Swiss Theory B study guide
Swiss Theory B · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Swiss Theory B examination is the written knowledge test that anyone applying for a category B (car) learner permit in Switzerland must pass before taking practical driving lessons on public roads. It is administered by the cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt / service des automobiles) at an official examination centre, usually on a computer, and is offered in the national languages plus a set of permitted translations. The Swiss Theory B study guide has 9 sections and about 4,082 words.
01Traffic rules and road signs
This domain tests whether you can read a situation at a glance: which sign, signal or marking governs right now, and what exception a small supplementary plate creates. Swiss Theory B questions here are usually one-line scenarios ("who goes first?") or straight sign identification, so the rules have to be automatic rather than reconstructed.
490 words, about 2 min02Priority, junctions and roundabouts
Priority questions are the backbone of the Swiss theory exam: almost every scenario picture asks who may go first. You need the default rule, the signs that switch it off, and the special priority of rail vehicles and buses.
458 words, about 2 min03Speed limits, following distance and stopping
This domain mixes memorised limits with the arithmetic of stopping. Expect questions on the general limits, on zone signs, and on the distance you must keep at a given speed - the exam likes the half-speedometer rule and reaction-distance calculations.
427 words, about 2 min04Hazard perception and defensive driving
Hazard-perception items show an ordinary street and ask what you should expect or do next. The exam is checking whether you scan far ahead, read other people's intentions, and build in a margin - not whether you can react fast after the danger is already visible.
459 words, about 2 min05Vehicle knowledge, tyres and technical checks
Swiss exam items on vehicle knowledge are practical: tread depth, tyre pressure, warning lights, when winter tyres are needed and what the periodic inspection covers. You are expected to know the legal minimums and the reason behind them.
430 words, about 2 min06Alcohol, drugs, medication and fitness to drive
This domain is legal and medical at once: the exam wants the numeric limits, who they apply to, the consequences of exceeding them, and how medication, illness and fatigue affect fitness. Swiss practice is strict, and the novice limit catches many candidates.
459 words, about 2 min07Documents, insurance and legal obligations of the driver
These questions test what you must carry, what is insured, and what you must do after an accident. They are easy marks if you know which document does what - many candidates confuse third-party liability with comprehensive cover, or think a vignette belongs to the driver.
435 words, about 2 min08Motorways, tunnels and special road situations
Motorway and tunnel items reward drivers who know the special rules that do not apply elsewhere: who may use the road, how to join and leave, what the hard shoulder is for, and what to do when something goes wrong underground. Reserved for motor vehicles able to keep up with traffic.
460 words, about 2 min09Environment, energy-efficient driving and vehicle loading
This domain links fuel and emissions to concrete driving habits, and adds the loading rules that affect handling and legality. Swiss questions are practical: which gear, when to switch off, what a roof box costs, and when a load makes the car unsafe or illegal.
464 words, about 2 min