Luxembourg Driving Theory Test key terms

Default rule at an unmarked Luxembourg intersection: you must give way to any vehicle approaching from your right. It applies unless signs, markings, or a police officer indicate otherwise.

A triangular sign with a red border pointing downward. It requires you to slow down and let traffic on the intersecting road pass before entering, without necessarily stopping.

An octagonal red sign requiring a complete halt at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the crossing road. You may proceed only when the way is clear.

A roundabout where entering traffic gives way to vehicles already circulating, usually marked by yield signs and a dashed line at the entry. Direction indicators are used when leaving.

The direction indicator. It must be used before turning, changing lane, overtaking, joining traffic, or leaving a roundabout, and switched off once the manoeuvre is complete.

The area around a vehicle that the mirrors do not show. Before changing lane or turning, you must check it by turning your head, not relying on mirrors alone.

The legal speed ceiling for a road. In Luxembourg it is generally 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside them, and 130 km/h on motorways in dry conditions.

A residential or urban area where the speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h, marked by a dedicated sign at entry and exit. It is designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

The gap you must keep behind the vehicle ahead so you can stop if it brakes suddenly. A common guide is at least two seconds in dry weather, more when wet or visibility is poor.

The total distance needed to stop: the distance travelled during your reaction time plus the braking distance. It grows with speed, load, and slippery road surface.

The delay between perceiving a hazard and starting to brake, typically about one second. Fatigue, alcohol, distraction, and medication lengthen it considerably.

Overtaking another road user. It is normally done on the left, must be clearly signalled, and is forbidden where visibility, markings, or signs make it dangerous.

A solid white centre line that must not be crossed or straddled, including for overtaking or turning into a property. It marks stretches where visibility or space is insufficient.

Painted road markings such as centre lines, edge lines, arrows, and stop lines. They supplement signs and, where a police officer is absent, help define priority and permitted manoeuvres.

A traffic sign conveying an order, warning, or information. Triangular signs warn, round signs impose rules, and rectangular signs give guidance; signs override general priority rules.

A thick white transverse line marking where vehicles must stop at a Stop sign or traffic light. If it is absent, you stop at the edge of the intersecting carriageway.

A traffic light. Red means stop before the line, amber means stop unless stopping is unsafe, and green means you may proceed if the exit is clear and you still yield to pedestrians.

A police officer directing traffic. Their signals take precedence over traffic lights, signs, and markings, so you must obey the gesture even if it contradicts a green light.

The concentration of alcohol in the blood. In Luxembourg the general limit is 0.5 g per litre; novice drivers and professional drivers are subject to a lower limit of 0.2 g per litre.

A device used to screen breath for alcohol. A positive screening result can lead to a confirmatory breath or blood analysis, and refusal to be tested carries its own penalties.

Your physical and mental fitness to control a vehicle safely. It can be impaired by alcohol, drugs, medication, illness, or fatigue, and you must not drive when it is compromised.

Some medicines, especially sedatives, antihistamines, and certain painkillers, reduce alertness or reaction speed. Read the package warning and ask your doctor or pharmacist before driving.

Drowsiness that slows reactions and can cause micro-sleeps. Take a break at least every two hours, avoid driving at night when tired, and never rely on coffee or open windows to stay awake.

The periodic roadworthiness inspection required for vehicles in Luxembourg. It checks brakes, lights, tyres, steering, emissions, and bodywork, and a failed vehicle may not be driven.

Tyre condition, including tread depth and pressure. The legal minimum tread is 1.6 mm, and correct pressure improves grip, braking, and fuel consumption; check both regularly.

Loss of contact between tyres and road caused by a film of water. Grip and steering disappear suddenly; ease off the accelerator, avoid braking hard, and keep the wheel steady.

The vehicle's lights, including headlights, rear lights, brake lights, and indicators. They must be clean and working; use dipped headlights in rain, fog, or darkness and never dazzle others.

Compulsory third-party liability cover for any motor vehicle used on public roads. It pays for damage you cause to others; driving uninsured is an offence with heavy penalties.

The vehicle registration certificate showing the owner, registration number, and technical data. It must match the vehicle and be presented when requested by the authorities.

The driving licence authorising you to drive the categories shown on it. You must carry it while driving, respect any restrictions, and hold the correct category for the vehicle.

A licence point system where traffic offences deduct points. Losing all points leads to licence withdrawal; points can be recovered after a period without further offences.

A standard accident report form completed jointly by the drivers involved, describing the circumstances and damage. It speeds up insurance claims and should be signed by both parties.

A reflective warning triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic. Set it up at a safe distance, and wear a high-visibility vest while doing so.

A reflective vest that must be worn when you leave a vehicle stopped on the road or hard shoulder in an emergency. Keep one within reach inside the cabin, not in the boot.

The European emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance. Give your location, the number of casualties, and any hazards, then follow the operator's instructions until help arrives.

Immediate basic help given to injured people before professionals arrive: secure the scene, alert emergency services, check breathing, and stop bleeding without moving casualties unnecessarily.

A road user with little protection in a collision, such as pedestrians, cyclists, children, and the elderly. They deserve extra care, lower speeds nearby, and generous space when passing.

A marked pedestrian crossing. Approach at a speed allowing you to stop, give way to anyone on or about to use it, and never overtake a vehicle stopped there.

Motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles. They are harder to see and more vulnerable to wind and road surface, so give them a full lane width when overtaking and check mirrors carefully.

A street designated for cyclists, often with a speed limit for motor vehicles and rules giving bikes priority. Drivers must expect cyclists in both directions and keep speeds low.

Fuel-efficient driving: accelerate smoothly, shift up early, keep a steady speed, anticipate traffic, and avoid unnecessary idling. It cuts fuel use, emissions, and wear on the vehicle.