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Germany Category B theory foundations study materials
Germany Category B theory foundations study resources

Germany Category B theory foundations practice questions

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Question 1Priority Signs

What does a German red octagonal Stop sign require?

  1. Slow down only if cross traffic is visible
  2. Stop and give priority to traffic on the other road Correct answer.
  3. Stop only when turning left
  4. Continue if you arrived before the other vehicle

Explanation

The Stop sign, Zeichen 206, means you must stop and give priority. If there is no stop line, you stop where you can see the other road well enough to proceed safely.

Question 2Priority Signs

A triangular sign with its point downward means what in German traffic rules?

  1. Priority road begins
  2. Give way to traffic with priority Correct answer.
  3. No motor vehicles
  4. End of all restrictions

Explanation

The downward triangle is Zeichen 205, Give way. You do not always have to stop, but you must slow and wait if necessary so traffic with priority is not endangered or substantially hindered.

Question 3Priority Signs

What does the yellow diamond priority-road sign mean?

  1. You have priority only at the next junction
  2. You are on a priority road until it ends or priority is changed by signs Correct answer.
  3. You must stop at every junction
  4. You may park anywhere outside built-up areas

Explanation

Zeichen 306 marks a priority road. Its priority continues until a Give way, Stop, or End of priority road sign changes it, and outside built-up areas parking on the carriageway of a priority road is not allowed.

Question 4Priority Signs

At a roundabout with the roundabout sign placed below a Give way sign, who has priority?

  1. Traffic entering the roundabout
  2. Traffic already circulating in the roundabout Correct answer.
  3. Only buses entering the roundabout
  4. The vehicle from the right at every entry

Explanation

StVO section 8 states that when the roundabout sign is posted under Give way, traffic on the circular carriageway has priority. You also do not signal when entering that kind of roundabout; signal only when leaving.

Question 5Priority Signs

What does an Andreaskreuz at a level crossing tell a driver?

  1. Rail traffic has priority Correct answer.
  2. Only trams must be given priority
  3. You may overtake until the tracks begin
  4. The crossing is closed to road traffic at all times

Explanation

The Andreaskreuz, Zeichen 201, means rail traffic has priority. You must approach carefully and be ready to stop if lights, barriers, signals, or an approaching rail vehicle require it.

Question 6Priority Signs

A blue rectangular sign with the motorway symbol appears at an entry ramp. What is the main effect?

  1. Only vehicles capable of more than 60 km/h may use the road, and motorway rules apply Correct answer.
  2. The road has a 60 km/h maximum speed limit
  3. Pedestrians may use the shoulder only
  4. The road is a residential traffic-calmed area

Explanation

The Autobahn sign, Zeichen 330.1, marks the start of motorway rules. Under StVO section 18, motorways may be used only by motor vehicles whose design speed exceeds 60 km/h, and stopping, reversing, and turning are prohibited.

Question 7Priority Signs

In a traffic-calmed area marked by Zeichen 325.1, what speed and pedestrian rule applies?

  1. 30 km/h and pedestrians must stay on sidewalks
  2. Walking speed, and pedestrians may use the whole width of the street Correct answer.
  3. 50 km/h unless children are present
  4. No speed rule, but parking is banned everywhere

Explanation

In a verkehrsberuhigter Bereich, drivers must travel at walking speed and must not endanger or hinder pedestrians. Pedestrians may use the whole street, but they also must not unnecessarily obstruct traffic.

Question 8Priority Signs

A no-entry sign blocks your direction, but a supplementary plate shows a bicycle symbol with 'frei'. What should a car driver understand?

  1. Cars may enter if driving slowly
  2. Only bicycles are exempt; cars still may not enter Correct answer.
  3. The restriction applies only at night
  4. Cars may enter when no cyclists are present

Explanation

Supplementary signs limit or modify the main sign only for the road users shown. If the exemption says bicycles are free, that does not create an exemption for a passenger car.

Question 9Priority Signs

What do yellow temporary road markings mean when they conflict with white markings?

  1. The white markings remain valid
  2. The yellow temporary markings override the white markings Correct answer.
  3. Both markings are optional guidance only
  4. Yellow markings apply only to buses

Explanation

StVO section 39 treats markings as traffic signs and states that temporary yellow markings override white markings. This is especially common around roadworks where the normal lane layout has been changed.

Question 10Priority Signs

A triangular warning sign is posted before a bend. What is the correct general response?

  1. Accelerate before the bend to clear it quickly
  2. Increase attention and adjust speed for the hazard Correct answer.
  3. Stop immediately at the sign
  4. Ignore it if the road appears dry

Explanation

StVO section 40 says warning signs call for increased attention, especially reducing speed for the hazard situation. You do not automatically stop, but you should be ready for the specific danger shown.

Question 11Priority Signs

What does a rectangular blue parking sign with a supplementary parking-disc symbol require?

  1. Parking is free without time restriction
  2. A parking disc must be displayed and the posted maximum parking time observed Correct answer.
  3. Only disabled drivers may park
  4. Parking is allowed only with hazard lights on

Explanation

When a parking-disc supplementary sign is posted, you must display a correctly set parking disc and follow the indicated parking time. The disc records the arrival time for enforcement; it is not a payment ticket.

Question 12Priority Signs

What does a red-bordered circular sign displaying '30' mean?

  1. Recommended speed 30 km/h
  2. Minimum speed 30 km/h
  3. Maximum speed 30 km/h Correct answer.
  4. End of the 30 km/h zone

Explanation

A red-bordered circular speed sign is a mandatory maximum speed limit. It means you may not exceed the displayed speed, even if the usual urban or rural default would otherwise be higher.

Question 13Priority Signs

A police officer gives a traffic direction that conflicts with a traffic light. What should you follow?

  1. The traffic light, because lights are automatic
  2. The road sign, because signs are permanent
  3. The police officer's direction Correct answer.
  4. The vehicle from the right

Explanation

Police directions override traffic lights and signs. The safe approach is to watch the officer, follow the given signal, and move only when it is clear to do so.

Question 14Priority Signs

What does a solid white line separating lanes usually mean for a driver?

  1. It may be crossed only to overtake slowly
  2. It must not be crossed or driven over Correct answer.
  3. It marks a recommended lane only
  4. It applies only to heavy goods vehicles

Explanation

A continuous lane line is a binding road marking. You must not cross or straddle it unless an exception is clearly provided, such as by temporary traffic management.

Question 15Priority Signs

At an unmarked intersection in Germany, who generally has priority?

  1. The vehicle from the right Correct answer.
  2. The vehicle from the left
  3. The larger vehicle
  4. The vehicle travelling fastest

Explanation

StVO section 8 sets the default rule: at intersections and junctions, the vehicle coming from the right has priority. Signs, traffic lights, police directions, and some road types can change that default.

Question 16Priority Signs

When does the right-before-left rule not apply?

  1. When priority is regulated by signs or lights Correct answer.
  2. When the vehicle from the right is smaller
  3. When you are driving a Category B car
  4. When the intersection is in a town

Explanation

Right-before-left is the default only when priority is not otherwise controlled. Signs such as Give way, Stop, priority road, or a traffic light replace the default priority rule.

Question 17Priority Signs

You are turning left at an intersection. An oncoming vehicle is going straight. What must you do?

  1. Turn first if your indicator is on
  2. Let the oncoming vehicle pass Correct answer.
  3. Stop only if the oncoming vehicle flashes its headlights
  4. Use your horn and turn quickly

Explanation

A left-turning driver must let oncoming traffic that continues straight pass. The turn must also be made without endangering pedestrians, cyclists, or other traffic using the crossing path.

Question 18Priority Signs

You are turning right and a cyclist is continuing straight on a cycle lane beside the road in your direction. What is required?

  1. The cyclist must always stop for turning cars
  2. You must let the cyclist continue before turning Correct answer.
  3. You may turn if you signal early enough
  4. You may turn if your vehicle is already partly across the lane

Explanation

StVO section 9 requires turning traffic to let bicycles and similar traffic continuing in the same direction pass, even when they are beside the carriageway. Early mirrors, shoulder check, and waiting are central to safe right turns.

Question 19Priority Signs

At a junction controlled by green light, traffic ahead is jammed and you would have to stop in the intersection. What should you do?

  1. Enter because green always gives absolute priority
  2. Enter and switch on hazard lights
  3. Wait before the intersection until there is space beyond it Correct answer.
  4. Move into the intersection if no vehicle is coming from the right

Explanation

StVO section 11 says you may not enter an intersection, even with priority or green light, if traffic is backed up and you would have to wait in the intersection. Blocking the junction creates risk for cross traffic and emergency vehicles.

Question 20Priority Signs

You are leaving a private driveway and entering the public road. What must your driving show?

  1. You have priority because you are entering traffic
  2. You may force a small gap if you signal
  3. You must avoid endangering other road users, yielding as needed Correct answer.
  4. Only pedestrians have priority over you

Explanation

StVO section 10 applies when entering from property, a pedestrian zone, a traffic-calmed area, other road parts, or over a dropped kerb. You must behave so no other road user is endangered and use assistance if visibility makes it necessary.

Question 21Priority Signs

A bus at a marked stop signals to pull away. What should nearby drivers do?

  1. Speed up because the bus must wait for all traffic
  2. Enable the bus to leave the stop, waiting if necessary Correct answer.
  3. Overtake only on the right
  4. Sound the horn so the bus remains stopped

Explanation

StVO section 20 requires drivers to enable regular buses and marked school buses to leave marked stops. This does not mean making a sudden dangerous stop, but it does require cooperative driving and waiting when necessary.

Question 22Priority Signs

Two drivers approach an unmarked four-way intersection: you have a vehicle on your right, and a vehicle on your left has you on its right. What is the safest legal approach?

  1. Drive first because the vehicle on the left must yield to you
  2. Yield to the vehicle on your right and communicate cautiously if the situation deadlocks Correct answer.
  3. Always let the largest vehicle go first
  4. Enter halfway to force priority

Explanation

The right-before-left rule creates priority relationships, but complex multi-vehicle situations can still deadlock. You must yield to traffic from your right and proceed only when the situation is clear, using eye contact or gestures rather than forcing the issue.

Question 23Priority Signs

An emergency vehicle approaches with blue flashing light and siren. What does German law require from other road users?

  1. Continue normally unless the vehicle is directly behind you
  2. Immediately make way Correct answer.
  3. Stop exactly where you are, even in the lane
  4. Follow the emergency vehicle to clear traffic

Explanation

StVO section 38 states that blue flashing light together with the siren orders all other road users to create a clear path immediately. The correct action depends on the road situation, but it must be prompt, predictable, and safe.

Question 24Priority Signs

At a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian is clearly waiting to cross. What must a car driver do?

  1. Continue if the pedestrian has not stepped onto the crossing
  2. Approach only at moderate speed and wait if necessary Correct answer.
  3. Honk to warn the pedestrian not to cross
  4. Overtake the vehicle in front if it slows

Explanation

StVO section 26 requires vehicles to allow pedestrians and wheelchair users who clearly want to use the crossing to cross. Drivers must approach at moderate speed and wait if needed; overtaking at the crossing is not allowed.

Question 25Priority Signs

When a traffic light changes from green to yellow before an intersection, what is the normal meaning?

  1. Accelerate to cross before red
  2. Stop if this can be done safely Correct answer.
  3. Yellow has the same meaning as green
  4. Only buses must stop

Explanation

Yellow tells you to stop before the intersection if that is safely possible. If braking would create danger because you are too close, you continue carefully rather than making a panic stop.

Question 26Priority Signs

A driver with priority waves you through. What is the safest interpretation?

  1. You may trust the wave completely and accelerate
  2. You may proceed only after confirming that all relevant traffic is safe Correct answer.
  3. The wave cancels traffic signs for all road users
  4. You must refuse and remain stopped until the driver leaves

Explanation

StVO section 11 recognizes that priority may need to be waived in traffic situations, but trust is appropriate only after clear understanding. A wave from one driver does not guarantee that cyclists, pedestrians, or other lanes are clear.

Question 27Priority Signs

When does stopping become parking under StVO section 12?

  1. When you leave the vehicle or stop for more than three minutes Correct answer.
  2. Only after 10 minutes
  3. Only when the engine is switched off
  4. Only when you lock the vehicle

Explanation

StVO section 12 defines parking as leaving the vehicle or stopping for longer than three minutes. That distinction matters because some places allow short stopping but prohibit parking.

Question 28Priority Signs

Where is stopping prohibited under StVO section 12?

  1. In sharp bends Correct answer.
  2. On every priority road inside towns
  3. In every 30 km/h zone
  4. Anywhere with street lighting

Explanation

StVO section 12 prohibits stopping at narrow or unclear places, in sharp bends, on acceleration and deceleration lanes, on level crossings, and in marked fire-brigade access areas. These locations create visibility or escape-route hazards.

Question 29Priority Signs

At a level crossing, when must vehicles wait before the Andreaskreuz?

  1. Only when both barriers are fully closed
  2. When a train approaches, red/yellow lights show, barriers lower or are closed, a rail employee signals stop, or an audible train signal is heard Correct answer.
  3. Only if the driver can see the train
  4. Only at night

Explanation

StVO section 19 lists several stopping triggers at level crossings. Waiting is required not only when barriers are closed, but also for approaching rail traffic, warning lights, rail staff stop signals, or audible train warnings.

Question 30Priority Signs

You cannot clear a level crossing because traffic beyond it is jammed. What should you do?

  1. Enter slowly and wait on the tracks
  2. Stop before the Andreaskreuz until you can cross without stopping Correct answer.
  3. Drive around the queue on the left
  4. Use hazard lights and stop on the rails

Explanation

StVO section 19 says if a level crossing cannot be crossed quickly and without stopping because of road traffic, you must wait before the Andreaskreuz. Never enter a crossing unless you can leave it completely.

Question 31Priority Signs

How close may you stop before an Andreaskreuz if stopping there would cover the sign?

  1. You may stop directly in front of it
  2. Not within 10 metres before it if the sign would be obscured Correct answer.
  3. Not within 30 metres on any road
  4. Only the first vehicle must keep distance

Explanation

StVO Anlage 2 states that drivers may not stop up to 10 metres before the Andreaskreuz if doing so would cover it. The rule keeps the rail-priority warning visible to approaching traffic.

Question 32Priority Signs

What parking rule applies near an Andreaskreuz outside built-up areas?

  1. No parking up to 50 metres before and after the sign Correct answer.
  2. No parking up to 5 metres before and after the sign
  3. Parking is allowed if hazard lights are on
  4. Parking is prohibited only on the tracks

Explanation

StVO Anlage 2 prohibits parking before and after the Andreaskreuz for up to 50 metres outside built-up areas. Inside built-up areas, the corresponding distance is 5 metres.

Question 33Priority Signs

A driver parks partly on the sidewalk because the carriageway is narrow. When is sidewalk parking allowed?

  1. Whenever the driver leaves enough room for one pedestrian
  2. Only where signs or markings permit it Correct answer.
  3. Whenever the vehicle is under 3,500 kg
  4. Whenever parking on the carriageway would slow traffic

Explanation

Parking on sidewalks is allowed only where it is expressly permitted by signs or markings, such as a parking sign showing the vehicle position. Without permission, sidewalks must remain available for pedestrians and wheelchair users.

Question 34Speed Distance

What is the general maximum speed for cars inside built-up areas in Germany, unless signs set a different limit?

  1. 30 km/h
  2. 50 km/h Correct answer.
  3. 70 km/h
  4. 100 km/h

Explanation

StVO section 3 sets 50 km/h as the general maximum for all motor vehicles inside built-up areas. Signs, traffic-calmed areas, school zones, and conditions can require a lower speed.

Question 35Speed Distance

What is the general maximum speed for a passenger car outside built-up areas on ordinary roads, unless signs set another limit?

  1. 60 km/h
  2. 80 km/h
  3. 100 km/h Correct answer.
  4. 130 km/h

Explanation

For passenger cars and other vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, StVO section 3 sets 100 km/h outside built-up areas on ordinary roads. This default does not apply the same way on motorways or certain divided roads.

Question 36Speed Distance

Visibility in fog is less than 50 metres. What maximum speed does StVO section 3 require, unless an even lower speed is necessary?

  1. 25 km/h
  2. 50 km/h Correct answer.
  3. 60 km/h
  4. 80 km/h

Explanation

If visibility through fog, snowfall, or rain is less than 50 metres, StVO section 3 limits speed to no more than 50 km/h. If the road, traffic, or visibility makes even 50 unsafe, you must go slower.

Question 37Speed Distance

Which vehicles may use a German Autobahn under the basic StVO rule?

  1. Any vehicle that can reach 50 km/h
  2. Only motor vehicles whose design speed is more than 60 km/h Correct answer.
  3. All vehicles except bicycles
  4. Only vehicles with a German registration plate

Explanation

StVO section 18 allows Autobahn use only for motor vehicles whose design speed is more than 60 km/h; if a trailer is used, the trailer must also meet the requirement. This is an entry requirement, not a minimum travelling speed once on the motorway.

Question 38Speed Distance

On a German Autobahn, what rule applies when joining from an acceleration lane?

  1. Entering traffic has priority because it is accelerating
  2. Traffic on the through carriageway has priority Correct answer.
  3. The right-before-left rule decides
  4. The slower vehicle always has priority

Explanation

StVO section 18 states that traffic on the continuous carriageway has priority. When joining, use the acceleration lane to match speed, signal, and merge without forcing through traffic to brake sharply.

Question 39Speed Distance

Which action is prohibited on Autobahns under StVO section 18?

  1. Using indicators when changing lanes
  2. Driving with dipped headlights at night
  3. Reversing or turning around Correct answer.
  4. Leaving at a marked exit

Explanation

Reversing and turning around are prohibited on Autobahns. Missing an exit must be corrected by continuing to the next legal exit, not by stopping, backing up, or using a gap in the median.

Question 40Speed Distance

When traffic on an Autobahn slows to walking speed or stops on a road with at least two lanes in one direction, where is the emergency corridor formed?

  1. On the hard shoulder only
  2. Between the far-left lane and the lane immediately to its right Correct answer.
  3. Between every pair of lanes
  4. Only after an emergency vehicle is visible

Explanation

StVO section 11 requires the rescue corridor between the far-left lane and the lane immediately to its right. It must be formed when traffic is moving at walking speed or stopped, not only after sirens are heard.

Question 41Speed Distance

What maximum speed applies to motor vehicles using snow chains, even under favourable conditions?

  1. 30 km/h
  2. 50 km/h Correct answer.
  3. 80 km/h
  4. 100 km/h

Explanation

StVO section 3 sets 50 km/h as the maximum for motor vehicles with snow chains. Snow chains help traction in suitable snow conditions, but they also limit safe vehicle speed and handling.

Question 42Speed Distance

Which statement best describes speed choice under German law?

  1. The posted limit is always safe in all conditions
  2. You must always drive at the posted limit
  3. You must adapt speed to road, traffic, visibility, weather, personal ability, vehicle, and load Correct answer.
  4. Only weather matters when choosing speed

Explanation

StVO section 3 requires speed to be adapted to multiple conditions, including the road, traffic, visibility, weather, driver ability, and vehicle/load characteristics. A posted limit is only a ceiling, not a guarantee that the speed is safe.

Question 43Speed Distance

What is the basic legal rule for following distance in Germany?

  1. One car length at any speed
  2. Enough distance to stop if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes Correct answer.
  3. Exactly 10 metres in town and 20 metres outside town
  4. No gap is needed when traffic is moving slowly

Explanation

StVO section 4 requires a following distance large enough to stop behind the vehicle ahead even if it brakes suddenly. Practical rules of thumb help, but the legal idea is that your gap must match speed and conditions.

Question 44Speed Distance

Using the common German learner formula, what is the approximate reaction distance at 50 km/h?

  1. 5 metres
  2. 10 metres
  3. 15 metres Correct answer.
  4. 25 metres

Explanation

The common formula is speed divided by 10, multiplied by 3. At 50 km/h, that is 5 times 3, or about 15 metres before braking even begins.

Question 45Speed Distance

Using the common German learner formulas, what is the approximate total stopping distance at 50 km/h with normal braking?

  1. 15 metres
  2. 25 metres
  3. 40 metres Correct answer.
  4. 75 metres

Explanation

At 50 km/h, reaction distance is about 15 metres. Normal braking distance is roughly 5 times 5, or 25 metres, so the total stopping distance is about 40 metres.

Question 46Speed Distance

Why is tailgating especially dangerous at motorway speeds?

  1. Because reaction distance and braking distance increase with speed Correct answer.
  2. Because the vehicle ahead may not use brake lights
  3. Because German law allows sudden braking without reason
  4. Because motorway signs are harder to see

Explanation

At higher speed, the distance travelled during reaction time is longer, and braking distance increases sharply. A gap that feels large in town may be far too small at Autobahn speed.

Question 47Hazards Fitness

What is the safest first response when aquaplaning begins?

  1. Brake hard immediately
  2. Steer sharply toward the shoulder
  3. Ease off the accelerator, hold the steering steady, and avoid abrupt inputs Correct answer.
  4. Accelerate to push water away from the tyres

Explanation

Aquaplaning means the tyres are riding on water and have reduced steering and braking grip. Sudden braking or steering can cause loss of control; reducing speed smoothly and keeping the wheels aligned helps the tyres regain contact.

Question 48Hazards Fitness

You approach children near the road. What does StVO section 3 require?

  1. Sound the horn and keep speed
  2. Reduce speed and be ready to brake so danger is excluded Correct answer.
  3. Drive normally unless a child is already in the road
  4. Use high beam to make the car more visible

Explanation

StVO section 3 requires special care toward children, people needing assistance, and older people, including reduced speed and readiness to brake. The rule is preventive: you must behave so danger to them is excluded.

Question 49Hazards Fitness

Which lane-change habit best prevents danger from blind spots?

  1. Mirror check only after starting to move
  2. Signal, mirror check, shoulder check, then move only if safe Correct answer.
  3. Trust that other drivers will brake
  4. Move slowly without signalling

Explanation

A safe lane change requires early signalling and checking mirrors and blind spots before lateral movement. The shoulder check is especially important for motorcycles, bicycles, and vehicles hidden beside your rear quarter.

Question 50Hazards Fitness

What is the main danger of using a mobile phone by hand while driving?

  1. It distracts attention and can delay reaction to hazards Correct answer.
  2. It only affects fuel consumption
  3. It is dangerous only on motorways
  4. It improves route planning enough to offset the risk

Explanation

Handheld phone use takes eyes, hands, and attention away from driving. Even a short delay can add many metres of travel before the driver reacts to a child, cyclist, traffic light, or braking vehicle.