around 90 km/h for buses and lorries, to improve fuel use and safety. It does not remove the driver's duty to drive below the posted limit.

The entitlement to drive a bus designed to carry more than eight passengers in addition to the driver. It requires a medical certificate, a theory and practical test, and periodic renewal with fitness checks.

The compulsory periodic professional training for bus and lorry drivers, covering safety, regulations and fuel-efficient driving. It must be completed in blocks of training days to keep the professional entitlement valid.

The number of seated and standing passengers a bus is authorised to carry, shown on the vehicle documents and often on a plate inside. Exceeding it is an offence and a serious safety risk.

A traveller carried without a seat, allowed only where the bus is approved for standing and capacity permits. The driver must accelerate, brake and corner smoothly and warn before sudden manoeuvres.

The restraint fitted to bus seats that passengers must use where provided; the driver is responsible for ensuring minors are secured. Belts greatly reduce injury in sudden braking and collisions.

The instructions given before departure or at stops about belts, emergency exits, fire extinguishers and behaviour. It prepares passengers to act quickly and reduces panic if an incident occurs.

A door, window or roof hatch marked for rapid evacuation and fitted with a release that works without tools. Drivers must know how each one opens and keep the access route clear of luggage.

A portable extinguisher carried on the bus for small fires, checked for pressure and date. The driver should know its location and use it only on a small fire while getting passengers clear.

A system preventing the bus from moving while a passenger door is open, and sometimes preventing doors opening while moving. It protects boarding and alighting passengers and must not be bypassed.

The process of passengers getting on and off the bus at a stop. The driver stops close to the kerb, applies the parking brake, watches the doorway and only moves off when it is safe and clear.

The recording device that logs a professional driver's driving time, other work, availability and rest. Records must be produced on request and must not be manipulated or falsified.

The personalised smart card inserted into a digital tachograph to identify the driver and store their activity records. Using another person's card or driving without one is a serious infringement.

The EU limits on continuous and daily driving, required breaks and daily and weekly rest for professional drivers. They exist to prevent fatigue and are enforced through tachograph records and roadside checks.

An auxiliary braking system, such as an engine brake or hydraulic retarder, that slows a heavy vehicle without using the service brakes. It prevents brake fade on long descents and should be used routinely.

The compressed-air braking system used on heavy buses and lorries, with a pressure gauge and warning for low pressure. Drivers must check pressure before moving off and understand that a leak reduces braking power.

The walk-round inspection before departure covering tyres, lights, brakes, doors, mirrors, fluids and emergency equipment. It catches defects early and is a legal duty for professional drivers.

The skill of reading the road ahead to spot developing dangers early, such as a child near the kerb or a car edging out. It lets the driver slow in time rather than react late.

The steps taken after a collision: stopping, warning other traffic, switching on hazard lights, placing a warning triangle and calling emergency services. Protecting the scene prevents further casualties.

The immediate help given to injured people before professional care arrives: checking responsiveness and breathing, controlling bleeding and keeping the person warm. Drivers are legally obliged to assist at an accident.

The stable side-lying posture used for an unconscious but breathing casualty to keep the airway open and allow fluids to drain. It should not be used if a spinal injury is suspected unless the airway is at risk.