Toyota Basic drivers’ licence Online theoretical training
A summary of the Belgian highway code
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide TheThe Belgian Belgian hiTgwaycode? highway code
In order to drive a TME owned vehicle/ rental you must be in possession of a Toyota Basic drivers’ license. The highway code describes the rights and obligations of road users on the public highway in Belgium. All road users are expected to know and apply this highway code.
This online presentation will help you to prepare the Toyota Basic drivers’ training. First you have to pass a theoretical test. As soon that you finished it successfully you will be invited for a drive check on public road.
Good luck ! TheThe Belgian Belgian hiTgwaycode? highway code
How to use the online theoretical training ?
You’re able to study the highway code at your own pace. In the summary you can click to the chapter that you would like to study. At the end of every chapter you can always turn back to the summary by clicking on the arrow : Summary 1. Traffic regulations and signals Traffic lights Markings 2. Traffic signs Warning signs Priority signs Prohibitive signs Signs giving positive instructions Information signs Waiting and parking signs 3. Public road 4. Priority Summary 5. Manoeuvring Manoeuvre / Movement Passing Overtaking Turning right / Turning left 6. Speed 7. Motorway and expressroad 8. Pedestrians and cyclists 9. Reaction in case of accidents 10. Use of vehicle lights Traffic regulations and signals
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide In practice traffic regulations are applied in following order : -Signals form authorized persons -Signals : - Traffic lights - Traffic signs - Road markings - Traffic regulations
Control of traffic All road users approaching from All road users approaching both front and behind the from the left or right side of authorised person must stop. the authorised person should drive on.
All road users must stop, except those who are already on a junction. They must leave the junction as soon as possible. Other signs and signals giving order
By using a red torch an authorised person can signal you to STOP.
The circular movement of the forearm means : Drive on !
The up and down movement of the arm means : Slow down !
When an authorised person is whistling it is not an order but you have to be attentive. Traffic lights Only the lights on your right hand side apply to you.
When lights stands only on your left hand side you don’t have to take them in consideration. You may not pass !
You may not pass, unless you are so close you can not stop safely You may pass Red light and direction green lights : You may drive in the direction of the arrow, Attention, Pedestrian or cars may have priority on another direction A green arrow placed separately at the exit of a junction, pointing to the left for clearing the junction : Oncoming traffic is stopped by a red light to ease the clearing of the junction. Markings A solid white line on the road : Drivers may not cross this line (a solid orange line means the same as used to guide traffic during road works). Advanced stop line for cyclists and mopeds : When the light is red. Other drivers must stop in front of the first stop line. A broken yellow line on the edge of the road or a pavement : Parking along this line on the carriageway is prohibited. A road with a lane marked “BUS” : Reserved for trams, (school)buses, taxis. Other drivers may use this lane when they turn at the next junction. A solid and broken line side by side : Only the line on the side of the driver is of relevance. After overtaking, he may cross the solid white line to again take up his normal place on the road. Bus stop : You may drive over this area but parking is prohibited. A broken line : Drivers may not cross this line, except to overtake, turn left, turn around or change lanes (a broken orange line means the same as used to guide traffic during road works). Special surface marked “BUS” and “TRAM” :Reserved for buses and trams (& taxis if indicated). Other vehicles may only cross these lanes at a junction or to drive around an obstacle. A cycle lane : Waiting and parking on a cycle lane is prohibited. A wide solid white line on the edge of a road or a pavement : You may cross the solid white line (in certain situations as f.i. waiting or parking). Traffic signs
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide Be aware of the differences ! Warning signs Dangerous bend to the left
Dangerous bend to the right
Two or more dangerous bends, the first to the left Steep hill downwards
Steep hill upwards
Road narrows on both sides Bump
Slippery road
Uneven road Falling rocks
Pedestrian crossing
Place where there are a lot of children Crossing for bicycles and mopeds
Wild animals crossing
Cattle crossing Road works
Traffic lights
Low flying aircraft Strong side winds
Two-way traffic following a part of the road with one-way traffic Trams crossing
Danger. Exact nature of danger specified by plate. Priority signs You must give way
200 meters advance warning of an “upside down triangle” You must stop and give way
150 meters advance warning of a “stop sign” The possibility of cyclists and mopeds coming from both sides You are driving on a priority road
End of priority road
Advance warning of an “end of priority road sign” You have right of way (the thin horizontal line can be modified)
The priority through road is indicated by the broader white line Priority from the right
Narrow passage, you must give way to approaching traffic
Narrow passage, you have priority over approaching traffic Prohibitive signs No entry in this direction to all drivers
No entry in either direction to all drivers
No entry to drivers of all motor vehicles having more than two wheels No entry to ATV (quad) drivers
No entry to motorcycles
No entry to mopeds No entry to cyclists
No entry to pedestrians
No entry to vehicles whose laden weight exceeds the weight shown No entry to buses
No entry to goods vehicles. A plate can limit vehicles to a permitted laden weight shown. No entry to vehicles or combinations which, load included, exceed the given length
No entry to vehicles or combinations which, load included, exceed the given width
No entry to vehicles or combinations which, load included, exceed the given height No right turn at the following junction
After this sign no U-turn until the next junction No overtaking of vehicles with more than 2 wheels, from the sign up to the next junction
End of the restriction of overtaking From the sign up to the next junction you may not exceed the speed shown
End of the restriction of speeding
End of all local restrictions applied to moving vehicles (f.i. speeding / overtaking) Customs. You must stop before driving on.
Use of cruise control is prohibited, from the sign up tot the next junction
End of the restriction of using cruise control Zonal applicability can also be given to prohibitive signs Signs giving positive instructions
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide You must follow the direction indicated You must follow one of the directions indicated
Obligation for vehicles transporting dangerous goods to follow the direction indicated by the arrow
Roundabout circulation Cycle track Additional sign for speed pedelecs (class P mopeds) One side for pedestrians and the other side for cyclists and (class A) mopeds
Obligatory track for pedestrians and cyclists. No mopeds allowed. Obligatory track for pedestrians
Obligatory track for horse riders Information signs
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide Start of a built-up area Speed limit : 50 kph
End of a built-up area Start of motorway Speed limit : - Max 120 kph - Min 70 kph (conditions permitting)
End of motorway Start of an express road
End of an express road Start of a residential area Speed limit : 20 kph
End of a residential area Advance warning of arrow road markings, showing your choice of lane. This sign can indicate different directions.
Warning of an advanced stop line for cyclists and mopeds
The downward pointing arrows indicate the number of lanes and the possible destinations Indicates the available lanes and shows which is the bus lane
Indicates a specific lane reserved for the use of public transport vehicles (bus, tram) One-way traffic
You may pass to the left or the right side One-way traffic excepted for cyclists
One-way traffic excepted for cyclists and mopeds / speed pedelecs Place name
No through road (excepted pedestrians and cyclists)
End of road works Crossing for pedestrians
Crossing for cyclists and mopeds
Watch out for pedestrians / cyclists and mopeds as you turn Speed bump Speed limit : 30 kph
Advance warning of a restriction relating to a specific lane
Warning of a restriction relating to a specific lane Start of a road for the use of agricultural vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and riders (may be modified according to the categories permitted)
End of a road for the use of agricultural vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and riders (may be modified according to the categories permitted) Start of a cycle boulevard Speed limit : 30 kph
End of a cycle boulevard Start of a pedestrian zone
End of a pedestrian zone Waiting and parking signs Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
A sign can prohibits waiting or parking
Begin End Long Limited distance distance Where is parking prohibited ?
A sign can prohibits parking
You may wait (the time it takes to drop off or to pick up passengers or goods)
Begin End Long Limited distance distance Where is parking prohibited ?
Alternate parking
No parking from the 1st up to and including the 15th of the month
No parking from the 15th up to and including the last day of the month
Changing sides must be done • last day of each period • between 19.30 and 20.00 hours Restricted parking time
A plate showing a parking disc indicates that the parking time is restricted
How to use a parking disc ? - You must display the hour or half hour following your arrival - The maximum parking period is 2 hours - Is not used on Sundays or public holidays Public road
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide Different parts
Public higway road Verge or raised verge Central reservation Cycle lane
Road Parking lane
Lane / Carriageway Different parts
Public road Cycle lane Pavement Verge Raised verge Lane / Carriage way Verge Road Different areas
Speed bump
Max 30 kph
- You may not park or wait.
- You may not take over. Different areas
Built-up area Max 50 kph Different areas
Residential area
Max 20 kph
- Pedestrians may use the entire width of the road.
- You must be very careful to watch out for children who are allowed to play here.
- Parking is only allowed on designated places. Different areas
Cycle boulevard Max 30 kph - You may enter this street but you may not overtake cyclists. Different areas Roads reserved for the use of agricultural vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and horseriders
- These roads may only be used by the category(s) of road-users shown on the sign. Other vehicles are not allowed to enter.
- You must be very careful to watch out for children who are allowed to play here. Different areas Pedestrian zone
- This zone is reserved for pedestrians.
- The following have also access : - emergency vehicles - public transport vehicles - vehicles with a permit (residents, loading, unloading, taxis…) - cyclists Other vehicles are not allowed to enter. Different areas Play street
- The play street will be temporarily and at set times closed off with railings and a plate with the mention “speelstraat / rue réservée aux jeux” (play street). - The entire width of the road is reserved for recreational use, principally children’s games. You must be very careful to watch out for children who are allowed to play here. - The following vehicles have access : - emergency vehicles - public transport vehicles - vehicles with a permit (residents, loading, unloading, taxis…) - cyclists Other vehicles are not allowed to enter. Road position
When driving :
Drivers must stay as close as possible to the right-hand side Road position Where and when you must not drive on the right
On a square :
If the traffic is not regulated here by traffic sign or road markings. Road position Where and when you must not drive on the right
On a roundabout
On a roundabout with lanes You may choose the lane best suited to your choice of direction Road position Where and when you must not drive on the right
Choosing a lane
Choice of direction Road position Where and when you must not drive on the right In a built-up area you may choose your lane in according to your destination
On a road with one way traffic and which is divided into lanes
On a road with two way traffic but with at least 2 lanes in each direction Road position Where and when you must not drive on the right In traffic queues formed by 2 or more lines of vehicles in the same direction, more than one queue is allowed, either in or outside of a built-up area
• Justified by heavy traffic • On a road with one way traffic whether or not the road is divided into lanes • On a road with two way traffic but with at least 2 lanes in each direction • If there are traffic lights above the carriageway (green arrows, red X-crosses) which regulate in-lane traffic Multi-lane carriageways
If the public highway is dived into lanes which are clearly separated by a central reservation, then you may not use the lane(s) to the left of the central reservation in your chosen direction. Traffic displacement areas
In general you must pass the yellow bollard, the central reservations and the curve white lines that mark off a traffic displacement area to the right.
However a sign can oblige you to pass to the left. On the other hand, a sign can allow you to pass to the left or to the right. Bus lane
A road with a lane marked “BUS” : Reserved for trams, (school)buses, taxis, emergency vehicles. Other drivers preselect this lane to turn off at the next junction. Special surface marked “BUS” and “TRAM”
Reserved for buses and trams (& taxis if indicated). Other vehicles may only cross these lanes at a junction or to drive around an obstacle. Traffic islands (at bus and tramstops)
Normally you must pass to the right.
Except “justified by the needs of traffic” or obligatory by a traffic sign, you can pass to the left. Priority ”Priority from the right” • Each driver must give way to a driver approaching from his right. • At each junction without traffic signs or traffic lights the “priority from the right” rule applies for all drivers, so also for cyclists, mopeds, etc. • A cycle lane or a continuous pavement may appear together, in which case the driver needing to cross them, should give right of way to any road-users already on the pavement or the cycle lane. “Priority from the right” does not apply at a junction of a hardened road with a dirt road. Drivers approaching from a dirt road must give way to traffic on the hardened road. Exception : traffic signs
Give way
Give way
You have priority
You have priority • At a roundabout you must give way to traffic which is already engaged on the roundabout when there is an “upside down triangle or stop sign” I can be possible at a roundabout that you have the right of way to traffic which is already engaged on the roundabout when there is no “upside down triangle or stop sign” If there are traffic lights, the driver can ignore the signs. If the lights are not working or flashing, the traffic signs must be respected.
Red - orange/ yellow - green arrows have the same meaning as the usual tricoloured lights but only apply in the direction indicated by the arrow. Entering a junction : You must not enter a junction when you can see that you will then have to stop and will obstruct crossing traffic even if the lights are green or if you have priority Sign (only for cyclists) : When a cyclist arrives at a red or orange/yellow light, he may pass the light and turn to the right but has to give way to the upcoming traffic from the left Manoeuvring
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide There’s a difference between a manoeuvre and a movement A manoeuvre is an unusual movement which hinders normal traffic flow such as : - changing lanes - crossing a road - leaving or entering a parking place - driving out of a private property - making a “U”-turn - reversing There’s a difference between a manoeuvre and a movement
If you intend making a manoeuvre you must first give way to all other road-users.
There is only one exception to this rule whereby a vehicle moving into traffic has priority : a bus indicating it is leaving a bus stop, when in a built-up area. Manoeuvres :
changing lanes crossing a road leaving or entering a parking place
driving out of a private property making a “U”-turn reversing Exception : A bus indicating it is leaving a bus stop, when in a built-up area makes no manoeuvre. You must give way. There’s a difference between a manoeuvre and a movement
There are 4 movements : - Passing - Overtaking - Turning right - Turning left Passing Not wide enough ? - You may drive on the verge - Do not obstruct other road-users
An obstacle - You must slow down - Eventually stop to allow oncoming traffic to pass Exception : A tram In general you pass to the right You may pass only to the left if : - The passage to the right is too narrow - A parked vehicle is blocking passage to the right - A fixed obstacle (roadworks…) is blocking the passage to the right When passing to the left you may not endanger oncoming traffic Turning to the left :
Principle - Pass any oncoming vehicle(s) also intending to turn left at the right side - However in actual fact drivers will often pass in front of the oncoming traffic but this calls for extreme caution - Unless otherwise directed by road markings Overtaking Principle - To overtake is to drive past another vehicle on the same road and following the same direction as yourself. - Overtake on the left
Exception - When a vehicle ahead of you moves over to the left in order to turn left and has made their intentions clear by the use of their direction indicators you may overtake on the right. You may then use the verge (but no cycle lane) without hindering other road-users. A moving tram must be overtaken on the right A waiting tram : if there is no traffic island where the passengers are getting on and off you must stop and allow them to get on and off in safety You may pass to the left if : - The passage to the right is too narrow - A parked vehicle is blocking passage to the right - A fixed obstacle (roadworks…) is blocking the passage to the right - On a one-way street when there is heavy traffic When passing to the left you may not endanger oncoming traffic When are the definitions and rules on overtaking not applicable ? When you follow advanced Parked or stationary vehicle traffic lanes
When you have a choice of When there is more than one lanes in a built-up area queue of traffic When and where is overtaking (on the left) prohibited ? Overtaking is prohibited in all circumstances when it may endanger other road-users as when : The visibility is bad or reduced
When crossing a speed bump When and where is overtaking (on the left) prohibited (unless cyclists) ? At a traincrossing without barriers or traffic lights At a junction with priority from the right At a junction where there is a traffic sign telling you to give way If you are coming out from a dirt road If a vehicle has stopped before a crossing for pedestrians or cyclists and mopeds. Even when you are approaching a crossing.. Turning right Give way to - Pedestrians crossing over the road (even when there is no pedestrian “zebra”-crossing) - Following cyclists and mopeds Turning left In case of two-way traffic : - Position yourself in time to the left, in order to allow following traffic to overtake you on the right
- It goes without saying that you may not obstruct oncoming traffic, which has in any case priority over you - Make a wide turn to the left allowing you to drive directly on the right of the road you turn into - Give way to pedestrians crossing over the road (even when there is no pedestrian “zebra”-crossing) In case of one-way traffic : - Position yourself as far as possible to the left - It goes without saying that you may not obstruct oncoming traffic, which has in any case priority over you - Make a wide turn to the left allowing you to drive directly on the right of the road you turn into - Give way to pedestrians crossing over the road (even when there is no pedestrian “zebra”-crossing) - Be aware that you may meet oncoming cyclists and mopeds (indicated by a lower sign) Speed
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide Speed limitations within a built-up area
Be careful. Do not confuse ! Speed limitations outside a built-up area On a motorway Speed limitations outside a built-up area
On a road with at least 2 x 2 lanes, separated other than by road markings Speed limitations outside a built-up area
On all other roads Flanders : 70 kph Brussels and Wallonia : 90 kph
Be aware of the difference ! Speed limitations indicated by signs
If a sign is placed this speed limit apllies : 30 kph - 50 kph - 70 kph - 90 kph... Until next junction or until sign “end of…” Speed limitations indicated by signs Speed restriction zone
Not only 30 kph zones, but also 50 or 70 kph zones are possible Until sign “end of the zone” Specific speed limitations
On speed bumps Speed limit : 30 kph Specific speed limitations
Residential area Speed limit : 20 kph Specific speed limitations
Pedestrian zone Play street
Drive at a walking pace Motorway and expressroad Access to motorways is prohibited for • Vehicles that cannot go faster than 70 kph • Technical tests with prototypes and sportscompetitions • Pedestrians and riders of bicycles Speed • Minimum speed : 70 kph (unless when road conditions are such that you must slow down as traffic jams, queues of traffic, icy road conditions…) • Maximum speed : 120 kph The following is prohibited • Turning around • Reversing • Waiting or parking except on parking area Access to express roads is prohibited for • Pedestrians and cyclists Speed • No minimum speedlimit • Maximum speed : depends on what kind of road you’re driving (see chapter “Speed”) The following is prohibited • Turning around • Reversing • Waiting or parking except on parking area On motorways and express roads, when a driver has a stop where parking is prohibited (in case of an accident or breakdown vehicle), you must wear a reflective fluorescent safety vest from the moment you leave the vehicle. Pedestrians and cyclists Cycle lane (not compulsory or of a different colour)
Gives a narrowing effect Place for cyclists and mopeds but other drivers may also drive on it • Sideways distance = at least 1 meter between your vehicle and the cyclist Crossings for cyclists and mopeds
• Cyclists and mopeds do not have absolute priority on the crossings provided for them
• You must always approach a crossing for cyclists and mopeds at a reduced speed, so that you will not endanger the users and will not obstruct them when they cross the road
• Waiting and parking are prohibited on the crossing
• It is prohibited to take over when a vehicle to be overtaken arrives at, or has stopped in front of a crossing Pedestrians
• Sideways distance = at least 1 meter between your vehicle and the pedestrian Crossings for pedestrians
• You must always stop for pedestrians
• who are crossing
• or about to cross
on a pedestrian crossing, which does not have traffic lights or an authorized person present
• Waiting and parking are prohibited on the crossing
• It is prohibited to take over when a vehicle to be overtaken arrives at, or has stopped in front of a crossing School bus / Tram / Bus
School bus has a special sign at the front and back when the hazard lights are flashing this means children are getting on or off the bus : - if necessary, you have to stop
Tram & Bus when passengers are getting on or off : - if necessary, you have to stop Waiting and parking
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide Waiting
Only the time it takes -To drop off or to pick up passengers or goods Parking
Longer than required - For passengers to enter or leave - For loading or unloading goods Whether the driver is in or near the vehicle Where waiting or parking ?
On the right, in the direction of the traffic flow
If possible, outside the road on a flat verge Outside a built-up area on any verge If used by pedestrians, keep 1,5 metres free Where waiting or parking ?
Each vehicle must be
- As far to the side as possible - Parallel to the edge of the road (unless otherwise permitted) - In one single file Where waiting or parking ?
Left and right :
In a one-way street In a residential area Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
Wherever you would endanger or obstruct others… Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
On a pavement Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
On a raised verge when in an built-up area Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
On a crossing for pedestrians or cyclists / mopeds Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
On cycle lanes Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
At a level crossing Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
On displacement zones Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
On a speed bump Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
On a motorway or expressroad Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
On the road : within 5 meters (in front) of a crossing
5 m 5 m Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
Within 5 m of the intersection with the edge of the transverse road
5 m Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
Within 5 m of a place where cyclists and drivers of mopeds leave or rejoin a cycle lane
5 m Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
At a junction : within 20 m of the traffic lights
20 m Where are waiting or parking prohibited ?
A sign can prohibits waiting or parking
Begin End Long Limited distance distance Where are waiting or parking prohibited ? Where is parking prohibited ?
Less than 1 meter in front of, or behind another waiting or parked vehicle
1m Where is parking prohibited ?
Less than 15 meters either side of a sign indicating bus or tramstop
15 m 15 m Where is parking prohibited ?
In front of an entrance to a property (except vehicles with a number plate which is displayed on the entrance) Where is parking prohibited ?
In places where the passage of rail vehicles would be not possible Where is parking prohibited ?
On the road : if this is divided into lanes Where is parking prohibited ?
On the road : at a yellow broken line Where is parking prohibited ?
On the road : if the width of free passage on the road becomes less than 3 m Where is parking prohibited ? On the road : on roads with two-way traffic opposite another waiting or parked vehicle, if two vehicles would have difficulties in passing in between Where is parking prohibited ?
Only outside a built-up area : On a “priority” road Where is parking prohibited ?
A sign can prohibits parking
You may wait (the time it takes to drop off or to pick up passengers or goods)
Begin End Long Limited distance distance Where is parking prohibited ?
Alternate parking
No parking from the 1st up to and including the 15th of the month
No parking from the 15th up to and including the last day of the month
Changing sides must be done • last day of each period • between 19.30 and 20.00 hours Restricted parking time
A plate showing a parking disc indicates that the parking time is restricted
How to use a parking disc ? - You must display the hour or half hour following your arrival - The maximum parking period is 2 hours - Is not used on Sundays or public holidays Parking meter or ticket dispenser
• You may park only the fixed time (unless it is allowed to park a longer time f.i. by paying with a smartphone)
• If the parking meter or ticket dispenser is broken you have to use a parking disc Parking facilities for disabled
A symbol of a person in a wheel chair, mentioned on a plate indicates : parking reserved for vehicles used by disabled persons (the parking time is unlimited) Reaction in case of accidents
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide An accident involving material damage only
• As far as possible free the road (only move the vehicles when you have marked their places on the road or take a picture) • In general the police do not come but do not hesitate to contact them (if you can not come to an agreement, if documents are missing, if driver is suspected of drunkenness…) - Call 112 • Fill in the “European accident form” An accident involving casualties
• You must stay on the place of the accident • Contact always the police - Call 112 If you’re not able to contact them, do it within 24 hrs European accident form Help to casualties • Phase 1 : - Safeguard (a further accident or collision must be avoided)
• Phase 2 : - Avoid the risk of fire
• Phase 3 : - Check casualties (consciousness, breathing, heartbeat)
• Phase 4 : - Call 112 : international emergency number
• Phase 5 : - Offer first aid Use of vehicle lights
Plaats logo klant hier in Master slide Lower headlights or the headlights
Must be switched on : • Between dusk and dawn • When it is no longer possible to see clearly for a distance of approx. 200 m The dipped headlights must be used and the headlights must be dimmed : When a driver
• Approaches an oncoming vehicle • Is following another vehicle at less than 50 m (except when overtaking)
• Is on a road with continuous and sufficient lighting so that he can clearly see for a distance of approx. 100 m Fog lights
In front May be used by - Fog - Snow - Heavy rain
Rear Must be used by - Fog (- 100 m) - Snow (- 100 m) - Heavy rain Keep it safe !