Support us

QuizTraffic rulesGermany

This interesting quiz helps you test your knowledge in a clear and visual way. With easy multiple-choice questions, you can quickly build confidence and learn new facts while keeping it simple, interactive, and fun.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Germany
True/false 17 Germany 37 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Driving licence 40 Show all 644
Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

501. Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

They can prevent the horn from working properly.
They can make road signs harder to read.
✓ They can make important warning sounds harder to hear.
They can cause the speed limiter to switch off.

Headphones or very loud music can reduce your awareness of horns, sirens, warning sounds, and surrounding traffic. Keep the volume at a level that allows you to remain aware of what is happening around the vehicle.

Driver wearing headphones at the wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

502. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Exterior-light failure.
Charging-system warning.
Dipped headlights.
Rear fog lights.

This symbol indicates a possible failure of an exterior vehicle light, such as a headlight, tail light, brake light or indicator. Check the vehicle's exterior lights and replace or repair any faulty light.

Exterior-light failure warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the main safety risk of aggressive driving?

503. What is the main safety risk of aggressive driving?

It can increase tyre and brake wear.
It can make the journey less comfortable.
It may attract the attention of the police.
✓ It increases the risk of crashes.

Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, speeding, or sudden lane changes, reduces safety margins and increases the risk of crashes and conflict with other road users.

Driver displaying aggressive behaviour in traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum age for a standard car driving licence in Germany?

504. What is the minimum age for a standard car driving licence in Germany?

18 years.
19 years.
21 years.
✓ 17 years.

The minimum age for a standard car driving licence in Germany is 17 years.

Minimum age for obtaining a car driving licence
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When are winter tyres required in Germany?

505. When are winter tyres required in Germany?

They are not generally required.
✓ When winter conditions are present.
Only on motorways.
During a fixed winter period regardless of conditions.

Winter tyres are required in Germany when winter conditions are present, rather than simply during fixed calendar dates.

Winter tyres for cold-weather driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an overtaking vehicle is coming toward you?

506. What should you do if an overtaking vehicle is coming toward you?

Move closer to the centre so the other driver notices you.
Accelerate to pass the danger point more quickly.
Brake sharply as soon as the vehicle enters your lane.
✓ Slow down and move slightly aside if safe.

If an oncoming vehicle creates danger while overtaking, reduce speed and make space if it is safe to do so. Avoid sudden movements that could create an additional hazard.

Oncoming vehicle overtaking into the driver's lane
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

507. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Air recirculation.
Rear window demister.
Fresh-air ventilation.
Air conditioning.

This symbol activates air recirculation, which reduces the amount of outside air entering the vehicle and recirculates air already inside the cabin. It can be useful when driving through polluted air or when cooling the interior quickly.

Cabin air-recirculation control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What colour is normally used for the centre line separating opposing traffic in Germany?

508. What colour is normally used for the centre line separating opposing traffic in Germany?

✓ White.
Yellow.

Roads in Germany normally use a white centre line to separate traffic travelling in opposite directions.

Centre-line markings separating opposing traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

509. What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

Keep pressing the brakes continuously all the way downhill.
Switch off the engine to help slow the vehicle.
✓ Select a lower gear and stop safely to allow the brakes to cool.
Shift into neutral and let the vehicle roll freely.

Continuous braking can cause overheating and reduced braking performance. A lower gear provides engine braking and reduces demand on the brakes.

Vehicle descending a hill with overheating brakes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

510. Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

Pedestrians may be crossing near them.
They provide shortcuts to nearby roads.
They mark areas where vehicles may stop temporarily.
✓ You may need to reach one quickly during an emergency.

Knowing where emergency exits and refuge areas are located can save valuable time during a fire, collision, or evacuation.

Emergency exit inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should you change a wheel after a puncture?

511. Where should you change a wheel after a puncture?

✓ On firm, level ground well away from moving traffic.
On a slight slope if the parking brake is applied.
Where the puncture occurred, as long as the hazard lights are on.
As close to moving traffic as possible to keep off the verge.

The vehicle must be stable and protected from traffic. Apply the parking brake and follow the manufacturer's wheel-changing instructions.

Wheel change on firm ground away from traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before attempting to jump-start a vehicle?

512. What should you do before attempting to jump-start a vehicle?

Use any battery that physically fits the vehicle.
✓ Check the owner's manual and make sure the connections are compatible.
Ignore battery damage if the terminals look clean.
Connect the leads without checking their polarity.

Incorrect jump-starting can damage electrical systems, cause sparks, or make a battery explode. Connect the leads in the correct order before starting the vehicles, and follow the manufacturer's procedure exactly.

Preparing to jump-start a vehicle battery
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should headlights, indicators, and other exterior lights be kept clean and working?

513. Why should headlights, indicators, and other exterior lights be kept clean and working?

They make the vehicle use less fuel.
They improve braking performance in poor weather.
✓ They help you see, be seen, and communicate your intentions.
They only need to work when you drive at night.

Dirty or faulty lights reduce visibility and make it harder for other road users to understand when you are braking, turning, reversing, or changing position.

Checking and cleaning a vehicle's exterior lights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

514. How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

Keep your speed and pass as close as possible.
Brake hard just before reaching the pothole.
Focus only on the pothole and not the traffic around you.
✓ Check surroundings, reduce speed, and avoid it smoothly.

Sudden swerving can place you in the path of traffic. Check your surroundings and change direction gradually.

Cyclist approaching a pothole
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should keep both hands ready to control the steering.

515. You should keep both hands ready to control the steering.

✓ True.
False.

Keeping proper control of the steering wheel helps you react safely to changes in traffic and road conditions.

Driver keeping both hands on the steering wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

516. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Central door locking.
Seat adjustment.
Electric window control.
✓ Exterior mirror folding.

This control folds or unfolds the vehicle's exterior mirrors. It is useful when parking in narrow spaces or when leaving the vehicle parked.

Control for folding the exterior mirrors
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when driving near a school area?

517. What should you do when driving near a school area?

Watch only for children already on the road.
✓ Slow down and watch carefully for children.
Drive close behind other vehicles to keep traffic moving.
Maintain your usual speed if the road looks clear.

Children near schools may cross unexpectedly or be hidden between parked vehicles. Reduce speed and be ready to stop.

Vehicle travelling near a school
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should a motorcyclist do before entering a bend?

518. What should a motorcyclist do before entering a bend?

Move close to the centre of the road.
Look only at the road directly in front of the wheel.
Accelerate before checking how sharp the bend is.
✓ Reduce speed before the bend and look through it.

Adjust your speed before entering the bend so you can steer smoothly and remain within a safe position. Look through the bend towards where you want to travel and be prepared for hazards that may be hidden from view.

Motorcyclist approaching a bend
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum licence for a moped with a design speed over 25 and up to 45 km/h?

519. What is the minimum licence for a moped with a design speed over 25 and up to 45 km/h?

No driving licence is required.
Licence A2.
Licence B.
✓ Licence AM.

Category AM covers certain two- and three-wheeled mopeds with a maximum design speed above 25 km/h and not exceeding 45 km/h, as well as light quadricycles.

Moped with a design speed up to 45 km/h
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you select reverse gear in a manual vehicle?

520. When should you select reverse gear in a manual vehicle?

While the vehicle is still moving forward slowly.
Before pressing the clutch pedal.
✓ After the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Whenever you want to reduce speed.

Select reverse gear only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Press the clutch fully before selecting reverse to avoid unnecessary wear or damage to the transmission.

Selecting reverse gear in a stationary manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which licence category is mainly associated with mopeds?

521. Which licence category is mainly associated with mopeds?

Licence B.
Licence C.
Licence D.
✓ Licence AM.

Driving licence AM is mainly associated with mopeds. Category AM covers mopeds with a design speed above 25 km/h and up to 45 km/h.

Moped and category AM driving licence
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave space when cycling beside parked cars?

522. Why should you leave space when cycling beside parked cars?

Because parked vehicles have priority over cyclists.
✓ A door may open suddenly.
To make it easier for traffic to overtake you.
Because the road could be slippery beside parked cars.

A driver or passenger may open a door without seeing you. Leaving space reduces the risk of a dooring collision.

Cyclist riding beside parked cars
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before releasing the parking brake on a slope?

523. What should you do before releasing the parking brake on a slope?

✓ Make sure the vehicle is securely controlled before releasing it.
Press the accelerator fully.
Turn the steering wheel fully.
Select neutral and release all pedals.

Before releasing the parking brake on a slope, make sure the vehicle cannot roll unexpectedly. Use the service brake or, when moving off in a manual vehicle, establish the clutch biting point and sufficient power before releasing the parking brake.

Preparing to release the parking brake on a slope
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What makes up the total stopping distance of a vehicle?

524. What makes up the total stopping distance of a vehicle?

✓ Reaction distance and braking distance.
Reaction distance and following distance.
Braking distance and overtaking distance.
Visibility distance and reaction distance.

The total stopping distance consists of the distance travelled while the driver reacts to a hazard plus the distance travelled while the vehicle is braking to a stop.

Reaction and braking distances before a vehicle stops
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

525. What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

Drink coffee before driving.
Eat something and wait a short while.
Drive only if you do not feel drunk.
✓ Do not drive and arrange a sober form of transport.

Alcohol can impair judgement, coordination, vision, and reaction time. A sober driver, taxi, public transport, or an overnight stay is the safer choice.

Alcohol consumption and the decision not to drive
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Must cars use dipped headlights solely because they enter a tunnel in Germany?

526. Must cars use dipped headlights solely because they enter a tunnel in Germany?

No.
✓ Yes.

Drivers in Germany are generally required to use dipped headlights when driving through tunnels.

Vehicle using dipped headlights in a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an unusual vibration develops in the steering wheel?

527. What should you do if an unusual vibration develops in the steering wheel?

Increase speed until the vibration becomes less noticeable.
Hold the steering wheel more tightly and continue.
Reduce the tyre pressure slightly to smooth the ride.
✓ Reduce speed and have the tyres, wheels, and steering checked.

An unusual vibration may indicate tyre damage, wheel imbalance, loose components, or another mechanical fault. Reduce speed and arrange an inspection.

Driver experiencing vibration through the steering wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

528. You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

✓ False.
True.

You should keep a safe following distance so you have enough time to react if traffic slows or stops suddenly.

Vehicle following closely behind another vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when traffic lights are not working?

529. What should you do when traffic lights are not working?

Treat the junction as if you have priority.
Follow the vehicle ahead through the junction.
Wait for another driver to enter first, then follow.
✓ Proceed carefully and follow signs or priority rules.

If traffic lights are not working, slow down, observe carefully, and follow signs, road markings, or local priority rules.

Junction with traffic lights out of operation
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

530. What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

Take an extra dose before a long journey.
Drive slowly until you know how it affects you.
Drink coffee to prevent any side effects.
✓ Check whether it may affect your ability to drive.

Some medicines can affect driving ability by causing drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slower reactions, or reduced concentration. Check the label or patient information and follow advice from your doctor or pharmacist before driving.

Checking medicine warnings before driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the ignition key once the engine starts?

531. What should you do with the ignition key once the engine starts?

Keep holding it in the START position.
✓ Release it so it returns from START to ON.
Remove it from the ignition.
Turn it immediately to ACC.

Once the engine starts, release the ignition key so it returns from START to the ON position. Holding the key in START unnecessarily can keep the starter motor engaged.

Releasing the ignition key after the engine starts
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is riding a bicycle after drinking alcohol dangerous?

532. Why is riding a bicycle after drinking alcohol dangerous?

Alcohol affects driving more than cycling.
A helmet protects you from alcohol-related risks.
✓ Alcohol can reduce your balance, coordination, judgement, and reaction time.
Cycling after drinking is safe on quiet roads.

Alcohol can make it harder to balance, steer, judge distances, and react to hazards. Riding a bicycle while impaired may also be against the law.

Alcohol consumption and bicycle-riding safety
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of the seat-belt retractor?

533. What is the purpose of the seat-belt retractor?

✓ To take up slack and lock the belt when necessary.
To tighten the parking brake.
To adjust the seat height.
To release the seat belt from the buckle.

The seat-belt retractor takes up slack and helps keep the belt properly positioned against the body. It allows normal movement but can lock during sudden braking, rapid belt movement or a collision.

Seat-belt webbing and retracting mechanism
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if fuel spills while you are refuelling?

534. What should you do if fuel spills while you are refuelling?

✓ Stop refuelling, avoid ignition sources, and alert station staff.
Wash the spill away with water and continue refuelling.
Ignore the spill if only a small amount escaped.
Start the engine and move the vehicle immediately.

If fuel is spilled, stop refuelling immediately and keep flames, sparks, and other ignition sources away. Do not start the vehicle until the situation is safe. Alert filling-station staff and follow their instructions for dealing with the spill.

Fuel spilled during refuelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before joining a motorway?

535. What should you do before joining a motorway?

Check your mirrors only and assume the blind spot is clear.
Move onto the motorway as soon as the lane markings allow.
✓ Check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, and look for a safe gap.
Signal and expect motorway traffic to make space for you.

Observe motorway traffic early, signal clearly, and merge only when there is a safe gap.

Driver checking motorway traffic before merging
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the service brakes fail while driving?

536. What should you do if the service brakes fail while driving?

Shift into neutral and let the vehicle coast to a stop.
Apply the parking brake suddenly at full force.
✓ Reduce speed using other available braking methods and stop safely.
Switch off the engine immediately while moving.

Remain calm, warn other road users, and use other available braking methods to reduce speed. This may include engine braking or a lower gear, and careful use of the parking or emergency brake according to the vehicle's design. Steer toward the safest available stopping area.

Vehicle braking-system failure while driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

537. What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

✓ Stay inside, use hazard lights, and call the emergency services.
Try to push the vehicle out of the traffic lane.
Walk along the road to find assistance.
Leave the vehicle and wait beside it for help.

If leaving the vehicle would put you in greater danger, remain restrained, make the vehicle visible, contact the emergency services, and follow their instructions.

Vehicle stranded among moving traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

538. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Exterior mirror adjustment.
Central door locking.
Seat adjustment.
Mirror folding.

This control adjusts the vehicle's exterior mirrors. The driver normally selects the left or right mirror and then moves the control to change its angle.

Control for adjusting the exterior mirrors
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be cautious when following a vehicle carrying a loose load?

539. Why should you be cautious when following a vehicle carrying a loose load?

Loose loads give the vehicle priority when changing lanes.
The vehicle must stop whenever the load shifts.
Loose loads prevent the driver from using the mirrors.
✓ Objects may fall onto the road.

A poorly secured load can fall or shift suddenly. Keep extra distance and avoid following too closely.

Vehicle carrying an unsecured load ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle begins to drift onto the shoulder?

540. What should you do if your vehicle begins to drift onto the shoulder?

Accelerate slightly before steering back onto the road.
✓ Ease off the accelerator and steer back smoothly when safe.
Steer back onto the road as quickly as possible.
Keep driving on the shoulder until the road becomes wider.

If you drift onto the shoulder, avoid sudden steering or braking. Slow gently and return to the road smoothly when it is safe.

Vehicle drifting towards the road shoulder
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if one of your tyres suddenly bursts while driving?

541. What should you do if one of your tyres suddenly bursts while driving?

Accelerate briefly to stabilise the vehicle.
✓ Hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down gradually.
Steer quickly toward the side of the road.
Release the steering wheel and let the vehicle slow itself.

A tyre burst can make the vehicle unstable. Hold the wheel firmly, avoid sudden braking or steering, and slow down gradually.

Vehicle tyre damaged by a sudden blowout
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who should always wear a seat belt?

542. Who should always wear a seat belt?

Only people in the front seats.
Only children and young passengers.
✓ Everyone in the vehicle.
Only the driver.

Seat belts greatly reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash and should be worn by everyone in the vehicle.

Vehicle occupants wearing seat belts
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

543. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Automatic start-stop system.
Engine-management warning.
Anti-theft system.
Cruise control.

This symbol relates to the automatic start-stop system, which can switch the engine off temporarily while the vehicle is stationary and restart it when driving resumes. The exact colour and appearance may vary between vehicles.

Automatic start-stop system symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should a designated driver do?

544. What should a designated driver do?

Stop drinking shortly before driving.
✓ Remain alcohol-free for the entire journey.
Do not carry passengers who have been drinking.
Drink only a small amount with food.

A designated driver should remain sober so they can drive safely and respond properly to traffic conditions.

Alcohol-free designated driver for a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

545. What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

Stay calm and maintain control.
✓ Sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp steering.
Allow the tyres time to regain grip.
Look where you want the vehicle to go.

Sudden braking, acceleration, or steering can make a skid worse. Stay calm and use smooth controls while the tyres regain grip.

Vehicle beginning to skid
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a tyre has a deep cut, bulge, or exposed cords?

546. What should you do if a tyre has a deep cut, bulge, or exposed cords?

Move the damaged tyre to another wheel position.
Increase the tyre pressure and continue driving.
✓ Stop using the tyre and arrange professional inspection or replacement.
Drive slowly until the next scheduled service.

Cuts, bulges, and exposed cords can indicate serious structural damage. The tyre may fail suddenly and should not be used normally.

Damaged vehicle tyre requiring inspection
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

547. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Instrument-panel brightness.
✓ Interior lighting.
Dipped headlights.
Parking lights.

This control operates the vehicle's interior lighting. Depending on the vehicle, the lights can be switched on manually or set to illuminate automatically when a door is opened.

Control for the vehicle's interior lighting
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas in Germany?

548. What is the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas in Germany?

70 km/h.
✓ 100 km/h.
Other speed limit.
90 km/h.

In Germany, the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas is 100 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Speed limits for cars outside built-up areas
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

549. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Exterior mirror adjustment.
Power-steering control.
Cruise control.
✓ Steering-wheel adjustment.

This control adjusts the position of the steering wheel. Depending on the vehicle, the steering wheel may be moved up or down and forwards or backwards to obtain a safe and comfortable driving position.

Control for adjusting the steering-wheel position
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

550. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Electric window control.
Window lock.
Child safety lock.
Central door locking.

This control operates the vehicle's electric windows. Pressing or pulling the switch lowers or raises the corresponding window.

Switch for operating an electric window
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA