CBR Car Theory B key terms

The default Belgian rule at intersections without signs or markings: you must yield to vehicles approaching from your right. It applies unless a traffic sign, signal or road marking gives a different order of priority.

An inverted triangle sign telling you to give way to traffic on the intersecting road. You need not stop if the way is clear, but you must slow down and be ready to stop for crossing or joining traffic.

An octagonal red sign requiring a complete stop at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the intersecting road. You must give way to all traffic on that road before moving off, even when nothing is visible.

A road marked with a yellow diamond sign whose traffic has right of way at the signed intersections. The sign is repeated after each junction, and an end-of-priority sign cancels the status, restoring ordinary rules such as priority to the right.

In Belgium, traffic already circulating on a roundabout normally has priority where the approach is signed with yield markings. You give way on entry, signal right before leaving, and never change lanes across the circulating lane without checking.

A solid white transverse line marking where vehicles must halt at a stop sign or traffic light. Stopping with the front of the vehicle beyond it, or on a crossing, is an offence even if you intend to move off immediately.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes. Pedestrians on or clearly about to use it have priority; you must approach at a speed that lets you stop, and overtaking another vehicle at the crossing is prohibited.

The sequence of red, amber and green signals governing a junction. Amber means stop unless stopping is unsafe; a flashing amber at a pedestrian crossing means yield to pedestrians; green does not guarantee a clear path, so observation is still required.

A solid white or yellow line that may not be crossed or straddled, for example to overtake or turn. It marks places where visibility or space is too limited for the manoeuvre, and enforcement cameras commonly target it.

A dashed line may be crossed when it is safe and legal. A hazard line, with long dashes close together, warns of a specific danger ahead and may only be crossed to overtake slow or stationary obstacles such as cyclists or parked vehicles.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction. It is normally done on the left, only when visibility, space and markings allow, and never at crossings, on blind bends or where it would force others to change course.

The lateral clearance a driver must leave when overtaking a cyclist. Outside built-up areas Belgian rules require at least 1.5 metres; inside built-up areas at least 1 metre, and more at higher speeds or in poor conditions.

People with little or no physical protection in traffic, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children and the elderly. Their behaviour is less predictable, so drivers must reduce speed and increase the space and time they allow.

The spare space and time you keep around your vehicle so that an unexpected event does not become a collision. It covers following distance, lateral clearance and a buffer for errors by yourself or by other road users.

A way to judge following distance: pick a fixed point and count two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing it and you reaching it. Double the gap in rain, at night or when following a large vehicle that blocks your view.

The total distance needed to halt, made up of thinking distance, travelled during reaction time, plus braking distance. It grows with speed, load, wet or icy roads and tiredness, and is far longer than most drivers estimate.

Braking distance is the road covered while the brakes actually slow the vehicle; reaction time is the delay before the driver acts. A typical reaction time of about one second already covers many metres at motorway speed.

Loss of tyre contact with the road because a film of water builds under the tread. Steering and braking stop responding; the correct response is to ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady and avoid sudden braking until grip returns.

A style of driving that assumes other road users may make mistakes. You scan ahead, keep space, plan escape routes, communicate intentions and avoid being drawn into risky situations created by others, rather than relying on your right of way.

The skill of spotting developing dangers early, such as a child near parked cars, a ball rolling into the road or brake lights ahead. Early recognition buys time to slow down or change position smoothly instead of reacting late.

Reading the road and other users ahead to predict what will happen next. It includes watching for indicators, gaps in traffic, junction layouts and road surface changes, so that you are prepared before a situation becomes urgent.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show, especially beside and behind the rear pillars. Before changing lane or direction you must check it with a glance over the shoulder, not only with the mirrors.

The indicator used to announce an intended turn, lane change or overtaking move. It must be given in good time, be clearly visible to others, and be cancelled afterwards so that it does not mislead following traffic.

The routine of checking mirrors before signalling, changing speed or direction, and glancing over the shoulder where mirrors are insufficient. Mirrors must be adjusted before driving so the view is not blocked by your own vehicle.

The depth of the grooves in a tyre that clear water from the contact patch. Belgian law requires at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; below about 3 mm wet grip and aquaplaning resistance drop noticeably.

The air pressure inside a tyre, which should be checked cold and adjusted for load as the manufacturer specifies. Too low a pressure raises fuel use, heat and wear, and worsens handling; too high a pressure reduces grip and comfort.

The periodic technical check a vehicle must pass in Belgium, with frequency depending on vehicle age and type. It covers brakes, lights, tyres, emissions and structure; driving without a valid certificate can lead to penalties and insurance problems.

The correct use of headlights, fog lights and rear lights for the conditions, plus keeping windows, mirrors and lights clean. Lights must not dazzle others, and fog lights are only for genuinely reduced visibility such as fog or heavy rain.

Driving smoothly with early gear changes, steady speed, anticipation and reduced idling to cut fuel use and emissions. It also lowers wear on brakes and tyres, and combines safety benefits with environmental ones.

Tiredness that slows reaction, reduces attention and can cause micro-sleeps. The only real remedy is stopping for rest or a short sleep; coffee, fresh air and loud music mask symptoms without restoring alertness, so plan breaks on long trips.

Substances that impair judgement, reaction and coordination and are subject to legal limits and testing in Belgium. Novice drivers face stricter limits, and refusing a test or driving under influence carries severe penalties.

Rules specific to motorways: no pedestrians, cyclists or slow vehicles, driving on the right, using the hard shoulder only in emergency, and joining by matching speed on the slip road while giving way to traffic already on it.

The hard shoulder reserved for emergencies. If you break down, pull as far right as possible, switch on hazard lights, put on a reflective vest before leaving the vehicle and place a warning triangle where it is safe and required.

A street signed as a residential zone where pedestrians may use the whole width and speed is limited to walking pace. Drivers must give way to pedestrians and adapt fully to the shared use of the space.

Signed maximum speeds that differ by road type and area: typically 30 km/h in residential zones, 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 or 90 km/h outside them and 120 km/h on motorways. Limits apply until a sign ends them.

The gap kept behind another vehicle, increased behind lorries and buses because they block the view ahead and need long distances to stop. Keeping back also lets you see past them and react to hazards they hide.

Choosing the correct lane and path when approaching and crossing a junction. You signal in time, position according to your direction, check for cyclists and pedestrians, and yield to traffic that keeps priority before completing the turn.