CBR Bus Theory D key terms

Rule that decides who may go first at an intersection or narrow passage. In the Netherlands, unmarked equal junctions are usually solved by giving way to traffic from the right.

Default priority rule at junctions without signs or markings: drivers must yield to vehicles approaching from their right side. Does not apply when leaving a dirt road or driveway.

Row of white triangular markings across the road showing where a driver must stop and give way. They are always combined with a give-way sign or traffic light.

Solid white line across the lane where a vehicle must halt at a STOP sign or red light. Stopping is mandatory even when the road appears clear.

Exit from a driveway, garage, petrol station or private property onto the public road. Drivers leaving such a place must give way to all traffic on the road.

Legal ban on overtaking, shown by a solid centre line or a specific traffic sign. Buses must respect it and also consider whether overtaking is safe with passengers aboard.

Continuous white centre line that may not be crossed. It marks a no-overtaking zone or the edge of the carriageway depending on its position.

Built-up area marked by a place-name sign. Inside it the general speed limit is 50 km/h unless signs say otherwise, and extra rules protect pedestrians and cyclists.

Pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes. Drivers must give way to pedestrians waiting to cross or already on it, and may not block it when queuing.

Area around a bus that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. Blind spots are largest directly in front, beside the doors and along the right side of the vehicle.

Correct adjustment of mirrors before driving so that the bus sides, rear and blind spots are visible. Poor adjustment is a common cause of collisions while turning or changing lanes.

Pre-trip inspection of tyres, lights, brakes, fluid levels, doors and warning systems. The driver records defects and must not depart with a defect that makes the bus unsafe.

Rate at which a bus loses speed when braking, expressed in metres per second squared. A fully loaded bus needs more distance, so drivers must brake earlier and keep larger gaps.

Auxiliary braking system, often hydraulic or electromagnetic, that slows the bus without using the service brakes. It reduces brake wear on long descents and improves control on slippery roads.

Gap to the vehicle ahead that allows a stop if it brakes suddenly. A common guide is the two-second rule, extended in rain, darkness or when the bus is fully loaded.

Driving style that anticipates mistakes by others, keeps escape routes open and avoids unnecessary risk. It means looking far ahead, planning and never forcing priority.

EU regulation setting maximum daily and weekly driving times and minimum rest periods for professional drivers. It applies to buses carrying more than nine persons including the driver.

Total driving time between two daily rests. The normal maximum is nine hours, extendable twice per week to ten hours, with breaks required along the way.

Break from driving and other work used to interrupt driving time. After four and a half hours of driving the driver needs at least a 45-minute break, splittable into 15 and 30 minutes.

Uninterrupted rest period within each 24-hour cycle. The normal minimum is eleven hours, but reduced rests of at least nine hours are allowed under conditions set by the regulation.

Long rest period required after each working week. Normally at least 45 hours, which may in certain cases be reduced to 24 hours with compensating rest taken later.

Recording device that logs driving time, other work, availability and rest. Drivers must use it correctly, insert their card and be able to produce records for inspection.

Personal smart card inserted into the digital tachograph to identify the driver and store their activity data. Using another person's card or driving without one is an offence.

Manual recording of activities such as other work, availability or rest that the tachograph did not capture automatically. Entries must be made promptly and accurately with the correct mode selected.

Motor vehicle designed to carry more than eight passengers in addition to the driver. Bus drivers need the correct licence category and must know the vehicle's dimensions and weight limits.

Weight carried by one axle of the vehicle. Each axle has a maximum permitted load, and overloading harms braking, steering and road surface and can lead to fines.

Highest total weight a bus is legally allowed to have, including passengers, luggage and fuel. Exceeding it is an offence and reduces safety margins.

Securing luggage, wheelchairs and equipment so they cannot shift during braking or cornering. Loose items can injure passengers and block emergency exits.

Marked exit, such as a break-glass window, roof hatch or emergency door, used to evacuate the bus. It must stay unobstructed and passengers should be told where it is.

Organised emptying of the bus in an emergency. The driver stops safely, switches off the engine, opens exits, guides passengers out and keeps them away from traffic.

Carrying passengers who remain in their wheelchair. The wheelchair must be secured and the passenger restrained, and the driver should confirm the wheelchair brake is applied.

Assisting passengers boarding and leaving, including lowering the bus, using the ramp and waiting until they are seated. It protects elderly and disabled travellers from falls.

First aid given at the scene before professional help arrives. Priorities are safety, checking responsiveness and breathing, calling emergency services and giving basic life support.

Technique for dragging a casualty out of danger quickly while protecting their head and neck. Used only when there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.

Report of an accident or breakdown to the emergency services and the operator. The driver gives location, number of casualties and hazards, and secures the scene first.

Warning triangle placed behind a stopped bus to alert approaching traffic. It is set out at a safe distance on the same side of the road, and the driver wears a reflective vest.

Load on the engine and drivetrain during acceleration or climbing. Keeping engine speed low and using the retarder protects the vehicle and reduces fuel use.