Vorfahrt, Verkehrsregelung
What this domain tests
Vorfahrt and Verkehrsregelung test who may go first at junctions, crossings, roundabouts and traffic lights, and how police officers, signs and markings control traffic. D1 drivers must apply these rules while managing a large vehicle, passengers and limited visibility. The exam checks the hierarchy of controls, not just the right-before-left rule.
Core rules
- At equal junctions without signs or lights, the default is rechts vor links: yield to traffic from the right.
- Signs and markings override the default. A yield sign, stop sign or priority road sign controls the junction. Traffic lights override signs; police signals override lights and signs.
- At a stop sign you must stop at the stop line, or if there is none, at the point where you can see the crossing traffic. Stopping is required even when the road appears clear.
- When turning, give way to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road you are entering, and to oncoming traffic when turning left.
- In a roundabout with the roundabout sign, traffic already in the roundabout has priority unless signs say otherwise. Signal when leaving.
- Trams and buses have special rules, but you must never assume that a large vehicle will always be given priority in every situation.
Worked example
You approach a junction with a yield sign. A car comes from the right and signals left; a cyclist on the priority road goes straight ahead across your path. You must yield to both. The yield sign means you do not have priority, so rechts vor links does not decide the case. The car's indicator does not give it priority over you, but because you are on a yield road you must still let it pass if it is on the priority road. The cyclist also has priority. Wait until both paths are clear, then turn without cutting the cyclist's line.
Traps that cost marks
Applying rechts vor links at a signed junction; thinking a priority sign means you need not slow down; treating an indicator as proof that the other driver will turn; forgetting cyclists and pedestrians when turning; and stopping at a yield sign when no stop is required, or failing to stop at a stop sign. Another trap is to watch only cars and ignore trams, cyclists and pedestrians who are already crossing.