Iraq Heavy Vehicle Driving Theory flashcards

34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Right-hand traffic rule

Iraqi traffic keeps to the right side of the road. Overtaking is performed on the left except when the vehicle ahead is signalling a right turn.

Right-of-way at unmarked junction

At an uncontrolled intersection the vehicle approaching from the right has priority. At roundabouts, priority belongs to vehicles already circulating inside the ring.

Alcohol limit for drivers

Iraq applies a zero-tolerance rule: any alcohol in the blood is an offence, and refusal to provide a breath or blood sample is also punishable.

STOP sign obligation

A red octagon requires a complete stop at the stop line, mirror and traffic checks, then moving off only when the road is clear. Rolling stops are illegal.

Give way sign shape

An inverted red-bordered triangle means yield. The driver slows, prepares to stop and gives priority to traffic on the crossing or priority road.

Solid centre line meaning

A continuous white or yellow centre line may not be crossed for overtaking. A broken line on the driver's side permits crossing when visibility and traffic allow.

Traffic officer overrides signals

Hand signals from a uniformed traffic officer take precedence over traffic lights and road signs. A raised palm facing the driver means stop immediately.

Two-second following rule

Maintain at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions, doubling to four seconds in rain, dust, darkness or when carrying a heavy load.

Thinking distance formula

Thinking distance in metres roughly equals speed in km/h divided by ten, then multiplied by three. At 100 km/h this is about 30 metres before braking begins.

Speed and braking distance

Braking distance increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed from 50 to 100 km/h multiplies the braking distance by four, not by two.

Truck blind spot zones

Heavy vehicles have large blind areas along both sides, directly in front and extending behind the trailer. Other drivers should avoid lingering in these zones.

Clutch foot rest hazard

Resting a foot on the clutch pedal causes partial disengagement, slipping and overheating. The clutch should only be used to start, stop and change gear.

Retarder on slippery roads

Exhaust and engine retarders should be switched off on wet, icy or gravel surfaces because they can lock the drive wheels and cause a skid or jackknife.

Brake before the bend

Reduce speed and select the correct gear before entering a corner, then accelerate gently on exit. Braking mid-corner upsets the vehicle's balance and grip.

Tyre tread minimum

Heavy vehicle tyres must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the width. Cuts, bulges and exposed cord require immediate replacement.

Air brake leak test

With the system at full pressure and the engine off, pressure loss over one minute should not exceed about 2 psi (14 kPa). Greater loss indicates a leak.

Low air pressure warning

A warning must sound before pressure drops below about 60 psi (420 kPa). Below that level the spring parking brakes apply automatically as a fail-safe.

Defect reporting duty

Safety-related defects found during the daily check must be recorded and reported before the vehicle is used. Brake, steering and tyre faults ground it.

Lashing capacity rule

The total rated lashing capacity should be at least equal to the weight of the load, using at least two independent restraints per article where possible.

Load centre of gravity

Heavy items should be placed low and centred over the drive axles. A high or uneven load reduces stability, increases rollover risk and overloads individual axles.

Rear overhang marking

Loads projecting beyond the rear of the vehicle must be marked with a warning flag or board by day and a red light or reflector by night.

Brake fade cause

Continuous service-brake use on long descents overheats the drums or discs and reduces braking force. Gears and the retarder should control the descent instead.

Air brake lag

Air brakes respond about 0.3 to 0.5 seconds after the pedal is pressed. This lag means heavy vehicles need a longer following gap than hydraulic-brake vehicles.

Spring brake fail-safe

Parking brakes on air-braked trucks are held by strong springs and released by air pressure. Loss of pressure therefore applies the brakes automatically.

Fatigue warning signs

Yawning, heavy eyelids, lane drift, missed signs and micro-sleeps indicate dangerous fatigue. The driver should stop at a safe place and rest immediately.

Rest break rule

Continuous driving should be interrupted by a break of at least 15 to 30 minutes after roughly four hours, and daily driving time is normally capped at 8 to 10 hours.

Fitness to drive

Illness, medication, alcohol, drugs and sleep debt all impair driving. A driver who is unfit must not drive and should inform the operator.

Collision response sequence

Stop, switch off the engine, switch on hazard lights, warn other traffic, give first aid, call police and ambulance, then exchange details and report.

Warning triangle placement

Place a warning triangle at least 50 metres behind the vehicle on a highway, or about 100 metres on fast roads, and keep hazard lights flashing.

Tyre blowout response

Grip the wheel firmly, avoid hard braking, ease off the accelerator and steer straight until the vehicle slows. Then pull over gradually to a safe place.

Fuel use versus speed

Aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed, so fuel consumption climbs steeply above about 80 to 90 km/h. Moderate cruising speed saves fuel.

Idling fuel waste

Idling for more than about one minute wastes fuel and adds emissions. Switching off the engine during long waits reduces consumption and engine wear.

Documents to carry

A heavy vehicle driver must carry a valid licence of the correct category, current vehicle registration, valid insurance and any permits required for the load.

Compulsory third-party insurance

Liability insurance covering injury or damage to third parties is mandatory. Driving without valid insurance is illegal and leaves the operator personally liable.