Germany Category D1 Theory Test flashcards

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

Reaction distance

The distance travelled during the driver's reaction time before braking starts. It equals speed multiplied by reaction time; at 50 km/h and one second it is about 15 metres.

Braking distance scaling

Braking distance grows with the square of speed. Doubling speed from 50 to 100 km/h quadruples the braking distance if deceleration stays the same, which is why speed is the dominant risk factor.

Two-second rule

A safe following gap in good conditions is the distance covered in two seconds. In rain, darkness or behind large vehicles the gap should be doubled to four seconds.

Countersteering

A brief push on the handlebar in the direction of the intended turn initiates the lean angle of a motorcycle. It is the standard technique for entering corners at speed.

Overtaking clearance

When overtaking, a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 metres must be kept inside built-up areas and 2.0 metres outside built-up areas, to protect cyclists and pedestrians.

Motorcycle daytime lighting

Motorcycles must use dipped beam during the day as well as at night. A single headlight makes the approach speed of an oncoming motorcycle easy to underestimate.

Pedestrian crossing duty

At a pedestrian crossing, traffic must stop when a pedestrian shows the intention to cross. Waiting directly in front of the crossing is prohibited because it blocks visibility.

Rescue lane

On motorways, as soon as traffic moves at walking pace, a rescue lane must be formed between the left and the adjacent lane so emergency vehicles can pass.

Right before left

Where no signs or signals regulate priority and the roads are of equal rank, the vehicle approaching from the right has priority. It does not apply when leaving a property or field path.

Yield sign duty

A 'Vorfahrt gewähren' sign obliges the driver to let all vehicles on the priority road pass, including those turning into the side road.

Turning left

A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. It must also give way to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road it is entering.

Leaving a property

Anyone leaving a property, parking area, pedestrian zone or field path must yield to all other traffic, including pedestrians, regardless of the general right-before-left rule.

Priority of regulation

Traffic is governed in this order: police officer, traffic light, traffic sign, then general rules. A police officer's signals override all signs and lights.

Amber traffic light

A steady amber light means stop unless stopping would cause a dangerous abrupt stop. Amber together with red means prepare to drive off but do not move yet.

Green arrow sign

A green arrow sign attached to a red light allows a right turn only after a full stop and only if no other traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, is endangered.

Flashing amber light

Flashing amber means the traffic light is out of order. The signs at the junction and the general priority rules apply as if the light were absent.

Danger sign shape

Danger signs are triangular with a red border on a white background. Prohibition signs are round with a red border, and mandatory signs are round and blue.

Stop sign

A stop sign requires a complete stop at the stop line even when the road is visibly clear. The stop line, not the sign, marks the reference point.

End of restrictions sign

The sign 'Ende aller Streckenverbote' cancels all speed and overtaking restrictions previously imposed along that stretch. Local limits set by other signs remain valid.

Continuous road line

A continuous centre line must not be crossed. A broken line may be crossed when it is safe, for example to overtake or to enter a property.

Speed and fuel use

Fuel consumption rises steeply with speed. Driving at 130 km/h instead of 100 km/h increases consumption by roughly 20 to 25 percent because air resistance grows with the square of speed.

Cold engine consumption

A cold engine uses noticeably more fuel during the first kilometres. Short trips under five kilometres are the least efficient use of a vehicle and increase wear.

Tyre pressure and consumption

Underinflation raises rolling resistance. A pressure shortfall of 0.5 bar can increase fuel consumption by several percent and also worsen handling and tyre wear.

Anticipatory riding

Early throttle release and engine braking instead of late hard braking saves fuel and reduces brake wear. It also keeps the motorcycle more stable in traffic.

Motorcycle tread depth

The minimum tread depth for motorcycle tyres is 1.0 millimetre; for car tyres it is 1.6 millimetres. Tyres below the limit are not roadworthy.

Brake fluid change

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air and must be replaced at the manufacturer's interval, typically every two years, to prevent boiling and brake failure under load.

Motorcycle chain care

The chain must be lubricated, correctly tensioned and free of tight spots. A loose chain can jump off the sprocket and lock the rear wheel.

Pillion passenger rules

A pillion passenger needs an approved seat, footrests and a fastened helmet. The rider is responsible for the passenger and must adjust tyre pressure and suspension for the extra load.

Load protrusion limits

Load may protrude up to 1.5 metres beyond the rear and 3 metres beyond the front, measured from the vehicle's centre. Protruding loads must be marked in the dark.

Warning triangle placement

The warning triangle is placed about 100 metres behind the vehicle on motorways and about 50 metres on country roads, so approaching traffic has time to react.

Emergency call content

The emergency call states the location, the type of incident, the number of injured and any special hazards. The caller waits for questions before ending the call.

Alcohol limits

The blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent for all drivers. For novice drivers in the two-year probationary period and for drivers under 21 the limit is 0.00 percent.