Swiss Category D Theory (Bus) flashcards

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

Right-of-way at unmarked junction

In the absence of signs or signals, the vehicle approaching from the right has priority. A bus leaving a marked stop does not thereby gain priority over other traffic.

Speed limit for buses

Buses are limited to 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 100 km/h on motorways. A bus with trailer is limited to 80 km/h outside built-up areas.

Following distance rule

Outside built-up areas keep half the speedometer value in metres (e.g. 80 km/h → 40 m). Inside built-up areas use the two-second gap rule.

Bus lane use

A lane marked for scheduled bus services may be used only by scheduled services. Other buses may use it only if the sign explicitly permits it.

Category D definition

Motor vehicles for passenger transport with more than 8 seats in addition to the driver's seat, with a trailer up to 750 kg total weight. Minimum age is 21 years.

Category D1 definition

Passenger vehicles with 9 to 16 seats in addition to the driver's seat, with a trailer up to 750 kg total weight. Minimum age is 21 years.

CZV further training

Professional drivers of categories C and D must complete 42 hours of further training every 5 years under the Chauffeurzulassungsverordnung. Code 95 on the licence documents completion.

Licence validity category D

A category D licence is valid for 5 years. Renewal requires a medical certificate for medical group 2; from age 50 periodic medical examinations apply.

Air-brake pressure check

Before driving, system pressure must reach at least 6 bar and the low-pressure warning must extinguish. Hold the brake pedal to check for pressure loss.

Door interlock check

The bus must not be able to move with a passenger door open. Check the door-closing warning lamp and the emergency-release function during the daily inspection.

Daily walk-around check

Check tyres, lights, mirrors, wipers, horn, fluid levels, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, emergency hammer and roof hatch before the first departure of the day.

Tachograph defect

A defective digital tachograph must be reported and the vehicle must not be used for remunerated transport until it is repaired. Check card insertion and time display.

Braking distance scaling

Braking distance grows with the square of speed: doubling speed quadruples the braking distance. Reaction distance grows only linearly with speed.

Centrifugal force formula

F = m·v²/r. In a curve the speed must be reduced so lateral acceleration stays below about 4 m/s² for passenger comfort and roll-over safety.

Bus weight limits

A two-axle bus may weigh up to 18 t, a three-axle bus up to 26 t. Axle loads must not exceed the values on the type plate.

Passenger weight calculation

Passenger weight is calculated at 68 kg per person including luggage. Standing passengers count fully toward the permissible total weight of the bus.

Passenger-transport permit

The BPT is required for remunerated passenger transport. It is issued by the cantonal authority and tied to the vehicle and the operator.

Alcohol limit professional drivers

The alcohol limit for professional drivers in Switzerland is 0.1‰ (0.01% BAC). A bus driver may not drive with any measurable alcohol.

Refusing a passenger

The driver may refuse to carry a passenger who is intoxicated, aggressive, or who endangers other passengers. The police may be called if necessary.

Lost property duty

Lost property found on the bus must be handed in to the operator's lost-property office. The driver documents the find and the circumstances.

Daily driving time limit

Daily driving time is at most 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice per week. After 4.5 hours of continuous driving a 45-minute break is required.

Split break rule

The 45-minute break may be split into a 15-minute part followed by a 30-minute part. Each part must be taken in that order to count.

Daily rest period

At least 11 hours of daily rest within 24 hours. A reduced rest of 9 hours is allowed at most three times between two weekly rest periods.

Weekly rest period

At least 45 hours of weekly rest. A reduced weekly rest of 24 hours is allowed if compensated by an equivalent rest taken en bloc before the end of the following week.

Emergency numbers

In Switzerland call 112 for general emergencies and 144 for the ambulance. The driver secures the scene and warns traffic before calling for help.

Recovery position

An unconscious but breathing casualty is placed in the recovery position. If not breathing, start CPR at 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths.

Engine fire procedure

Stop, switch off the engine, evacuate passengers upwind, and use the extinguisher on the source. Never open the engine cover fully, as air feeds the fire.

Warning triangle placement

Place the warning triangle at least 50 m behind the vehicle on motorways, or 100 m if visibility is poor. Wear the high-visibility vest before leaving the vehicle.

Fuel-efficient speed

Fuel consumption rises steeply above 80 km/h. Driving at 80–90 km/h instead of 100 km/h reduces consumption by roughly 10–15%.

Tyre pressure and fuel

Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance. Under-inflation by 0.5 bar increases fuel consumption by about 2–3% and raises tyre temperature.

Idling rule

Idling for more than about 20 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting the engine. Switch off the engine during long waits at stops or in traffic.

Mandatory liability insurance

Motor third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Switzerland. The certificate must be carried or available in the vehicle at all times.

Accident reporting duty

After an accident with personal injury or significant property damage, stop, secure the scene, give first aid and inform the police and insurer without delay.

Documents to carry

Carry the driving licence, vehicle registration document, tachograph card and the passenger-transport permit where required. The MFK sticker must be valid.