North Macedonia Motorcycle Theory A key terms

The legal priority to proceed through a place where paths of road users cross, granted by signs, signals or rules, and never taken by force or assumption.

A road marked with a priority sign where traffic keeps precedence at junctions over vehicles emerging from side roads, until a sign or signal says otherwise.

An inverted-triangle sign obliging you to slow or stop and let traffic on the crossing road pass before you enter or cross it.

An octagonal sign requiring a complete halt at the marked line, with priority given to crossing traffic, regardless of whether anything is visible.

A junction with no signs, signals or markings deciding priority, where the general rule requires giving way to traffic approaching from the right.

The rule that vehicles entering a roundabout marked with yield signs give way to traffic already circulating, unless signs state the opposite.

The turn signal lamp used to announce an intended change of direction, lane or exit, switched on early enough to be seen and understood by others.

Moving from one marked lane to another, permitted only after checking mirrors and blind spot, signalling, and confirming no one is overtaking you.

The area beside and behind the motorcycle not visible in the mirrors, which must be checked by turning the head before manoeuvring.

A last over-the-shoulder glance into the blind spot made immediately before changing lane, turning or joining traffic, after mirror checks.

A continuous longitudinal marking that may not be crossed or straddled, separating traffic directions or marking a stretch where overtaking is prohibited.

A dashed longitudinal marking that may be crossed to overtake or turn when it is safe, provided the manoeuvre is completed before the dashes end.

A transverse line at a junction or signal showing the exact point where a vehicle must halt for a stop sign, red light or pedestrian crossing.

The sequence of red, red-and-amber, green and amber signals, where amber means stop unless halting safely is impossible.

Passing a slower road user, allowed only with clear visibility, sufficient space, no prohibition marking, and a return to your side well before oncoming traffic.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, at least two seconds in dry conditions and more when wet, loaded or visibility is reduced.

The total distance covered from noticing a hazard to standing still, made up of reaction distance plus braking distance.

Maximum controlled braking applied in a straight line with both brakes, keeping the motorcycle upright and the front wheel from locking.

An anti-lock braking system that releases and reapplies brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up, keeping steering control during hard braking.

The technique of pressing the handlebar on the side you want to turn, momentarily steering the front wheel the other way to lean the motorcycle into the curve.

The path chosen through a bend, entering wide, clipping a safe apex and exiting wide, so the curve radius is as large as possible.

The tilt of the motorcycle from vertical in a curve, which reduces available grip and must be moderated on gravel, wet or uneven surfaces.

The tendency to steer toward whatever you stare at, which is dangerous when attention locks onto a hazard instead of the intended escape path.

The skill of scanning ahead and to the sides to spot risks early, such as junctions, parked cars, animals or slippery patches, before they demand action.

Riding so that you anticipate other users' mistakes, keep escape space and never rely on being seen or on having priority.

How easily a rider is noticed by others, improved by headlights, bright or reflective clothing and positioning away from blind spots.

Purpose-made jacket, trousers, gloves and boots with abrasion resistance and impact padding, worn on every ride regardless of distance or weather.

A certified head protector with a fastened chin strap, legally required for rider and passenger, and replaced after a significant impact.

A person carried on the motorcycle's passenger seat, allowed only where a proper seat and footrests exist and a helmet is worn.

Fixing luggage so it cannot shift, keeping it within permitted dimensions and balanced, since an unstable load upsets steering and braking.

Tread depth, pressure and freedom from cuts or bulges, checked regularly because tyres are the only contact with the road and worn ones reduce grip.

The measured amount of alcohol in the blood, which above the permitted limit makes riding an offence and impairs judgement, balance and reaction time.

Mental and physical tiredness that slows reactions and causes microsleeps, countered by stopping for rest rather than by coffee or open windows.

The rider's physical and mental capacity to control the motorcycle safely, affected by illness, alcohol, drugs, medicines, tiredness and emotional state.

Before helping at a crash, securing the area by warning traffic, switching off engines and calling emergency services so rescuers do not become casualties.

The call to the emergency number giving location, number of casualties, injuries and hazards, made before further assistance is attempted.

Taking off an injured rider's helmet only when breathing is obstructed or resuscitation requires it, ideally by trained help with the head supported.

The legally required third-party liability policy covering damage or injury caused to others, checked by police and valid only for the insured vehicle.

The official paper linking the vehicle to its owner and registration plate, which must be carried or produced when requested by police.

Points recorded against a rider for traffic offences, accumulating toward licence suspension or revocation when the legal threshold is reached.