CBR Car Theory B cheat sheet

Right-hand traffic in Belgium: at an unsigned junction with no priority signs, give way to traffic approaching from the right (priorité à droite).

Yield to traffic already on a roundabout; in Belgium the roundabout user generally has priority only where signs/markings say so - check the yield line and shark's teeth before entering.

At a T-junction without signs, the road ending at the through road must yield to vehicles on the continuing road.

Trams have priority over other vehicles at junctions unless a sign or signal orders otherwise; overtake a tram only on the right where space allows and never when passengers are boarding.

Emergency vehicles with blue lights and two-tone siren: move aside, slow, and stop if needed; do not follow closely behind them.

Pedestrians on a marked crossing (zebra) have absolute priority once they show intent to cross or step onto it; approach at a speed allowing a stop.

Overtaking is forbidden on level crossings, at pedestrian crossings, and where a solid white line separates you from the other lane.

Motorway: minimum speed 70 km/h in normal conditions; driving, parking and U-turns on the hard shoulder are prohibited except in emergency.

Sign hierarchy: police/traffic officer signals > traffic lights > priority signs > general rules of the road.

Red-bordered triangle = danger warning; red-bordered circle = prohibition; blue circle = obligation; blue rectangle = information/facility.

Belgian speed limits: 30 in built-up zones with 30 signs, 50 in built-up areas, 70 outside built-up areas, 120 on motorways (90 on some ring roads - follow signs).

Flashing amber at a light means proceed with caution, applying the normal priority rules; a dark/off signal is treated as no signal.

A solid white line is a no-crossing line; a broken line may be crossed; a broken line with short dashes marks the edge of the carriageway.

Shark's teeth (triangle series) across your lane mean give way; a thick continuous stop line is paired with a STOP sign (full stop required).

Yellow zig-zag or marked school/bus zones: no stopping or parking; bus stop markings are reserved for buses.

Direction arrows painted in a lane bind you to that direction; changing lane after entering the arrow zone is an offence.

Legal blood alcohol limit in Belgium: 0.5 g/L (0.22 mg/L breath); 0.2 g/L for professional and novice drivers.

Safety distance rule: keep at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions; double to 4 seconds in rain and more in ice/fog.

Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants front and rear; children under 1.35 m must use an approved child restraint appropriate to weight.

Hand-held phone use while driving is prohibited; only hands-free equipment is allowed.

Drug driving is prohibited regardless of quantity; police can test saliva and urine.

Headlights are required at night and in tunnels; front fog lights only in fog, heavy rain or falling snow.

Eco-driving: shift up around 2000-2500 rpm for petrol, 1500-2000 rpm for diesel, and anticipate traffic to avoid braking.

At a railway crossing with barriers down or red light flashing, stop and wait; never enter until the barriers are fully raised.

Mirror-signal-manoeuvre: check mirrors, signal, check blind spot over the shoulder, then move; blind spots are not covered by mirrors.

Overtaking: overtake on the left; return to the right lane only when the overtaken vehicle is fully visible in the interior mirror.

Reverse parking: use the reference point where the rear of your car aligns with the neighbouring car's rear bumper, then full lock.

Stopping distance = thinking distance (speed x reaction time) + braking distance; at 50 km/h total is roughly 27 m in dry conditions.

Braking distance increases with the square of speed: doubling speed quadruples braking distance.

On a steep downhill use a lower gear to use engine braking; do not ride the brakes continuously.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard or steer sharply; hold the wheel straight until grip returns.

When entering a motorway use the acceleration lane to match traffic speed, then merge without forcing other drivers to brake.

Scan 12-15 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5-8 seconds; keep the eyes moving rather than fixating on the car ahead.

Children, balls, and parked vans near schools or residential streets: anticipate a child stepping out; reduce speed and cover the brake.

At dusk and dawn, vulnerable road users (cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists) are hardest to see; use dipped headlights.

Cyclists may swerve around potholes, drains or parked cars; give at least 1 m clearance in built-up areas and 1.5 m outside.

In rain, the first minutes are the most slippery because oil and dust float on the surface.

Blind bends and crests: reduce speed before the hazard so you can stop within the visible distance.

Large vehicles have large blind spots and wide turning arcs; never sit alongside a turning lorry on its inside.

Fatigue signs: heavy eyelids, drifting, missing signs; the only remedy is to stop and rest, not loud music or open windows.

Tyre tread minimum: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; check pressure cold and monthly.

Tyre pressure too low increases fuel consumption, wear and the risk of blowout; too high reduces grip.

Engine oil: check on a level surface with a cold engine; level between MIN and MAX marks; low oil risks engine damage.

Coolant: never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot - risk of scalding from pressurised steam.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time; replace roughly every 2 years as specified by the manufacturer.

Dashboard warning lights: red = stop safely and investigate; amber = caution, service soon; green/blue = information.

Catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter reduce emissions; short cold trips clog the DPF - periodic longer runs help.

Belgian periodic technical inspection (contrôle technique): first inspection at 4 years, then every 2 years, then annually for older vehicles.

Following a motorcycle: allow extra distance because a rider may brake suddenly for surface hazards invisible from your seat.

At night, dip headlights when meeting oncoming traffic or following another vehicle to avoid dazzling.

Wet leaves, mud, gravel and painted markings reduce grip - brake earlier and steer gently on these surfaces.

Approaching a green light that has been green for a long time: anticipate it may change; be ready to stop.

When a bus pulls away from a stop with its indicator on, give way where required; anticipate pedestrians crossing in front of it.

At junctions, make eye contact with other drivers before assuming they have seen you.

In fog, use dipped headlights and reduce speed to stop within the distance you can see; do not use main beam.

When reversing, check all around and use mirrors; children and low objects are not visible in the rear-view mirror.

Parking is prohibited within 5 m of a pedestrian crossing, at bus stops, on cycle paths and in front of driveways.

On a two-way road, you may park on either side; on a one-way road, park on the left or right as signed.

Stopping on the hard shoulder is only for emergencies; place a warning triangle at least 30 m behind the vehicle and wear a hi-vis vest.

Roundabout exit: signal right before your exit; do not change lanes on the roundabout without checking.

Zones 30 and residential zones: speed limit 30 km/h unless otherwise signed; priority-to-the-right often applies inside.

Motorway lane discipline: keep right except when overtaking; the left lane is not a cruising lane.

At a STOP sign, a full stop at the stop line is required even if the road appears clear.

When an emergency vehicle approaches from behind with sirens, do not brake abruptly; indicate and pull to the side when safe.

Hill start: use the handbrake or hill-hold, find the biting point, then release the brake as you accelerate gently.

Steering: hold the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock; do not cross arms when turning - use the pull-push method.

Skid recovery: ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction you want the front to go, and avoid hard braking.

ABS prevents wheel lock and allows steering during emergency braking; keep firm pressure on the pedal and do not pump.

ESP/ESC helps correct skids; it cannot overcome physics - reduce speed in corners and wet conditions.

When towing a trailer, reduce speed, increase following distance, and remember the trailer's extra length when overtaking.

Before a long descent, check brakes and use a lower gear; brake fade occurs when brakes overheat.

Reversing around a corner: check mirrors, signal, and reverse slowly; a second person can act as a guide.

Battery: check terminals for corrosion and ensure the battery is secure; a flat battery may need jump-starting with correct polarity.

Lights: check all lights (head, tail, brake, indicators, fog, reversing) weekly; a failed bulb is a common defect.

Windscreen washer fluid and wiper blades: replace blades when they streak; top up washer fluid regularly.

Air filter and spark plugs affect fuel consumption and emissions; follow the manufacturer's service schedule.

Eco-driving reduces CO2 and fuel: maintain steady speed, avoid harsh acceleration, and remove roof racks when not needed.

Cold engine: drive gently for the first few kilometres; idling to warm up wastes fuel and increases wear.

Air conditioning increases fuel consumption; use it moderately and keep the system serviced to avoid bacteria.

Correct tyre choice and pressure reduce rolling resistance; under-inflation can increase fuel use by several percent.

Temporary yellow road markings override white markings in roadworks.

A blue sign with a white bicycle indicates a compulsory cycle path; mopeds may be excluded.

A red circle with a white bar means no entry; a red circle with a car means no motor vehicles.

A yield sign (inverted triangle) requires giving way but not necessarily a full stop.

A sign with a red diagonal line across a blue circle ends a previous obligation.

Level crossing signs: St Andrew's cross for single track, additional crosses for multiple tracks.

Speed camera warning signs are permitted in Belgium; a zone sign applies until the end-of-zone sign.

A white arrow on a blue background indicates a one-way street; do not enter from the wrong end.

Following distance in tunnels and at night should be increased; keep headlights on dipped beam.

Do not drive if taking medicines that cause drowsiness; check the leaflet or pharmacist.

Aggressive driving increases risk; maintain calm, do not retaliate, and allow others to merge.

Pedestrians at a zebra crossing: stop and give way; do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Cyclists in a cycle lane have priority when you turn across it; check mirrors and blind spot before turning.

In Belgium, the driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers wear seat belts; fines apply per unrestrained occupant.

Alcohol is eliminated slowly: about 0.1-0.15 g/L per hour; coffee or cold air does not speed this up.

In a built-up area, the horn may only be used in immediate danger; at night use lights instead.

Approaching a junction with limited visibility: slow down so you can stop within the distance you can see.

Parked cars on both sides narrow the road; anticipate doors opening and pedestrians emerging.

At a school gate at opening/closing times, reduce speed to 30 km/h or less and be ready to stop.

In rain, increase following distance and switch on dipped headlights; aquaplaning risk rises with speed.

On rural roads, anticipate tractors, animals and mud on the carriageway; slow before bends.

When a lorry overtakes you, it may create a suction effect; hold the wheel firmly and maintain speed.

At night, look toward the left edge of the road when meeting oncoming headlights to avoid being dazzled.

Before overtaking, check for junctions, crossings, and oncoming vehicles; abort if in doubt.

At an intersection with a yellow flashing light, the normal priority-to-the-right rule applies.

When traffic lights fail, treat the junction as unsigned and apply the priority-to-the-right rule.

A police officer's signals override traffic lights and signs; follow the officer's arm and body position.

When turning left across oncoming traffic, give way to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

At a roundabout, vehicles already circulating have priority where a yield line is present; signal right before your exit.

A bus pulling out of a stop in a built-up area may have priority where signs indicate; otherwise give way if safe.

On a motorway, the right lane is for normal driving; use the left lanes only for overtaking.

In a traffic jam, do not block a junction or pedestrian crossing; wait behind the line until there is space to clear it.

Before moving off, check mirrors, signal, look over your shoulder, and check the blind spot.

When changing lanes, signal in good time and check the mirror and blind spot before moving.

When overtaking a cyclist, leave at least 1 m in built-up areas and 1.5 m outside built-up areas.

In a skid on ice, steer gently and avoid sudden braking; ABS may not help on ice.

When driving an automatic, use the brake to hold on a slope; do not ride the brake for long periods.

When parking on a hill, turn the wheels toward the kerb and engage the handbrake.

Before reversing, walk around the vehicle if possible; children and pets may be behind.

Use engine braking on long descents; do not coast in neutral.

Check the spare tyre and tools periodically; a space-saver tyre has a limited speed (often 80 km/h).

Brake pads wear gradually; replace when the lining is below the manufacturer's minimum.

A clogged air filter reduces power and increases fuel consumption; replace per schedule.

Engine coolant level should be checked when cold; top up with the correct mixture, not plain water.

Worn shock absorbers increase braking distance and reduce grip; replace in pairs.

Eco-driving: use cruise control on motorways where appropriate, and anticipate traffic to avoid braking.

Air conditioning should be run periodically even in winter to keep the system lubricated.

Dispose of used oil, batteries and tyres at approved recycling points; never pour them down drains.

A blue sign with a white P indicates parking; a red-bordered P with a bar means no parking.

A yellow diamond sign indicates a priority road; a yellow diamond with a black bar ends priority.

A red-bordered circle with a number is a speed limit; a blue circle with a number is a minimum speed.

A sign with a red triangle and a cross indicates a crossroads ahead.

A sign with a red triangle and a winding road warns of a series of bends.

A blue sign with a white arrow pointing down indicates a lane for oncoming traffic.

A white line across the road with a STOP sign requires a full stop; a broken line with a yield sign does not.

A red-and-white striped barrier or gate indicates a level crossing; stop when the barrier is down.

Do not use a hand-held phone even when stopped in traffic; use a hands-free kit or pull over safely.

Seat belts must be worn correctly; an incorrectly positioned belt can cause injury in a crash.

Children under 1.35 m must use an approved child seat; a rear-facing seat must not be used in front of an active airbag.

Alcohol: the legal limit is 0.5 g/L; for novice and professional drivers it is 0.2 g/L.

Drugs: driving under the influence is prohibited; police can test saliva and blood.

Fatigue: stop and rest; a short nap of 15-20 minutes can help, but the only real cure is sleep.

In a built-up area, the horn may only be used in immediate danger; at night use lights instead.

Eco-driving: shift up early, maintain steady speed, and anticipate traffic to avoid braking.

Approaching a bend: reduce speed before the bend, not in it; brake in a straight line.

At night, use main beam where safe; dip for oncoming traffic and when following.

In fog, use dipped headlights and fog lights where visibility is seriously reduced; do not use main beam.

At a pedestrian crossing, anticipate pedestrians who may step out; slow down and be ready to stop.

On a motorway, watch for vehicles joining from slip roads; adjust speed or change lane if safe.

When a lorry is turning, do not overtake on the inside; the trailer may swing wide.

In rain, the first minutes are the most slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance.

When reversing, check all around; children and low objects are not visible in the rear-view mirror.

At an unsigned junction, give way to traffic from the right; this rule also applies at a T-junction where the road ends.

At a roundabout with a yield line, give way to traffic already circulating.

Trams have priority at junctions unless signs or signals say otherwise.

Emergency vehicles with blue lights and sirens: move aside, slow, and stop if needed.

Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have absolute priority; approach at a speed allowing a stop.

Overtaking is forbidden on level crossings, at pedestrian crossings, and where a solid white line separates you from the other lane.

Motorway: minimum speed 70 km/h in normal conditions; driving, parking and U-turns on the hard shoulder are prohibited.

Parking is prohibited within 5 m of a pedestrian crossing, at bus stops, on cycle paths and in front of driveways.

Mirror-signal-manoeuvre: check mirrors, signal, check blind spot, then move.

Overtake on the left; return to the right lane only when the overtaken vehicle is fully visible in the interior mirror.

Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance; at 50 km/h total is roughly 27 m in dry conditions.

Braking distance increases with the square of speed: doubling speed quadruples braking distance.

On a steep downhill use a lower gear to use engine braking; do not ride the brakes continuously.

Aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard or steer sharply; hold the wheel straight until grip returns.

When entering a motorway use the acceleration lane to match traffic speed, then merge without forcing other drivers to brake.

Hill start: use the handbrake or hill-hold, find the biting point, then release the brake as you accelerate gently.

Tyre tread minimum: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; check pressure cold and monthly.

Tyre pressure too low increases fuel consumption, wear and the risk of blowout; too high reduces grip.

Engine oil: check on a level surface with a cold engine; level between MIN and MAX marks; low oil risks engine damage.

Coolant: never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot - risk of scalding from pressurised steam.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time; replace roughly every 2 years as specified by the manufacturer.

Dashboard warning lights: red = stop safely and investigate; amber = caution, service soon; green/blue = information.

Catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter reduce emissions; short cold trips clog the DPF - periodic longer runs help.

Belgian periodic technical inspection: first inspection at 4 years, then every 2 years, then annually for older vehicles.

Sign hierarchy: police/traffic officer signals > traffic lights > priority signs > general rules of the road.

Red-bordered triangle = danger warning; red-bordered circle = prohibition; blue circle = obligation; blue rectangle = information.

Belgian speed limits: 30 in built-up zones with 30 signs, 50 in built-up areas, 70 outside built-up areas, 120 on motorways.

Flashing amber at a light means proceed with caution, applying the normal priority rules; a dark signal is treated as no signal.

A solid white line is a no-crossing line; a broken line may be crossed; a broken line with short dashes marks the edge of the carriageway.

Shark's teeth across your lane mean give way; a thick continuous stop line is paired with a STOP sign (full stop required).

Yellow zig-zag or marked school/bus zones: no stopping or parking; bus stop markings are reserved for buses.

Direction arrows painted in a lane bind you to that direction; changing lane after entering the arrow zone is an offence.

Legal blood alcohol limit in Belgium: 0.5 g/L (0.22 mg/L breath); 0.2 g/L for professional and novice drivers.

Safety distance rule: keep at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions; double to 4 seconds in rain.

Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants front and rear; children under 1.35 m must use an approved child restraint.

Hand-held phone use while driving is prohibited; only hands-free equipment is allowed.

Drug driving is prohibited regardless of quantity; police can test saliva and urine.

Headlights are required at night and in tunnels; front fog lights only in fog, heavy rain or falling snow.

Eco-driving: shift up around 2000-2500 rpm for petrol, 1500-2000 rpm for diesel, and anticipate traffic to avoid braking.

At a railway crossing with barriers down or red light flashing, stop and wait; never enter until the barriers are fully raised.

Scan 12-15 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5-8 seconds; keep the eyes moving rather than fixating on the car ahead.

Children, balls, and parked vans near schools or residential streets: anticipate a child stepping out; reduce speed and cover the brake.

At dusk and dawn, vulnerable road users are hardest to see; use dipped headlights.

Cyclists may swerve around potholes, drains or parked cars; give at least 1 m clearance in built-up areas and 1.5 m outside.

In rain, the first minutes are the most slippery because oil and dust float on the surface.

Blind bends and crests: reduce speed before the hazard so you can stop within the visible distance.

Large vehicles have large blind spots and wide turning arcs; never sit alongside a turning lorry on its inside.

Fatigue signs: heavy eyelids, drifting, missing signs; the only remedy is to stop and rest.