Swiss Category D Theory (Bus) study guide
Swiss Category D Theory (Bus) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Swiss Category D theory examination is the knowledge test that must be passed before a candidate can obtain a bus driving licence (Führerausweis Kategorie D) in Switzerland. It is aimed at people who already hold a car licence and want to drive buses professionally - for example in scheduled regional transport, school and excursion services, company shuttle operations, or tourism. The Swiss Category D Theory (Bus) study guide has 9 sections and about 3,767 words.
01Road Traffic Law and Rules of the Road (SVG/VRV)
Domain 1 covers the Swiss road traffic act (SVG, SR 741.01) and the traffic rules ordinance (VRV, SR 741.11). Category D questions test whether you apply general priority, signalling, speed and stopping rules correctly while driving a long, heavy vehicle full of passengers.
480 words, about 2 min02Vehicle Categories, Licence Classes and Driver Licensing Requirements
Domain 2 tests the Swiss licensing system (VZV, SR 741.51): which vehicle needs which category, minimum ages, medical requirements, the professional driver qualification and licence validity. Category D: motor vehicles for passenger transport with more than eight seats besides the driver's seat.
400 words, about 2 min03Bus Vehicle Technology and Vehicle Checks
Domain 3 covers bus technology and the daily vehicle check: what the systems do, what you must inspect before departure, and which defects mean the vehicle stays parked. Buses are M2 (up to 5 t) or M3 (over 5 t) vehicles.
429 words, about 2 min04Driving Dynamics, Load and Passenger Weight Distribution
Domain 4 combines driving dynamics with load and passenger weight distribution: how mass, centre of gravity and axle loads change braking, cornering and stability of a bus. Mass multiplies braking distance; keep larger gaps than in a car and brake early and progressively.
404 words, about 2 min05Passenger Transport Law and Professional Duties of a Bus Driver
Domain 5 covers the Passenger Transport Act (PBG, SR 745.1) and the professional duties that come with carrying people: authorisation, care of passengers, and conduct in service. Scheduled services need a concession; occasional professional passenger transport with vehicles offering more than eight seats needs a cantonal permit under PBG Art.
413 words, about 2 min06Working Time, Rest Periods and Tachograph Rules
Domain 6 tests ARV 1 (SR 822.111) and the tachograph. It applies to professional drivers of heavy passenger vehicles; cross-border journeys also fall under AETR/EU rules, which ARV 1 closely mirrors.
379 words, about 2 min07Safety, Emergencies, First Aid and Fire Protection
Domain 7 covers what to do when things go wrong on a bus: securing the scene, evacuating passengers, fire, and first aid until the emergency services arrive. Stop in a safe place, hazard lights on, engine off, parking brake on.
449 words, about 2 min08Environment, Fuel-Efficient and Defensive Driving
Domain 8 examines environmentally aware and defensive driving for buses: fuel and energy use, emissions, and the habits that prevent collisions. Anticipate: release the accelerator early, use engine braking and the retarder, avoid stop-start acceleration.
386 words, about 2 min09Vehicle Documents, Insurance and Accident Handling
Domain 9 covers the paperwork you must carry, the insurance that must stand behind it, and the correct behaviour after a collision. Driving licence, vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugausweis) including any trailer, insurance evidence, and the PBG authorisation or concession for the service.
427 words, about 2 min