CBR Car Theory B flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Priority to the right

At an unsigned junction in Belgium, you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right. This default rule applies unless signs, markings or signals indicate otherwise.

Roundabout priority

Where a yield line and shark's teeth are painted at the entry, vehicles already circulating have priority. Signal right before your exit and never change lanes without checking.

Tram priority

Trams generally have priority over other vehicles at junctions unless signs or signals state otherwise. Overtake a tram only on the right where space allows and never while passengers board.

Emergency vehicle procedure

When an emergency vehicle approaches with blue lights and siren, slow down, indicate, and pull aside or stop to let it pass. Do not follow closely behind it.

Zebra crossing rule

Pedestrians on or about to step onto a marked crossing have absolute priority. Approach at a speed that lets you stop, and never overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Sign hierarchy

Police officer signals override traffic lights, which override priority signs, which override general rules of the road. Apply the highest-ranking signal present at the junction.

Sign shape meanings

Red-bordered triangles warn of danger; red-bordered circles prohibit; blue circles impose obligations; blue rectangles give information. Recognising the shape speeds up reading unfamiliar signs.

Belgian speed limits

Default limits are 30 km/h in signed zones, 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h outside built-up areas and 120 km/h on motorways. Always follow posted signs where they differ.

Solid versus broken line

A continuous white line may not be crossed. A broken line may be crossed when safe. Short-dashed lines mark the edge of the carriageway.

Shark's teeth marking

A row of white triangles across your lane means give way. It is often paired with a yield sign; a thick continuous stop line instead requires a full stop.

Alcohol limit Belgium

The legal limit is 0.5 g/L blood alcohol (about 0.22 mg/L breath). Novice and professional drivers are limited to 0.2 g/L. Alcohol is eliminated slowly, roughly 0.1-0.15 g/L per hour.

Two-second rule

Maintain at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions. Double this to four seconds in rain and increase further in ice, fog or at night.

Seat belt and child rules

All occupants must wear seat belts, front and rear. Children under 1.35 m must use an approved child restraint suited to their weight, and a rear-facing seat must not face an active airbag.

Phone use while driving

Hand-held phone use while driving is prohibited, including while stopped in traffic. Only hands-free equipment is permitted, and even that must not distract you.

Mirror-signal-manoeuvre

Before any manoeuvre, check mirrors, signal in good time, check the blind spot over your shoulder, then move. Mirrors alone do not cover the blind spots.

Stopping distance formula

Stopping distance equals thinking distance plus braking distance. At 50 km/h in dry conditions the total is roughly 27 metres; doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

Aquaplaning response

If the steering feels light and the car floats on water, ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel straight and avoid hard braking or sharp steering until grip returns.

Motorway merging

Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of motorway traffic, signal, check the blind spot, then merge without forcing other drivers to brake or change lane.

Hill start technique

Use the handbrake or hill-hold, find the biting point, then release the brake as you accelerate gently. This prevents rolling back into vehicles behind you.

Visual scanning

Look 12-15 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5-8 seconds. Keep your eyes moving rather than fixating on the car directly ahead, so you spot hazards early.

Vulnerable road users

Cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists are hardest to see at dusk and dawn. Give cyclists at least 1 m clearance in built-up areas and 1.5 m outside, and anticipate swerving.

Wet road first minutes

The first minutes of rain are the most slippery because oil and dust float on the surface. Reduce speed and increase following distance until the road washes clean.

Fatigue recognition

Heavy eyelids, drifting in lane and missing signs are warning signs. The only effective remedy is to stop and rest; loud music, coffee or open windows do not restore alertness.

Tyre tread minimum

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Check pressure when cold and monthly, as under-inflation increases wear and fuel use.

Engine oil check

Check the oil on a level surface with a cold engine, and keep the level between the MIN and MAX marks. Low oil risks serious engine damage.

Coolant safety

Never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot, because the system is pressurised and steam can scald you. Check the level only when the engine is cold.

Warning light colours

Red warning lights mean stop safely and investigate. Amber means caution and service soon. Green or blue lights are informational and show a system is active.

Belgian technical inspection

The periodic technical inspection (contrôle technique) is first due at 4 years, then every 2 years, then annually for older vehicles. It checks roadworthiness and emissions.

Eco-driving technique

Shift up around 2000-2500 rpm for petrol and 1500-2000 rpm for diesel, maintain steady speed and anticipate traffic to avoid braking. This cuts fuel use and CO2.

Level crossing procedure

When barriers are down or a red light flashes, stop and wait. Never enter until the barriers are fully raised and the way is clear, even if no train is visible.

Steering hold position

Hold the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock and use the pull-push method rather than crossing your arms. This gives better control and keeps airbag deployment safe.

Skid recovery

Ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction you want the front to go, and avoid hard braking. ABS helps prevent wheel lock but cannot overcome physics.