Poland Category B1 Theory Test key terms

The right of a vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian to proceed before others at an intersection or other conflict point. It is granted by signs, signals, road markings or the general rules of the Road Traffic Act.

An intersection with no signs or signals establishing priority. The vehicle approaching from the right has the right of way, unless it is turning left and would cross the other vehicle's path.

The default rule at an unsigned intersection: yield to a vehicle approaching from your right. It does not apply where priority is defined by signs, signals, road markings or a roundabout sign.

The inverted triangle sign (A-7) requiring the driver to give way to traffic on the priority road. Stopping is not mandatory unless necessary to yield; a STOP sign or line separately requires a full stop.

A road marking (usually a double broken line or a thick broken line) indicating where to stop when yielding priority. It is not the same as a stop line, which requires a complete stop before proceeding.

Traffic lights controlling vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians. A green light permits movement only if the way is clear; a flashing yellow light warns of a hazard or that the signal is not working normally.

Hand and arm signals given by a driver or cyclist when vehicle indicators are missing or not visible, such as signalling a turn or slowing down. They supplement, and do not replace, mandatory vehicle lights.

A direction indicator lamp used to signal an intended turn, lane change, overtaking or pulling away. It must be given in good time and cancelled after the manoeuvre; failure to signal can mislead other road users.

The maximum speed permitted by law on a given road, in a built-up area generally 50 km/h and outside built-up areas generally 90 km/h, unless signs set a different limit. It is a ceiling, not a target.

The speed at which a driver can stop within the distance visible ahead and react to hazards, always at or below the posted limit. It depends on weather, road surface, visibility, traffic and the driver's own condition.

The distance travelled from the moment the brakes are applied until the vehicle stops. It increases with the square of speed and is longer on wet, icy or loose surfaces and with worn tyres or brakes.

The delay between perceiving a hazard and beginning to brake or steer, typically around one second for an alert driver. It lengthens with fatigue, alcohol, distraction or surprise, adding to total stopping distance.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead so that a sudden stop can be matched safely. A common rule is at least two seconds in good conditions and more in rain, darkness or when following large vehicles.

Passing a slower road user travelling in the same direction. It is allowed only when the way ahead is clear, visibility is sufficient, no sign or marking forbids it, and the driver can return to the lane without forcing others to change speed or direction.

A solid road marking that must not be crossed or straddled, typically separating opposing traffic or marking the edge of a carriageway. Crossing it is permitted only in exceptional situations expressly allowed by law.

A circular sign (B-25) prohibiting overtaking of motor vehicles other than two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar. The ban ends at the next intersection, at a sign cancelling it, or where a broken line replaces a solid one.

A signed area where pedestrians, including children, have priority over vehicles and the speed limit is 20 km/h. Parking is allowed only in marked places, and a driver leaving the zone must yield to other traffic.

A person on foot, including someone pushing a bicycle, pram or wheelchair, or using a mobility aid. At a marked crossing a pedestrian who has entered or is about to enter has priority over approaching vehicles.

A part of the road marked for pedestrians to cross, usually with zebra stripes. Drivers must approach with caution and yield to a pedestrian on the crossing or clearly signalling an intention to enter it.

A person riding a bicycle or e-bike. Cyclists generally use cycle lanes or the right edge of the road; drivers must leave safe lateral clearance when passing and check for them before turning or opening doors.

A lane or marked strip reserved for cyclists, often separated by a solid line. Motor vehicles must not enter it except where permitted, and must yield when crossing it to turn or change lanes.

Moving from one marked lane to another. The driver must signal, check mirrors and blind spots, and yield to vehicles already in the target lane; a lane change does not create priority over them.

Bringing the vehicle to a halt for a short time, for example to yield, load or unload, or obey a signal. It must not endanger or obstruct other road users, and stopping is forbidden in places such as crossings, bends and bus stops.

Leaving the vehicle stationary for longer than a short stop, typically with the driver away. It is allowed only where signs and markings permit, and the vehicle must not obstruct traffic or endanger other users.

The condition of tyres, brakes, lights, steering, suspension, emissions and other systems required for safe road use. The driver must ensure the vehicle is roadworthy before driving and present it for periodic inspection.

The periodic roadworthiness inspection required by law, carried out at an authorised station. A valid inspection sticker or document confirms the vehicle met technical requirements on the inspection date.

The air pressure inside each tyre, which should be checked cold and set to the manufacturer's recommendation. Incorrect pressure worsens grip, braking, fuel use and tyre wear, and can cause blowouts at speed.

The grooved tread pattern on a tyre that clears water and maintains contact with the road. Legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters; worn tread sharply increases aquaplaning risk.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, such as securing the scene, checking breathing, controlling bleeding and keeping the casualty warm. It does not replace calling emergency services.

The free emergency number 112 in Poland and across the EU, connecting to police, fire and ambulance services. The caller should give location, number of casualties, hazards and callback number, and follow instructions.

Actions to prevent further harm at a crash scene: warning other traffic with hazard lights and a triangle, switching off engines, avoiding smoking, and moving casualties only if there is immediate danger such as fire.

A reflective warning triangle carried in the vehicle and placed behind it after a breakdown or crash, at a distance that gives approaching drivers time to react, and never on a motorway where personal safety comes first.

Hazard warning lights that flash all indicators together to signal a stationary or slow-moving hazard. They warn other drivers but do not exempt the driver from placing a warning triangle where required.

The vehicle registration document recording owner, registration number, technical data and inspection dates. A driver should be able to present it when required, and must report changes of ownership or address.

Compulsory third-party liability insurance covering damage a vehicle causes to others. Driving without valid OC is an offence carrying heavy penalties, and the insurer may seek reimbursement from the uninsured driver.

Damage or injury arising from a road traffic incident, handled between insurers and the parties involved. At the scene, drivers should exchange details, avoid admitting fault, and call police where required.

A developing danger a driver must notice and respond to, such as a child near the kerb, a braking lorry or a hidden junction. Scanning ahead, checking mirrors and anticipating others' mistakes are core hazard-perception skills.