North Macedonia Bus Theory D cheat sheet

Speed limits in North Macedonia: built-up areas 50 km/h, outside built-up areas 80 km/h, motorways 120 km/h, expressways 100 km/h. Buses over 3.5 t are limited to 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 100 km/h on motorways.

Minimum following distance: at least 2 seconds in normal conditions; increase to 3 seconds in rain, and 4 seconds on ice or snow. For buses, add 1 second for each 10 km/h above 60 km/h.

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, railway crossings, intersections (unless priority road), and where visibility is less than 100 m.

Alcohol limit for professional bus drivers: 0.00 g/L (zero tolerance). For other drivers: 0.05 g/L (0.5 promille).

Seat belt use is mandatory for the driver and all passengers in all seats equipped with belts. Children under 12 must use appropriate child restraints.

Right-of-way: at unmarked intersections, yield to vehicles approaching from the right. Trams always have priority.

Stopping and parking prohibited within 5 m of a pedestrian crossing, 15 m of a railway crossing, and at bus stops (except buses).

Emergency vehicles with active lights and sirens: drivers must yield and, if necessary, stop to let them pass.

Driving licence points system: serious offences carry penalty points; accumulation leads to licence suspension.

Warning signs: triangular with red border, white background, black symbol. They warn of hazards ahead and require reduced speed and increased attention.

Prohibition signs: circular with red border (or red background for some), white background, black symbol. They impose restrictions (e.g., no entry, speed limit, no overtaking).

Mandatory signs: circular with blue background and white symbol. They indicate compulsory actions (e.g., turn right, roundabout, minimum speed).

Information signs: rectangular or square, usually blue or green background. They provide information about destinations, facilities, or road types.

Priority signs: yellow diamond with white border indicates priority road; inverted triangle with red border indicates yield; octagonal red sign indicates stop.

Road markings: solid white line = no crossing; broken white line = may cross if safe; double solid lines = no crossing in either direction; yellow lines = parking restrictions.

Bus lane markings: solid white line with 'BUS' marking or yellow line; other vehicles may not use unless signs permit.

Pedestrian crossing markings: wide white stripes parallel to the road (zebra crossing). Drivers must yield to pedestrians on or about to enter the crossing.

Temporary signs and markings (yellow background or red/white) override permanent ones during roadworks.

Bus categories: D1 (up to 16 passenger seats, max 7.5 t), D (more than 8 passenger seats), DE (bus with trailer over 750 kg).

To drive a bus in North Macedonia, the driver must hold a valid category D licence, be at least 24 years old (or 21 with CPC), and have a medical certificate.

Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is mandatory for professional bus drivers; initial CPC requires 280 hours of training, periodic CPC requires 35 hours every 5 years.

Documents to carry: driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, insurance certificate, tachograph records, passenger list (if required), and driver CPC card.

Bus registration must be renewed annually; technical inspection is required every 6 months for buses older than 5 years, annually for newer ones.

Medical certificate for professional drivers: valid for 5 years up to age 50, then every 3 years until 65, then annually.

Driving licence categories: B (car up to 3.5 t), C (truck over 3.5 t), D (bus), E (trailer). Age requirements: B 18, C 21, D 24 (or 21 with CPC).

International driving permit may be required for non-EU licence holders; check validity before driving abroad.

Insurance: compulsory third-party liability insurance; green card for international travel.

Defensive driving: always scan ahead 12-15 seconds, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and maintain a 360-degree awareness.

Hazard perception: identify potential hazards early (e.g., pedestrians near road, vehicles emerging from side roads) and plan escape routes.

In adverse weather: reduce speed by at least 20% in rain, 50% in fog or snow; use low beams in fog, not high beams.

Aquaplaning: if steering feels light, ease off accelerator, do not brake suddenly, and hold steering steady until grip returns.

Fatigue: take a 15-minute break every 2 hours; symptoms include yawning, heavy eyes, drifting. Stop driving if fatigued.

Blind spots: buses have large blind spots; use mirrors and look over shoulder before manoeuvring. Use convex mirrors to cover blind spots.

Following distance: use the 2-second rule; increase to 4 seconds in poor conditions. For buses, add 1 second per 10 km/h above 60 km/h.

Night driving: use high beams when no oncoming traffic; dip beams within 150 m of oncoming vehicles or when following.

Skidding: if rear wheels skid, steer into the skid and avoid braking; if front wheels skid, ease off accelerator and straighten steering.

Pre-trip walk-around: check tyres (pressure, tread depth min 1.6 mm, no damage), lights, mirrors, wipers, fluids, and bodywork for damage.

Brake check: test service brake, parking brake, and emergency brake; check air pressure builds to correct level (typically 6-8 bar) and no leaks.

Tyre safety: minimum tread depth 1.6 mm; check for cuts, bulges, and embedded objects. Ensure wheel nuts are tight.

Fluids: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid; check levels when engine cold.

Doors and emergency exits: test operation; ensure emergency exits are unobstructed and marked.

Fire extinguisher: check pressure gauge is in green zone and extinguisher is within service date; know its location.

First aid kit: ensure it is complete and within expiry date; know its location.

Passenger safety equipment: check seat belts (if fitted), handrails, and grab handles are secure.

Tachograph: ensure it is calibrated, seals intact, and record sheet or digital card is inserted before driving.

Maximum passenger capacity must never be exceeded; standees only allowed if the bus is designed for them and route permits.

Passengers must be seated when the bus is moving if seats are available; standing passengers must use handrails.

Boarding and alighting: stop close to the kerb, open doors only when stationary, and ensure passengers have cleared the doors before moving.

Accessibility: buses must have priority seats for elderly and disabled passengers, and space for wheelchairs with securement systems.

Assistance: drivers must assist passengers with disabilities to board and alight, and ensure wheelchair users are secured.

Emergency evacuation: know how to operate emergency exits and guide passengers safely; conduct evacuation drill annually.

Luggage: must be stored safely without blocking aisles or exits; heavy items in luggage compartments.

Behaviour: drivers must ensure passengers do not distract them; report unruly passengers and stop if safety is compromised.

Children: children under 12 must be accompanied or use appropriate restraints; do not leave children unattended on the bus.

EU rules (Regulation 561/2006): maximum daily driving 9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice a week); maximum weekly driving 56 hours; maximum fortnightly driving 90 hours.

Breaks: after 4.5 hours driving, take a 45-minute break (can be split into 15 + 30 minutes).

Daily rest: 11 hours continuous (can be reduced to 9 hours three times a week); weekly rest: 45 hours (can be reduced to 24 hours, with compensation).

Tachograph: must be used by all buses over 3.5 t; record all driving, other work, availability, and rest.

Digital tachograph: driver card must be inserted at start of shift; manual entries for non-driving activities.

Working time directive: maximum average 48 hours per week over 4 months; maximum 60 hours in any single week; minimum 11 hours rest per 24 hours.

Night work: maximum 10 hours per night if night work exceeds 3 hours; regular night workers must have health assessments.

Records: keep tachograph records for at least 1 year; produce on request by enforcement officers.

Penalties: exceeding driving hours or falsifying records can lead to fines, licence suspension, and criminal charges.

DRABC protocol: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check for danger before approaching; assess responsiveness.

Recovery position: for unconscious but breathing casualties; place on side to keep airway open.

CPR: 30 chest compressions (depth 5-6 cm, rate 100-120/min) followed by 2 rescue breaths; continue until help arrives.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with clean cloth; elevate limb if possible; use tourniquet only as last resort.

Burns: cool with running water for at least 10 minutes; do not remove stuck clothing; cover with sterile dressing.

Fractures: immobilise with splint; do not attempt to realign; support injured area.

Emergency call: dial 112 (EU emergency number) in North Macedonia; provide location, number of casualties, and nature of incident.

Incident scene: secure area, set up warning triangle (at least 50 m behind vehicle on motorway), switch on hazard lights, wear high-vis vest.

Report incident: exchange details with other parties, notify operator, and complete incident report form.

Eco-driving techniques: accelerate smoothly, maintain steady speed, use highest gear possible, anticipate traffic to avoid braking.

Engine idling: switch off engine if stationary for more than 30 seconds (except in traffic); reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

Speed and fuel: fuel consumption increases significantly above 90 km/h; driving at 80-90 km/h is most efficient.

Tyre pressure: correct pressure reduces rolling resistance and fuel consumption; check monthly.

Air conditioning: increases fuel consumption by up to 10%; use sparingly and open windows at low speeds.

Vehicle maintenance: regular servicing (oil, filters, spark plugs) ensures efficient combustion and lower emissions.

Euro standards: buses must meet Euro IV or higher in many urban areas; check local low-emission zone rules.

Alternative fuels: electric and hybrid buses reduce emissions; know charging procedures and range limitations.

Waste: dispose of oil, filters, and batteries at authorised recycling points; never pour down drains.