Mozambique INATRO Heavy Vehicle (Pesado) Driving Theory key terms

The Portuguese road traffic code that sets out the rules of the road, driver obligations, penalties and vehicle requirements, and which Mozambique applies with national amendments.

A traffic offence that is not a crime, such as speeding or illegal parking, punished with a fine and, for serious cases, licence points or suspension.

The official driving licence document that authorises a person to drive a stated category of vehicle, such as heavy goods or passenger vehicles.

The licence class that defines which vehicles a driver may legally operate, for example light vehicles, heavy goods vehicles or heavy passenger vehicles.

The maximum total weight of a vehicle plus its load that the manufacturer and the registration authority permit it to have when used on the road.

The unladen weight of a vehicle in running order, including fuel, coolant, lubricants and tools, but excluding the driver, passengers and cargo.

The difference between the maximum authorised mass and the tare weight, meaning the maximum weight of cargo, passengers or equipment the vehicle may legally carry.

A load that cannot reasonably be divided into smaller parts for transport, such as a long beam or a large machine, and that may need special authorisation.

Carrying more weight or volume than the vehicle or axle is authorised for, which reduces braking and stability and attracts fines and load removal.

The way weight is spread over the axles and along the vehicle, which affects steering, braking, tyre grip and legal axle-load limits.

The point where the vehicle's total weight is considered to act; raising it with a high load makes rollover more likely in curves and sudden manoeuvres.

Markings required on loads that project beyond the vehicle, such as a red flag or reflective panel by day and a red light at night.

A trailer or towed unit connected to a towing vehicle by a coupling, whose weight and braking system must match the towing vehicle's rating.

The coupling device that connects a trailer to the towing vehicle and must be strong enough, correctly locked and fitted with a safety chain where required.

Any sign, signal or marking that regulates, warns or guides road users, including danger, prohibition, obligation and information signs.

A triangular warning sign with a red border that alerts drivers in advance to a hazard such as a curve, junction, steep descent or level crossing.

A circular sign, usually red-bordered, that forbids an action such as exceeding a speed, overtaking or entering with a vehicle above a stated weight.

A circular blue sign that orders a specific action, such as turning in a direction, keeping a minimum speed or using a mandatory lane.

Paint or other marking on the road surface, such as lane lines, stop lines, arrows and hatched areas, that guides or restricts traffic.

A solid road marking that must not be crossed or straddled, used to separate opposing traffic or mark a no-overtaking zone.

The manoeuvre of passing another road user travelling in the same direction, allowed only where visibility, markings and signs permit and never at blind spots.

The gap a driver keeps from the vehicle ahead so there is time to stop if it brakes suddenly, increasing with speed and vehicle weight.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops, growing with speed and load and shrinking with good grip.

The delay between a hazard appearing and the driver acting, typically around one second, during which the vehicle keeps moving at full speed.

The parking brake that holds a stationary vehicle, and on heavy vehicles is often a spring-brake system applied automatically when air pressure is lost.

A braking system that uses compressed air to apply the brakes, common on heavy vehicles and requiring daily checks of pressure and leaks.

The mandatory regular technical inspection that checks a vehicle's brakes, lights, tyres, emissions and structure for roadworthiness.

The tyres of a vehicle, whose tread depth, pressure, condition and load rating must meet legal minimums and suit the vehicle's weight and use.

A rollover in which the vehicle tips onto its side or roof, often caused by excessive speed in curves, sudden steering or a high centre of gravity.

A driving style that anticipates other road users' mistakes, keeps escape space and adjusts speed so hazards can be avoided without sudden action.

Physical and mental tiredness that slows reactions and judgement, a major risk on long trips and a reason to stop and rest regularly.

The concentration of alcohol in the blood, measured in grams per litre, above which driving is illegal and penalties and licence action apply.

An instrument that records driving time, rest periods, speed and distance, used to enforce working-time rules for professional heavy vehicle drivers.

The hours a professional driver spends at the wheel, limited by law with mandatory breaks and daily and weekly rest periods.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, including protecting the scene, checking breathing and stopping bleeding.

A reflective warning triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic, required at a suitable distance on the road.

The telephone number used to call police, fire or ambulance services in an emergency, giving location, number of casualties and hazards.

Driving between dusk and dawn, when visibility is reduced, glare is common and speed must be lowered to match the distance lit by the headlights.

Loss of tyre contact with the road when water builds up under the tread, causing loss of steering and braking until speed drops.