Germany Category A2 Theory Test key terms

The part of the theory test that checks whether a rider can spot developing hazards early, judge how they might unfold and choose a safe response before a situation becomes critical.

Riding so that you read the road far ahead, anticipate what other road users may do and keep options open, instead of reacting only when something is already directly in front of you.

The area beside and behind a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. Riders should never linger there, especially next to lorries and buses that turn right.

A brief look over the shoulder into the blind spot before changing lane, pulling out or turning. Mirrors alone never cover the area directly beside a motorcycle.

The right to proceed first at a junction or crossing. It is regulated by traffic signs, traffic lights, or the basic rule that the vehicle coming from the right has priority.

The default priority rule at junctions without signs or lights: you must let vehicles approaching from your right go first. It applies on equal-status roads, not where a sign or light says otherwise.

The inverted triangle sign (Zeichen 205) requiring you to give way to traffic on the crossing road. You must be able to stop if necessary, but you do not have to come to a full stop when the road is clear.

The octagonal red sign (Zeichen 206) that obliges you to stop completely at the stop line, or at the junction if no line is marked, and give way before continuing.

The thick white line across your lane at a stop sign or traffic light. You must stop with the front of the vehicle before this line, not beyond it.

The gap you keep to the vehicle ahead so you can stop safely if it brakes suddenly. A common rule of thumb is the distance covered in two seconds at your current speed.

The distance travelled between noticing a hazard and the brakes actually taking effect. At a given speed it equals speed in km/h divided by ten, multiplied by three, in metres.

The distance needed to stop once braking has begun. The simple formula is speed in km/h divided by ten, then squared, giving the normal braking distance in metres on a dry road.

The total distance from perceiving a hazard to standing still. It is the reaction distance plus the braking distance, so it grows much faster than speed does.

The roughly one second of pure surprise before a rider reacts to an unexpected hazard. It adds distance and is a reason to ride with a wider safety margin.

The coordinated use of look-ahead, gentle braking before the bend, steady throttle through it and a smooth lean angle. Braking hard while leaned over reduces grip and stability.

The lean angle of a motorcycle in a bend. The faster the corner and the tighter the radius, the greater the lean needed, and the less grip remains for braking or accelerating.

At higher speeds a motorcycle turns by pushing the handlebar on the side you want to go. The resulting lean initiates the turn, which is why counter-steering feels natural once learned.

Directing your eyes where you want to go, especially through bends and past obstacles. The motorcycle tends to follow the gaze, so looking at a hazard makes you ride towards it.

Braking hard with an anti-lock system that prevents wheel lock-up. On a straight line you can brake firmly without fear of the front wheel washing out, but ABS does not shorten every braking distance.

The depth of the tread grooves. For motorcycles the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but for safety and grip in rain much more is advisable, and worn tyres worsen aquaplaning risk.

The air pressure in the tyres, checked cold and set to the manufacturer's figures, adjusted for load and pillion. Wrong pressure harms handling, wear and fuel consumption.

The slack in the drive chain. Too tight damages bearings and suspension travel, too loose risks the chain jumping off. Check and lubricate it regularly according to the manual.

The pre-ride check of tyres, brakes, lights, chain, fluids and mirrors. A short routine before every trip catches defects that would otherwise become breakdowns or accidents.

How luggage and cargo are carried. Load must be secured, kept low and near the centre, and must not exceed permitted axle loads or total weight, since poor loading upsets stability and braking.

Riding with a pillion passenger. The extra weight changes braking, acceleration and cornering, so tyre pressure and suspension preload are usually increased and the pillion needs a proper seat and footrests.

Towing a trailer behind a motorcycle. It is only allowed within the vehicle's permitted towing limits, needs a suitable coupling and lights, and lowers the maximum permitted speed and stability margin.

The blood alcohol level above which riding is an offence. For novice and young riders a zero limit applies, and from 0.5 per mille the offence is punishable regardless of behaviour.

Alcohol still in the blood the morning after drinking. The body breaks it down slowly, so you can be unfit to ride even if you feel fine and have slept.

Your physical and mental ability to ride safely. Alcohol, drugs, some medicines, illness and tiredness can all reduce it, and you must not ride if it is impaired.

Tiredness that slows reactions, shortens attention and can lead to microsleeps. On long rides, take regular breaks, stop when signs appear and do not rely on coffee alone.

Changing lane. Signal in good time, check mirrors and blind spot, and only move when there is a safe gap, since motorcyclists are easy to overlook.

A crash caused by a vehicle turning across another's path, often a car or lorry turning right across a rider going straight. Riders should watch for indicators and wheel movement.

A wet road surface with much less grip and longer braking distances. Reduce speed, brake and accelerate smoothly, avoid painted markings and metal, and keep a larger safety gap.

Riding economically by accelerating gently, using the highest suitable gear, keeping steady speed, avoiding unnecessary idling and keeping tyres correctly inflated, which also cuts emissions.

Choosing routes and riding style that limit noise and exhaust emissions, for example avoiding high revs in residential areas and not leaving the engine running while stationary.

A breakdown that leaves you unable to continue normally. Move the motorcycle off the carriageway, switch on hazard lights, wear high-visibility clothing and warn traffic before seeking help.

A high-visibility vest that makes you visible at a breakdown or accident scene. It should be kept within reach, not buried in luggage, so you can put it on before leaving the vehicle.

The emergency call to 112, giving location, what happened, number of casualties and any hazards, then waiting for questions. Accurate location details speed up help at the scene.

Immediate care at an accident scene: securing the site, checking consciousness and breathing, calling for help and giving first aid within your ability until the emergency services arrive.