Swiss Category A Theory flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Right-hand priority rule

At junctions without signs or signals, yield to traffic approaching from your right. A priority road sign or a signal overrides this rule until it ends.

Priority road sign

A yellow diamond with a white border. It suspends the right-hand priority rule. The same sign struck through marks the end of the priority road.

Stop sign obligation

An octagonal red sign reading STOP requires a full stop at the stop line, not merely slowing. You then give way to traffic on the priority road in both directions.

Solid centre line

A continuous white line that may not be crossed, including for overtaking or filtering. A broken line may be crossed to overtake when visibility and space allow.

Braking distance formula

On dry asphalt, braking distance in metres is approximately (speed in km/h divided by 10) squared. Doubling speed therefore quadruples the braking distance.

Reaction distance formula

Reaction distance in metres equals (speed in km/h divided by 10) multiplied by 3, assuming a one-second reaction time. It adds to braking distance to give stopping distance.

Front brake share

As weight transfers forward under braking, the front brake provides roughly 70 to 80 percent of braking force. The rear brake stabilises and controls low-speed manoeuvres.

Motorcycle tread depth

The legal minimum tread depth for motorcycles is 1.6 mm across the main tread. Tyre pressure should be checked cold and adjusted for load and pillion.

Countersteering

Above roughly 20 km/h, pushing the right handlebar forward leans the machine right and pushing the left bar forward leans it left. It is the primary lean control.

Cornering sequence

Brake before the bend, set entry speed, look through the curve to the exit, then open the throttle smoothly once the lean angle is stable.

Target fixation

The machine tends to follow the rider's gaze. Fixating on a hazard pulls the motorcycle toward it, so the corrective rule is to look where you want to go.

Emergency braking procedure

Squeeze the front lever progressively to load the front tyre, apply the rear brake lightly, keep the machine upright and the handlebars straight.

Two-second rule

Keep at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions, double that in rain and four times on ice or snow.

Heavy vehicle blind spot

Heavy vehicles have large dead zones beside and behind the cab. If you cannot see the driver's mirror, the driver cannot see you.

Wet road grip hazards

Painted markings, manhole covers, tram rails and diesel spills offer far less grip when wet. Cross them upright and without braking or accelerating.

Overtaking clearance

When passing a two-wheeler, allow at least 1 m lateral clearance in built-up areas and 1.5 m outside them. The same clearance protects cyclists.

Filtering rule

Lane splitting between moving traffic is not permitted. In a queue, filter only at walking pace, only where genuine space exists, and never across a solid line.

Pedestrian crossing duty

At a zebra crossing, stop if someone is waiting with the clear intention to cross. Do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians.

Swiss emergency numbers

144 for an ambulance, 117 for the police and 118 for the fire service. The European emergency number 112 also works across Switzerland.

Warning triangle distance

Place the warning triangle at least 50 m behind the vehicle on ordinary roads and around 100 m on motorways, further where sight lines are short.

Helmet removal rule

Do not remove an injured motorcyclist's helmet unless breathing is obstructed. Support the head and neck in line with the spine and wait for the emergency services.

CPR compression rate

Chest compressions should be delivered at 100 to 120 per minute with a depth of about 5 to 6 cm. Untrained rescuers may use compression-only CPR.

Speed and fuel consumption

Fuel consumption rises steeply above about 80 to 90 km/h because aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed.

Idling threshold

Idling for more than about 20 seconds wastes fuel. Switching off the engine during longer waits reduces consumption and emissions.

Tyre pressure and rolling resistance

Correct tyre pressure lowers rolling resistance, saves fuel and reduces tyre wear. Under-inflated tyres also heat up more and handle less predictably.

Roundabout priority

At a roundabout without signals, traffic already on the roundabout has priority. Indicate right before leaving and check the exit is clear.

Priority road end

The priority road sign struck through marks the end of priority. After it, the right-hand priority rule applies again at the next junction.

ABS function

ABS prevents wheel lock-up under braking and keeps steering control. On a machine without ABS, brake progressively and avoid grabbing the front lever on slippery surfaces.

Slow-speed control

Tight manoeuvres use the rear brake and clutch friction zone with the body upright. Dragging the rear brake stabilises a tight U-turn.

Following distance in rain

In rain, double the two-second dry following distance to at least four seconds. On ice or snow, allow four times the dry distance.

Emergency vehicle duty

When an emergency vehicle approaches with blue lights and sirens, clear the way immediately without braking abruptly, and do not follow directly behind it.

Recovery position

An unconscious but breathing casualty is rolled onto the side with the head tilted back and the upper leg bent to prevent rolling. Monitor breathing continuously.