Quick Ref Notes for German Driving License Test

Below is a reorganized, easy-to-read collection of all the rules, grouped by topic. Tables are used where they help highlight important numerical rules (e.g., distances and speeds). Where questions overlap, they’ve been combined under the same heading. Special thanks to this gist for important questions/answers: https://gist.github.com/blessanm86/6879d03782ecf350e7b1f683b4e51e8f

1. Driving Under the Influence

Question	Correct Answers
What are the consequences for a person driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs (e.g. hashish, heroin, cocaine)?	- Confiscation of driving licence or driving ban - Compulsory medical/psychological examination - Fine and/or imprisonment

2. Pedestrian Crossings & Roadway Safety

Question	Correct Answers
In which instances do you have to approach a pedestrian crossing with particular care?	- If pedestrians want to cross the road - If the view of the pedestrian crossing is restricted - If another vehicle is already waiting at the pedestrian crossing
Where is parking prohibited? (Selected rules about pedestrian crossings, kerbstones, etc.)	- At the edge of the roadway if this would prevent others from using designated parking areas - Before sunken kerbstones (to ensure pedestrians can cross safely)

3. Indicators & Vehicle Lighting

Detecting a Faulty Indicator

Question: How can you tell while driving that an indicator lamp is not working?
Answer: The indicator signal light will flash faster than usual.

Using Lights in Different Conditions

Question	Correct Answers
When must you use dipped headlights also during the day?	- By rain - By fog or falling snow
When are you allowed to switch on fog headlamps?	- In fog - In rain - In falling snow
When are you allowed to use fog headlamps also during the day?	- By rain - By fog or falling snow
When must you dip your headlights?	- When a vehicle is driving close in front - When a vehicle is oncoming
When are you allowed to switch on rear fog lamps? (Two appearances, same rule)	- When fog reduces visibility to less than 50 m

Rear Fog Lamps

Question: When may the rear fog lamp be switched on?
Answer: Only if visibility is 50 m or less.

4. Overtaking & Passing Other Vehicles

Overtaking Trams

Question: When may a tram be overtaken on the left?
Answer:
- When the rails run too far to the right
- In one-way streets

Flashing Headlights to Indicate Overtaking

Question	Correct Answers
Where is it permitted to flash headlights to indicate your intention to overtake?	- In daylight outside built-up areas - In darkness outside built-up areas

Completing an Overtake

Question: What must you do to end an overtaking manoeuvre?
Answer:
- Move over to the right as soon as possible without inconveniencing the vehicle you have overtaken
- Signal your intention to draw in clearly and in good time

5. Towing and Breakdowns

Towing Rules

Question	Correct Answers
Your car has a fault and can no longer be driven. What must you be aware of during towing? (first occurrence)	- A towing bar should be used where possible - The force required to operate the brake pedal is significantly greater if the engine has failed
Your car has a fault and can no longer be driven. What must you be aware of during towing? (second occurrence)	- The towing cable should be kept as taut as possible - The hazard lights must be switched on for both vehicles - The motorway may only be used if it shortens the journey to the next garage (this is NOT allowed).
What must you do when a break reveals that a lashing strap has torn?	- Continue your trip only when the load is still secured by other means or after replacing the strap

Towing with Trailers / Caravans
- Safe Distance Rule:
  - Question: When must a car with a trailer driving outside built-up areas on roads with only one lane for each direction keep a sufficient distance from the car in front so that an overtaking vehicle may pull in?
    Answer: If the vehicle combination exceeds 7 m in length, you must keep enough distance to let overtaking traffic pull in.
- What changes in a car when towing a two-axle trailer?
  - Acceleration capacity is reduced
  - More space is needed when turning and driving round bends
  - Driving stability does not increase
- Approaching a Downhill Slope with an Unbraked Trailer
  - Make allowance for the pushing effect of the trailer
  - Reduce speed in time, possibly engage a low gear
  - Be ready to brake
Vehicle Classification (Class B)
- Question: You are holding a driving permit Class B. Your car specs are: empty mass 1900 kg, permissible total mass 2400 kg, permissible towed load 1500 kg. Which trailer are you allowed to tow?
  - Answer: 1000 kg (The total of car + trailer must not exceed 3500 kg combined.)

6. Speed Limits & Stopping Distances

6.1 General Speed Limits

Road Type or Vehicle	Maximum Speed
Built-up areas (general speed)	50 km/h
Roads with one marked lane for each direction (outside built-up areas) for cars	100 km/h
Roads with one marked lane for each direction (outside built-up areas) for truck ≤ 3.0 t	100 km/h
Car + trailer (outside built-up areas)	80 km/h
Truck (3.0 t) + trailer on autobahns	80 km/h
Maximum speed for vehicles fitted with snow chains	50 km/h
Recommended speed on autobahns (cars, motorcycles)	130 km/h
Minimum top speed in vehicle documents to use on autobahns	60 km/h

Note: A special Sunday/public holiday driving ban applies to certain trucks (see “Commercial Transport” section).

6.2 Stopping & Braking Distances

Use these rule of thumb formulas:

Distance covered in 1 second (reaction distance)
[ \text{Reaction Distance} = \frac{\text{speed (km/h)}}{10} \times 3 ]
Braking Distance (normal)
[ \text{Braking Distance} = \left(\frac{\text{speed (km/h)}}{10}\right) \times \left(\frac{\text{speed (km/h)}}{10}\right) ]
Braking Distance in an evasive road (half the normal braking distance)
[ \text{Evasive Braking} = \frac{\text{Braking Distance}}{2} ]
Stopping Distance
[ \text{Stopping Distance} = \text{Reaction Distance} + \text{Braking Distance} ]

Examples

Scenario	Speed	Calculated	Answer
Stopping distance at 100 km/h (reaction + normal braking)	100	Reaction = 30 + Braking = 100 → 130	130 m
Braking distance at 100 km/h	100	(100/10) × (100/10) = 10 × 10 = 100	100 m
Reaction distance at 100 km/h	100	(100/10) × 3 = 10 × 3 = 30	30 m
Stopping distance at 50 km/h (reaction + normal braking)	50	Reaction = 15 + Braking = 25 → 40	40 m
Braking distance at 50 km/h	50	(50/10) × (50/10) = 5 × 5 = 25	25 m
Reaction distance at 50 km/h	50	(50/10) × 3 = 5 × 3 = 15	15 m
Max stopping distance on narrow roads with only 50 m visible ahead	-	Must be less than or equal to 25 m (to stop in time)	25 m

6.3 Safe Following Distances

Situation	Minimum Following Distance
Driving at 80 km/h behind a vehicle	2 seconds
Driving in urban traffic at 50 km/h	~15 m (about 3 car lengths)
Outside built-up areas (general rule of thumb)	At least half the speedometer reading in m
Car + caravan trailer > 7 m long outside built-up areas	Must leave space for another vehicle to pull in

7. Parking & Stopping Rules

7.1 Distances Around Crossings, Pedestrian Crossings, etc.

Where?	Distance to Keep Clear
In front of a pedestrian crossing	5 m
Before and behind crossroads and junctions	5 m
Before a St. Andrew’s Cross (rail crossing) outside built-up areas	50 m
In front of a St. Andrew’s Cross inside built-up areas	5 m
Before or behind a bus or tram stop sign	15 m
Maximum stop at a bus stop if no obstruction to buses	3 minutes
Distance a load can project beyond rear reflectors without marker	1 m
Minimum distance in front of traffic lights if your vehicle would conceal them	10 m

7.2 Special Parking Rules

Parking on Priority Roads
- Inside built-up areas: Parking on the road is allowed unless otherwise prohibited.
- Outside built-up areas: Parking on the carriageway is not allowed; use the hard shoulder or lay-bys.
Parking on the Left
- Allowed only where there are rails on the right-hand side or in one-way streets.
Parking Lights
- Sufficient if you park on a lit road inside a built-up area.
Trailers
- A trailer with total mass > 2 t may only be parked in built-up areas on industrial estates or specially designated areas on Sundays, public holidays, and overnight (10 p.m. – 6 a.m.).

7.3 Definitions

Stopping: Halting for up to 3 minutes or if forced to halt by traffic.
Parking: Halting for more than 3 minutes or leaving the vehicle.

8. Commercial Transport (Sundays & Public Holidays)

Question	Correct Answers
What motor vehicles engaged in commercial or paid transport of goods, are prohibited from driving on Sundays/holidays?	- Trucks > 7.5 t permissible total mass - Trucks towing a trailer
Between what hours does the Sunday and public holiday driving ban apply?	From 0 to 22 (i.e., midnight to 10 p.m.)

9. Vehicle Inspection, Registration & Insurance

Next Vehicle Roadworthiness Test
- Question: How can you tell when you need the next test?
  - Answer:
    - By reading the entry in the registration certificate Part I
    - By the inspection tag on the rear license plate
Inspection After Technical Modification
- Question: An inspection has been performed because of a technical modification. What are you obliged to do?
  - Answer:
    - Carry the inspection report in the vehicle
    - Update the registration certificate (Part I) if necessary
Vehicle No Longer Covered by Liability Insurance
- Question: What if your vehicle is no longer insured?
  - Answer:
    - Must be de-registered at the registration centre
    - May no longer be used in road traffic
Selling a Registered Vehicle
- Question: You have sold your still-registered vehicle. What must you do?
  - Answer:
    - Inform the registration centre immediately of the buyer’s name and address
    - Hand over the vehicle registration certificate and book to the buyer against receipt
New Owner of a Licensed Vehicle
- Question: You are the new owner of a licensed vehicle. What must you do?
  - Answer:
    - Notify the licensing authority of the change in ownership
    - Present proof of liability insurance

10. Vehicle Equipment & Maintenance

Brake Fluid

Question: Why exchange brake fluid according to manufacturer instructions?
- To ensure the brake system continues to function under higher stress
- To ensure the water content in brake fluid stays within safe limits

Faulty Brakes

Question: When the brake pedal touches the floor and only stiffens after pumping several times, what must you do?
- Have the brakes repaired immediately
- Park the car immediately (do not continue driving)

Exhaust System

Question: The noise of the exhaust suddenly becomes louder. What do you do?
- Check the exhaust system (it could be damaged)

Horn Not Working

Possible reasons:
- Defective horn operating device
- Blown fuse

Windscreen Wipers Not Working

Possible reasons:
- Defective wiper motor
- Blown fuse

Wheel/Tyre Issues

Minimum Tread Depth: 1.6 mm
If the steering wheel wobbles: Possibly unbalanced wheels, defective shock absorbers, or damaged suspension.
If you hit a tyre against a hard obstacle: Have tyre and rim checked immediately.

Catalytic Converters

May be damaged if you repeatedly attempt to start the engine unsuccessfully, then it fires with unburned fuel in the converter.
May be damaged if you tow the car to start it.

Airbag Control Light

If it stays on constantly, you must visit a workshop.

Seat Belts

A seat belt lock that does not close must be repaired—do not drive on it.
Rear passengers not wearing seat belts can injure themselves and front passengers even at low speeds.

Reducing Noise & Pollution

Avoid unnecessary trips and letting the engine idle to warm up.
Service ignition system, air filter, fuel injection/carburetor to reduce emissions.

11. Cruise Control & ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)

Cruise Control
- Maintains a constant speed on level roads.
- Does not adjust speed to traffic density.
- Driver must remain attentive.
- Can be overridden by accelerator/brake.
- Heavy rain or snowfall can affect it.
- Switching off too late may cause excessive cornering speed or tailgating.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Retains steering capability for longer, even under heavy braking.
- Does not guarantee zero skidding.
- Allows you to brake heavily and avoid an obstacle at the same time.
- Wheels do not lock on braking, but aquaplaning is still possible.
- Danger of tipping over on bends is not automatically prevented.

12. Special Manoeuvres & Conditions

Driving in a Tunnel
- Watch for emergency exits and phones.
- Hazard warning lights on if you approach a traffic jam.
- Light effects and loud noise can be distracting.
Tree-Lined Avenues
- Narrow and blind bends, possibly with cambered roads.
- Oncoming traffic requires special caution.
Aquaplaning
- Caused by high speed, worn tyres, or grooves/dips in the road.
- Results in loss of steering/braking control.
Slippery Roads After Dry Spell
- Expect dangerous greasy film.
- Poor visibility when wipers first activate.
Downhill Driving
- Do not coast in neutral or with clutch pressed; engine braking is crucial.
Cornering Forces
- Excessive speed or smaller bend radius → stronger centrifugal force.
- Rear-wheel drive: Oversteer (rear slides out).
- Front-wheel drive: Understeer (front slides outward).
Approaching a Regular Bus with Hazard Lights
- Stop and pass at walking speed if needed; watch for passengers crossing.
Exiting a Property Over a Footpath
- Pedestrians have right of way; use an assistant if visibility is poor.
Horse-Drawn Carriages Turning
- May indicate turns via arm signals or traffic paddle or even a flashing indicator.
Traffic Jam on a Three-lane Autobahn
- Form an emergency corridor between the left lane and the center lane.
Right Before Left
- Applies only at crossroads/junctions with no other priority regulation.
- Not applicable if you’re coming from a farm track or forest track.

13. Probationary Period & Penalties

Probationary Period: Normally 2 years.
Driver Fails to Attend Advanced Seminar (ordered after multiple violations during probation):
- May anticipate withdrawal of driving licence.

14. Various Other Rules

Motorcycles, Mopeds, Agricultural Machinery on Main Roads
- Must use hard shoulder when possible if they are slow-moving.
Allowing Buses to Pull Out from a Marked Stop
- Must yield to regular or school buses trying to leave a stop.
Passengers Exiting
- Warn them to watch for cyclists/traffic before opening doors.
Parking Meter
- If time is still left, you can use it without adding more money.
Flashing Red-White Warning Plates
- Indicate an excessively wide load or trailer parked on the roadway in a built-up area (not dangerous goods).
Channel for Emergency Vehicles in Traffic Jams
- Always between the left and middle lanes on multi-lane roads.
Definition: Towed Load
- The actual load being pulled, not just the trailer’s total mass.
U-turns on Clearways for Motor Vehicles
- Prohibited.
- Only enter/exit clearways at crossroads or junctions.

15. Summary Tables

15.1 Key Distances & Parking

Situation	Distance
Pedestrian crossing	5 m before (no parking)
Crossroads/Junctions	5 m before/behind
St. Andrew’s Cross (rural)	50 m
St. Andrew’s Cross (urban)	5 m
Bus/Tram stop sign	15 m
Traffic lights (if concealing them)	10 m

15.2 Key Speed Limits

Location/Vehicle	Max Speed
Built-up areas	50 km/h
Rural roads (one lane each way) — Car or Truck ≤3.0 t	100 km/h
Car+Trailer outside built-up areas	80 km/h
Truck (3.0 t) + trailer on autobahn	80 km/h
With snow chains	50 km/h
Recommended on Autobahn	130 km/h

Always Remember

Safety First: Keep correct following distances, use headlights properly, secure passengers, and maintain your vehicle.
Obey Speed Limits: Especially in adverse conditions (rain, fog, snow).
Parking & Stopping: Follow distance rules near crossings, traffic lights, and stops.
Towing: Use correct equipment; watch for extra braking distance.
Inspection & Insurance: Keep documents updated, keep your vehicle roadworthy.

These rules cover a broad range of situations that are important for safe and lawful driving. Study them carefully, practice them on the road, and you’ll be well-prepared!

asad-haider/german-driving-license.md