Germany Category D1 Theory Test study plan
Germany Category D1 Theory Test · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Gefahrenlehre (Hazard Perception and Defensive Riding/Driving) & Vorfahrt, Verkehrsregelung (Right of Way and Traffic Control)
List 15 typical D1 hazard sources (blind spots of a large van, cyclists in the right-turn blind spot, pedestrians behind the vehicle when reversing, tram tracks, crosswind on bridges) and state for each one the correct anticipatory action
Describe the D1-specific blind spot geometry and derive the correct mirror and shoulder-check sequence for lane changes, turning right and pulling away from the kerb
Explain the safety distance rule in metres (half the speedometer reading) and calculate stopping distances for 30, 50, 60 and 80 km/h including reaction time
Apply the right-before-left rule to at least six sketched junction situations and justify each decision in one sentence
Distinguish priority signs (Zeichen 301, 306, 205, 206, 208) from traffic-light and police-officer signals and name which signal overrides which
Your checkpoint
A one-page hazard sheet with 15 hazard sources, the matching anticipatory action and the correct mirror/shoulder-check sequence, scored by self-test at 90 percent recall
Gefahrenlehre (Hazard Perception and Defensive Riding/Driving) & Verhalten im Straßenverkehr (Behaviour in Road Traffic)
Ride through or simulate ten hazard scenarios (overtaking a cyclist with 1.5 m clearance outside town, following a tram, passing a bus at a stop, wet tram rails, gravel in bends) and state the correct speed and line choice
Explain the D1 overtaking ban rules, the 1.5 m / 2 m clearance rules for cyclists and how the vehicle width of a D1 category vehicle changes the safe overtaking distance
Describe correct behaviour at pedestrian crossings, at buses displaying warning lights and at level crossings, including the D1-specific stopping distance
Identify the situations in which the D1 driver must reduce speed to walking pace or stop, and justify each with the relevant rule
Explain the effects of alcohol, fatigue, medication and distraction on reaction time and name the legal limits and consequences for novice drivers
Your checkpoint
A written scenario log of ten hazard situations with chosen speed, line and justification, plus a 20-question self-made quiz on behaviour rules answered at 85 percent or better
Personenbeförderung, Sicherheit und Ladung (Passenger Transport, Safety and Load) & Technische Bedingungen des Fahrzeugs (Technical Conditions of the Vehicle)
Calculate the permissible payload of a D1 vehicle from permissible total mass, kerb weight and the mass of the occupants, and check the result against the axle load limits
Explain the correct load securing method for typical D1 loads (lashing, positive locking, form-fit) and state why a positive-locking load bed is preferred
Describe the correct seating, headrest adjustment, seat-belt use and child restraint rules for passengers in a D1 vehicle
Check the tyre condition criteria (minimum tread depth, pressure, damage, age) and explain the consequences of under-inflation on handling and fuel use
Explain the function and warning behaviour of the ABS, ESP, brake assist and the tyre pressure monitoring system in a D1 vehicle
Your checkpoint
A completed load and payload calculation worksheet for three example loads, including the axle load check and the chosen securing method with justification
Verkehrszeichen und Verkehrseinrichtungen (Traffic Signs and Traffic Installations) & Vorfahrt, Verkehrsregelung (Right of Way and Traffic Control)
Sort 60 traffic signs by category (danger, regulation, direction, supplementary) and state the required behaviour for each without looking at the answer key
Explain the meaning of supplementary signs (Zeichen 1000 to 1060 series) for time, distance, vehicle type and load restrictions relevant to D1
Interpret lane markings, bus lanes, cycle lanes, pedestrian zones and environmental zones and state which ones a D1 vehicle may use
Describe the hierarchy of traffic control (police officer, traffic lights, signs, general rules) and apply it to four conflict cases
Explain the rules for turning, U-turns, entering motorways and using the hard shoulder with a D1 vehicle
Your checkpoint
A sign-recognition test of 60 signs with a score of at least 90 percent, plus four written conflict-case resolutions in the correct hierarchy order
Verhalten im Straßenverkehr (Behaviour in Road Traffic) & Umweltschutz und Kraftstoffeffizienz (Environmental Protection and Fuel Efficiency)
Explain the legal and physical consequences of driving too fast for the conditions, tailgating, and using a mobile phone while driving, including the points and fines involved
Describe anticipatory, low-consumption driving: early upshifting, engine braking, coasting phases, avoiding unnecessary idling and correct tyre pressure
Calculate the fuel consumption difference between aggressive and anticipatory driving for a 200 km route and explain the effect on CO2 and noise
Explain the environmental-zone and emission-class rules relevant to a D1 vehicle and how to check the vehicle's emission class
Explain the effect of air-conditioning, roof racks and additional load on fuel consumption and describe how to reduce it
Your checkpoint
A one-page eco-driving checklist plus a written 200 km consumption comparison with calculated litres and CO2 saved
Verhalten bei Panne und Unfall (Behaviour in Breakdown and Accident Situations) & Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen des Straßenverkehrs (Legal Framework of Road Traffic)
Describe the correct sequence for securing an accident site: warning triangle placement distance, hazard lights, warning vest, first aid and emergency call, adapted to the stopping distance of a D1 vehicle
Explain the first-aid measures for the most common accident injuries and the legal duty to provide assistance
Describe the correct behaviour after a breakdown on a motorway, in a tunnel and on a level crossing, including where to wait and how to secure the vehicle
Explain the legal framework: driving licence classes and their conditions, the probationary period for novice drivers, the alcohol and drug limits, and the documentation that must be carried in a D1 vehicle
Explain the insurance and liability rules after an accident, including the obligation to report and the role of the accident report
Your checkpoint
A written emergency action card for three scenarios (motorway breakdown, tunnel breakdown, accident with injured persons) with the exact sequence of steps and warning distances
Gefahrenlehre (Hazard Perception and Defensive Riding/Driving) & Personenbeförderung, Sicherheit und Ladung (Passenger Transport, Safety and Load)
Work through 150 mixed practice questions weighted to domains 1 and 7 and log every wrong answer with the underlying rule
Re-explain the ten most frequently missed hazard and passenger-safety rules in your own words without notes
Rehearse the full pre-drive check (tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, load, doors, emergency equipment) in under five minutes and list any missed item
Simulate three passenger-transport scenarios (school class, elderly passengers, luggage-heavy trip) and state the specific safety measures for each
Review the load-securing and payload calculations from week 3 and correct any errors found
Your checkpoint
An error log of at least 150 practice questions with a corrected-answer rate of 90 percent on the second attempt
Gefahrenlehre (Hazard Perception and Defensive Riding/Driving) & Verhalten im Straßenverkehr (Behaviour in Road Traffic) & Vorfahrt, Verkehrsregelung (Right of Way and Traffic Control) & Verkehrszeichen und Verkehrseinrichtungen (Traffic Signs and Traffic Installations) & Umweltschutz und Kraftstoffeffizienz (Environmental Protection and Fuel Efficiency) & Technische Bedingungen des Fahrzeugs (Technical Conditions of the Vehicle) & Personenbeförderung, Sicherheit und Ladung (Passenger Transport, Safety and Load) & Verhalten bei Panne und Unfall (Behaviour in Breakdown and Accident Situations) & Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen des Straßenverkehrs (Legal Framework of Road Traffic)
Complete three full timed mock tests under exam conditions and score at least 90 percent in each
Review every remaining wrong answer across all domains and close each gap with the relevant rule
Recite the warning-distance, safety-distance and clearance figures from memory without error
Re-check the emergency action card and the load worksheet for accuracy and completeness
Plan the exam day: documents, arrival time, and the procedure for the practical and theory parts
Your checkpoint
Three completed timed mock tests with scores of at least 90 percent each and a final closed-gap list showing no open items
Milestones
Week 2: Explain ten D1 hazard situations with the correct speed, line and anticipatory action, and answer a 20-question behaviour quiz at 85 percent or better
Week 4: Score at least 90 percent on the 60-sign recognition test and resolve four conflict cases in the correct hierarchy order
Week 6: Produce a complete emergency action card for three scenarios and correctly state the legal limits, licence conditions and required documents
Week 8: Score at least 90 percent on three timed full mock tests and show a closed-gap list with no open items