North Macedonia Truck Theory C key terms

The legal priority to proceed first at an intersection, narrowing, or conflict point. In North Macedonia it is given by signs, signals, or the general rule of the right-hand rule where priority is not otherwise regulated.

The default priority rule at unmarked intersections of equal-rank roads: a driver must give way to vehicles approaching from the right. It applies only when signs, markings, or signals do not set a different order.

At a roundabout, vehicles already circulating normally have priority over entering vehicles, unless signs indicate otherwise. Drivers entering must slow down, look left, and yield without blocking the circulating lane.

A gap formed between traffic lanes so ambulances, fire engines, and police can pass. Drivers in both directions move aside, usually toward the outer edges, and keep the corridor clear until emergency vehicles have passed.

The maximum permitted speed for Category C vehicles, which is lower than for passenger cars and depends on road type. Drivers must also reduce speed for weather, visibility, load, and road conditions.

A circular sign showing a red car and a black lorry side by side, indicating that goods vehicles above the stated mass may not overtake. It ends at the next intersection or where a cancellation sign appears.

A circular sign with a red border and a black lorry symbol. It prohibits entry for goods vehicles, often above a specified mass, unless a supplementary plate grants access for local deliveries or specified users.

A solid white transverse line at an intersection or level crossing. A driver must stop before it at a stop sign, red light, or when required, and must not encroach on the pedestrian crossing or junction.

A continuous longitudinal road marking that may not be crossed or straddled. It separates opposing traffic where overtaking is dangerous, and crossing it is allowed only in exceptional cases expressly permitted by law.

A signal warning of a hazard such as a faulty signal, pedestrian crossing, or construction site. Drivers must slow down, proceed with caution, and apply the normal right-of-way rules rather than assuming priority.

A place where a road crosses railway tracks. Drivers must approach at reduced speed, obey lights, barriers, and signs, and never enter unless the exit is clear and the crossing is fully passable.

A driving style that anticipates hazards and other road users' mistakes. It involves keeping space, scanning ahead, adjusting speed, and planning escape routes so that a single error does not cause a crash.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead. In good conditions, at least two seconds; for heavy trucks, wet roads, or poor visibility, a longer gap of four or more seconds is needed to stop safely.

Areas around a truck that the driver cannot see directly or through mirrors. Large vehicles have wide blind spots at the front, sides, and rear, so drivers must check mirrors, use sensors, and turn the head before manoeuvring.

Loss of tyre contact with the road caused by water between the tyre and surface. Steering and braking become ineffective; the driver should ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden braking, and hold the steering steady until grip returns.

Using the engine's compression or a retarder to slow the vehicle on long descents without overloading the service brakes. It helps prevent brake fade and should be selected before the descent begins.

A visual and functional inspection before departure covering tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes, couplings, load security, and fluid leaks. Defects affecting safety must be corrected before the vehicle is driven on the road.

The minimum legal groove depth for truck tyres. Worn tyres reduce grip and increase braking distance, especially in rain; drivers should check tread and pressure regularly, including the spare.

A braking system using compressed air to apply the brakes. Daily checks include draining water from reservoirs, checking pressure build-up and leakage, and listening for warning buzzers or low-pressure indicators.

A system that prevents wheel lock during heavy braking, allowing the driver to steer while stopping. On a truck it is a safety aid, not a substitute for safe speed and following distance.

An electronic device recording driving time, work, availability, and rest. It uses a driver card, stores data for inspection, and requires manual entries for activities not recorded automatically, such as other work or ferry crossings.

A personalised smart card inserted into the digital tachograph. It identifies the driver, records activity, and must not be used by anyone else; loss, theft, or malfunction must be reported and documented.

The maximum driving time between daily rests. Normally nine hours, it may be extended to ten hours no more than twice in a week; the extension must be recorded and must not be habitual.

After a maximum of four and a half hours of driving, the driver must take a break of at least 45 minutes. It may be split into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes, in that order.

The maximum driving time in a week is normally 56 hours. Over two consecutive weeks the total must not exceed 90 hours, and weekly rest must be taken as required.

A continuous rest of at least 11 hours in each 24-hour period, which may be reduced to 9 hours no more than three times between weekly rests. It is needed to recover from driving fatigue.

The use of straps, chains, bars, or other devices to prevent cargo from moving or falling. The load must be secured to the vehicle, checked during the journey, and released only when safe.

Placing cargo so that weight is spread correctly between axles and the centre of gravity is kept low. Poor distribution can overload an axle, reduce steering grip, and make the truck unstable.

The maximum permitted total mass of the vehicle plus its load, as stated in the registration documents. Exceeding it is an offence and increases braking distance, tyre stress, and road damage.

The mass carried by a single axle or axle group. Each axle has a permitted maximum, and overloading one axle can occur even when the total vehicle weight is legal.

A special warning panel required when cargo projects beyond the vehicle's rear or sides. It alerts other drivers, especially at night, and must be clean, correctly positioned, and visible.

A qualification required for professional truck drivers in addition to the driving licence. It involves periodic training and must be carried or available for inspection during transport operations.

An international road transport document for goods. It identifies the consignor, carrier, consignee, and cargo, and serves as evidence of the transport contract; it is not a document of title.

The official document showing the vehicle's identity, owner, mass limits, and technical data. It must be carried or available, and any change of owner, address, or technical specification must be updated.

The single European emergency number, also used in North Macedonia. Callers should state location, number of casualties, hazards, and keep the line open; it connects police, fire, and ambulance services.

A stable side position for an unconscious but breathing casualty. It keeps the airway open and reduces choking risk; it should not be used if a spinal injury is suspected unless the airway is at risk.

A reflective triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic. It should be set at a safe distance, and the driver should wear a high-visibility vest when placing it.

A reflective garment worn when outside a broken-down vehicle or at an incident scene. It makes the driver visible to traffic and is legally required in many situations when exiting on a road.

Points added to a driver's record for traffic offences. Accumulating a set number leads to licence suspension or revocation; points remain for a defined period and also affect insurance and employment.

A police measure preventing a vehicle from being driven, often for serious defects, overloading, or missing documents. The vehicle stays off the road until the defect is corrected and release conditions are met.