Austria Theory A flashcards
Austria Theory A · Build recall with a focused review session.
33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Right-before-left rule
- At unmarked intersections in Austria, the vehicle approaching from the right has priority unless signs or signals state otherwise.
- Priority road sign
- The yellow diamond sign grants priority at all following intersections until a cancellation sign ends it.
- Yield sign
- The inverted red triangle obliges you to give way to traffic on the priority road and to stop if necessary.
- Stop sign
- The octagonal sign requires a complete stop at the stop line or where you can see into the crossing road.
- Emergency corridor
- On multi-lane roads and motorways, when traffic slows to walking pace, form a gap between the two leftmost lanes for emergency vehicles.
- Safety distance rule
- Keep at least half the speedometer value in metres to the vehicle ahead; at 50 km/h that is 25 metres.
- Stopping versus parking
- Stopping is a voluntary halt up to three minutes; parking is any halt longer than that or where the driver leaves the vehicle.
- Alcohol limit
- The general limit is 0.5 g/l blood alcohol; novice and professional drivers face a stricter 0.1 g/l limit.
- Child restraint rule
- Children under 14 years and under 150 cm must use an approved child restraint suited to their size and weight.
- Overtaking prohibition
- Overtaking is forbidden at pedestrian crossings, blind crests and bends, unbarriered railway crossings, and wherever signs forbid it.
- Tyre tread depth
- Car tyres must have at least 1.6 mm tread depth across the main grooves; winter tyres are required in wintry conditions.
- Braking distance rule
- Braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed quadruples the distance needed to stop.
- Countersteering
- To lean a motorcycle into a turn above walking pace, push the handlebar on the side you want to turn toward.
- Motorcycle braking
- Apply both brakes together; the front brake provides most stopping force, but over-braking on slippery ground causes a fall.
- Helmet requirement
- A fastened helmet is compulsory for motorcyclists and moped riders; protective clothing and eye protection are strongly recommended.
- Chain maintenance
- Check motorcycle chain slack, lubrication and sprocket wear regularly; a worn or over-tight chain can cause a crash.
- Load security
- Cargo must be secured and must not obstruct lights, plates or the driver's view; roof loads raise the centre of gravity.
- ABS function
- ABS prevents wheel lock during hard braking; keep firm, continuous pressure and do not pump the brake lever or pedal.
- Sign categories
- Red triangles warn of danger, red circles prohibit, blue circles mandate, and blue rectangles give information.
- Danger sign distance
- Danger signs stand about 150–250 m before the hazard outside built-up areas and about 50–100 m inside them.
- Default speed limits
- Unless signed otherwise, limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 130 km/h on motorways.
- Novice driver probation
- New drivers face a two-year probation period with a stricter 0.1 g/l alcohol limit and mandatory second-phase training.
- Points system
- Serious offences are recorded as points; reaching three points triggers a mandatory course or seminar.
- Licence categories
- AM covers mopeds up to 45 km/h, A1 125 cc from 16, A2 35 kW from 18, and A is unrestricted from 24.
- Periodic inspection
- Vehicles need periodic inspection stickers, typically every two years for cars and annually for motorcycles after the first inspection.
- Solid white line
- A solid white line on your side of the road may not be crossed; a broken line may be crossed when safe.
- Zebra crossing priority
- Pedestrians on or clearly about to use a zebra crossing have absolute priority; vehicles must stop and not overtake there.
- Roundabout signalling
- Entering traffic yields to circulating traffic; signal right only when leaving, and left only when changing lanes.
- Flashing amber light
- A flashing amber traffic light means the signal is out of order; priority signs or the right-before-left rule then apply.
- Police signals
- A police officer's signals override traffic lights and signs; the officer's arm and body direction show who may proceed.
- Motorway breakdown
- Pull onto the hard shoulder, switch on hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest, place a warning triangle 100 m behind and wait behind the barrier.
- Tunnel rules
- In tunnels, switch on dipped headlights, keep a safe distance, do not stop, and follow posted speed and distance instructions.
- Accident procedure
- Secure the scene, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle, call 112 or 133, give first aid and exchange details.