Germany Category A2 Theory Test cheat sheet

Visual lead time at 50 km/h is roughly 3–4 s; scanning 12–15 s ahead lets you detect a hazard before it becomes critical.

Motorcycles are over-represented in serious crashes at junctions: the typical failure mode is a car turning left across the rider's path or pulling out from a side road.

Riding in a car's blind spot is a hazard state, not a neutral position; either accelerate into the driver's mirror view or drop back out of the blind zone.

Wet or damp road in the first 10–20 minutes of rain is the slipperiest phase because oil and dust are still suspended on the surface.

Diesel spills concentrate at bus stops, filling stations and roundabout exits; a rainbow sheen signals a loss-of-grip zone.

Loose gravel, wet leaves and painted markings (zebra stripes, arrows, tram rails) reduce friction; treat them as reduced-grip surfaces when leaning.

Hazard perception rule: identify the hazard, decide the action, then act - a hazard you have only seen but not planned for is not yet controlled.

Fatigue signs (heavy eyelids, drifting attention, missed signs) appear before microsleep; the only reliable countermeasure is stopping for a break or sleep.

Right-before-left (rechts vor links) applies at uncontrolled junctions with no priority signs; it does not apply where a priority road sign, traffic light or police officer controls the junction.

Priority signs: the yellow diamond (Vorfahrtstraße) grants priority; 'Vorfahrt gewähren' (inverted triangle) and 'Stop' require yielding - Stop additionally requires a full stop at the line.

Turning left across oncoming traffic requires yielding to oncoming vehicles; turning right requires yielding to cyclists and pedestrians continuing straight on the crossing road.

Trams have priority over other traffic at junctions unless signs or signals state otherwise; a tram is never required to yield to a turning vehicle.

A solid white centre line must not be crossed; a broken line may be crossed when overtaking is safe and permitted.

Zebra crossings: pedestrians have priority once they show intent to cross; stopping within 5 m before the crossing is prohibited, and overtaking at a crossing is forbidden.

Roundabouts: traffic already on the roundabout has priority unless signs indicate otherwise; entering vehicles yield, and indicating left on exit is not required in Germany.

Blue circular signs are mandatory instructions; red-bordered circles are prohibitions; triangular signs are warnings - the shape tells you the legal category before you read the symbol.

Stopping distance = reaction distance + braking distance; reaction distance at 1 s reaction time equals speed in km/h divided by 3.6 metres per second.

Rule of thumb: reaction distance (m) ≈ speed (km/h) ÷ 10 × 3; braking distance (m) ≈ (speed ÷ 10)² - total stopping distance at 50 km/h is about 15 m + 25 m = 40 m on dry asphalt.

Braking distance scales with the square of speed: doubling speed quadruples braking distance, so 100 km/h needs about four times the distance of 50 km/h.

Safe following gap: the two-second rule in dry conditions; double it to four seconds in rain and at least double again on ice or snow.

Default limits in built-up areas: 50 km/h; outside built-up areas: 100 km/h; motorways and dual carriageways: 130 km/h recommended maximum, not a legal limit.

Minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; below about 3 mm wet braking performance degrades sharply.

Speed limits are maximums for ideal conditions; rain, fog, darkness or a loaded bike require riding below the posted limit.

At 100 km/h a 1 s glance away from the road covers about 28 m - the length of a typical junction approach.

Countersteering: above walking pace, pushing the right bar forward leans the bike right; steering input and lean direction are linked, not opposed.

Choose an appropriate entry speed and observe the intended path. Braking and cornering share grip; coordinated control depends on the machine, conditions and training rather than one universal recovery sequence.

Target fixation: the bike follows the rider's gaze, so look at the intended path, not at the hazard or the kerb.

Front brake provides most stopping force on a motorcycle; on a wet or loose surface apply both brakes progressively to avoid locking the front.

Cornering and braking draw on available grip. Braking while leaned over can require coordinated control and equipment-specific technique; a written rule does not establish practical recovery proficiency.

Pillion passengers change geometry: rear preload and tyre pressure must be adjusted, and the rider must brake earlier because mass and stopping distance increase.

Group riding: keep a staggered formation on straights, single file in bends, and never ride beside another bike in a curve.

Slow-speed control uses clutch slip, rear brake drag and counterweighting; the front brake alone at walking pace risks a tip-over.

Tyre pressure is checked cold; a hot tyre reads higher and must not be bled down to the cold specification.

Tread wear indicators (TWI) sit at 1.6 mm in the main grooves; sidewall markings give size, load index and speed rating, which must meet or exceed the manufacturer's specification.

Tyre age matters: rubber hardens and cracks with age, so tyres older than about six years should be inspected critically even if tread remains.

Chain slack is measured at the midpoint of the lower run and adjusted to the manufacturer's specification; an over-tight chain damages bearings and suspension.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic; absorbed moisture lowers the boiling point and causes fade under hard use, so it is replaced at the interval in the service schedule.

ABS prevents wheel lock under braking but does not shorten stopping distance on loose gravel or ice and does not permit later braking into a bend.

Lighting and signalling faults are legal defects; a failed brake light or indicator makes the bike unroadworthy for the journey.

Pre-ride check covers tyres, brakes, lights, chain, fluid levels and mirrors - a two-minute check catches the faults that cause breakdowns.

A pillion passenger must be at least 7 years old in Germany and must have a suitable seat and footrests; a learner with an A1/A2 licence may not carry a passenger before the full licence period is complete.

Load must be secured against shifting; a shifting load alters steering geometry and can cause a tank-slapper or loss of control.

Keep the load low and central; heavy items high on the bike raise the centre of gravity and lengthen braking distance.

Permitted dimensions: load width up to 1.0 m for motorcycles, and load must not project more than 0.5 m beyond the rear light or obstruct lights and plates.

Trailer towing behind a motorcycle is permitted only for motorcycles over 125 cm³, with a maximum trailer width of 1.0 m and a speed limit of 60 km/h.

Pillion and load require increased tyre pressure and rear preload; check the owner's manual for the two-up specification.

A passenger changes balance at low speed; warn the pillion to sit still, hold the rider's waist or grab rail, and keep feet on the pegs.

Load and passenger increase stopping distance; increase following gap and reduce speed accordingly.

The legal alcohol limit in Germany is 0.5‰ blood alcohol (0.05 BAC); for novice riders in the probationary period and riders under 21 the limit is 0.0‰.

A blood alcohol of 1.1‰ or more constitutes an absolute offence (absolute Fahruntüchtigkeit) regardless of visible impairment.

Even below 0.5‰, signs of impairment (weaving, slow reactions) can justify a driving ban and licence withdrawal.

Cannabis rules distinguish the general THC threshold, the separate novice prohibition and defined medication exceptions. Neither a threshold nor a prescription guarantees fitness to drive; alcohol and drug combinations can increase impairment.

Medication with warnings about driving (drowsiness, reduced reaction) makes riding an offence if impairment is shown; read the package leaflet before riding.

Fatigue is not cured by coffee, fresh air or loud music; only sleep restores alertness, and a 15–20 minute nap plus a short break is the practical minimum.

Riding when ill, exhausted or emotionally agitated increases reaction time; the legal duty is to ride only when fit to do so.

A hangover the next morning can still leave alcohol in the blood; time, not coffee or a shower, is the only way to sober up.

Anticipatory riding: read the traffic scene 12–15 s ahead, plan the escape route, and assume other road users have not seen you.

Ride in the traffic flow rather than at the edge of the lane; lane position should be visible in mirrors and give an escape path.

Fuel-efficient riding: accelerate smoothly, shift up early, keep steady throttle and avoid harsh braking; engine braking on a closed throttle uses no fuel.

Correct tyre pressure and a clean air filter reduce fuel consumption; a soft tyre increases rolling resistance.

Avoid unnecessary idling; switching off the engine during long waits reduces emissions and fuel use.

Noise and emissions are reduced by avoiding high revs in built-up areas; riding in a high gear at low speed lowers both.

Following distance and smooth speed control reduce fuel use and crash risk simultaneously - the two goals are not in conflict.

Environmentally sound riding includes correct disposal of used oil, tyres and brake fluid at collection points, never in household waste.

Breakdown on a motorway: move to the hard shoulder or emergency bay, switch on hazard lights, put on the high-visibility vest before leaving the vehicle, and place the warning triangle about 100 m behind the bike.

On a motorway the rider should wait behind the guardrail, not beside the bike; call for assistance from a safe position.

Accident scene: secure the scene first (hazard lights, warning triangle, high-vis vest), then call emergency services (112), then give first aid.

Emergency call content: location, what happened, number of injured, type of injuries, and wait for the dispatcher's questions before hanging up.

Warning triangle placement: about 100 m on motorways, about 50 m on country roads, and around 50–100 m where visibility is limited.

First aid priorities: stop severe bleeding, check breathing, place an unconscious but breathing casualty in the recovery position, and keep the casualty warm.

Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless breathing is obstructed; helmet removal can worsen a cervical spine injury.

After any crash, exchange details (name, address, insurance, registration) and inform the police if persons are injured or significant property damage occurs.

A motorcycle used on public roads requires valid liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung), a registration document and a valid inspection (HU) at the prescribed interval.

The insurance sticker on the plate shows the insurance year; a bike without valid cover may not be used or parked on public roads.

Riders must carry a valid licence for the class of machine; the A1, A2 and A categories differ by engine power and rider age.

Protective helmet is mandatory for riders and passengers; gloves, jacket, boots and eye protection are strongly recommended but not legally required for all riders.

Driving without a licence or without insurance is a criminal offence, not a minor infraction, and can result in licence withdrawal and a ban.

The vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) must be carried or available; the owner keeps Teil II.

Report changes of address and ownership to the registration authority and insurer; failure to do so can invalidate cover.

A bike that fails the periodic inspection (HU) may not be used on public roads until the defect is rectified and the inspection passed.

Traffic lights: red means stop at the stop line; amber means stop unless stopping would be unsafe; green means proceed if the path is clear.

A green arrow pointing right at a junction permits turning right against red only after stopping and yielding to crossing traffic - this is the green arrow sign (Grünpfeil) rule.

Flashing amber means the signals are out of order; the junction reverts to the priority signs or right-before-left rule.

Police officers' signals override traffic lights and signs; a raised arm from a police officer means stop for the direction indicated.

Direction signs (blue on motorways, yellow on other roads) are informational; they do not grant priority.

A 'no stopping' sign (absolute Halteverbot) prohibits stopping for any reason except traffic flow; a 'no parking' sign permits brief stopping.

Pedestrian crossing signs and school crossing signs require reduced speed and readiness to stop even without a pedestrian in sight.

Road markings that conflict with signs are subordinate to the signs; temporary markings at roadworks override permanent markings.

Rain: reduce speed, increase following gap to at least four seconds, brake earlier and more gently, and avoid painted markings and metal covers.

Fog: use dipped headlight and fog light where visibility is under 50 m; speed must allow stopping within the visible distance.

Visibility under 50 m due to fog, snow or rain triggers a maximum speed of 50 km/h on all roads.

Ice and snow: avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration; use the highest gear possible and keep the bike upright through bends.

Crosswinds: expect gusts at bridge exits, tunnel mouths and gaps between buildings; reduce speed and be ready to countersteer.

Wet brakes lose effectiveness after riding through deep water; dry them by applying the brakes gently while riding slowly.

Night riding: ride within the range of the headlight, use high beam only when no one is dazzled, and watch for unlit cyclists and pedestrians.

Heat and dehydration reduce concentration; drink water regularly on long rides and take breaks at least every two hours.

Overtaking is permitted only when the road ahead is clear, the manoeuvre can be completed before any solid line or junction, and no sign prohibits it.

Never overtake at pedestrian crossings, junctions, bends with limited visibility, or where a solid centre line separates the directions.

Before overtaking, check mirrors, signal, check the blind spot, then move out; return to the lane only when the overtaken vehicle is visible in the mirror.

When being overtaken, maintain speed and lane position; do not accelerate and do not move toward the overtaking vehicle.

Overtaking a tram stopped at a stop requires care for passengers crossing; passing on the left is generally required unless the tram tracks are on the right.

Motorcycles may filter through slow traffic only where it is safe and legal; filtering between lanes at speed is not permitted.

Overtaking a cyclist requires at least 1.5 m lateral clearance in built-up areas and 2.0 m outside built-up areas.

A vehicle indicating to overtake does not have priority; the overtaking vehicle must be certain the manoeuvre is safe.

Parking against the direction of travel is prohibited on roads where it would require crossing oncoming traffic; park in the direction of flow.

Minimum distance from junctions, crossings and traffic lights for parking is 5 m; from bus stops and fire hydrants it is 15 m and 5 m respectively in typical German rules.

Parking on the left side of a two-way road is allowed only in one-way streets or where signs permit.

When leaving the bike, secure it against rolling, take the key, and check for traffic before opening the side stand or moving off.

Parking on pavements is allowed only where a sign explicitly permits it; otherwise it obstructs pedestrians and is an offence.

Hazard lights may be used when broken down or in an emergency; they do not legalise parking in a no-stopping zone.

A parked motorcycle must not obstruct fire lanes, driveways or disabled spaces without a permit.

Before pulling out from a parking space, check mirrors and blind spot and signal; parked vehicles pulling out must yield to traffic already on the road.

Liability insurance covers damage caused to others; own-damage cover (Teilkasko/Vollkasko) is optional and covers theft, fire, storm or own-fault damage depending on the policy.

After an accident involving injury or significant damage, call the police; a police report supports insurance claims and clarifies fault.

Exchange insurance details at the scene; a European accident report form (Unfallbericht) records the facts both parties sign.

Do not admit fault at the scene; report the facts to your insurer, which handles liability assessment.

Hit-and-run (Unerlaubtes Entfernen vom Unfallort) is a criminal offence even for minor damage; wait a reasonable time for the other party.

Report theft to the police immediately; without a police report, theft cover may be refused.

A claim may be reduced if the bike was unroadworthy (worn tyres, defective brakes) at the time of the crash.

Keep the insurer informed of modifications that change the bike's risk profile; undeclared modifications can void cover.

A helmet must fit snugly, be fastened before moving off, and be replaced after any impact that compresses the shell.

Helmet standards: look for ECE 22.06 approval; a damaged or dropped helmet may have compromised its protective liner.

High-visibility clothing and reflective strips increase detection distance, especially at dawn, dusk and in rain.

Gloves protect the hands in a fall and improve grip; open-fingered gloves offer little protection in a slide.

Boots with ankle protection and a non-slip sole protect against foot injuries and improve control at low speed.

Eye protection: a visor or goggles must be clean and unscratched; a fogged visor at night reduces visibility severely.

Hearing protection reduces wind noise fatigue on long rides without blocking traffic sounds entirely.

Clothing should be abrasion-resistant and weatherproof; cold reduces reaction time, so layer for the conditions.

Pre-ride check sequence: tyres (pressure, tread, damage), brakes (lever and pedal feel), lights and indicators, chain tension and lubrication, fluid levels, mirrors.

Brake lever and pedal should feel firm; a spongy lever signals air in the system or low fluid and requires attention before riding.

Check the chain for correct slack, lubrication and worn sprocket teeth; a dry or over-tight chain is a breakdown risk.

Verify both brake lights and the horn work; a failed brake light is a legal defect and a crash risk.

Check tyre sidewalls for cracks, bulges and embedded objects; a slow puncture can become a blowout at speed.

Fluid levels: brake fluid above the minimum mark, engine oil within the sight glass range, coolant at the correct level on liquid-cooled bikes.

Mirrors must be adjusted before moving off; a mirror knocked out of position in traffic should be reset at the next safe stop.

After a long standstill or winter storage, check battery charge, tyre pressure and brake function before the first ride.

Risk homeostasis: fitting ABS or better tyres can lead riders to ride faster, cancelling the safety gain; the benefit only appears if behaviour stays constant.

Group pressure increases risk-taking; ride at your own pace and do not follow a faster rider into a corner beyond your ability.

Overconfidence after a long accident-free period is a recognised crash factor; regular hazard-perception practice counters it.

Aggressive responses to provocation (tailgating, blocking) escalate risk; the safe response is to create distance.

Distraction from phones, navigation and music reduces hazard detection; set navigation before moving off.

Alcohol and fatigue impair judgement before they impair skill; the rider may feel capable while already unsafe.

Novice riders underestimate corner entry speed; the safe habit is to enter slower and accelerate gently through the bend.

Emotional arousal (anger, stress) narrows attention; a short stop to reset is safer than continuing in that state.

Motorcycles over 60 km/h design speed may use motorways; mopeds and slow machines are prohibited.

Entering a motorway: use the acceleration lane to match traffic speed, signal, check the blind spot and merge without forcing others to brake.

Leaving a motorway: signal early, move to the deceleration lane before slowing, and do not brake on the main carriageway.

Keep right except when overtaking; undertaking on the right is prohibited except in slow-moving queues.

Breakdown on a motorway: hazard lights, high-vis vest, warning triangle at about 100 m, wait behind the guardrail, call for help.

In traffic jams, form a rescue lane (Rettungsgasse) between the leftmost and the next lane so emergency vehicles can pass.

Wind gusts at bridges and tunnel exits can move the bike sideways; grip the tank with the knees and reduce speed.

Long motorway rides cause tyre heat and fatigue; check pressure and take breaks at least every two hours.

Before turning, check mirrors, signal in good time, position correctly, and check the blind spot before the manoeuvre.

Turning right: watch for cyclists and pedestrians going straight on the road you are entering; they have priority.

Turning left: yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

At a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating; signal right on exit and check the blind spot before leaving.

Right-before-left applies at uncontrolled junctions; a rider on a priority road does not have to yield at every side road.

Large vehicles swing wide when turning; never ride up the inside of a turning lorry or bus.

At junctions with a stop line, a full stop is required even when the road looks clear.

When a junction is controlled by a police officer, the officer's signals override lights and signs.