Q&A October 2021 PDF

Q&A 1 What are the main traffic rules for all road users? You must conduct yourself in traffic in such a manner that: -You do not hinder the free flow of the traffic unnecessarily -You do not endanger road safety or create the risk of endangering road safety For e.g. a cyclist holding on to a movin...

Q&A 1 What are the main traffic rules for all road users? You must conduct yourself in traffic in such a manner that: -You do not hinder the free flow of the traffic unnecessarily -You do not endanger road safety or create the risk of endangering road safety For e.g. a cyclist holding on to a moving vehicle 2 What are the required documents for drivers of motor vehicles on the Dutch Windward Islands? - A valid driving license - Valid motor vehicle insurance documents - A valid receipt for your payments on number plates (road tax) - A valid test card (Inspection Card) 3 How long are these documents valid for? Driving license: 5 consecutive years (International Driving License is valid for 1 year) Insurance: 1 year Number Plates (road tax) 1 year Test Card: - Private vehicles: 2 years - Public transportation 1 year 4 When is it not allowed to drive a motor vehicle even when you have a valid driving license? When you are: - Sick - Exhausted - Using medication that may hamper your driving negatively - Emotionally upset - Under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs - Too old, weak, physically or mentally handicapped - Prohibited from driving by the law 5 When do you not need a driving license to drive a motor vehicle on the public road? When: - You, having reached the age of 18 years, are driving or riding a motor vehicle whose maximum speed is not capable of exceeding 20 KM per hour - You are driving on your way to or from the examination for a driving license. - When receiving lessons, with a person next to you that have a valid driving license for the type of vehicle you are driving 6 Who issues, suspends or revokes driving licenses? Driving licenses are issued, suspended or revoked by the Minister of Justice. Page 1 of 27  7 What is meant by suspension of a driving license? Temporary taking back of a driving license. One is not allowed to drive or ride a motor vehicle of any kind during the time of suspension. 8 What must you do after having received notification that your driving license has been suspended or revoked? After you have received such notification you must submit your driver’s license within 8 days to the address mentioned in the official notice. 9 Who needs a driving license to drive a motor vehicle on public roads? All motor vehicles users driving or riding on public roads. 10 List all categories of driving licenses. The categories of driving licenses are: A, B, C, D, BE, CE & DE. 11 What is the minimum age required to obtain the various categories of driving licenses? Categories A & B: 18 years Categories C & D or a combination with E: 21 years 12 When must the horn be used? -When your approach could endanger traffic. -When you are overtaking during the day. 13 What sound is expected from the horn and at what distance must it be heard? The Horn must emit a single-pitched tone which must be heard at a distance of at least 100 meters. 14 How must you reverse? Slowly at a walking pace and on the side of the road where your vehicle was situated before you started reversing. 15 What must you do when you are being overtaken? Stay as much as possible to the extreme right and do not accelerate. 16 What must you do when your vehicle is damaged or not functioning on the public road? You must remove your vehicle before forty eight hours, beyond that you will be in violation of the traffic ordinance and the vehicle may be towed away at the owners expense. ( The name of a vehicle being towed is a called a ‘strung’ car) 17 What must you do before holding a race or organizing a parade on public roads? You must submit a request to the Ministry of Justice. Without written permission from said office you are not allowed to hold or take part in a race or parade. Page 1 of 27  18 What is meant by waiting or parking? Waiting or parking means leaving your vehicle attended or unattended with its engine running or off, longer than required for a rapid and continuous loading of cargo, or rapid and continuous boarding or exiting of passengers. 19 List the occasions when special permission is needed to use public roads? To participate in parades or races - To organize parades or races - To tow a wagon or trailer - To squeeze in front of a line of waiting vehicles - For a truck motorist to transport one or more persons outside the driver’s cabin, except when said persons are attending to the cargo, loading or unloading. 20 When must you make your intention to turn known? Depending on your speed, your intention to turn must be made known at least 100 meters in advance. The allowed blinks per minute from your indicator is 40-90. 21 How must you make a right turn? You must make a right turn as sharp as possible. 22 How must you make a left turn? You make a left turn as wide as possible. 23 How must a motorist hold the steering wheel? With at least one hand. This should apply to cyclists- a cyclist is allowed to lead/supervise one cattle. 24 What are the seating arrangements for motor vehicles? Driver’s seating space: 60 cm. Passengers above 12 years: 40 cm. Passengers from 5 to 12 years: 30 cm. Children up to 5 years old may sit on a passenger’s lap or children shorter than 1.5m and under 12 years should be placed in a car seat. The headrest is an automotive safety feature attached to the top of the car’s seat. It is important for all of the vehicle’s occupants as it limits the rearward movement of head and acts as a protection during a collision. The headrest is not used for resting. 25 How must you regulate your speed when driving on public roads? Drivers must regulate their speed as such that can stop their vehicles within the distance the road ahead of them is clearly visible and vacant. On wet roads you must regulate your speed accordingly that you don’t splash water or mud on pedestrians. 26 What is the required spacing distance behind another vehicle in and outside of developed areas? -Outside developed areas in such a manner that a vehicle in the process of overtaking can easily fin in, ahead of you. Page 1 of 27 -Inside developed areas at least 4m behind another vehicle or at a distance that allows you to stop safely behind the vehicle in front of you. 27 Where is it allowed to park a motor vehicle? -In a designated parking area -On the road as much as possible to the extreme right -At night under an illuminated lamp post 28 If you are approaching a guard post (sign 47 & 48) whose pane is broken, on which side do you pass? If the space is square, motor vehicles may pass on either side. If the space is circular, motor vehicles are only allowed to pass on the right side. 29 Where and how is it prohibited to stop your motor vehicle? - In such a manner that you hamper the traffic - On a bridge - On or approaching a hilltop - At a pedestrian crossing or a bicycle crossing - On a side walk or a bicycle path - In the middle of the road - In or around corners - Within 5 meters of an intersection - Within 5 meters of a bus top - Within 5 meters of a traffic island, except when the road is wider than 6 meters - Where stopping is prohibited by a traffic signboard prohibiting motor vehicles from stopping on the right side of the road. 30 When do you make use of your mirror? When: - Driving off - Stopping - Overtaking - Reversing - In the process of making a left or right turn 31 How much space is be allowed between vehicles when one is towing the other? When towing another vehicle, the spacing distance must be 5 meters. 32 When you are passing bicycles or motorbikes with a large motor vehicle why must you allow for space? The air pressure that you create or remove might cause the motorbike or bicycle to swerve, possibly resulting in an accident. 33 What factors may cause you to allow for more distance with respect to applying your brakes? -Wet road surface -Heavy loads Page 1 of 27 34 What lights on the vehicle must be used when the vehicle is moving, stopped or parked? When the vehicle is moving: Bright of dim lights. When the vehicle is stopped: Dim Lights. When the vehicle is parked: Only park lights. 35 What lights must be used in and outside of developed areas? In developed areas: Dim lights must be used. Outside developed areas: Dim of bright lights may be used. 36 At what distance from oncoming traffic must drivers dim their lights? You must dim your lights at a distance of at least 100 meters. 37 If oncoming traffic does not dim its lights what must you do? You are still required to dim your lights. Blinking your lights isn’t allowed. If visibility is poor, you must slow down of pull aside to the right. 38 How high is the beam of the bright lights required to be? The beam of the bright lights must not be higher than one meter measured from the ground. 39 When must the lights of the vehicle be used? The lights of the vehicle must be used from sunset to sunrise, and in cases of adverse weather conditions. 40 When must the directional indicators be used? Before one changes direction. 41 When must the hazard lights be used? At night in cases of emergency. 42 When do the brake lights come on? When the foot brake pedal is pressed. 43 What other vehicles are allowed to carry extraordinary types of lighting? Vehicles belonging to: - The police department - The fire department - The ambulance department - The military - Vehicles rendering public service such as taxi’s buses, the Red Cross and some utilities transportation 43(a) The list of the BIG five are: - The Police department - The Fire department - The Ambulance department - The Funeral procession - The Military Convoy Page 1 of 27  The big five in terms of who has the right of way. The first three, which are considered to be emergency vehicles are siren compulsory. 44 Where and when are vehicles not allowed to drive with bright lights? - Within a built up area - 100 meters from oncoming traffic - When a vehicle is stationary 45 What are the required height, width and length of a vehicle allowed on public roads? A vehicle must not be higher than 3,50m, inclusive load. A vehicle must not be wider than 2,60m, inclusive load. A vehicle, specifically a car, should not be wider than 2,50m, inclusive load. A vehicle must not be longer than: - Category A and B, small motor vehicle: 10 m. - Category C, trailer truck with semi-trailer: 14 m. - Category D, bus with more than 9 seats: 11 m. - Category E, trailer truck with semi-trailer and trailer: 18 m. 46 What are the requirements regarding the condition of a vehicle operation on public roads? The vehicle must be in proper working condition. 47 Name all the items of the motor vehicle that must be in proper working condition with regard to safety on public roads… - A sound steering mechanism - A good horn - A rear view mirror - Automatic indicators - Properly functioning foot and hand brakes - Automatic windshield wipers -Two parking light - Two head lamps - Two rear brake lights - Two rear taillights - Properly functioning indicator lights - Two red reflectors at the back - Number Plates - A proper muffler and exhaust pipe - Good Tires - A sound suspension 48 What are the requirements for your steering mechanism? The steering mechanism must have a play of less than 45 degrees, namely one eight of a circle. 49 How will you know if the tires of your vehicle are in good condition? The tires of your vehicle must be without cuts, knots or bulges with a reasonable profile. 50 What is the braking distance with regard to the foot and hand brakes? At a speed of 30km per hour, the foot brake must be capable of stopping your vehicle within 9 meters, while the hand brake must do the same within 13 meters. This is because the foot brakes affects all four wheels with equal pressure and the hand brakes affects only two wheels. 51 How do you verify that the foot and hand brakes are working properly? When the engine is on, there must be firm resistance when one presses on the foot brake. Likewise, when one pulls at the hand brake it must also give resistance. Page 1 of 27 52 How must a vehicle be loaded? The load must be stacked in such a manner that it does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road, in the front, on the side and behind him, with or without mirrors. Neither must it hinder his or her driving nor the operational characteristics of the vehicle. The load must be divided proportionately, leaving the vehicle at all time in the driver’s control. 53 What is the maximum length allowed to cargo sticking out in the front of and at the back of a vehicle? The load at the front must not protrude more than 3.50 meters measured from the steering wheel to the front. At the back, no more that 5 meters from the back axle to the back end. 54 What must be placed on the front end and on the back end of a load protruding from a vehicle? During the day, the load in front or at the back must have a red flag measuring 0.40 square meters (40 centimetres) with one side stretched out. At night, the load in front must have a white light and the load at the back must have a red illuminated light at the end. As for leading a parade or supervising livestock/riding and draft animals, a light is also needed at night. Minimum age required to lead/supervise livestock is 15 years and 16 years to lead a band or parade. 55 When loading a motor vehicle what must you take into consideration? You must take into consideration that the load may change the operational characteristics of your vehicle 56 When does slow traffic have the right of way over fast traffic? - At a T crossing, when slow traffic is at the head of the T and fast traffic is the body of the T. - At a preference road crossing/ On a major road - When slow traffic is proceeding straight and fast traffic is making a left or right turn. Slow traffic is said to be oncoming traffic to fast traffic. - When slow traffic is proceeding straight and fast traffic is making a right turn. Slow traffic is said to be obstructing fast traffic. - When slow traffic has the green light and fast traffic has the red light. - When there’s a traffic regulator 57 When is it allowed to overtake another vehicle? - When it is not prohibited by a traffic signboard - On a wide, straight road - Around the roundabout - When there is evidently no oncoming traffic or traffic overtaking you - When you have enough time and space to execute the overtaking procedure safely 58 How must you overtake another vehicle? - Make sure you can and may overtake - Approach the vehicle to be overtaken to the right in you driving lane - Check for all (oncoming) approaching traffic prior to overtaking, verify that you yourself are not being overtaken - Indicate your intention to overtake and proceed to the left driving lane Page 1 of 27 - During day time, blow your horn and at night, blink your lights (bright and dim) letting your intention to overtake be known. Outside a developed area, cyclists may use their bell to let his/her intention to overtake be known. - Increase your speed and overtake rapidly in the left driving lane - After passing the vehicle, wait until you can see the front bumper of the vehicle you have just passed in your rear view mirror - Indicate and return to the right driving lane. Cyclists may use their hands to indicate - After returning to the right driving lane, adjust your speed back to the speed limit of that road 59 Where is it prohibited to overtake another vehicle? - In or around blind corners - On or approaching a hill top - Before or at an intersection - On a bridge - When facing oncoming traffic - When a vehicle stops at a pedestrian crossing - When prohibited by traffic signboard 60 When may you drive otherwise than to the right? - When making a left turn - When overtaking another vehicle - Is so instructed by a traffic signboard ( sign 12) - At a traffic column with a green pane ( sign 48) 61 Where on the public road is it prohibited to park? - In front of a Drive way without the owners’ permission - In front of parking meters unless you have paid the required amount to the parking meter - Within 5 meters of a signboard indicating a fire hydrant - Where parking is prohibited by a traffic signboard 62 What is the traffic rule for playing on public roads? It is prohibited to play with balls or other objects on the driving lanes of public roads. (Recreational Area sign) 63 What is the traffic rule with regard to a line of waiting vehicles? It is prohibited to overtake, squeeze in front of another vehicle or leave your vehicle unattended while waiting in a line of waiting motor vehicles. 64 What is the maximum speed in and outside developed areas in the Dutch Windward Islands? - Maximum speed inside the developed areas is: St. Maarten/St. Eustatius 30km per hour, Saba 20km per hour. - Maximum speed outside the developed areas is: St. Maarten/St. Eustatius 50km per hour, Saba 40km per hour. 65 What does filtering mean? Filtering entails - Driving on the left of your driving lane Page 1 of 27 - Following a marking on the road surface toward a direction 66 How many ways of filtering do you know? There are four ways of filtering: - Filtering in a filtering box - Filtering close to the centre line - Filtering close to the imaginary centre-line - Filtering on a one-way road 67 When approaching traffic lights what must you pay attention to? You should pay attention to the colours of the lights: Red: Stop Green: Go Yellow/Orange: Stop in the first instance. However, traffic that cannot stop safely before the white line must proceed rapidly. When the yellow/orange is blinking, it means that the traffic lights aren’t working. When it is blinking on the bridge, it means to drive carefully. 68 What types of motor vehicles are drivers with a category B License allowed to drive? Motor vehicles designed to transport people with no more than 8 seats excluding the driver. Motor vehicles designed to transport cargo with a total combined weight of no more than 3500 kg, including the load. With this category license you may pull a trailer weighing no more than 750 kg. 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