Documents, 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.
Documents
- Driving licence (Führerausweis), in credit-card format; the three-year probation period starts when you pass.
- Vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugausweis), which names the holder and the vehicle.
- Proof of insurance; you must be able to produce it, and you must show documents to the police on request.
- Motorway vignette for motorways and expressways: it is tied to the vehicle, not the driver, and is checked automatically and at controls.
- A warning triangle must be carried in the car; a high-visibility vest and first-aid kit are strongly recommended even where not legally required for private cars.
Insurance
Motor third-party liability is compulsory and covers damage you cause to other people and their property. It does not pay for your own car and never pays your fines. Comprehensive cover (Teilkasko/Vollkasko) is optional and covers your own vehicle, theft, fire and glass. Premiums follow a bonus/malus scale, so claims raise your premium.
Legal obligations
After a collision you must stop, secure the scene, give assistance within reason and exchange details. If people are injured, or if you damage unattended property, you must call the police. Leaving the scene (Fahrerflucht) is a criminal offence. As the holder you must keep the vehicle roadworthy, present it for inspection, and satisfy yourself that anyone you lend it to holds the right licence and is fit to drive. Report changes of address or name.
Worked example
You scrape a parked car in an empty car park and see no owner. Driving on would be hit-and-run. The correct response is to wait a reasonable time, then report the incident to the police and leave your details, and inform your liability insurer. Your own car's damaged bumper is only covered if you carry comprehensive cover.
Traps that cost marks
- Thinking liability insurance covers your own repair bill.
- Believing comprehensive cover is compulsory.
- Thinking the vignette follows the driver rather than the car.
- Not reporting damage to unattended property.
- Lending the car without checking the other person's licence.