Dutch 
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Operating Truck, Semi-Trailer
- 1/35The first step in starting the engine of a vehicle
Before starting the engine, verify that the truck is in neutral gear and the parking brake is set to prevent unintended movement.
Before moving a vehicle with air brakes, you must check
Dutch commercial vehicle regulations require checking that air pressure has reached operational levels before moving, as insufficient pressure may cause brake failure.
When starting to move the truck, the gear should be
Using the lowest appropriate gear helps control torque and prevents drivetrain strain during initial movement, particularly in heavy vehicles.
If brakes fail on a level road
In the Netherlands, commercial drivers are trained to downshift and use engine braking and secondary braking systems if primary brakes fail.
When approaching a stop sign or red traffic light, stop at
According to Dutch traffic code RVV, vehicles must come to a full stop at the designated stop line or before the crosswalk/intersection.
When approaching a railway crossing with flashing signal lights
In the Netherlands, flashing red lights and descending barriers require a full stop. Proceed only when the signals end and it safe to cross.
When stopping for a railway crossing with no visible signals or gates
Dutch road safety rules require caution at unprotected crossings. Truck drivers must be prepared to stop for oncoming trains.
If you get trapped on a railway crossing
If a vehicle stalls or becomes stuck, Netherlands protocol urges immediate evacuation and contact with rail authorities.
If you are approaching a school crossing guard displaying a red and white stop sign
Dutch traffic law requires full compliance with school crossing guards to protect children crossing the road.
If you come across a school bus with its upper alternating red lights flashing
In the Netherlands, drivers must stop in both directions when a school bus is unloading or loading children with flashing red lights.
When approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing on a road with a median strip
Dutch traffic law requires drivers to stop behind the bus on the same side of the median to ensure child safety.
The consequences of failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing in the Netherlands
Dutch authorities treat failure to stop for a school bus as a serious offense with legal consequences.
When you come to a pedestrian crossover
Netherlands law prioritizes pedestrian right-of-way. Failing to yield may result in fines or demerit points.
If you are passing a vehicle near a pedestrian crossover
Passing near a crossing endangers pedestrians. Dutch rules prohibit overtaking in such zones.
The maximum allowable height for a vehicle in the Netherlands
Vehicles exceeding this height require special permits. Exceeding without authorization may result in fines or forced detours.
Precautions that must be taken while backing
Dutch regulations recommend the use of a spotter, mirrors, and rearview cameras when reversing large vehicles in tight or public spaces.
If the trailer drifts left or right while driving
In the Netherlands, trailer sway may indicate load imbalance or tire pressure issues and must be corrected immediately to avoid accidents.
When performing an alley dock, if the trailer is turning too early or sharply
Drivers in the Netherlands are trained to correct sharply angled trailer movements by repositioning before resuming the backing maneuver.
When backing a truck
Backing must be done with extreme caution Dutch driving law emphasizes minimizing blind spots and danger to pedestrians or property.
When driving in bad weather
Netherlands traffic rules require adapting to poor weather by slowing down and turning on dipped headlights to stay visible and safe.
Using your left-turn signals to indicate it is safe for following motorists to pass
In the Netherlands, using turn signals to instruct others to pass is illegal and misleading. Only use signals to indicate your own movement.
The minimum distance commercial motor vehicles must maintain from other vehicles on a highway at 60 km/h 40 mph
Dutch commercial drivers must keep a minimum distance of 50 meters from the vehicle in front if their vehicle is longer than 7 meters.
The maximum speed setting allowed for commercial motor vehicles
Dutch regulations limit trucks over 3.5 tons to a maximum of 80 km/h on rural roads and 90 km/h on motorways.
If a smaller, faster vehicle is trying to pass you
In the Netherlands, commercial drivers must not accelerate when being overtaken and must keep right except to pass.
When making a turn in a large vehicle
Large vehicles must make wide turns and check for cyclists or pedestrians on the inside, especially at Dutch intersections with bike lanes.
When you see a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk
In the Netherlands, you must stop for pedestrians at crosswalks if another vehicle is already stopped, as they may be crossing.
If passing a cyclist, you must maintain a distance of
Dutch law requires a minimum of 1.5 meters between your vehicle and a cyclist when overtaking.
When approaching a bike box at an intersection
Bike boxes are for cyclists. Trucks must stop behind the marked line and avoid blocking the box at traffic lights.
When approaching a bus that is about to leave a bus bay
In built-up areas in the Netherlands, drivers must allow public buses to pull out from a stop when they signal.
When you see a school bus with its overhead red lights flashing
In the Netherlands, flashing red lights on school buses mean you must stop in both directions until children have safely crossed.
If you encounter a horse-drawn vehicle on the road
Horse-drawn vehicles are legal on Dutch roads. Reduce speed, maintain distance, and pass slowly without honking or startling the animal.
When driving near pedestrians with visual disabilities
A pedestrian has a white cane or guide dog, you must stop and allow them to cross safely. Never use the horn near them.
At an intersection without signs or lights, you must yield the right-of-way to
The Netherlands follows the priority-to-the-right rule unless otherwise indicated by road markings or signs.
If you arrive at an intersection with stop signs at all corners, and two vehicles come to a stop at the same time
Dutch traffic law gives priority to vehicles from the right, even if both arrived at the same time.
If you are in a roundabout and an emergency vehicle approaches
Make room for emergency services by leaving the roundabout at the nearest safe exit and stopping if necessary.