9:05

Side 1

The driving schools theory book

English version translation by Geoff Abbey

ordinary cars
The driving schools
theory book
for category B
English version
translation by
Geoff Abbey

CONTENTS

23/03/10

ALPHABETIC

NY_DKU B-teoribogomslag (GB)

ordinary cars
The driving schools
theory book
for category B
Translation by
Driving Instructor

Geoff Abbey.

CONTENTS
ALPHABETIC

The driving schools theory book for category B

The English version 1, 3. issue March 2010 translated by
Driving Instructor Geoff Abbey Copenhagen International Driving School
WWW.learn2drive.dk e-mail abbey@get2net.dk

ISBN 87-85024-85-3
2010 by The Danish driving instructors union
Compiled by DK-Us theory book commitee
Layout, text and DTP: MarkeTeam Reklamebureau
Photographs: Poul Madsen og Flemming Borcher
Repro and print: Rosendahls-Schultz Grafisk A/S
Printed in Denmark 2010
No reproduction or duplication of any parts of this book is allowed without
the written permission of CenterEllested A/S The Danish Driving Instuctors Union.
Offices:
Dansk Trafikskole Materiel A/S
Ellested, 5853 rbk
Telephone 63 33 15 10, telefax 65 33 22 22
www.CenterEllested.dk
www.CE-Butikken.dk
dtm@CenterEllested.dk
The driving schools theory book for an ordinary car is compiled in compliance
with the latest version of the tuition curriculum lesson plans for driving
tuition for category B. It contains the curriculum that must be undergone and
learned before one can apply for a theory test as well as the practical part
for the final driving test for an ordinary car.
When this book was compiled emphasis was laid on it being in an instructive
and easily understandable form that can ease the driving students ability to
obtain a driving licence. The exhaustive table of contents also increases the
value of the book for quick reference and for refreshing the motorists memory
in the future.

Issued by CenterEllested A/S The Danish driving instructors union

The tutorial curriculum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Help and more knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Part 1

Set up, equipment and documents

Instruments and control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Engine, ignition and accelerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Clutch and gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Responsibility and steering equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Lighting equipment, reflectors and the horn . . . . . . . . 21
Suspension parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Bodywork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Special equipment, special vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Vehicle documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Energy and environmentally correct driving . . . . . . . . 27

Part 2

Manoeuvres at the intial manoeuvre track

Before starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Manoeuvres/and checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Part 3

Ability to manoeuvre
Speed, driving capability and observation. . . . . . . . . . 35
Ordinary cars and delivery vans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Lorries, including buses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Cars with trailers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Tractors, including farm implements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Motorcycles and registered EU mopeds . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Ordinary mopeds and bicycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Part 4

Road users behaviour

Perception and reaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Vision and movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Judging of speeds and distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Legal requirements for health and driving . . . . . . . . . 57
Other road users behaviour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Judging other road-users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

ALPHABETIC

Introduction

CONTENTS

Contents

Part 5

Road conditions
Extent of roads safety layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Hazards on roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Safe and effortless traffic flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Part 6

Fundamental rules for driving

Instructions for driving in traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Part 7

Manoeuvres on the roads

1. Setting off and stopping by the side of the road . . . 90
2. Positioning when driving straight ahead . . . . . . . . 91
3. Speed while driving straight ahead. . . . . . . . . . . . 93
4. Changing lanes and merging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
5. Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
6. Driving past parked vehicles and pedestrians etc . 105
7. Meeting others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
8. Driving in front of or behind others . . . . . . . . . . 112
9. Overtaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
10. Approaching crossroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
11. Driving straight ahead at crossroads . . . . . . . . . . 129
12. Turning right at crossroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
13. Turning left at crossroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
14. Driving in roundabouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
15. Driving on motorways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
16. Night driving and at lighting up time in general . . 154
17. Driving beside others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
18. Stopping and parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
19. Driving in redeveloped areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Part 8

Manoeuvres at the technical installation

Roadholding and loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Speeds, braking lengths and roadholding . . . . . . . . . 175
Obstructions on the carriageway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Regaining control after skidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Keeping control after driving over a high edge. . . . . . 181

Conditions for obtaining a driving licence . . . . . . . . . 185

The driving test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Laws and regulations applying to a driving licence . . . 190
The end and the beginning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Extra 1

List of signs
Under plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Warning signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Give way signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Prohibition signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Compulsory signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Informative signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Area or zone signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Direction signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Service signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Side markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Traffic lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Extra 2

Alphabetical table of contents

A - Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

CONTENTS

Preparations for the driving test

ALPHABETIC

Part 9

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Introduction

driving licence alone cannot make you a good driver. A driving

licence is just the initial proof that you have passed the drivers
test, that you have been taught and understand the basic rules.
Gradually as you become more accustomed to driving, you will
become more experienced in tackling unexpected situations and
As a motorist you always have a great responsibility. The majority
of accidents occur because of human error.
It is more or less with these words that this book on theory ends.
But first of all there is a lot that you need to learn.

The tuition plans demands set by

Denmarks Road Safety and Transport Agency

In reality it is the D.R.S.T.A who decide just exactly what it is you must
learn at the driving school. The D.R.S.T.A have made a plan that gives
a precise description of the aims for what you need to know in order to
sit for and pass the driving test. You and your driving instructor ara
responsible that the lessons are planned in accordance with the tuition
plan. You can find the tuition plan at the local theory class.

The six major aims for the educational plan are meant to give you

I N T R O D U C T I O N

will be able to understand traffic in the round.

ALPHABETIC

We might as well tell you right away what this book ends with. A

CONTENTS

This is what you need to learn

The six major aims for the tuition plan are meant to give you
- insight into and understanding not just of the hazards and difficulties you, as a motorist, will meet in traffic, but also knowledge of traffic laws and other important legal requirements

- a degree of knowledge of the car and its controls, so that you

can identify faults that are important for safety
- understanding of some of the human conditions that determine
driving ability. This understanding should strengthen your own
abilitiy, correct your limitations, and in turn help you predict
other road users difficulties in traffic
- the ability to judge traffic critically and to drive the vehicle
without being a danger to yourself or others
- attitudes that lead to you becoming a considerate, responsible
I N T R O D U C T I O N

and knowledgeable motorist

- and finally, teach you about the weaker road-users in traffic.

This book is based on the D.R.S.T.As tuition plan, so that you should
learn almost everything that is written in the next 212 pages. A small
part of it is general knowledge, but the majority of it you must learn
really well, so that you can use it in traffic and directly in both the
theory and the practical driving tests.
You can read more about the driving course and driving test in part 9.

Help and further information

If, during the course, you missed or have since forgotten a definition
of a word or an expression, you can try using the index at the back of
this book. You will find references for the most important words and
concepts.
This book does not contain any self- evaluation and assessment tests
but if you wish, they are available in a separate booklet.

More information about traffic, traffic movement and life as a

motorist can be found on the Internet.
Danish Driving Instructors-Union, www.dk-u.dk or www.korekort.dk
Here you can find an example of a self-assessment test.
The D.R.S.T.A, www.fstyr.dk for among other things, traffic matters
and politics, as well as projects and exciting research in this area.
Vejdirektoratet-Traffic management, www.vd.dk. Here you will find
all the road signs for example, and be able to read more about signposting. In the winter you will be able to get weather reports on roads.
Union of traffic safety, www.faerdselssikkerhed.dk, where it's possible
to read about campaigns.
Kraks vejviser, www.krak.dk, a route planner. To help you find a
description of the easiest route between two destinations in Denmark.

CONTENTS

I N T R O D U C T I O N

ALPHABETIC

Falcks motorist pages, www.falck.dk/BilistNet (with links to Shell

Geostar will also help you find international routes), where you can
also ask questions about traffic and motoring.
Forenede Danske Motorejere-Federation of Danish Motorists,
www.fdm.dk. This is the motorists own organisation giving lots of
good advice.
There is a great deal of information available apart from what you can
read in this book. It is the contents of this book and your driving
instructors lessons that must help you on your way to understanding
and learning everything that is necessary to become a good motorist
and pass the driving tests.
I N T R O D U C T I O N

Good luck!

10

11

Q8 Kort er den nemme og fleksible mde at

tanke p bde til bilen og kleskabet. Du
behver ikke bekymre dig om at have kontanter og du sparer bde tid og besvr, nr
du tanker eller handler hos Q8. Med 350 servicestationer fordelt over hele landet er der
aldrig langt til nrmeste Q8 station - heller
ikke langs motorvejene.
Kun hos Q8 - p de fleste og strste Q8 servicestationer kan du benytte:

Du parkerer bilen i vaskehallen, indtaster det nskede

vaskeprogram og betaler med
kortet ligesom p en Dankortautomat.

SprinklerTanken tank sprinklervske som du tanker benzin og slip for

sjatter og lse dunke i bilen. Betalingen
klarer du i butikken.

QvikTanken = Lavpris betal direkte ved

standeren, ligesom p en Dankortautomat.
Du fr 15 re i rabat pr. liter benzin og
30 re pr. liter diesel.

Du fr op til en mneds kredit p alle kb,

der afregnes samlet n gang om mneden.
Ved betaling over BetalingsService slipper
du for renter. Du kan selv bestemme din
PIN-kode.

QvikVasken er en kortautomat placeret

lige ved vaskehallen.

Bestil et Q8 Kort p www.Q8.dk eller

telefon 8020 8888.

www.Q8.dk

CONTENTS

I N T R O D U C T I O N

ALPHABETIC

P A

12
1

Part 1: Set-up, equipment and documents

track. Your driving instructor will show you the most important
things about the cars controls, the steering wheel, warning lights,
pedals, gears and seat belts. You have probably already seen them,
but as a motorist you have to know their different functions and
the requirements for them. Your driving instructor will explain

these to you.

Instruments and warning lamps

You must be able to understand the importance of the speedometer
and temperature gauge. You must also be able to understand the

ALPHABETIC

After reading this part you should start on the initial manoeuvre

CONTENTS

This is how the car works

importance of the oil pressure, ignition, of checking that all the lights
are working, that there are no faults in the braking system, parking

13

P A

things out, you have to know how the car works. You will learn this in
this part of the book. Luckily you do not have to be a mechanic to
understand it. But it is important knowledge. Once you have it, it will
make it easier for you to drive properly and to operate the car
correctly.
The gears are used to utilize the
The clutch transmits power

engine's revolutions as best as possible.

from engine to gearbox.

The brakes are used
The engines task is simply to
make the car move.

Engine, ignition and accelerator

However before you go on to the manoeuvre track and try these

brake, ABS-brakes and of checking the airbags and door locks.

to stop the car.

Engine, ignition and accelerator

The engines task is simply to make the car move. But how? First of all
you turn the ignition key clockwise. As soon as the engine starts you
must let go of the key, in order to avoid damage to the starter motor.
The starter motor is powered by the cars battery, and in turn starts
the cars engine.
Cars run on petrol or diesel. In petrol engines the fuel is ignited by
spark plugs. In diesel engines the diesel is self-ignited by high compression. Common for both fuel types is that, when mixed with air
they are combusted in the engine. This makes the pistons move up
and down. The pistons are connected to a rotating crankshaft. Their
movements are converted to rotational movements. It's this movement
that is transmitted to the traction wheels via the clutch and gearbox.
The majority of cars today have front wheel drive.
P A
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14

Pistons

Crankshaft

- the engine does not emit excess gasses or noise

- the engine is not covered in leaking oil
- the exhaust system is airtight and must be secured by brackets
and straps.

There are some potential hazards that you need to learn to keep an
eye open for, e.g.:
- If the exhaust system is not airtight, especially if you are driving
with an open hatchback, there is a risk of inhaling exhaust
gasses that contain carbon monoxide. It is poisonous and odour-

CONTENTS

You must be able to check that:

ALPHABETIC

The engine and exhaust system

less. You must therefore be really careful!

- there is a risk of damaging the catalytic converter, if you refuel
the car with leaded petrol. Precaution! you should never park a

- too little oil in the engine or too little water in the cooling
system will damage the engine.
Engine faults can be seen in the exhaust. You should be able to
identify the most common faults thus:
- black exhaust gasses normally indicate poor combustion due to
a fault in engine, a blocked air filter or a defective choke
- excessive noise when you tread on the accelerator indicates a
fault in the silencer
- if you depress the accelerator, and hear increasing revs
without the car increasing speed, could indicate a faulty clutch
- if it is difficult to change gear, or is it very noisy when you do,
it can be a fault in the gears or the clutch
- if the car surges slowly forwards in first gear, even though the
clutch is depressed completely, this indicates a faulty clutch.

15

and can cause a fire

P A

etc. The catalytic converter gets extremely hot after driving,

car with a catalytic converter over long dry grass, dry leaves

Clutch
The clutch transmits the engine's movements to the gearbox. It works
by a plate connecting to a rotating flywheel that sits at the end of the
crankshaft. By this means the movements are transmitted to the gearbox.

The engine is engaged

The engine is disengaged

P A
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T

16

When you have depressed the clutch pedal fully you have disengaged
the connection between the engine and the gearbox. You need to do
this, for example, to change gear or to stop. It is also best to depress
the clutch pedal fully when you start the engine.
When you need to get the car moving, you need to find the clutch
point. That means at the biting point where the engine and gearbox
are connected. It may be difficult. Bring the clutch up slowly when
starting in first gear. This way you avoid the car hopping forwards or
stalling. In ordinary cars, where you have a hydraulic clutch, you need
to be aware if there is enough fluid in the reservoir.

Gears and gearbox

The gears should be used to get the best performance from the revolutions of the engine. You will probably be familiar with this from an
ordinary bicycle with gears. If you select a low gear to start you can
start off more easily or drive slowly or up a steep hill. If you select a
higher gear it is normally because you are already at speed. You select
gears according to the type of driving you are doing.

connected to the drive wheels of the

car. The gearbox comprises of a

set of cogwheels that are engaged.

One cogwheel is connected to the
clutch, the other to the drive wheels. The size of the cogwheels in
use depends on the gear you
are in. You determine this with the

CONTENTS

In the gearbox the clutch is

ALPHABETIC

And there is a reverse gear to make the car drive backwards.

gear stick. In this way you have

control over how the engine's

As the owner or registered user of a vehicle it is your responsibi-

lity that it meets the demands of the law.

As a driver you are responsible that the vehicle is in a safe and roadworthy condition. You must ensure that steering, brakes, lights, the
horn, the engine, the exhaust, and the suspension are all working properly. If you are driving with a trailer you have to check that the connection is safe and hitched up properly.

Steering
The steering is arranged so that, when you turn the steering wheel,
the front wheels turn immediately too. In just about any modern car
today the steering straightens up on it's own, e.g. after you have turned a corner. It's called a self-centering steering.
All modern cars have power assisted steering, which makes it easy to
turn the steering wheel. If a car with power steering is heavy to
turn, it can be because it's lacking fluid. This can be seen in the reservoir. It can be that the drive belt is broken or worn.

17

P A

Responsibilities

movement is transmitted.

You can find that the car turns more sharp or more softly in bends than it
should in response to the steering wheel. This is called either over or under
steering. This tendency can be worse, if tyre pressures are wrong or the
vehicle is incorrectly loaded.

The law states steering must be safe that the car must steer easily,
safely and quickly. There must be no noticeable play in any part of the

steering column or the system as a whole.

P A
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18

In modern cars there should not be any play at all (in cars with power
steering this should be checked with the engine running).

You must check that:

- the steering can be turned freely, and there is no resistance or knocking
- that the wheels straighten by themselves.
- power steering fluid must be between min. max. marks.

The brakes
Nobody should be in any doubt that the cars brakes must work.
When you tread on the brake pedal, you activate a plunger in the main braking cylinder. In this manner pressure is created. The brake fluid under
pressure is sent through the tubing and hosepipes, where the brake pads
are pressed against a brake drum or disc, so that the wheels are held.
When you brake, the car does not stop immediately. The distance that the
car moves from the time you start braking until it comes to a complete
standstill is called the braking length. The braking length depends on e.g.
how fast you are driving, and how hard you brake.
You can read more about braking lengths on pages 176/177.

brake pads are pressed outwards against a

drum.

CONTENTS

They are called brake drums, because the

ALPHABETIC

There are two types of brakes, drums and discs.

The disc brake has its name, because

two pads squeeze against a disc that is

19

P A

on the rear.

The majority of cars have disc brakes on the front wheels and drums

attached to the wheel hub.

A two circuit braking system is constructed as shown so that, if one

circuit should fail, the secondary circuit acts as an emergency system.
It is dangerous and illegal to continue if one circuit is out of order.

Some cars have ABS brakes. This means antilock brake system. You can
not steer the car, if the wheels are locked. With ABS brakes it is theoretically possible to steer and brake at the same time, because the
wheels do not lock even if you brake really hard.
There is an electrical spy sensor at each wheel that registers every
rotation of the wheel and sends impulses to a control box. If while
braking there is a tendency that one or more of the wheels are about
to lock the electronic control box will regulate the brake pressure.
When this happens you will feel vibrations in the brake pedal.
The parking brake (handbrake) is mechanical and works on one set of
wheels on the same axle. In older cars it can be used as an emergency
brake should the braking system suddenly fail.
The hydraulic brake system (footbrake) gives power assistance that
P A

increases the pressure in the braking system, when you tread on the

R
T

20

brake pedal. If the brakes power assistance fails, it could be dangerous to continue driving.

What the law says about the brakes

- the footbrake must work on all wheels. It must be effective,
fast and safe at all speeds and with all loads
- the parking brake must be able to hold the car stationary on an
incline
- the emergency brake (parking brake or one circuit of a two circuit system) must be able to brake the car efficiently and safely if the footbrake system were suddenly to fail.

You must be able to check the following, that

- the brake pedal has approx. 1 cm free play when fully up
- the brake pedal may only be pressed halfway down, even when
depressed hard and quickly
- the brake pedal must feel firm and not sink, when holding the
brake pedal depressed and under constant pressure
- if the car has vacuum power assistance, the brake pedal should
sink slightly, when you hold it down and start the engine
- the brake fluid should be between the min. and max. marks.

need to be towed away for repair.

You must be aware of faults that can arise in the braking system.
If the car pulls to one side when you brake slightly on a flat road, this

can be due to dirty or wet brake pads. When you wash the car water
can leak into the brake linings, but it will disappear when you start
braking. Do a little braking test before you join traffic. You can also
find that the car brakes are uneven or snatch. This can be due to a
fault in the brake drums, discs or the linings.
And finally, if the ABS warning does not go out shortly after you have

CONTENTS

If as a motorist you discover that these things do not work the car will

ALPHABETIC

It is not just at the driving test that these things have to be in order.

started the car there is something wrong. This means you should not

must be fitted if they are compulsory, or lighting that may be fitted

ie. they are permissible. The compulsory light reflectors and horn are
naturally the most important.

In front there must be

- two lights with main beams that illuminate 100 m ahead
- two lights with asymmetric dipped lights that can illuminate
the road minimum 30 m without dazzling
- two parking/side lights that can be seen by others 300 m away
- two indicator lights

The front headlights

must be white or yellow.
In some lights full beam
dipped and parking/side
lights can be incorporated in one unit.

21

The car may only be equipped with lighting and reflectors that either

P A

Light reflectors and horn

drive any further.

At the rear of the vehicle there must be

- two rear lights that are visible to others at a distance of 300 m
- two brake lights
- minimum of one number plate illuminator
- two indicators
- two red reflectors

A number of lights can be incorporated in one unit, e.g. rear lights and stop lights.

P A
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22

be mounted correctly. They can be substituted with yellow side

marking lights that are visible at a distance of 300 m away without
dazzling. Newer cars, that are longer than 6 m, must be fitted with
side reflectors and side marking lights. They can be incorporated in

one lighting unit.

On cars that are wider than 2,10 m two marking lights in addition
must be fitted facing forwards and two facing backwards.
Now here we have the permissible lights and reflectors:
- extra full beam lights
- day time driving lights

CONTENTS

If the car has yellow side reflectors they must be approved and

ALPHABETIC

On each side of the vehicle there must be an indicator light.

- extra brake lights

- extra rear lights
- fog lights

- parking lights
- white reflectors at the front
- yellow reflectors on the sides
- extra red reflectors behind
- full beam/dipped lights that can be connected in such a manner,
that they can be used as an overtaking flashing light, when pressing a spring loaded switch.
Note that there are special rules for permissible lights,
that are not mentioned here.
You should be able to check that:
- all the lights are working
- that the bulbs are fitted correctly (checked by looking at the
outer edge from light to dark)
- dipped head lights must illuminate the road 30 m ahead
without dazzling
- brake lights are much brighter than the rear lights, when you
tread on the brake pedal
- the indicator flashes with a yellow light that should be visible,
even in strong sunlight

23

- markings- and side marking lights

P A

- search- and flood lamps

- reversing lights

- all the indicator lights can be switched on from one switch, so

that they work as all directional hazard warning lights,
- the rear number plate must be readable at a distance of 20 m
- the lights in any one set of lights should be identical in colour,
shape and light intensity
- the horn must have a clear, constant tone.

Suspension
The parts of the cars suspension are the chassis (or chassis frame),
the wheels (e.g. tyres, rims and wheel bearings), wheel suspension
(with axles) as well as springs and shock absorbers.

P A

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24

The legal requirements are that

- tyres and rims must not be damaged in any way
- all four tyres must be of the same type (except the one on the
spare wheel), and should be inflated to the correct pressure as
recommended by their manufacturer

- studded tyres may only be used from 1 November until the 15

April, and they must be fitted on all four wheels
- the car must be fitted with a shock absorber for each wheel.

There are a number of different types of tyres: radial, crossply

and winter/off road (with >> M +S << - markings). There is also a
special type of temporary emergency spare wheel.

- the main tread is a minimum of 1.6 mm deep. This you should

be able to do with the help of a tread wear indicator
- all four shock absorbers must work properly. This means that
the car should stop rocking up and down after movement.
Some tyres must comply with a correct rotational direction.

You must be particularly aware of any faults in the suspension:

- This could for example be that the tyre wear is squint or uneven. If this is the case it can be due to incorrect tyre pressure,
defective wheels or wheel alignment/balancing defective brakes or shock absorbers. These kinds of faults should be correct-

CONTENTS

You must be able to check that:

ALPHABETIC

Tyres and shock absorbers

ed immediately
- if the car pulls to one side when you brake slightly, if it is very
sensitive to sidewinds, or if you experience unusual over or

or shock absorbers.

The bodywork
The bodywork is the "shell" of the car, i.e. that means the roof and
sides, bonnet, hatch, doors and floorboards. Apart from being the
cars "shell", the bodywork can also be the cars chassis. All new cars
have self-suspended bodywork.
The bodywork must protect the people who are in the car and must
not be a danger to other road users. No sharp edges (for example
because of rust) or any parts protruding from the bodywork. Nor should there be any part inside the car that can be a danger to the driver
or passengers.
Doors, bonnet or boot/hatch must have locks that can stay closed
during driving. The doors must have safety catches, so that they do
not fly open were the locks to fail.

25

- if the car creaks while driving it may have a fault in the springs

P A

This should be put right immediately

under steering, this could be due to incorrect tyre pressures.

Special equipment

The legal requirements are that cars must normally be fitted with
safety seat belts on all forward facing seats. New cars, registered

after October 1999, must have seat belts on backward facing seats. All
seat belts must be approved. The car must be fitted with headrests on
the front seats. The front windscreen must be kept clean with cleaning fluid and windscreen wipers fitted. The car must be fitted with a
rear view mirror and an external drivers mirror fitted on the left side.
When driving, you should bring an approved warning triangle with you,
so that you will have to hand when you are required to put it up. You
can read more about this on page 84.

Special vehicles
With respect to the set up of and the equipment for other vehicles
that you are permitted to drive with a category B driving licence
P A

(delivery vans, trailers for ordinary vehicles and delivery vans,

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26

3-wheeled motorcycles, registered mopeds, tractors and motorised

implements), there are special rules. They concern the vehicles

length and width, as well as markings about allowed loads and total
weight, brakes, lighting, tyres, mirrors, attachments for trailers and
trailer signs.

The vehicles documents

All cars have a registration document.
In it you will find
the vehicles gross
weight, and its permitted total weight
and, if applicable,
the weight of the
trailer that is allowed to be towed.

exempt. In that case a special certificate is not required but the

exemption will be stated in the registration document. With the vehicles registration certificate and possible trailer certificate you will be
able as the driver, to decide whether the car and a trailer are allowed

to be hitched up.

When you are driving with a trailer, you must bring with you both
the cars and the trailers registration certificates and any trailer

attachment certificate. If you are driving abroad, the original documents only must be with you. In Denmark copies will suffice.

CONTENTS

must have a trailer certificate. The vehicle can also be certification

ALPHABETIC

If the car is registered to haul one or more specific trailers the vehicle

Energy-saving and environmentally friendly driving

Energy friendly driving saves fuel but it can also save lives. Energy

Energy friendly driving is not necessarily dawdling along, but it is

calm, considerate driving. For example when approaching a traffic light controlled road junction, you can normally judge if it will be necessary to stop (for a yellow or red light) or not. If it is necessary there
will be no point in approaching at a high speed jamming on the brakes
at the last minute. Energy friendly driving will typically save 5-10% in
fuel. It's also advisable not to leave the engine idling too long time.
This pollutes in any cause. You can manage by just restarting the
engine just before moving off.

The legal requirements are that cars must be driven in a manner

that does not cause unnecessary noise or emit smoke or gasses in

excessive amounts.
Unnecessary or nuisance driving is not permitted in residential areas.
If it is necessary to drive there, you must drive in a manner that it
causes the least disturbance as possible.
Note that there can be a local ban on leaving your engine running for
more than a certain amount of time. This kind of information about
regulations should be available from your local police district.

27

but adjust your speed to your surroundings.

P A

sary changes of speed. This means that you do not drive aggressively

friendly driving simply means that you avoid high speeds and unneces-

P A

28
2

Part 2: Manoeuvres on the manoeuvre track

you familiar with the car before driving in traffic.

This part of the course is practical and takes place on the initial
manoeuvre track where you learn the most. The aim of this part is
to prepare you for what your driving instructor is going to teach

you. You can use this section of the book as preparation and as a
checklist.

Before you start the car

The training on the initial manoeuvre track is intended to give you
basic training in how to drive a car.

ALPHABETIC

The whole idea of practising on the manoeuvre track is to make

CONTENTS

This is something you can look forward to

There are a number of things that you must do before you start the
car for your own and for other peoples safety. The more checking

and under the seats, as well as on top of the instrument panel and the
rear parcel shelf. It could be disastrous if a bottle under a seat or on
the floor rolled under the brake pedal.
Adjust the drivers
seat so that you are
seated comfortably,
and so that you can
operate the clutch,
brake, accelerator
and steering wheel
and are able to read
the instruments.

Note that certain types of shoes are unsuitable for driving. This can
make operation of the pedals a lot more difficult
- and in turn be a danger to yourself or others.

29

Check that there are no loose objects in the car. This applies to on

P A

car. Make sure that all windows, mirrors and lights are kept clean.

becomes routine the easier and more natural it will be to check the

Always be aware of the

cars blind spots. The first
time you are driving, you
should check where the
blind spots are in the car.
Blind spots are due to
window corner panels and
bodywork. All cars have
blind spots diagonally
forwards and diagonally
backwards. However, the
size of the blind spots can vary, depending on the type of car. Common to all, though, is that they are dangerous because they can hide
a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even a small car at a distance. Read more
about blind spots on pages 37/39.
P A
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30

Adjust mirrors, to ensure a good view without your having to move

around too much. Fasten seat belts. If it's the first time you are dri-

ving the car, you should familiarize yourself with how to release the
seat belt so that you can get out quickly, if necessary.
Practice on the manoeuvre track should make you familiar with the
- operation of the doors locking mechanism and key locks
- clutch, accelerator and brake pedals
- gearstick and handbrake levers
- switches for lights, windscreen wipers, defroster, heated
rear window, sunshade, etc.
Now you are ready to start the car. Enjoy yourself!

The checklist
The following list shows you the exercises your driving instructor
should teach you on the manoeuvre track. There are nine exercises
altogether. As a golden rule, you have achieved a safe standard when
you can carry out an exercise faultlessly twice in succession. The exercises should be carried out at low speed. It becomes more difficult gradually, and therefore it is more natural if you learn them in this order:

- start the engine. This means,

you must know how the steering
lock, ignition, choke and starter
motor work. You need to keep

the engine idling - and restart if

the engine stalls
- change from neutral to 1st gear with the engine running
- check for any obstructions ahead, beside and behind
- release the handbrake
- set off gently and drive forwards slowly

CONTENTS

You must learn how to

ALPHABETIC

1 and 2. Setting off and stopping

- bring the car gently to a stop disengaging the clutch.

afterwards change into neutral.

ahead, keep your thumbs on the inside of

wheel. Your hands are placed equivalent
to "a quarter to three" on a watch face.
You should drive forwards in 1st gear in a
big figure of eight. When turning sharply, hold your hands so that they
are vertically opposite each other. Then you move the lower hand up
to the top, crossing arms. At the same time move the other hand back
to the starting point. If you need to turn even more sharply, just repeat the process.
4. Forwards and backwards with measured braking
You need to learn how to judge the length of the car.
This you do by driving forwards and
braking. You should stop exactly so that
the bumper just touches the marker cone without
knocking it over. The same exercise should be practised in reverse.

31

wheel correctly. When driving straight

P A

You must learn how to hold the steering

3. Here you should drive in a figure of eight

5. Reversing and turning

You must learn to reverse and turn
at the same time. You need to be
confident in:
- driving approx. 20-30 m in a
straight line backwards. You
must drive at a steady speed keeping a look out behind.
- turning, both to the left and right whilst reversing. You should
turn around a marker, keeping a look out of the side windows.
- straighten up rapidly after turning to continue in a straight line.
6. Forward and reverse slalom
Here you need to
become even better at
steering and regulating your
P A

speed at the same time. This is done by slalom backwards and

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32

forwards between 5- 6 cones with approx.10 m spaces. This should be

continuous without stopping - and without knocking cones over.

7. Parking on the side of the road

You must be able to judge the cars width. You practise this by parking
forwards with the aid of a marked kerb on your right. There
should be plenty of space in
which to manoeuvre the first
time. Later on it should be tried with less space so that the right hand wheels are approximately. 20
cm from the kerb. The car should be parked parallel with the kerb.
8. Driving in 2nd gear, right turn and braking hard without locking
the wheels
Here you have to learn to coordinate a number of things the same
time. You must be confident with the following:
- from standstill, accelerating to 20-25 km/h changing from 1st to
2nd gear
- keeping on course and maintaining a constant speed
- turning around a mark in 2nd gear, ie sharp street corners.
First close to the kerb and later with the wheels 20-30 cm from

- braking and stopping in the shortest possible distance at the

highest practicable speed possi

2. gear

1. gear

ble and without the wheels

locking.
9. Turning
You must learn to make U-turns.
This should be accomplished on a
wide, marked carriageway. You

CONTENTS

turn

ALPHABETIC

the kerb during the whole of the

also have to be able to execute

three point turns by driving
forwards and backwards on a wide, marked carriageway. You should

You need to be able to do this

forwards and in reverse.
There are two manoeuvres:
- when parking forwards
and backwards you
must park in a marked
bay in the direction of
travel. The car should
be centered in the bay
as best as possible.
- when practising reverse parking parallel with the kerb in an
area marked "Parking" the right hand wheels must be a maximumof 30 cm from the kerb. You can use this list as a checklist,
when you come to the manoeuvre track. After you have finished you should feel confident with all nine manoeuvres, so confident that, when you drive in traffic you will be able to concentrate on the rest of the traffic, traffic rules and conditions.

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33

P A

10. Parking in parking bays

repeat the exercise in narrower and more confined conditions.

Kan du finde vej?

Internettets genvej [?] Keywords

Keyword Danmark
Vallensbkvej 25, 2605 Brndby
Tlf.: 70 262 268 Fax: 70 261 268
Hent din GRATIS Keyword funktionalitet p:
www.keyword-danmark.dk
eller p keyword: kwdk

Part 3: Vehicles ability to manoeuvre

need to understand how other vehicles "behave". By doing so you

can become predictive and considerate in traffic and you can contribute by helping to avoid serious accidents.
Part 3 is special because it prepares you for both the theory and

the driving test. This part outlines the hazards that you will find
with other vehicles. These hazards you need to perceive, judge
and react suitably to. Or in other words: this part should draw your
attention to typical hazards that you need to observe and tackle
both in theory and in practical driving lessons.

ALPHABETIC

As a motorist you need not only know about driving a car, you also

CONTENTS

You learn to judge other vehicles

You have to learn about other vehicles ability to manoeuvre and some
of the difficulties they typically encounter. This means you need to

- ability drivers of the vehicles have to see around them.

These conditions can be the cause of accidents. Therefore it is important that your driving instructor explains about typical hazards, both
in the theory lessons and during your driving lessons.
Speed
A vehicles speed is dependent on its ability to acceleration, its top
speed and its braking.
- Ability to accelerate tells us just how fast a vehicle gets up to
a particular speed. The ability to accelerate is dependent on
the size of its engine in comparison with the weight of the
vehicle. For example a lorry without a load can accelerate
nearly as fast as a normal passenger car.
- Top speed tells us just how fast a vehicle can reach its maximum speed.
- Ability to brake tells us just how quickly its speed can be
reduced again.

35

- ability to steer, but also about the

P A

- speed and

know about their

Responsiveness to steering
Responsiveness to steering depends on the vehicles ease of steering,
directional stability and sensitivity to sidewinds. A vehicle that has the
greatest weight over its rear axle is normally easier to steer, the greater the sensitivity to sidewinds the less directionally stable. In addition
a vehicle with the greatest weight over its rear axle has a tendency to
over steer. A vehicle that has the greatest weight over its front axle is
less responsive, less sensitive to sidewinds and more directional stable.
In addition a vehicle with the greatest weight over its front axle has a
tendency to under steer. Look at the picture about over/under steering
on page 18.
- Responsiveness to steering tells us just how quickly the vehicle
responds when the steering wheel or handlebars are turned.
- Directional stability tells us just how good the vehicle is at
keeping on course when driving straight ahead.
P A

- Sensitivity to sidewinds depends on how easily the vehicle is

affected by sidewinds.

36

Ability to be able to see and hear

The drivers ability to see depends on e.g. the shape of the vehicle
body, if windows and other glass are clean, whether driving with a
load, the drivers personal equipment e.g. (crash helmet or goggles)
and any noise (for example from the engine or radio). You can read
more about on the following pages.

Cars and delivery vans

Speed
- cars and delivery vans are amongst the fastest in terms of acceleration and top speed
- of all types of vehicles they have the best braking ability
- there is a big difference between some cars and vans acceleration. You must beware of this when you overtake or set off
from the side of the road. But it's also important when choosing
a lane, for example at intersection.
You will notice certain types of
fast cars by their wide tyres,
wide wheelbase and a very low
height in comparison with the
width of the car.

ease of steering. But on the other hand directional stability and sensitivity to sidewinds can vary, depending on the shape of the bodywork
and how the vehilcles are loaded.

Ability to be able to see and hear

- in some cars the window corner panels or supports can be so
wide that they hide a car crossing at a distance of 100 m.
- in the majority of cars the rear window corner panels cause
blind spots to the left and right. They can hide another road
user driving closely behind (see page 30)

CONTENTS

There is not any great difference between cars and delivery vans

ALPHABETIC

Responsiveness to steering

- side mirrors cannot detect what is hidden in the blind spots.

- vans without a rear window or with enclosed sides make it extra
difficult for the driver to be aware of you

Mirrors, window frames and bodywork give all cars and vans blind
spots. Beware particularly of blind spots when changing lanes and
when overtaking. But also when driving on bends and at road
junctions.

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37

P A

reduce the drivers view considerably.

- dirt, condensation, ice, snow or posters on the windows will

Lorries and buses

Speed
- lorries and buses accelerate slower than normal cars. You have
to be aware of this when you approach a lorry from behind or a
bus that is going to merge or change lanes.
- Note that because too poor ability to acceleration lorries often
bunch in convoy. Therefore you must take care when you overtake a lorry on a main road
- lorries have lower top speeds
- in a built-up areas a lorry may drive a a maximum of 50 km/h regardless of speed limits. This does not apply to buses.

Lorries and buses have

poorer braking abilities
P A

than ordinary cars. You

must be aware of this

38

when you are driving in

front of a lorry that close

behind you.

Responsiveness to steerring
- lorries are normally very directional stable and are not very
sensitive to side winds due to their greater weight and longer
axles
- medium sized or very big lorries need a lot of extra space in
order to get around a corner or for example turn. And if the
lorry has a load protruding there is a need for even more space.
You must be aware of this if you meet or overtake a lorry that
is turning.
High lorries with a light
load, or empty lorries
with high sides are sensitive to side winds. You
must be careful when you
overtake them, especially
if there is a strong wind.

on a bend. It
needs a lot of space and may have a
protruding load.

CONTENTS

you meet a lorry

ALPHABETIC

Be careful when

Ability to be able to see and hear

- Lorries have a lot more blind spots than ordinary cars. You need to
remember this, e.g. when they drive bunched in convoy or in rows

R
P A

39

but also before you change lanes, overtake, cross roads or turn

Along the lorrys sides there are

blind spots that can be so big
that they hide smaller
vehicles.

- the large external mirrors can make the blind spots in the
forward direction even greater
- if the load or a container obscures the cabins rear view window
the driver has a really bad view behind.
- lorry drivers cabins are sound-insulated and this makes it difficult for the driver to hear sounds from the outside. Therefore
you need to be particuarly careful of this in traffic.

Cars with trailers

Speed
Cars or lorries that are towing trailers normally accelerate very poorly.
They also have a lower top speed and often poor ability to brake compared with cars without trailers.
As for their speed limitations you should take the same precautions as
for lorries. See page 38.
Responsiveness to steering
- cars with trailers have a tendency to sway. Therefore be careful
when overtaking
- even though lorries generally have a good directional stability,
it can be poorer when they are towing trailers
- trailers can, if for example the road is slippery or while braking
P A

hard down hill, skid easily and end up jackknifed across the

R
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40

carriageway. You must beware of this if for example, you

overtake or meet another vehicle towing a trailer

- an ordinary car or van with a trailer or caravan is less directional stable and more sensitive to sidewinds.
Ability to be able to see and hear
You can be certain that the driver of a car towing a high trailer or caravan is not better able to beware of you than the driver of a lorry.
Therefore you should take the same precautions as with lorries. See
page 39.
Beware especially
when you catch up
on a car towing a
caravan. The
driver of the car
has a really bad
ability to see and
hear you, and a lot
of these drivers
are not used to
just using their
mirrors in order to
keep a look out
behind.

- tractors have good ability to accelerate

- the majority of tractors only brake on two wheels. Therefore
tractors and tractor-trailers normally are able to brake less well
than other vehicles. Besides it is not all tractors with trailers

that have the trailer equipped with brakes. Beware especially

of the poorer braking in cases where you meet a tractor that

R
P A

41

has a duty to give way to you.

CONTENTS

Speed

ALPHABETIC

Tractors as well as motorised implements

Tractors
Traktorer
havehar
low
entop
lavspeeds.
tophastighed.
A tractor
En istraktor
only allowed
m hjst
to kre
drive30
atkm/t,
30
km/h,
men but
kan can
somgenerally
regel kre
drive
hurtigere.
faster. Like
Som all
alleother
andre
slow
langsomtkrende
vehicles it must
bekretjer
fitted with
skal
a red
dentriangle
altid vre
on its
udstyret
rear. You
med
should,
en rdfor
trekant
example,
bagp.
beware
Du
of skal
its low
for speed
eksempel
when
vre
a tractor
opmrksom
drives out
p den
fromlave
a side
tophastighed,
road, or if you
nr en
overtake
traktor or
krer
meet
udone
fra on
en asidevej,
countryeller
roadnr
or in
dutown.
i vrigt overhaler eller
mder den p landevej eller i byen
- if a tractor brakes hard while turning it can topple over
- tractors, especially those with trailers, can easily be mistaken
for lorries. Actually it is just the big triangle and the slow
speed that can give you a hint as to whether it is a tractor with
a trailer or a lorry that is in front of you. And speed is always
difficult to judge.

Responsiveness to steering
- tractors transporting equipment are rather unstable and can
sway. You have to beware of this, for example when you meet a
tractor at a road junction or on a bend
- tractors with trailers have the same unstable steering responsiveness as cars towing trailers
- just as cars with trailers and caravans need a lot of extra space
for different manoeuvres, in the same way tractors with trailers
have a need for even more extra space.
IfHvis
the traktorens,
tractors or
the
eller
diggers
rendegrafront
wheels
verens,lift
forhjul
off the
ground
letter, steering
er styring
becomes
umulig. impossiP A

ble.

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42

Ability to be able to see and hear

If a tractor is towing an implement or a load the drivers rear-view
vision can be extremely reduced. So be careful if you are driving
behind a rig like this. The tractors engine noise can make it difficult
for the driver to hear anything. You have to be aware of this.

ched, because they are normally wider than other vehicles.

Sometimes wide machinery is marked with flashing yellow
warning lights
- tractors that have protruding load grab-arms and the like in

front - or maybe behind can easily tip a lot, when in motion, so

that the front wheels lift off the road. Steering is impaired greatly. Take great care when overtaking.

Motorcycles and registered mopeds

Speed

CONTENTS

- it can be difficult to overtake tractors with machinery atta-

ALPHABETIC

Special conditions

- a motorcycles acceleration is often greater than that of ordinary cars. You must be aware of this if you are turning in from
a side road or turning left in front of an oncoming motorcyclist

motorcyclists master the correct braking techniques. Therefore

always beware, if you drive in front of or behind a motorcyclist
especially in bad weather
- if the road is slippery or wet, a motorcyclist can easily skid or
fall.

A motorcycle can easily be mistaken for a moped that is a lot slower.

You can identify a motorcycle by its wider tyres, bulkier frame and larger number plate. The number plate is different from that of a
registered moped.

43

ught to have poorer braking ability. This is because only few

P A

- a motorcycle has brakes just as good as cars, but are often tho-

- a motorcycles top speed is much the same as a cars

Steering responsiveness Ability to steer

A solo motorcycle has the following abilities:
- big and heavy motorcycles are more directional stable than
small, light motorcycles especially scooters
- all motorcycles are side wind sensitive. Beware of this when
you meet or overtake a motorcycle - especially, if
there is a strong wind
- you must pay attention to motorcycles steering responsiveness
in traffic and their ability to change lanes quickly.
Motorcycles have a rather limited steering ease beware of this,
if a motorcycle overtakes you
or you meet one in a bend.
A passenger sitting incorrectly
P A

on a motorcycle can be the

R
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44

cause loss of steering ability.

There are special conditions for the motorcycles steering ability when
fitted with a sidecar or a motorcycle and trailer or both:
A motorcycle with a sidecar has the following responsiveness of
steering:
- it is less directional stable than a solo machine. You must
be aware of this if you meet one at a crossroads or in a bend
- when accelerating, it has a tendency to pull to the right
- when braking, it has a tendency to pull to the left
- when turning right, there is a possibility that the motorcycles
rear wheel lifts off the road.
When turning right, there is a
possibility that the sidecars
wheel lifts off the road.

- just like cars with trailers, motorcycles with trailers have a

tendency to sway. This applies especially to those types of
machine where the trailers are attached by a simple balljoint fitting.

Ability to be able to see and hear

- motorcyclists ability to be able to see and hear can be limited
by, for example, crash helmets, visors, goggles frames or maybe
windshields. Pay attention to the motorcyclists limited ability
to be able to see or hear when you meet a motorcyclist in
traffic

CONTENTS

steering

ALPHABETIC

A motorcycle with a trailer has the following responsiveness to

- dirt, rain or condensation on e.g. goggles or visors can easily

reduce the riders vision
- if a motorcycle does not have a mirror, then the motorcyclist

- because of the crash helmet the motorcyclist often has difficulty in hearing.
A motorcyclist, driving without
goggles or with the visor up,
will mostly have to keep his
eyes half shut or turn his or
her eyes head slightly to one
side. This impairs his ability to
see and hear.

Passengers on motorcycles
A pillion passenger who is not used to sitting on a motorcycle may not
lean to the same side as the rider. It is essential that he does so in
order for the motorcycle to drive through a bend correctly. Otherwise
it is difficult for the rider to steer.

45

extra attention when driving behind a motorcyclist

P A

will have to turn his head and body awkwardly. Always pay

will often not have a proper look behind, because then the rider

Registered mopeds
- can accelerate like motorcycles
- their top speed must be max. approx. 45 km/h, but is usually
higher
- registered mopeds can be mistaken for small motorcycles and
ordinary mopeds. You can identify the registered moped by
its small number plate with three digits.
Generally you should take the same precautions with a
registered moped as with a motorcycle, although it does not
have the same directional stability as a motorcycle and it is not
allowed to carry passengers.
Beware of the fact
that a registered
moped has a low
P A

top speed

R
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46

compared with
motorcycles and

cars.

Mopeds and bicycles

Speed
- normally mopeds drive faster than bicycles. Racing bikes with
high gears can actually drive faster than mopeds
- some mopeds are tuned illegally so that they can drive faster
than the 30 km/h they were constructed to drive at.
InI byer
townskrer
bicycles
andogmopeds
drive
rather fast
compared
with the rest
cykler
knallerter
forholdsvis
hurtigt
sammenlignet
med
ofden
thevrige
traffic.
You must
remember
thisnr
fordu
example
when you
turn right
trafik.
Det skal
du huske,
f.eks. svinger
til hjre
oreller
cross
a road.
krydser
en vej.

braking techniques correctly, and cyclists normally only brake

on the rear wheel. Beware of this especially if you are
driving close to a bicycle or a moped
- when braking very hard there is a risk that the cyclist may skid

or fall. A bicycle that only has a footbrake is difficult to stop

when the crank pedal arms are positioned vertically
- mopeds are often mistaken for bicycles. You can identify a
moped by its bulkier frame, it has an illuminated headlamp,
the rider wears a crash helmet and sits lower than a cyclist.

CONTENTS

due to the fact that the minority of moped riders master

ALPHABETIC

- both mopeds and bicycles have poor braking. This is

Responsiveness to steering
- mopeds and cyclists are not directional stable. Their directional
stability is poor when setting off and at low speed and increa-

an immediate influence on their cycles and can cause swaying

- beware of this tendency to sway when, for example, you come
across a moped or a bicycle on its way up a hill
- beware of a mopeds or bicycles side wind sensitivity as you
would if it were a motorcycle.

Side wind sensitivity and tendencies

to sway are increased, if the bicycle
is travelling with a
large or heavy load
/luggage, or
children.
Orientation abilities

47

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- the moped and cyclist riders head and body movements have

ses the faster the moped or cyclists goes

- they are very side wind sensitive

Ability to be able to see and hear

- the moped riders ability to be able to see and hear is the same
as that of a motorcyclist. Therefore you should take the same
precautions here
- cyclists ability to be able to see and hear can be impaired if
clothing is inappropriate, for example a jacket with a big hood
- moped riders without goggles are just like motorcyclists with a
tendency to have half shut eyes or their head turned slightly to
one side. Especially if it is raining or snowing their ability to be
able to see an hear becomes really poor.
In addition you should take the same precautions for moped riders
and cyclists ability to be able to see and hear or limitations as for
motorcyclists ability to see and hear or their limitations.
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Even though cyclist have an optimal ability to see and hear, proper

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48

awareness requires a good look behind. This means that the cyclist
has to turn his head and body awkwardly and often they cannot be

bothered. Their steering is influenced radically by this too.

i
ALPHABETIC

CONTENTS

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50
4

Part 4: Road user's behaviour

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51

ALPHABETIC

CONTENTS

Road users = people in traffic

Accident ratios
85 - 90% of all traffic accidents are caused by the road user, in other
words by people in traffic. Only 10 - 15% occur due to faults in vehicles or the physical condition of the road.

Perception and reaction

The causes of the majority of accidents are lack of alertness, wrong
judgement of a traffic situation or careless driving. Or in other words
accidents often occur due to human error. Your traffic safety does not
just depend on how good you are your pure driving technique or
your ability to drive a car. Traffic safety is dependent on how you perceive and judge situations in traffic. And in this respect, just like all
others in traffic, you will have limitations. These you need to learn.

Your
Dit syn
eyesight
er det is
"apparat",
the device
giving
der giver
youdig
theflest
majority
infor-of
information
mationer omabout
frdselsfortraffic
situations.
holdene. SSo,
derfor,
if youhvis
are
in
du doubt
er i tvivl
as to
omwhether
dit syn er
P A

your
tilstrkkeligt
eyesight is
godt,
goodbr

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52

enough,
du f dethave
tjekket.
it checked.

Reaction time
Your reaction time in traffic is the time that elapses between a danger
becoming visible and possible tobe perceived and you start to react,
for example, by braking or driving around an obstruction.
Reaction times, along with other factors, can vary from a fraction of a
second to up to a number of seconds, depending on your general
habits and alertness.
Din
forges,
Yourreaktionstid
reaction time
increahvis
der
for
eksempel
er
ses, if for example there

tt
trafik,
hvor du
is heavy
traffic,
andskal
you
holde
je
med
mange
have to keep an eye onting
p
lotsn
ofgang.
things at the same
time.

Often calm but safe reaction is better than fast but incorrect reaction. It is difficult to react in a calm and safe manner, when you are a
new motorist. It should become easier the more accustomed you
become.

moment you have perceived a

decisiveness and ability to react.

You decide

You judge
You perceive

You are aware

not manage to perceive and react to them all. You can perceive and
react to a maximum of 2-3 details, dangers or signals per second. And
the faster you drive, the less chances you have of perceiving and reacting. Therefore, if you are in a traffic situation where there are a lot
of signals and dangers, you should reduce your speed.
The table below shows
Here you see different reaction distances at different reaction times
(the time that elapses from when you perceive, until you react) at speeds of 50 km/h and 80 km/h. Add on the braking distance in addition!

50 km/h
1sec. approx.
2sec. approx.
3sec. approx.

80 km/h
1sec. approx.
2sec. approx.
3sec. approx.

Even though you see every little detail in a traffic situation, you can53

depends on your speed, your

How long a distance you go

You brake

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danger until you start braking.

CONTENTS

It can take some time from the

ALPHABETIC

Perception and ability to react

You should never keep your eyes fixed in only one direction for too
long, because your focal point is limited. In order to be well equipped for awareness of what is happening it is a good idea to keep
calm and glance around at short intervals.
You can actually improve your perception and ability to react
slightly just by being conscious about the mistakes you typically
make.
Trust what you see, but remember that nobody perceives everything
perfectly or in the same way.
Always drive so that you can stop or avoid a possible obstruction. In
other words you should not only limit your speed, but drive in a
manner in which you always have full control of the car.
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54

Your eyes will easily be attracted by

unusual or noticeable people,

conspicuous events
or things you are
interested in:
Therefore keep
your concentration
focused on the
traffic no matter
how interesting
other things look!
There can be
stretches of road
where there is
absolutely no need
for worry. On these
stretches of road
you can continue
quite securely.

driving you must use hands-free equipment.

Unfortunately hands-free equipment is not enough to ensure that you
can give the concentration you require in traffic. A call will always

impair your concentration, because you have to listen. And it becomes

even worse if there is poor reception, or if the message is complicated
or of an unpleasant nature.
Avoid talking on a mobile phone in heavy traffic, or if you are stressed. This will be the cause of even greater lack of concentration.

CONTENTS

If it is an absolute necessity for you to talk in a mobile phone while

ALPHABETIC

Mobile telephones

When you are lacking in concentration, you can easily change speed, or
position your vehicle incorrectly on the road. Therefore it is a good idea

Vision and movements

Your vision and movements are closely related. Often you will automatically drive in the direction where you are looking. This is an advantage
as well as a disadvantage.
It is an advantage because you can use your vision to keep on course,
in a particular direction, while driving. When driving on long, open
stretches of road you should look as far ahead as possible.
Your movements depend on your vision and can also be a disadvantage. If for example you keep focusing on the one thing alone you are
trying to avoid, it becomes an even greater risk and you may end up
doing very opposite. Therefore you should never keep focusing on
oncoming vehicles, whether you meet them on the road or at crossroads. Briefly take a good look around and then concentrate on the direction of travel again.

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talk. Or even better, discontinue the conversation and call back later!

to stop your vehicle (where you are less likely to disturb others) and

When driving through

a bend without a
center line, you can
drive in a steady
curve if you let your
eyes follow the nearside road edge.

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If the carriageway has

a center line and is a

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56

left bend, then you

can let your vision

follow the center

line. If the bend is to
the right, then your
vision should follow
the near-side road
edge.

Judging speed and distance

Your own and other road users speed and distances are difficult to judge.
Distances of under 50 m are fairly easy to judge. Distances over 50 m are often overestimated. They are perceived as being greater than they actually are.

small cars can seem even smaller than they are, and actually closer to
you than they actually are. Other road users speeds are quite easy to
judge if the distance is less 50 m and speed lower than approx. 50
km/h. If the speed is higher than 50 km/h, you will often judge the

vehicle as moving slower than it actually is or, in other words, that it is

approaching faster than you expect. If a vehicle is more than 200 m
away, most people have difficulty in judging its speed its distance.
You will often judge a large vehicle, e.g. a lorry especially as driving
faster than it actually is. And a small vehicle, e.g. a motorcycle you

CONTENTS

perceive or size up things ahead of you on the horizon. For example

ALPHABETIC

Your ability to judge distance depends on your eyes and on how you

will judge as driving slower than it actually is and that it is further

away than it actually is.

vibrates.
If you are driving on a road with only a few fixed points you
easily end up driving faster than you think you are. The same happens
if you are driving a car that is very quiet and has good suspension.
You can easily underestimate your speed, e.g. after leaving a motorway and coming on to country roads where you should drive
somewhat slower. This is called speed blindness.

The law and driving ability and condition of health

Alcohol even small amounts of beer, wine or spirits can weaken your
perception and ability to react, no matter that you have a low concentration of alcohol in the blood.

despite the concentration of alcohol you will be penalized if you

cannot drive safely.

57

on the road and it depends on how noisy your car is or how much it

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the road-side are being passed e.g. houses, trees and lane-line markings

Perception of your own speed also depends on how fast fixed points by

If a person has an alcohol concentration of between 0,5 to 2,0 per ml

on his her first offence the punishment will be a large fine. With a

higher content it will be detention or imprisonment. Alcohol concentrations of between 0,8 and 1,2 on ones first offence entail conditional
suspension of your licence. With higher content normally you loose your
licence unconditionally. Punishment for drunken driving is more strict if
you have been convicted of previous offences.
Leave your vehicle, if you are going to a party where there is alcohol. If
you have to drive home decide not to drink more than the allowed amount. Below you can see some examples of how much alcohol and what
alcohol concentration in your blood you can expect having consumed
different drinks.

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58

1 lager, 33 cl.
= 12 g alcohol
= 0.20-0.25

1 strong beer, 33 cl. 1 glass of wine, 12 cl.

= 21-22 g alcohol
= 13-17 g alcohol
= 0.45
= 0.25-0.35

1 glass of dessert
wine, 8 cl. = 11 g
alcohol = 0.22

1 glass of spirit, 2.5 cl.

= 7-8 g alcohol
= 0.15

Note that this applies to a man weighing 70-75 kgs. If you weigh less
you get a higher concentration. The figures can vary from person to
person so, if in the slightest doubt, do not drive!

You must not

let a person

drive, if the person

has been drinking
too much alcohol
to be able to drive
safely.

drive, if you are not able to do so safely, because you are ill,

tired or under the influence of medicine or drugs.

Perception and ability to react are impaired, if you are ill or for exam-

ple are on sedatives, sleeping pills, strong cough medicine or pain killer mixtures or hay fever medicine (antihistamines), driving/seasickness pills or likewise. The medicines deadening effect is increased
considerably if you drink alcohol at the same time.
Perception and ability to react are also affected by both physical and

CONTENTS

The law states that you may not drive or even attempt to

ALPHABETIC

Illness, medicine, tiredness

mental tiredness or stress. Therefore you should not drive if you have
not had enough sleep and are on your way home after a tiring event.

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sleeping. This is the cause of many accidents.

stretches at times when they normally would be resting or

Many motorists overestimate their own stamina and drive for long

Medicines, that can

reduce your alertness
and ability to react
are marked with a red
warning triangle. You
should speak with
your doctor or
chemist about the
effect a medicine has
on your driving
abilities.

Other road user's behaviour

Accidents, age and road user category
Some road users and age groups are more vunerable in traffic than
others. There are a lot of accidents with
- pedestrians aged from 5-10 years
- cyclists aged from 10-15 years
- moped drivers aged from 15-19 years
- motorcyclists aged from 18-22 years
- motorists aged from 18-24 years
- elderly pedestrians and cyclists around 70 years of age.
Accidents often happen because of problems for beginners before
getting sufficient experience as a driver. But they can be due to the
fact that a children and elderly people do not react very quickly and
are therefore more vulnerable in traffic.
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60

Number of pedestri-

ans and cyclists involved in accidents in a

year divided into age
groups.
Years

Moped drivers,
motorcyclists and
motorists involved in
traffic accidents in a
year, divided into age
groups.
Years

Difficulties for different age groups

It is actually possible to say something generally about different age
groups difficulties and behaviour in traffic.

weak road users because they are not very quick and are not able to
perceive a possible hazard.
Small children on

their own in traffic

are a definite danger, and that means
you must be particularly careful to
reduce your speed

CONTENTS

Small children under the age of 5 years are physically and mentally

ALPHABETIC

Children pedestrians

and have your feet

in readiness. Even
though it appears

children are really

paying attention.

Small children make sudden impulsive actions, just like when they
play. They are not stable on their legs and can trip and fall easily.
Never toot your horn at children. Loud sounds can make them panic.
Small school children aged from 6-10 years maybe know only the most
important traffic rules, but have difficulty in understanding that they
also should be careful when others must give way, e.g. at a pedestrian
crossing.
6-10 year olds have difficulty in concentrating for longer periods and
can act on a sudden impulse. Small school children take a long time to
look, and therefore perceive traffic situations slowly. They may understand a traffic hazard but not one that is developing into an even
more dangerous one. Finally, small school children find it a lot harder
to judge speed and distances than do adults.

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uld not trust that

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attention, you sho-

they are paying

Children on bicycles The majority of cycle accidents involve children

between the ages of 10 and 15 years, but even children aged 5-6 years
are involved in accidents. These accidents are caused for the same
reasons as with pedestrians, and small school children. It is the minority of children who receive sufficient training in cycling correctly and
safely in traffic. In addition, they often have problems in keeping control, i.e. keeping their balance, steering and braking.
All children love trying out their talents while playing and in other
experiments and for this a bicycle is a popular tool.

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Young motorists
Young people have the best
perception and ability to react.
Despite this they are the ones
that cause the majority of
accidents due to lack of
experience and an uncritical
attitude. They find it really
difficult to judge dangers in
connection with high speeds,
their own ability to manoeuve
and that of other road users.

themselves and others into danger without understanding why. It is

not necessarily due to a careless attitude in traffic, or because of the
rules and consideration to others, but because they do not have the
ability to adapt their own driving skills.

Elderly
Elderly road users often have reduced vision and hearing, which in
turn causes slower perception and reaction.
Some elderlies consider pedestrian crossings as "safe" places and
therefore do not look before crossing. The same occurs when they

CONTENTS

test their own skills or for the excitement of it. Often they bring

ALPHABETIC

Some youngsters use their vehicles just to let off steam, or just to

have a green light at traffic lights.

Those elderly who are nervous to begin with can for example be start-

The walking impaired

elderly will often be
concentrating only on
avoiding a fall, and are
therefore not really
aware of traffic.

Judging other road users

There are some characteristics and faults that you have to be particularly aware of in other road users. They can tip you off so that you
can take extra care.
Characteristics of age, awareness and intentions
- Age can be obvious due to height, hair and hair colour, posture,
manner of walking, clothing and e.g. toys or a walking stick

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using your horn.

led by a sudden loud noise. This may cause sudden panic, so avoid

- Intentions can be obvious due to the road users actions, movement or the direction the road user is moving in. In this case
you need to be able to perceive the whole traffic situation in
order to understand the other road users intentions.
Awareness can be revealed by head movements,
line of vision or maybe
noticeable things or a
series of events that ones
awareness is focused on.

Typical mistakes by particularly vulnerable road users

Be particularly aware of these dangers:
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- small childrens impulsive and unpredictable behaviour demands

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64

that you reduce speed considerably so you can brake quickly

Children cycling often make mistakes while cycling straight on unaware they have to give way. The same applies when turning left at crossroads or at driveways where they forget to look sufficiently carefully
or do not give way.

in residential areas and when there is a group of children

- Young motorists make mistakes especially when crossing and
when making left turns
- Elderly pedestrians can be a possible danger when they are

about to cross the road.

A child can
easily be hidden behind
vehicles that

CONTENTS

road. Be careful when you meet child pedestrians at crossroads,

ALPHABETIC

- child pedestrians can be impulsive and may suddenly cross the

are parked by
the side of

Get some good tips about rules and regulations in traffic.

Own attitudes- and behaviour

All roads users must show positive attitudes and behaviour towards others
and in relation to traffic flow generally and in turn contribute to a considerate and safe, justifiable traffic flow. It is important that everyone learns a
defensive traffic behaviour in order to minimize the risk of accidents.
Attitudes. One should be able to describe the meaning of the following:
One must
- always be positive and helpful even when other road users make
mistakes, show consideration when passing by roadworks
- be particuarly helpful and considerate when there are emergency
vehicles during an emergency as well as being understanding when
other road users have difficulties (e.g. lack of sense of direction)
- be understanding when others are not routined and in other
situations where others want to get ahead quicker.
- be understanding to others maybe elderly in particular showing
cautiousness in traffic. One should never be so influenced/
outraged by others mistakes or carelessness.
- never be encouraged to let oneself be provocated to irresponsible
actions.

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At www.faerdselssikkerhed.dk The advisory for greater traffic safety

the road.

Behaviour
At the latest after the lessons in part 7 Manoeuvres on the road one
should be able to master the following below mentioned behaviour
qualities during practical driving lessons.
- be reserved and help other road users even though they have
made mistakes
- help other road users that apparently have difficulties in finding their
way e.g. by letting them change lanes or change position at a crossroad even though it is them who have the duties
- keep extra distance to those in front who seem to be insecure not
routined
- keep the road open for emergency vehicles during an emergency
(e.g. on roads with 2 lanes in the same direction the motorists should
move from lane 1 to the right, and motorists in lane 2 should move to
the left and at crossroads where one is waiting at a red light should
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move forwards and to the left/right in order to give some space)

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66

- avoid giving a signal (lights/horn) to a motorists who is a little too

slow in moving off for example from a traffic light

- avoid using abusive words / expressions or hand gestures to other

road users
- always be prepared (e.g. by moving your foot/hand to the
brake if a situation is unforseeable or insecure).
Risk blindness
The student should have knowlege of the following:
- When one has achieved some driving experience one can have a
tendency to underestimate risks in concrete situations, because it
usually turns out good. One becomes blind to the risks involved.
- Risk blindness is present during the following situations.
Choice of speeds in poor visibility or when wet slippery
conditions, where one needs to reduce speed sufficiently in order
to stop for a possible obstruction. It can therefore be risky just
to uncritical follow other road users levels of speed under the
same driving conditions.
One has a tendency to drive too close to the vehicle in front, so
you are not able to stop in time, if the vehicle in front suddenly
were to brake hard.
As a driver from time to time you have tasks that do not have
anything to do with driving tasks and this can for a length of
time cause the lack of sufficient and necessary attention being
concentrated or aimed on driving.

Part 5: Road conditions

users behaviour determine just how safe the roads are.

Road design in terms of safety

Limitations for safety on roads
Demands for free passage on roads and road safety are important, but

there are always economic and technical limitations to just how much
safety can be incorporated in the roads. It is always the road users
who finally determine the safety of the roads. In other words you have
a responsibility for just how safe a road is.
Use of roads

ALPHABETIC

In this part you can read about how both road constructions and roads

CONTENTS

The roads safety and safety on the roads

As a motorist you must be aware that speed limits do not necessarily

mean that you should drive at the highest permissible speed. In addition speed limits do not state anything about the safety on the road.

ipment, for example traffic lights.

A built-up area sign tells you that from now on there is a speed limit
of 50 km/h. It also informs you that you are driving into an area where the risk of accidents is high. So if traffic and other road users make
it necessary, you should naturally drive slower.

67

road users behaviour and likewise do not rely solely on technical equ-

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with a realistic amount of scepticism and never blindly trust other

This is something you must always judge for yourself. Always drive

Road hazards
Roads are a combination of a number of factors. You will need to get
familiar with them.
Characteristics are
- the roads surroundings e.g. buildings, growths/plants bushes
woods, and open fields along the road-sides
- the roads equipment or standard e.g. the carriageways width,
surface or lane-markings. They could include road humps, pavements, cycleways, pedestrian crossings or street lighting
- the course of the road e.g. crossroads, roundabouts, bends,
hills, level crossings or where the road narrows
- the use of the road e.g. the type and intensity of traffic, in
addition and even more important, if the road is near a school,
station, shopping centre or similar places
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- the roads type or classification e.g. motorway or motor vehicle

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68

only roads, busy main roads or redeveloped area roads.

The roads surroundings

In built-up areas
There is a special risk in towns or in built-up areas. No less than 2/3
rds of all traffic accidents occur in towns. The number of accidents in
comparison with the volume of traffic is largest here.
Be particularly aware
when driving in shopping
streets and residential
areas, especially at pedestrian crossings and by parked cars. And keep
a sharp eye out for other
road users at crossroads.
The risk of accidents is always greatest in shopping streets, in residential areas and especially at crossroads. The majority of accidents
involve small children crossing the road in housing areas and on
stretches of road between crossroads.

partially slippery roads, where they go through or pass damp areas

like woods, marshes, valleys, as well as lakes and beaches or by the
sea. The same risk applies near to earth embankments and applies in
the same way on or under bridges.

i
During spring and
autumn there will be
mud on the roads
due to tractors that
are working busily on

CONTENTS

When autumn changes to winter or winter to spring, there is a risk of

ALPHABETIC

Particular risks out of town

the fields Therefore

there will be a risk
of slippery roads.

rather slippery.

When the temperature is around freezing point, you must be particularly aware of your speed when driving where there are damp areas
alongside roads, by embankments and on bridges.
Also be particularly aware of your speed on roads at times of regular
tractor activity and therefore the risk of mud on roads. And finally you
must drive with at a suitably low speed, if there are damp leaves on
the roads, for example on a woodland road.
Equipment on and standard of the road
Pavement and cyclepaths
- on roads without a cycle way the risk of colliding with a cyclist
is twice as high as on roads with a cycle way, and an increased
risk of colliding with a moped rider
- cycle ways and cyclelanes at crossroads must also be used by
those who are driving ordinary unregistered mopeds, if nothing

69

roads also to be

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the roads can cause

Autumn leaves on

else is stated on the signposts

- cyclists and moped riders, who are turning out from a cycle
way onto the carriageway (not from where the cycle way ends
at a crossroad), must always give way. Unfortunately they do
not always do this (read about abligatory give way on page 121)
- cycle ways are marked with the signpost "Cykelsti" if it is not
obvious that it is a cycle way. It can for example be a white
symbol of a cycle a lane marked with a continuous white sideline painted on the carriageway
- a cycles only area at a crossroads is marked with a broad broken line, or a solid blue area
- a cycle way in both directions is marked with the signpost
Cykelsti and an underplate which shows that there is
traffic in both directions. Another underplate can show
that the cycle way no longer has traffic in both directiP A

ons.

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70

Be particularly aware of your positioning when you are driving on a road

without pavements or cycle ways, or where the view is not too good. If it is
dark you must be even more cautious.

Pedestrian crossings, footbridges and underpasses

- on stretches of road between crossroads there are not many pedestrians who will go out of their way to find a pedestrian crossing in
order to cross the road. The same applies if there is a traffic light
controlled pedestrian crossing.

pedestrian crossings. You must be particularly aware of this,

when you pass a pedestrian in such areas.
- footbridges and underpasses are only used by pedestrians if they
can save time. Often they will cross the carriageway instead.

Be aware of
pedestrians
crossing the road
when you see a
footbridge or

CONTENTS

colliding with a pedestrian than on stretches of road without

ALPHABETIC

- before and after pedestrian crossings there is a greater risk of

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71

underpass.

Lane markings
You use the lane markings on the carriageway (lane lines, continuous
lines, side-lines) in order to find the correct position on the road and
as a guide. The lane markings are especially effective, after dark or
when visibility is simply poor.
Outside of built-up areas there is a greater risk of accidents on those
roads that do not have any lane markings.

Be particularly aware of your

positioning when you meet or
overtake others where there
are no lane markings, or if you
are approaching or turning at a
road junction into narrow roads
(or when approaching side roads
or entrances and exits) it is not
just your positioning but also
your speed should be considered carefully.

The width of the carriageway

Wide, 4 lane roads are not much safer than 2 lane roads.
On very small roads there are risks of accidents not involving others,
accidents on meeting other traffic, and the risk of colliding with mopeds, cyclists and pedestrians. The risk is greatest where narrow roads
fork, and at entrances and exits e.g. in residential areas. The risk is
greatest for pedestrians, when they are crossing multiple lane roads in
built-up areas.
Central reservations
Ordinary, 4 lane roads with a central reservation are not any safer
than roads without a central reservations. A central reservation reduces the risk of accidents with oncoming traffic and prevents left turns
to and from small side roads. A central reservation without a crash
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barrier or fence reduces the risk of accidents with cyclists, moped

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72

riders and crossing pedestrians.

The road surface of the carriageway

The road surface of the carriageway has great importance for the road
holding. Road holding is an indication of just how stable the car is.
Road holding is important because it is vital for the car to accelerate,
brake and steer. About the road holding you need to know that
- road holding it is reduced when the road is slippery, e.g. when
there is snow or loose sand on the road. Moreover it can also be
reduced when the road is wet. Drive carefully and keep to a
low speed.
Muddy and gravel roads
give poorer road holding.
Therefore you should drive
slower to avoid skidding.
Be particularly careful on
bends where you may
need to brake. The same
applies to cobbles that
quickly become slippery in
wet conditions.

nasty chips. Therefore show consideration to other road users

- a shower after a very dry period can make the surface
greasy due to a mixture of water, dust and oil
- heat waves can soften asphalt and cause slippery roads.

In spring the
surface of the
carriageway often
becomes uneven and
full of holes, especi-

CONTENTS

ving over 40 km/h on new asphalt with small stones can cause

ALPHABETIC

- you will find the best roadholding on coarse, dry asphalt. Dri-

ally from salting

after a frosty

thaws after a long icy spell, and do not drive too fast. The same applies after a shower following a long dry spell, or during a
heat wave. The carriageway can be slippery without you noticing it.
Road speed restriction humps
It is not only unpleasant sitting in a car that is driving too fast over a
hump, it can also damage your car or even worse, your spine. Therefore do not drive faster than the speed limit in the area.
To avoid nuisance, lorries and buses must drive even slower over a
speed restriction hump than ordinary cars.
Street lighting
The risk of accidents in the dark is twice as great on roads without
street lighting as on those with lighting. The risk is greater when meeting pedestrians crossing the road, or with vehicles dazzling you.
If it is raining the street lighting can be reflected in the water and
make it extremely difficult to see clearly.

73

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Be particularly aware of the surface of the carriageway when snow

weather spell.

The course of the road

Crossroads and roundabouts
Crossroads are where the majority of accidents occur. That is because
traffic comes from all directions, and both pedestrians and motorists
each need to be informed of this.
- 4-legged crossroads in the country, crossroads with four sideroads, without traffic light signals have the largest
number of accidents in comparison with volume of traffic
- crossroads of narrow roads are just as dangerous as crossroads
of wide roads
- crossroads without lane markings (especially left turning lanes),
central reservations or restricted areas are more dangerous
than crossroads with lane markings. Lane markings help the driver to negotiate crossroads more easily
- at lighting-up-time crossroads without street lighting are more
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dangerous than those with street lighting.

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You can read more about different types of crossroad on pages

121/122.

Roundabouts reduce the risk of accidents for motorists in comparison

with crossroads. Unfortunately they do not improve the situation for a
cyclist. They are often hit by cars that on their way in or out of the
roundabout.
Bends
Bends are dangerous. The sharper the bend the greater the risk of
accident. One single sharp bend on a road that has otherwise gentle
bends and good visibility is especially dangerous.
Bends on narrow roads, where the view ahead is 100 m or less, are
more dangerous than bends with a better view.
The danger with sharp bends in the country is increased, if the bend
does not have any side markings.
Bends with reverse camber where the camber is the wrong way are
particularly dangerous, because this will make steering through the
bend more difficult, even at normal speeds.

at one time. First of

all the road is without
the edge having been
marked and secondly

there is a level crossing without barriers.

Railway level crossings

CONTENTS

ber of risks or hazards

ALPHABETIC

Here there are a num-

The risk of accidents at level crossings is extremely high if there are

no barriers, but just warning lights and sounds. A crossing with barriers is much safer, but be especially aware that all technical equip-

Hills reduce visibility. The risk of accidents on hills is greater on inclines of more than 4%. Just before the foot of the hill or just before the
brow of the hill accidents often occur with vehicles colliding from
behind, especially where heavy and light vehicles are driving behind
each other.
Road narrows
A road narrows quite simply means that there is a greater risk of colliding with other vehicles.
Use of the road
The majority of accidents happen on busy roads. The greater and
more mixed the traffic is, the greater the risk of accidents.
A road may be used for purposes that increase the risk of accidents,
e.g. bus stops, train stations, schools, homes for the
elderly, stadiums and amusement parks.

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75

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Hills

ment can fail. Therefore always look carefully before crossing.

The road type or classification

Some roads in a local
area draw particular road
users to the area. It could
be for example school
roads, roads at ferry
harbours, roads to and
from city/town centres,
"shortcuts" and shopping
streets/precincts. Here
there is an increased risk
of accidents.

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76

The following signpost markings you should remember:

Motorways

Motorvehicle-

only roads

CONTENTS

Main roads

ALPHABETIC

Pedestrianised

streets

Residential and
play areas

77

restriction

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speed

Areas with a

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78
6

Part 6: Fundamental rules for driving

i

traffic lights, road signs, lane markings, police signs and the highway
code are all instructions.
Application of traffic laws

Traffic law for motorists applies on all public and private roads

where there is ordinary traffic.

Normally cars are only allowed to use that part of the road intended
for cars, motorcycles and registered mopeds.
Directions for traffic

You must comply with the directions covering driving, such as

ALPHABETIC

Directions for traffic

CONTENTS

This is what the Road Traffic Act states

traffic lights, road signs, lane markings, etc. If traffic is con-

trolled by the police you must follow their instructions. You must do
this even if traffic lights show differently or road signs and lane

e.g. the home guard, military police, emergency services and the civil
defence in special situations.

Yellow lane
markings etc. are
temporary, for
example for road
works and apply in
the same way as
white lane markings.

79

Instructions can also be given by others who have the right to do so,

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normal traffic regulations.

markings state something else, or if the situation is conflicting with

You must know the directions and signs given by the police as well as
these signs:
- No entry
- No entry from either end
- One-way traffic
- Motor vehicles, tractors, motorised implements and registered mopeds forbidden
- underplate states that the main sign only applies to a
particular type of vehicle or for an adjacent road.

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80

Road signs can be displayed in the form of

directional signs.

Safe free-flow of traffic

You must know the basic traffic rules and know how you should show
special consideration to certain types of road users. This means, for
example, that you must know the meanings of "danger", "inconvenience"
and "unnecessary inconvenience".
Fundamental or basic rules

When driving in traffic you must always be considerate and

behave cautiously so that you avoid danger or inconvenience to

others, or inflicting injury on other people, but also so that traffic is

not unnecessarily hindered or disturbed. You must also show consideration for those residing by or working on the roads. When meeting
children, school patrols, elderly or handicapped people, you must be
particularly cautious and show consideration.
Danger, inconvenience and unnecessary inconvenience
You are "a danger" if you drive
in a manner that
can cause a collision or other
accidents.

are not an immediate danger but

obstruct other road users and
force them to one side or make
them hold back.

When performing certain manoeuvres you cannot always avoid getting in the way of others completely, but you must ensure that you
are not causing unnecessary

CONTENTS

drive in such a manner that you

ALPHABETIC

You are "an inconvenience", if you

inconvenience. Examples are

when setting off from the
roadside, when changing lanes or

When reversing, you must ensure that it can be done without any
danger or inconvenience to others.

Giving signals and the using lights outside of lighting-up-time

If it is necessary to warn others of a danger, you must do this by

flashing your headlights, or by sounding your horn briefly. All other

use of the horn is forbidden. Outside of lighting-up time you must drive
with your headlights dipped or using special daytime lighting equipment.
Free passage for certain types of road users

You must always give way and leave space for groups of children
who are under the supervision of a leader, military and emergency

rescue corps, funeral processions and other parades.

You must keep the road open for emergency vehicles in good time. And,
if necessary, drive into the side of the road and stop.
You should never drive so close to the scene of an accident that you are
in the way of the rescue services.

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81

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if you need to brake suddenly.

Passengers and goods etc.

Dimensions
An ordinary car may not be any wider than 2.55 m, longer than

12 m or higher than 4 m - either with or without a load. With passengers, baggage or anything else, the weight may not exceed the total
allowable weight that is stated in the cars registration document
(See page 26).

Passengers
Passengers and goods must be placed so that the driver has a

clear view and enough room to steer freely. There must never be so
many passengers in the car that they are at a danger to themselves or
others. Therefore they must all be seated safely, and wear seat belts,
when fitted. Seat belts can be used together with a safety belt cushion.

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82

Children - aged 3-6 years can, instead of using a seat belt,

sit in an approved childs car seat
- children under 3 years must wear a seat belt, sit in an approved

childs car seat or other approved safety equipment, adjusted to

the childs height and weight. Only children on rear seats in
older cars that are not fitted with seat belts are exempt. The
same applies in circumstances where seat belts are occupied by
other children under 3 years with customized safety equipment.
Finally there can be exceptions, if you have a larger number of
children safely on the rear seat than the number of seat belts
fitted
- children under 3 years must use seatbelts/safety equipment in
priority to others
- it is the drivers responsibility that passengers under 15 years
use safety belts or other safety equipment.

On seats where airbags are fitted (excepting the drivers

seat) newer cars must have a

sticker that gives a warning about
car seats facing backwards. This
does not apply if the airbag can be
disabled automatically, when a
backwards facing car seat is fitted.

that they cannot trail or fall off onto the road and so they do
not in any manner cause a hindrance or danger in traffic
- if transporting goods or baggage on the rear of the car and if it

is covering one or more of the necessary lights or reflectors,

then an extra set of lights must be fitted in front of the goods.

If the cars number plate

gets covered there must

be a third number plate, so

CONTENTS

rear lights or number plates so there is no unnecessary noise, so

ALPHABETIC

- Goods must be placed so that they do not obscure indicators,

that it can easily be read. If

the third number plate is to
be used at lighting-up time,

the extra light holder.

83

The number plate is fitted to

then it must be illuminated.

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Goods

- goods that protrude more than 1 m over the cars front or rear
end, or more than 15 cm over the sides, must be marked with a
cloth or in some other visible way. For commercial transport,
goods must be marked with a white cylinder that is 30 cm high,
10 cm in diameter, and has two red reflecting bands around it
- during lighting-up time goods must be marked with this cylinder
and a red light facing to the rear and a white light forwards no
matter whether the transporting is for commercial or private
purposes
- if you drop or spill something that may be a risk to traffic, it
must be removed immediately. If this is not possible, you must
warn others of the risk by a marker or equivalent
- you are not allowed to tow a sledge, handcart or equivalent
behind a vehicle, and neither are you allowed to tow a person
on skis, skates, roller skates or equivalent
- there may only be one trailer attached to a vehicle, and only if
it is approved or certified for this purpose.

Breakdowns and towing

In the event of a breakdown, accident or the

equivalent where stopping

and parking is forbidden,
you must move your car as
soon as possible. On a motorway the car must be completely removed from the
carriageway. If your car is a
danger or inconvenience to
traffic, you must immediately put up your warning triangle 50 m before the car on ordinary roads and 100 m

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before the car on motorways. The hazard warning lights can be used as well.

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84

- hazard warning lights can also be used to warn other road

users, for example at an unexpected build ups or other

hazards on motorways and other hazards outside built-up areas.
- if the engine stalls or the equivalent on a level crossing or
another type of crossing with tracks, you must, as best you
can, warn the train driver of the danger
- it is legal to tow another vehicle which has broken down, a
tractor or a motor implement, if towed with a solid rope, a
connecting rod or equivalent The distance between the vehicles may only be a maximum of 4 m. If the distance is over 2 m
the connection must be marked. The vehicle on tow must only
be driven by a person who has a licence for that category of
vehicle. Maximum speed for towing is 30 km/h.
- towing is forbidden if the vehicle on tows brakes or steering
are not in legal order. In that case you must let an approved
breakdown recovery vehicle or equivalent deal with this task
- towing on motorways and motor vehicle roads must only be
carried out by a road recovery firm that is approved for this.

Mark the scene of the accident so that other road users do not hit
your vehicle, injured people, spectators and others present. If necessary, the traffic should be stopped or diverted. Vehicles that have cra-

shed and that are at a danger to others must be removed.

Switch off the engines of vehicles that have crashed and do not use
open flames if fuel is leaking out.
Do not go close to a vehicle that has crashed, if there is

CONTENTS

You can help by preventing an accident becoming more serious.

ALPHABETIC

Traffic accidents

any risk of dangerous goods leaking. Vehicles carrying

dangerous goods are marked with this orange sign.

re the accident happened and whether there are any special dangers, e.g.
risk of fire, trapped persons or dangerous goods. You must inform them of
how many injured persons there are, and if they are in mortal danger, e.g.
without any respiration or with no heart beat or are bleeding seriously.

85

you call an emergency centre, inform of where you are calling from, whe-

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their injuries and condition. Give aid as much as possible on the spot. If

If you are near the scene of an accident, you should see to the injured

If you cannot tolerate the sight of blood or injured people, you will
need to summon help from other road users.
Those who have taken first aid courses can contribute to saving the
injured, or help in mitigating the seriousness of their injuries. You can
read more about first aid help at www.df-i.dk.

- if you damage a signpost, markers on a carriageway,

cycle way, traffic lights or any other traffic equipment, you
must bring it back in order again no matter whether it is your
fault or not. If this is not possible, notify the police as soon as
possible, and do what you can do to warn other road users
- if you, with or without fault, become involved in a traffic accident, you must stop immediately and help the injured. If you
are asked, you must give your name and address to others who

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are involved in the accident

- if you have caused injury to others, you must inform the

86

Police of this. If there are any seriously injured or persons who,

have been killed you must not move anything or remove

evidence from the scene of the accident. Vehicles must be
moved though, if they are an immediate danger to other road
users
- if damage has been caused to other peoples property, then the
person liable, who is at fault in the accident must notify the
police or the person whose property has been damaged.

Obligation to have insurance

The owner or user (the principal driver) of a vehicle must have

third-party insurance to cover liability for damage. A vehicle cannot

be registered, in other words get number plates, without first taking
out a third-party insurance policy.

og hjlpemidler til
kreskolebranchen

CONTENTS
ALPHABETIC

i
Konferencecenter
Kreteknisk anlg
Undervisningsmaterialer

CenterEllested
CenterEllested A/S Ellestedvej 5 Ellested
5853 rbk Tlf. 63 33 15 10 Fax 65 33 22 22
E-mail: CenterEllested@CenterEllested.dk
www.CenterEllested.dk

Dansk Trafikskole Materiel

Kursuscenter Ellested

Kreteknisk Anlg-Fyn

Tlf. 63 33 15 10 Fax 65 33 22 22
E-mail: dtm@CenterEllested.dk

Tlf. 63 33 15 20 Fax 65 33 22 22
E-mail: kce@CenterEllested.dk

Tlf. 63 33 15 30 Fax 65 33 22 22
E-mail: kta@CenterEllested.dk

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88
7

Part 7: Manoeuvres on the road

gained in the previous section and in driving lessons, but you will also
learn some new things. This part is about rules and instructions on how
you should look about you and manoeuvre the vehicle in different situations. A lot of manoeuvres and situations are easier to understand if
you go over them together with your driving instructor both before and

during driving lessons.

Part 7 is rather special because you can use it as homework for both
your theory and your driving test. For each of the 19 situations you are
about to study, there are a number of points or items to which you should pay particular attention.

ALPHABETIC

In this section you need to use some of the knowledge that you have

CONTENTS

Theory and driving lessons come together

To begin with for every situation there is a point that says that you
"must learn to pay attention to or manage the following dangerous

conditions are and to react correctly to them or find the correct

answer from a choice of answers to these conditions. It can be general
conditions or specific situations that you need to learn to "pay attention to or manage".
The other point that you should pay particular attention to is called
"this is how to do it". For example "A right turn at crossroads this is
how to do it". In this instance you will get instruction in how to manoeuvre and make a proper assessment in every situation. It is like a
recipe for what you should do.
Finally for each of the 19 situations there are a number of lane markings and signs that you should be able to identify. You should also be
able to describe what they mean and react correctly to them, both at
your theory test and at your driving test. You will find all the lane
markings and road signs together at the back of the book.
It is in this section that you should get things sorted out and put in
place. So it is serious business from now on.

89

driving lessons and in theory), to understand what the meaning of the

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certain conditions in traffic or in pictures (in other words both during

situations". The meaning of this point is that you must learn to notice

1. Setting off from or stopping beside the kerb

Potential hazards and accidents
Hazards when setting off occur when someone
setting off misjudges the speed of and distance
from those who are approaching from behind.
Risks of accidents while setting off can
be due to a driver getting impatient with waiting
and driving forward. Finally the car may stall if it
has just been started with a cold engine.
Approximately 25 accidents
per year

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90

Actually the majority of setting off accidents happen to those setting off
they are hit by vehicles approaching from behind. Usually the other vehicle
involved is a car but it could be a two-wheeled road user too.
Observation and manoeuvrering
You must pay attention and manage the following dangerous situations
when setting off from the side of the road:
- road users approaching from behind, hidden in blind spots
- situations where there is limited space to make a manoeuvre
- or where there are a lot of things to keep an eye on
- reduced road holding.

- judge the speed of the rest of the traffic, how close is it and
what is its position
- signal in plenty of time before setting off
- pull out when there is time and a gap large enough to do so

without being a danger or an unnecessary inconvenience

- accelerate fast enough so that the traffic from behind does not
need to reduce speed.
Stopping - this is how to do it
- signalwith your brake lights and maybe your indicators that you

CONTENTS

- look around especially for blind spots

ALPHABETIC

Setting off - this is how to do it

are stopping
- brake gently and pull in to the kerb

Positioning while driving straight ahead - this is how to do it

- always position yourself in the right-hand lane and only use the
left lane for overtaking or passing
- try to position yourself as far to the right as cyclists, pedestrians
and other roadusers allow you to, but try to position yourself in
the centre of a lane
- pull over a little to the right before brows of hills and bends
with poor visibility on narrow roads
- try to avoid focusing on a single point only in front of the car,
but look well ahead concentrating on traffic 8-12 seconds
ahead (at 80 km/h this equivalent to 180-270 m ahead)
- keep your eyes moving and always be aware of conditions ahead,
at the sides and to the rear with the help of your mirrors
- look as far ahead as possible at stretches of roads where hills
and bends limit your view
- use the optical guidelines in a bend in order to stabilise your
steering
- corrections to your steering must be gradual; avoid sudden movement. The faster you drive, the fewer corrections needed.

91

Observation and manoeuvres

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2. Positioning while driving straight ahead

- switch the lights off.

lane markings
- Continuous sideline markings indicate that part of the
carriageway is only for the use of cars, motorcycles and
registered mopeds. You are only allowed to cross this line
when stopping, parking or driving in or out of an entrance.
A continuous side marking may however be crossed, if
you are passing by another road user to the right, if he is
turning left, where the lane to the right is not a reserved
lane like for instance a cycle lane or a bus lane.
- broken side lines are used instead of continuous lines to
show that it is permitted to cross if it is legal to do so,
otherwise, for example, when changing lanes.
- Ordinary lane markings show carriageway divisions.
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92

- Warning lines show that you must be particularly careful

when crossing them, for example because of poor visibility

on a narrow road. When the warning line is part of a double
line, it shows that a continuous line will be coming up soon.
- Continuous lines may not be crossed, not even when turning or driving in and out of entrances, unless there are
exceptional conditions that make it necessary, e.g. road
works or illegally parked vehicles.
- Prohibited areas are where you are not allowed to stop or
drive in. The prohibited area must only be passed on the
side where the diagonal line is pointing forwards.

A broad sideline shows

that outside the line
there is space for cyclists
or pedestrians. A thin
sideline normally indicates
there is no
signs
Trafficthat
space for them, and that
they should use the same
part of the carriageway
as cars do etc.

to which side the arrow is pointing.

- Free choice shows that you may choose yourself if you
want to pass on the left or the right.
- Slow lane shows that you must drive in here if you are

driving slower than the speed shown on the sign, and that
you must leave it if you are driving faster than the speed
shown on the sign.
Central isles, marker posts etc.

CONTENTS

- Compulsory direction means that you must pass the sign

ALPHABETIC

Road signs

You must drive

to the right of
bollards,

cated by markings or if the

road is a one
way only.

3. Speed limits when driving straight ahead

Outside a built-up area (except motorways) you may not drive

any faster than 80 km/h. The speed limit, if you are towing a

trailer, is 70 km/h.

93

otherwise indi-

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etc. unless

marker posts,

Hazards and accidents

Too high a speed is the most frequent cause of
serious accidents.
Many accidents not involving anybody else, occur
because of the driver himself or herself. Often
the cause is misjudging the sharpness of the bend
Approx. 250 accidents/ year
when turning at cross roads

or the road holding especially on bends or on slippery or greasy roads. But solo accidents are often
due to tiredness or due to the driver being under
the influence of alcohol.
Finally solo accidents can be caused by the vehicle not being in a roadworthy condition, the wrong
tyre pressures, or the tyre tread is worn, or the

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94

Approx. 300 accidents/ year

on the left side or approx
450 on the right side

vehicle is badly loaded.

Young motorists especially are prone to solo

accidents. They can suddenly loose control of

their car, and this is normally due to too a high a
speed. Unfortunately it happens frequently due
to their being under the influence of alcohol.
Solo accidents occur just as often on straight
Approx. 250 accidents/year
on the left and approx. 100
on right in bends to the right

roads as on bends. On bends solo accidents happen because the driver drives off the roadside on
the outside of the bend.
More accidents occur on small narrow roads than
on wide roads.

Approx.100 accidents/year
in the left side and approx.
300 on the right side in
bends to the left

hazardous situations, related to speed:

- sharp bends are dependent on good roadholding
- level crossings with a poor view
- carriageway surface with poor friction and reduced road

holding, for example gravel roads or cobbled surfaces

- bends or hills that
reduce the view or
hide possible obstructions, for example

CONTENTS

You must learn to pay special attention and manage the following

ALPHABETIC

Observation and manoeuvering

slow moving vehicles

sun, heavy rain or fog,

that reduce your view

- weather conditions,
that reduce road holding, for example slippery or greasy road
conditions.

- road humps that reduce speed

- obstructions ahead in your lane, for example parked vehicles,
vehicles in front or pedestrians

95

for example blinding

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- weather conditions,

or pedestrians

Choosing your speed - this is how to do it

- judge your speed according to visual impressions of the road,
vibrations from the car and the sound of the engine, rush of
wind, tyre noise etc. check your impressions with a quick look
at the speedometer
- watch out for lane markings and road signs that warn you of
bends, speedlimits, level crossings or other conditions that have
bearing on your speed
- watch out for other road users, approaching from behind, especially heavy goods vehicles that need to accelerate just before
they are about to climb a hill
- watch out for other road users, approaching from behind and
possibly accelerating down the hill
- look in both directions for trains that are maybe approaching
the level crossing - despite any warning signals that may be
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given

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96

- adjust your speed to the highest, safest and legal limitation on

stretches of road and keep a steady rate

- choose a speed, where you have full control of the vehicle at

all times, and one that allows youe to stop within the distance
you can see ahead.
Driving up hill
- when going up hill, change to a lower gear in plenty of time, if
there are slower moving vehicles in front of you, or if you can
hear the engine struggling
- use the crawler lane, if you cannot maintain the sign posted
minimum speed, for example perhaps because you are towing a
caravan or a trailer
- choose a suitably low gear for driving down hill according to
the hills incline and length
- keep a moderate speed down hill by reducing your pressure on
the accelerator pedal, maybe change to a lower gear or brake
slightly and occasionally. Avoid continuous braking over a longer
period or stretch of road. This could make the brakes so hot
that they could fail.

and drive through it at a constant speed, that means without

having to accelerate or brake
- accelerate slightly when you are coming out of the bend as you
straighten up.

Driving over level crossings ahead

- despite all instructions, you must reduce your speed sufficiently
for you to stop if a train is approaching.
- if a train is approaching, if the lights are blinking, if the barrier
is coming down or if you are being warned in any other manner,

CONTENTS

- choose a suitable gear according to the sharpness of the bend

ALPHABETIC

Driving through bends

you must stop at the stop line or at a safe distance before the
cross markings, blinking lights or the barrier
- where there is a stop sign, you must always stop at the stop

- Rumble strips indicate that you must be particularly

aware and it is advisable to drive slower.
- Hump showing that there is a hump on the road.

Traffic sign showing speed limits

- Local speed limits showing the highest permissible speed
at the given stretch of road.
- End of local speed limits.
- End of speed limit also cancels local speed limits.
- Minimum speed showing that you are not allowed to drive
slower than the sign states. If it is just over a limited
stretch this may be stated on an under plate.
- End of the minimum speed limit.
- The built-up area sign also indicates that the general
speed limit of 50 km/h now applies.

97

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lane markings etc.

line.

- End of built-up area shows that it is the end of the general speed limit for a built-up area.
Road signs showing the condition of the carriageway
- Slippery road warns us that the carriageway can be
exceptionally slippery. The reason is usually stated on an
under plate, for example slippery because of ice.
- Uneven road warns us of dangerous unevenness in the
carriageway.
- Loose stones warns us of thec particular danger of chippings
- Hump, shows that there is a hump speed restrictor ahead.
- Dangerous verge. The reason may be stated on an under
plate, for example Soft verge or High kerb.
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98

Road signs etc. showing the course of the road

- Sharp bends warn of right, left bends and multiple bends,

respectively.
- The speed stated shows the maximum speed at which you
can drive through the bends.
- Side line marker posts side line markings plates and
directional arrows emphasize the markings of bends, for
example.
- Steep hill downwards.
- Steep hill upwards.
- Road narrows.
Road signs and other information about level crossings
- Other dangers. With an under plate track showing level
SPOR

crossing keeper with a flag, a lighted signal lantern or in

some other manner warns that a train is approaching.
- level crossing without a barrier possibly an under plate.
Watch out for trains or warning of stop signs at a level
crossing ahead.

- Stop means that you must stop before you cross the
level crossing.
- Warning of electrified wires overhead.

- Distance markers show the distance to the level crossing

(three countdown markers).
- Crosses for a single or multiple track level crossing are
placed just before a level crossing
- Red flashing lights maybe with a bell or barrier. This sign
shows that you must stop at the stop line or at a safe

CONTENTS

crossing ahead.

ALPHABETIC

- level crossing with a barrier warning of a railway

distance from tracks, the signal or barrier.

Road signs about other dangers

cult to see the traffic light signals in plenty of time.

- Loose rock shows that there is danger of rocks falling
onto the carriageway.
- Side wind warns of strong side winds that could throw
vehicles off course, especially at high speeds.
- Other dangers. The type of danger will be stated on an
under plate.
- Pedestrian crossing is placed at the pedestrian crossing.
- A drawbridge.
- Quayside.
- Pedestrian sign.

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- Traffic lights sign used for example where it can be diffi-

- Pedestrian crossing warns of a pedestrian crossing ahead.

When driving at sunset

there is a risk that you
may be blinded and
unable to see
oncoming traffic or road
users on your side of the
road. Therefore drive
carefully.

4. Changing lanes and merging

Where two lanes merge, either the rules for changing lanes or merging
applies. When changing lanes you must ensure that you are not causing danger or unnecessary inconvenience to other road users approaP A

ching from behind. When the merging rule applies road users must

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100

show consideration for each other.

Changing lane rule

Merging rule

you misjudge the distance and speed of another road user, approaching from behind. You can also spend too long looking about you and
not notice an obstruction ahead. A sudden lane change can be certain
to cause risk, because it can surprise other motorists who are expe-

cting you to stay in your lane.

When merging dangerous situations can arise, if you get too close to
others during your manoeuvre. Never blindly trust others such as the
other motorists you are going to merge with. Are they going to keep
to their merging duty?

CONTENTS

Whilst changing lanes and merging then risky situations can arise, if

ALPHABETIC

Hazards on the road

Observation and manoeuvering

You must learn to notice and cope with the following dangerous situa-

- adjusting speed and distance to the others during a manoeuvre

- other road users who intend changing lanes
- indications that others are not going to comply with their

merging duty.
During lane changes and mergings you should use you indicators,
if it will help other road users.

Lane changing - this is how to do it

- you must look in your mirrors and turn your head to check if it
is possible to change lanes. Is there enough space? What speed
should you choose?
- Signal with your indicators, if this will help the road users
approaching from behind who are close to you
- avoid changing lanes if this is going to force others to reduce
their speed
- change lanes fairly quickly, avoid driving on a lane-line for too
long position yourself in the centre of the new lane.

101

be hidden in blind spots

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- road users approaching from behind from the left and right can

tions when changing lanes or merging:

You intend to turn left

further ahead so you
need to move over
into another lane is
called changing lanes.

The merging rule - this is how to do it

- in the same way as a lane change you should look in plenty of
time checking whether it is possible to merge
- you can signal to attract the attention of other road users
with whom you intend to merge
- judge if there is enough space and adjust for example the
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distance from others with whom you wish to merge.

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Lane markings etc.

- Arrow for lane change shows that you must change to

the lane that the arrows are pointing to.
- Lane markings that are discontinued shortly before the
point where the number of lanes reduces, or where two
lanes merge. The sign emphasizes that here the merging
rule applies. You must adjust your speed to motorists in
the lane immediately next to you and take advantage of
a gap big enough for you to move into. The motorists in
the lane next to you must help you by slowing down.
When the lane markings finish just before the road narrows, the rule
for merging applies. Note that there does not necessarily need to be
signs to indicate this.

- The course of the road shows the lane layout and the
direction of travel.
- This shows that the number of lanes reduces and that the

rule for merging applies.

- This shows that the number of lanes reduces and that the
rule for changing lanes applies.
- Crawler or slow lane. On leaving a crawler lane, the rule
for changing lanes applies.
- Merging shows that the rule for merging applies.

CONTENTS

- A warning that the road narrows on both sides

ALPHABETIC

Road signs

lane expansion

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5. Turning
Hazards and accidents
Hazards occur in all types of turns if the speed
and distances of oncoming traffic and traffic
approaching from behind are misjudged.
When making a U turn from the middle of the
road there is a risk of over-concentration on
oncoming traffic and missing other dangers.
Approximately. 15 accidents
per year

Impatience is the cause of risky situations.

Some people are very impatient and run risks.
The majority of accidents related to making turns
occur especially where traffic is approaching
from behind and to a lesser extent where there is
oncoming traffic.

Approximately 40 accidents
per year

103

- Merging shows that the rule for merging applies.

Observation and manoeuvering

You must learn to pay attention to and manage the following hazardous situations in connection with all forms of turns:
- a tight space limiteing manoeuverability due to the road being
very narrow in comparison with the vehicles ability to steer, in
other words the vehicles turning circle
- an uncritical choice of a spot in which to manoeuvre to make a
turn from the side of the road, e.g. where the view is very

poor.
Before turning you should always signal with your indicator. Turning should always be made forwards and to the left, unless condi-

tions do not allow.

U-turns from the middle of the road - this is how to do it
- look around just like when changing lanes or merging. Keep an
eye on traffic approaching from behind and for parked cars

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- indicate left, reduce speed and position your car towards the

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middle of the road, or in the lane that is nearest to the centre

- if there is a clear lane turn sharply

- during the turn accelerate slightly to straighten up more easily

- continue on adjusting to the rest of the traffics speed.
On wide roads like this
there is plenty of space
for a U-turn. If there is
not enough space make
a 3-point turn as you
learned on the
manoeuvre track.

- look carefully noting other traffic - especially traffic from

behind and maybe for parked vehicles
- just as when setting off from the side of the road

- judge whether you can turn without being at a danger or

unnecessary inconvenience to others
- signal and turn like you learnt at the manoeuvre track
(exercise no. 9)
- straighten up and continue adjusting to the rest of the traffic.

CONTENTS

- look for a suitable place to stop legally on the right-hand side

ALPHABETIC

Turning from the right-hand kerb - this is how to do it

lane markings

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- No U-turns

Road signs

- A continuous line may not be crossed when turning

- No left turns, also forbids U-turns

6. Driving passed stationary vehicles and pedestrians etc.

Hazards and accidents

Small children
- and often
erlderly
people - do
not realize the
dangers of
stepping out
between
parked cars or
buses.

Hazards when passing stationary vehicles, pedestrians and others occur especially if there is not
enough space between you and e.g. a stationary
vehicle. If you drive too closely then the possibility of avoiding an accident is very slim.
Approximately 25 accidents
per year

Children are impulsive. When playing they easily

forget about traffic rules. Children and elderly
people are often involved in passing-by accidents.
Mopeds and cyclists tend to sway from side to

side which can also be dangerous. With passingby accidents it is nearly always the stationary
vehicle that gets hit, most often on the rightP A

Approximately 50 accidents
per year

hand side, but it can happen on the left-hand

side too.

A number of collisions occur when a car or a two-

106

wheeled vehicle is setting off from the side of

the road, just as another road user is passing by.

Observation and manoeuvering
You must learn to notice and cope with the
Approximately 100 accidents
per year

following dangerous situations when passing

stationary vehicles, pedestrians and others:
- reduced view due to a stationary vehicle
- when mopeds and motorcyclists set off
- children on the road or school patrols
- horse riders, cattle and other animals
on the road
- road works
- pedestrians on their way onto a pedestrian

Approximately 250 accidents

per year

Be aware of signs that

indicate that a stationary
vehicle is about to pull
out. For example people
in the vehicle, indicators
or brake lights are on, or
exhaust fumes are coming
from the exhaust.

crossing.

to step out onto the

carriageway, for example a car door being
opened or a bus that
has stopped at the side

of the road, can be a

hint of danger.

Passing stationary vehicles, pedestrians and others - this is how to do it

CONTENTS

pedestrians are about

ALPHABETIC

Signs that passengers or

- look carefully in plenty of time to see if it is possible to

pass look carefully just as when changing lanes.
Reduce speed or stop if necessary, ensue a proper look out

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- watch out for sudden obstructions - without focusing on one thing

best to let any oncoming traffic pass first, before you drive on

- watch out for oncoming traffic. If the road is narrow it would be

only
- keep an eye on pedestrians and remember, how to recognize vulnerable road users (see part 4)
- be extra cautious when approaching school patrols and pedestrian
crossings
- keep your distance from what you are going to pass
- never drive faster than the conditions allow and be ready to brake.

Pedestrian crossings
warn that there can
be pedestrians on the
carriageway - and you
must be particularly
aware that there can
be a pedestrian on his
or her way onto the
crossing.

lane markings
- Pedestrian crossing showing where pedestrians cross the
carriageway.
Road signs etc.
- Cyclists warning that cyclists and moped riders may drive
out onto the carriageway or cross it.
- Children warning of children near schools, after-school
centres, playgrounds and similar places.
- Horseback riders warning of horseback riders on the carriageway, especially where there can be a restricted view.
- Wild animals.
- Cattle warning of cattle crossing daily at places where there can be a restricted view.
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- Road works warning that there may be road workers on the

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carriageway.
- Pedestrian crossing warning of a pedestrian crossing ahead

- Pedestrian crossing is placed at the pedestrian crossing.

- Pedestrian sign can be placed at a pedestrian
crossing to emphasize the pedestrian crossing.

Markings on a school bus

School bus sign with yellow flashing lights can be placed on the
front of or behind the bus being
used to transport children to and
from school. If the lights are flashing, it is a warning that there
can be children crossing the carriageway to and from the bus.

On narrow roads you can come across obstructions in your side. For example oncoming traffic crossing over the middle of the carriageway. Be ready to reduce speed and keep well to the right.

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CONTENTS

Hazards and accidents

ALPHABETIC

7. Meeting others

Young motorists are involved in lots of accidents

when meeting others, usually on narrow, two-lane
roads. A lot of collisions occur with oncoming
vehicles that overtake, turn or drive in reverse, as
well as with pedestrians walking along the side of
the road.
Approximately 15 accidents
per year

Accidents typically occur with cars and delivery

vans, but also very many lorries and quite a lot of
two-wheeled vehicles.

Approximately 25 accidents
per year

On roads with three lanes it is forbidden to

drive in the lane furthest to the left unless
the traffic is only one way.

Observation and manoeuvering

You must learn to pay attention to and cope with
the following dangers when meeting others:
- obstructions ahead on your own side
- weather conditions that cause oncoming
vehicles to cross the middle of the road,
for example a narrow road with bends,

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Approximately 25 accidents
per year

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110

holes or slippery/greasy road conditions

but without lanes being marked
- oncoming vehicles with steering tendencies

causing them to cross the middle of the

road, especially through bends or on
narrow roads. It can for example be large
heavy lorries and buses, motorcycles or
vehicles with trailers
Approximately 550 accidents
per year

- weather conditions, for example side wind,

that can cause you and those you meet to
be forced out off course
- meeting a long convoy that can cause turbulence and force others out off course.
The "vulnerable" road user is at a great risk.

Meeting - this is how to do it

- look carefully in good time checking oncoming traffic, for
obstructions and reducing speed, if this makes things easier
- keep to the right at the same time, show consideration to
others by the side of the road
- stay behind pedestrians, cyclists and moped riders, or
stop, if necessary, for example because there are obstructions ahead on your side of the road
- do not focus on oncoming traffic only for too long, but
keep your focus on the clear lane

ming traffic to cross the

centre of the road, for
example stationary vehicles
on the left-hand side of the

road, or in heavy traffic

where the vehicle behind
wants to overtake.

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dividing line on narrow roads that have a poor view.

- lines used to warn of a continuous line or of a central

lane markings

CONTENTS

ons that can cause onco-

ALPHABETIC

Take note of traffic situati-

- A continuous line may not be crossed, except in exceptional circumstances, for example at roadworks or where a
vehicle is illegally stopped or parked.
Road signs
- On-coming traffic ahead.
- Road narrows on both sides.
- Maximum width is an under plate that shows how much
space there is on narrow parts of a road.
- Give way for oncoming traffic.
- Oncoming traffic must give way.
- Lane width.

Signals
- Traffic lane lights. The red light means that driving in the
lane is forbidden. A flashing yellow diagonal arrow shows
that you need to change to the lane that the arrow is
pointing at. A green arrow shows that driving is allowed
in the lane in the direction of the arrow. If the signal
changes to a red cross you must change lanes. If this is
not possible you must stop.

8. Driving in front of and behind others

Never drive too close to the vehicle in front. If the driving distance is
less than 2 seconds, it is not certain that you can avoid a collision if
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the motorist in front suddenly reduces speed or brakes.

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112

If you are driving behind a vehicle that is blocking your view, when
the road is slippery or greasy, then 2 seconds distance is too little in
which to react or brake.

due to collisions with road users in front or

behind. Usually these accidents occur in heavy
traffic where cars collide, quite a few two
wheeled vehicles are also involved in accidents.
Approximately 50 accidents
per year

Vehicles with special speed restrictions, for

example cars with trailers, outside built-up

areas, must keep an extra distance from vehicles

in

front, so that an overtaking vehicle will have

sufficient space to pull in front of them.

CONTENTS

Many young motorists are involved in accidents

ALPHABETIC

Hazards and accidents

When driving at low speeds, or in especially

wide vehicles, for example a vehicle with a

behind you. You can make it easier for those

overtaking by reducing your speed, or maybe by
pulling in to the side of the road and stopping.
Observation and manoeuvering
You must learn to pay attention and cope with
Approximately 175 accidents
per year

the following dangerous situations in connection

with driving in front of or behind others:
- weather or traffic conditions that may cause you to suddenly reduce speed or brake,
for example a bend, lights or obstructions
on the carriageway, for example traffic
build-ups or pedestrian crossings
- special conditions with those driving in

Approximately 350 accidents

per year

front or behind you, for example a vehicle

that is blocking your view, an inexperienced driver or a vehicle with poor braking
ability.

113

should be particularly aware of those who are

trailer, on a narrow winding road, you

P A

Approximately 50 accidents
per year

Pay attention to
weather conditions that give poor
visibility or need
increased braking
lengths, for example fog, heavy
rain, snow or slippery or greasy
roads.
Driving in front of others - this is how to do it
- regularly check your mirrors in order to keep sight of others
driving behind you
- judge if your distance is safe or not
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- check if your own speed is suitable and not too slow

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114

- if you can judge that the vehicle behind you intends to

overtake, maybe you can reduce your speed to make it

easier for him to do so

- avoid, if it is possible, braking reducing your speed suddenly.
Driving behind others - this is how to do it
- judge if the distance from the vehicle in front is sufficient
for you to react or brake in an unexpected situation
- if you catch up with the vehicle in front you should keep
a safe distance of a minimum of 2 seconds, but increase the
distance if weather, traffic or anything else makes it necessary
- do not focus only on the vehicle in front, but keep a look out as
far ahead as possible
- watch out for the vehicle in front, if he has space to manoeuvre, for example for overtaking
- watch out for those overtaking you, cutting in front of you

Road signs
- queue shows possible risk of traffic build-up.

Overtaking involves lots of hazards.

It is important that you look carefully for overtaking prohibitions or if it is possible to overtake.

Many follow the vehicle in front without checking

if it is safe to do so themselves. Some motorists
become impatient if they have been driving for
some time behind others driving slowly when
there is the slightest chance, they overtake.
Approximately 175 accidents
per year

If you underestimate the distance necessary to

CONTENTS

Hazards and accidents

ALPHABETIC

9. Overtaking

overtake in, or overestimate your own ability to

accelerate, risky situations arise. If you are in
doubt as to whether it is possible to overtake your

115

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doubt, do not overtake!

less time in which to overtake. Therefore: if in

reaction time will be longer - and there will be

Approximately 50 accidents
per year

When you overtake a

lorry on a wet carriageway, there may be
water spraying up. This
interferes with your driving and reduces your
view. Overtaking a lorry
can also expose you to
turbulence. In both situations you should keep
calm and try to maintain an overview and pull
back calmly and stop
overtaking.

Fortunately the number of overtaking accidents is not so large, but

when such accidents do occur they are usually serious because of the
high speeds involved.
It is typically the overtaking vehicle that gets hit. It is often a motorist,
but cyclists are also vulnerable. It can also be the oncoming traffic or
traffic from behind overtaking you that get involved.

- You should overtake others on their left. However if the vehicle in

front is turning left, or is preparing to turn left you must overtake
on the right. In such a situation you are allowed to cross a continuous sideline, as long as the lane to the right of the line is not marked as a special lane, for example a cycle lane
- It is forbidden to overtake at crossroads unless
- there are a number of lanes in the same direction that are
meant for traffic only in that direction

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- or if you are overtaking a vehicle that is turning left

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- if the crossroads are controlled by traffic lights or by police

- traffic on the intersecting road must give way

- It is forbidden to overtake before or at a level crossing

- The normal prohibition of overtaking on hills and on bends does
not apply when overtaking bicycles and mopeds (unregistered types)
- On roads with three lanes, where traffic is not one-way, you are not
permtted to use the lane furthest to the left, not even for overtaking.

You are not allowed

to overtake on a hill
or on a bend with
reduced view

Orientering og manvrering
Du skal lre at lgge mrke til og klare flgende faresituationer i

- lack of a clear view over the necessary overtaking length, because

of hills, bends, crossroads road junctionns or poor weather conditions, like fog, snow or low sun
- oncoming traffic in the overtaking lane

- traffic approaching from behind that is overtaking or beginning to

overtake. Keep a keen eye on blind spots!
- signs that the vehicle in front of you is overtaking, stopping or is in
some way changing its driving position
- signs that the vehicle in front of you is not aware of being
overtaken. This can be obvious when vehicles sway from side to

CONTENTS

when overtaking:

ALPHABETIC

You must learn to pay attention to and cope with the following things

side or by the driver clearly not being aware of the dangers

- signs that the vehicle in front has problems manoeuvering
- a number of vehicles in convoy with little space in between.

- you must ensure thorough looking around to make sure that it is

safe to overtake.

Is there time
enough, a clear
view and space
enough?
Are there any
obstructions
ahead?

- if there are others pulling out in front of you, you must increase
your safety distance by reducing speed

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Overtaking - this is how to do it

(tailgating)

- do not come too close to the vehicle you are going to overtake.
If the vehicle in front is a large vehicle reducing your view you
must increase your distance from it to get a better view
- pull a little bit out to the left of the vehicle you want to
overtake if that is necessary to get sufficient view
- you must ensure that there is enough space to pull back into
your own lane again, after overtaking
- signal with your left indicator if vehicles behind are close. In
that way they will be aware of your intentions. Signal if the driver of the vehicle in front seems to be inattentive or has a poor
view
You must use
your eyes to
overtake, not
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just your indica-

tor. Be aware of

118

vehicles in front

starting to
overtake.

- during the whole overtaking process keep an eye on vehicles in

front and behind abort your overtaking if conditions change, or
if you become uncertain
- try to get out of the blind spot of the vehicle in front as soon
as possible and generally keep a good side distance
- look to see when the vehicle you are overtaking is visible in
your rear-view mirror. Until then keep in the overtaking lane.
Once you can see it pull back into the right lane unless you
intend to overtake another vehicle.
Overtaking a number of vehicles in front
- before and during overtaking keep a continuous look out for the
possibility of overtaking a row of vehicles all at the same time,
legally and safely

to be aborted
- be aware of others pulling out of the line in order to overtake
as well, and then maybe abort your overtaking if you cannot
see clearly ahead of you.

Overtaking vehicles turning left

- judge if you can overtake on the right. Reduce speed and stop
if necessary
- be aware of pedestrians and other road users crossing in front
of the vehicle that is turning. Also keep an eye on other road

CONTENTS

overtaking. You may need that space if your overtaking needs

ALPHABETIC

- keep an eye on the nearest gap in the line of vehicles you are

users on the right-hand side of the road

Always overtake

side.

lane markings
- Warning lines are used to forewarn of a continuous line or
as a middle line on narrow roads with poor view. At crossroads the warning lines may be used to direct traffic. And
under special conditions the warning lines can be used to
direct traffic where the lanes are cast off to one side.

119

of space at your

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ensuring plenty

others slowly

- Continuous lines are not permitted to be crossed when

overtaking. Continuous lines are often used, where overtaking is forbidden because of a poor view, for example
hills and bends. At these places it is allowed to overtake,
if there is enough space on the nearside of the continuous
line, and if oncoming traffic cannot drive here.
- Double continuous lines. You must drive to the line
closest your vehicle. If it is a broken line it may be
crossed, but if it is continuous it may not.
Road signs
- Overtaking forbidden, forbids overtaking of all vehicles
except two-wheeled bicycles and mopeds
(the unregistered types).
- End of overtaking restrictions.
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120

- End of previous restrictions, including overtaking.

- A cross-marking for a level crossing also including that

overtaking is forbidden.

10. Approaching crossroads and junctions

Remembering about crossroads giving way at crossroads and other
road junctions
We have crossroads that are four legged
We also have junctions, they are T-junctions and a Y-junctions.

CONTENTS

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121

ALPHABETIC

Where roads cross each other, then there is always a "give way duty"
and this means that there are precise rules as to who should give way
for whom.
There are two types of give way duty, "give way to all traffic" and "a
give way to traffic from the right". Give way to all traffic means that
you must give way to all traffic from left and right. Give way to the
right duty means that you must give way to all traffic from the right,
but also keep an eye on traffic approaching from the left to check if it
is going to give way for you.
No matter what type of crossroads you approach and no matter what
type of give way duty applies, be attentive, careful and observant
In short one can say that at crossroads where give way to all traffic
does not apply, give way to the right duty will apply. This you will
need to read about on page 126.
Some crossroads are controlled by lights, but they are a minority.

Hazards
You can avoid causing dangerous situations by keeping your speed suitably low. In this manner you will have time to look about you or to be
able to stop before the road junctions. If the road junction is traffic
controlled there are a number of things you must be particularly aware
of. These you can read about on the following pages. Generally there
are the same kind of hazards at road junctions as for changing lanes
(see at page 101) and driving in front of others (look at page 113).
Observation and manoeuvering
You must learn to pay attention to and cope with the following hazards
when approaching crossroads and junctions:
- a poor view at the crossroads or junction
- signs that the vehicle in front is reducing speed or stopping, for
example in order to drive into an entrance just before a
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crossroads or junction

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- signs that the vehicle in front is reducing speed or stopping suddenly at a yellow light or in order to turn

- signs that pedestrians especially the elderly and children at

corners cross even though they have a red light against them.

Positioning for a right turn

Positioning for a left turn

Positioning for driving straight

ahead

Positioning for a left turn on

a three-laned road

Positioning for a left turn on

a road that has only oneway traffic

out for traffic signals, compulsory directional lanes, give way

duties and a general overview
- show others that you intend to obey your give way duty.
- position yourself in the correct lane

- keep an eye on pedestrians on their way over the carriageway,

or who may be at a or on a pedestrian crossing
- does the road have one or more lanes in one direction, but no
directional arrows in them. Then when turning right, you must
position yourself in the lane furthest to the right and, when
turning left, you must place yourself in the lane furthest to the

CONTENTS

- when you approach a crossroads or junction, then you should look

ALPHABETIC

Approaching crossroads and junctions - this is how to do it

left. If driving straight on choose the lane that is most

convenient
- if the road is not divided into lanes, before making a right turn

you wish to turn left.

In addition you do the following at
crossroads and junctions with a poor view, where you have a duty to give
way:
- stop at a row of triangular markings, sharks teeth or a stop line

- if the view is poor, it may be necessary to edge a little bit

forward over a pedestrian crossing, a stop line or over the
sharks teeth in order to get a better view
- even though you have a good view you must stop if a sign,
lights or likewise show that you must stop
- no matter whether there is a pedestrian crossing or not, stop for
pedestrians who are on their way over the road junction.
crossroads and junctions where the view is poor, where traffic from a
side road must give way: Even though you do not have to give way you
must approach suitably slowly, so that you have time to stop if traffic
from the side road does not notice you.
crossroads with a poor view, where the exit is over a pavement, verge
or cycle way:
- give way for pedestrians on the pavement and cyclists on the
cycle way or on the carriageway

123

- in one way only streets position yourself to the far left, when

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the left, position yourself towards the centre of the road

position yourself as far to the right as you can. When turning to

- drive slowly forwards. If it is necessary to drive a little bit

forward over the cobbles, the verge or cycle way in order to
get a good view do so - and stop.
crossroads and junctions with a good view:
Here you should only stop if there is a stop sign, or if conditions make
it necessary.
traffic light controlled crossroads or junctions:
- if the light is red, or about to change to red, prepare to stop
- stop before a pedestrian crossing or stop line
- if the signal changes from green to yellow and braking can
cause a dangerous situation continue over the crossing
- you should stop for pedestrians crossing the carriageway - even
though they have a red light against them
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- you should not enter the crossroads or junction, if traffic does

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124

not allow you to cross in time. In that case you could block
intersecting traffic, when it gets get a green light.

Traffic lights at crossroads or junctions

- The main signals. When red you stop at the stop line. If
there is no stop line you should stop at a safe distance
from the crossroads or junctions.
- A red and yellow light at the same time also means stop,
but indicate that the light will soon be green
At some crossroads or
junctions there are traffic lights and a sign indicating that you must give
way to all traffic from
left and right. The sign
only applies if the traffic
lights are out of order.
If there are no signs and
the traffic lights are out
of order - then the give
way to the right rule
applies

- A yellow light means stop and shows that it will

soon be red
- Signals without a green light (repeater signals). For
motorists in the centre of the crossing waiting to turn the

signal shows when the light will change for oncoming traffic from extended green to yellow and then red. At crossroads where the signal for oncoming traffic does not
change at the same time as it does for your direction of
travel, the signal is situated in the far left corner of the
crossroads.

CONTENTS

is clear of course

ALPHABETIC

- A green light means that you can go, if the road

- red arrows, yellow and green apply to drivers travelling

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in the direction in which the arrow is pointing.

Stop for all traffic coming

Stop for everyone

You may drive in the

from in front or from

in all directions at

direction of the poin-

behind the police officer

crossroads

ted arms of the police

officer

Must give way

Where you must give way is sometimes marked by a STOP sign. At
other times it is the sign for Must Give Way or sharks teeth (give way
line) that marks where you must give way.
These markings can be omitted where the roads layout clearly shows
that there is an absolute requirement to give way, for example exits
from a farm road.

At these places you have absolute requirement to give way, even

though it is not shown with special markings:
- exiting over a pavement, cycle way or verge that is raised
up over the carriageway. The exit can be marked on the surface
of the pavement if it is continued across cobbles or if it
is clearly narrowed in comparison with the width of the road.

When exiting
from the side of
the road, for
example from a
parking area,
property, or
P A

filling station,

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the absolute
requirement to

give-way applies.

If you meet an emergency vehicle with flashing lights on or sounding

its siren you must always keep the road clear.
Give way right

There are no
road signs or lane
markings give-way
right duty applies.
This means that
you must be
particularly alert
at crossroads that
do not have any
markings!

merging). For example at a parking area. This means that you must
give way to all traffic from the right. But at the same time you must
ensure that all traffic from the left is going to obey their requirement
of give way right.

Lane markings
- Lane markings and a broad broken sidelines just before a
crossroads or junction shows that you are still able to
change lanes.
- A continuous line and a broad continuous side line just
before a crossroads or junction indicate that you are no

CONTENTS

give way to the right applies (with the exception of lane changing and

ALPHABETIC

At crossroads and junctions where no one has marked give way duty,

longer allowed to change lanes.

- A broad sideline is a boundary for the lanes from which
you cannot continue straight on, but must turn to the left

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in the direction that the arrow is pointing.

or right depending on the arrow markings.

- Lane arrows show that the respective lane is for driving

- Double headed lane arrows apply for two side roads, one
immediately after another.
- A lane arrow with a no entry applies for a crossroads,
where you are not allowed to turn down the first side
road. There will be a signpost in conjunction with this.
- A row of triangular markings called sharks teeth. They
show that you must give way which means that you must
give way to all traffic on the intersecting road
- A triangular symbol shows that you must give way to traffic from left and right at the next crossroads or junction.
- Stop shows that you must stop, and that you must give
way to traffic from left and right at the crossroads or
junction.
- A stop line shows where you must stop in conjunction
with a stop sign, a red light or other stop sign.

- A pedestrian crossing. Avoid stopping on the crossing.

Road signs
- Dangerous crossroads showing that traffic from side
roads must give way, but also where the view is poor.
Therefore you must be extra cautious. The sign
can also be shown with just one side road as a junction.
- Traffic signals warning of traffic signals ahead.
- A main road shows that any traffic crossing must give
way, unless markings state otherwise.
- End of a main road.
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- Suspended signs with arrow-markings and lanes at the cross-

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roads or junctions indicate the directions of travel at the

crossroads or junction for the appropriate lanes.

- Compulsory direction of travel shows the direction in

which you must drive.

- A right turn is forbidden.

- A left turn is forbidden.
- Absolute requirement to give way.
- Forewarning of a full stop is used in conjunction with the
absolute requirement to give way.
- A cycle way in both directions shows that on the
road that crosses there is a cycle way in both directions.
- Full stop shows that you must stop at the stop line and
after that you have the absolute requirement to give way.

bours, airports, attractions, service areas and likewise.

- An exit directional sign shows the distance to places of
interest etc. and is situated where the exit lane begins.

- A table direction sign shows the distance to the directory

of destination, route numbers and other information.

- Informative signs are seen as suspended informative

signs, diagram information signs, lane informative signs,

CONTENTS

- Arrow road signs show the way to places of interest, har-

ALPHABETIC

Informative directional signs

table direction signs and show directions to places of

interest etc.
- Distance signs show route numbers and distances to

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places.

11. Driving straight ahead at crossroads or junctions

Hazards and accidents
When driving straight ahead at crossroads risky
situations often occur due to some motorists
just following others in front, without looking
around carefully themselves. Other motorists
expect that oncoming traffic turning left, especially at traffic light controlled road junctions, is
Approximately 375 accidents
per year

going to give way as expected. Unfortunately this

is not always the case and therefore this situation
causes accidents. Dangerous situations can occur
if the distance and speed of the intersecting traffic is misjudged, or if pedestrians who are crossing are not seen. Young motorists are often
involved in accidents when driving straight ahead,
normally because the requirement to give way is

Approximately 200 accidents

per year

not obeyed or because an oncoming vehicle is not

seen. Driving straight ahead seems so easy and
precise and therefore things can easily go wrong.

P A

Approximately 50 accidents
per year

Approximately 75 accidents
per year

Approximately 250 accidents

per year

Approximately 350 accidents

per year

Approximately 50 accidents
per year

Approximately 200 accidents

per year

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Observing and manoeuvering

You must learn to pay attention to and cope with the following
dangerous situations when driving straight ahead at crossroads:
- road users with poor ability to be able to see and hear for
example children and the elderly cyclists, moped riders or
motorcyclists in bad weather
- particularly vehicles with restricted speed that need
some time to cross the road
Cycle ways in both directions on the intersecting road at the crossing.

- vehicles that take up less space and can easily not be noticed,
when amoungst larger vehicles
- indications that, an oncoming vehicle is about to turn left
without giving way to you

- indications that a cyclist or moped rider in front of you is going

to turn to the left, without looking first
- a vehicle in front, reducing speed or stopping in order to turn
into a drive or likewise just after crossroads
- a pedestrian at far corners at crossroads
After you have stopped at crossroads, make sure that the road is clear

CONTENTS

be under estimated

ALPHABETIC

- motorcycles, mopeds and racing bikes, whose speed can easily

so you can drive straight ahead, and set off smartly.

Even though a pedestrian is crossing a pedestrian crossing whilst the

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traffic light is red, despite a green light for you, you must give way.

Driving straight ahead at crossroads - this is how to do it

at crossroads with a poor view and, where you have to give way:
- after you have stopped at the sharks teeth, a stop
line or where you have a good view, look carefully in both
directions frequently
- judge whether there is a gap in the traffic large enough, for you
to cross the crossroads without causing others to slow down or
change position
- at crossroads you should judge, if traffic approaching from the left
is going to give way to you as they are required to do.
- watch out for pedestrians, stepping out on the opposite corner
- look out for a clear lane ahead before entering the crossroads.
Judge, whether
oncoming traffic
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including cyclists

and moped riders

132

in front, intending

to turn left, will

be giving way to
you.
crossroads with a poor view, where traffic from side roads are required
to give way:
- is traffic from the left and right going to give way as required?
- judge the rest of the traffic as described in the three previous
situations above are
crossroads with traffic-light signals:
- after stopping at a red light, you must keep an eye on the signals
and for green arrow filter signals too
- avoid concentrating on the lights alone, keep an eye on traffic in
the crossing as well, especially pedestrians, crossing the road even
if they have a red light against them
- look out for oncoming traffic. Are there any signs, that they will
be turning left without giving way to you?

When turning right at a crossroads, there is

risk as some road users often follow the cars
in

in front of them, without taking sufficient

care. In addition far too many drive too

fast through bends and lose control of their

car. Some expect that drivers from the left
Approximately 50 accidents
per year

at crossroads will always respect their obligation to give way or observe the traffic
lights. Dangerous situations can also arise,
if the distance and speed of the traffic cros

CONTENTS

Risk of accidents

ALPHABETIC

12. Turning right at crossroads

sing the junction are misjudged, or if crossing pedestrians are not noticed.

out for cyclists and moped riders, or simply

misjudge their speed.
Accidents, when turning right, occur mainly
by motorists coming from behind, and from
the side. Often cyclists and moped riders
are hit because they drive up on the righthand side of a car and are not noticed.

Approximately 20 accidents
per year

Other accidents occur, due to motorists

approaching from behind hitting other road
users, who are about to turn to the right.
Pedestrians on a road, that the driver is
turning right into, are often involved in
right turn accidents.

Approximately 50 accidents
per year

133

if road users do not look behind and watch

P A

Approximately 60 accidents
per year

Finally dangerous situations can occur,

Observing and manoeuvering

You must learn to pay attention to and cope with the following
dangers when turning right:
- cycle ways in both directions at intersections
- reduced road grip due to the condition of the road surface or
its state
- drivers from the left who have positioned themselves badly
- vehicles, whose speed ability can easily be underestimated
- cyclists and moped riders who can easily be hidden in blind
spots behind yourself and to the right
Pay attention to-, cyclists and moped riders, travelling straight ahead,
who continue on even though there is a stop sign against them.

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- oncoming cyclists and moped riders on cycle ways in both directions

- indications that oncoming traffic is turning to the left without giving
way
- pedestrians, about to use pedestrian crossings or children at corners
- obstruction in the traffic lane, for example a stationary vehicle, just
after the crossing

- keep a suitably low speed, so that you can look around and
observe conditions at the crossroads. Are there cycle ways and
where are cyclists and moped riders likely to be?

- get into the correct lane. Drive close to the kerb in order to
avoid having cyclists and moped riders on the righthand side of your car. In this way you will know that they are
not between you and the kerb, when you turn
- is it possible for you to overtake cyclists or moped riders,
before you pull out into the right-hand turning lane? If not,

CONTENTS

- signal in plenty of time to show you are turning right

ALPHABETIC

Turning right at crossroads - this is how to do it

then drive behind them and keep your distance

- after stopping, look carefully in both directions especially in

moped riders,
intending to
drive straight
ahead in
cycle lane or
cycle way.

- if you have are required to give way, you need to judge if the
gap in traffic coming from the right is big enough for you to be
able to turn to the right without forcing others to reduce speed
or change their positioning

135

cyclists and

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Give way to

blind spots where cyclists and moped riders can be hidden

Look to the right at the crossroads. Is the carriageway not completely

free after the turn, then take this into consideration before turning.
- is traffic coming from the left and obliging its give way duty?
- is traffic turning left, giving way to you?
- watch out for pedestrians on their way onto the crossing
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- turn promptly when the road is clear. Remember to take the

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corners sharpness and road grip into consideration

Right turns at a crossroads - this is how to do it

crossroads with a cycle way with or without a cycle area marking:
Watch out for cyclists and moped riders, both oncoming (on cycle
ways with cyclists in both directions) and those approaching from
behind, as well as cyclists in cycle areas. Can you turn to the right
without forcing them to reduce speed or stop?
crossroads regulated by traffic lights:
- after stopping at a red light, you must keep an eye on the signals and possible green filter arrow lights too
- avoid giving all your attention to the signals alone, keep an eye
on traffic in the crossing too, especially pedestrians crossing.
Even if they have a red light against them
- look out for oncoming traffic turning left. Are there indications
that they will turn left without holding back?
- judge whether cyclists and moped riders are going to stop for a
red cycle signal before you turn

large enough for you to make your right turn. Also be aware at Tjunctions where traffic from the right has priority as other road users
on the major road often drive as if traffic from the side roads have
absolute give way duty.

At this T-junction where traffic from the right has priority and you
intend to turn right, even though it's traffic from the left that should
give way for you you must ensure that they have seen you and will

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give way to you.

CONTENTS

Keep back, if you cannot find a gap in the traffic from the left that is

ALPHABETIC

T-junctions when turning from a side road:

13. Turning left at crossroads

Hazards and accidents
Turning left at a crossroads is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres.
Some road users have a tendency to follow traffic in front without
making their own judgement. In addition a lot of people drive too fast
through a bend and lose control of their vehicle easily.
Some expect other road users from sideroads will always give way
when so required or respect signals. But that is not always the case.

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138

Approximately 275 accidents

per year

Approximately 175 accidents

per year

Approximately 60 accidents
per year

Approximately 50 accidents
per year

Approximately 50 accidents
per year

Approximately 70 accidents
per year

Dangerous situations can arise if you miscalculate the speed and

distance of both crossing or oncoming traffic. It can also be dangerous

concentrating on the oncoming traffic too much, because this could
result in your missing hazards.
Dangers can also arise, if you are concentrating solely on the traffic
lights. Many motorists drive straight through green lights without noticing them, where there is any oncoming traffic that is not then completely clear of the crossing.
Some people get irritated or become uneasy by waiting too long in a
vunerable position in the middle of crossroads. Therefore they take
chances and drive as fast as possible. Others become nervous about
getting in the way, when the traffic crossing gets a green light.
Finally dangerous situations can arise if road users do not position
themselves correctly and do not pay attention to pedestrians crossing
ahead, behind for cyclists and moped riders, for example on a two
directional cycle way.
When turning left at a crossroads a lot of accidents happen with young
motorists. The principal cause of these accidents is the person turning
left does not give way to the oncoming traffic. These accidents happens typically with cars, cycles and motorcycles.

hand side of cars.

Finally pedestrians are vulnerable, when they are crossing a road into
which a driver is turning left.

Observing and manoeuvrering

You must learn notice and manage the following dangerous situations
with left turns at crossroads:
- road users, approaching from behind and to the left of the car
- cycle ways in two directions on crossroads
- reduced roadgrip due to the roads surface or weather conditions

CONTENTS

traffic approaching from behind, driving in the blind spot on the left-

ALPHABETIC

Often accidents happen with drivers, coming out from side roads or by

- drivers from the left side with a poor view

- vehicles whose speed can easily be underestimated
- vehicles that take up little space in the traffic scene and can

- oncoming traffic driving straight ahead that is completely or

partially hidden by another vehicle, waiting to turn to the left
- pedestrians, about to step onto a pedestrian crossing and
children on the pavement.
Cycle ways in both
directions demand
extra attention,
because you must
keep an eye open
for cyclists and
moped riders from
both directions
from the front or
from behind.

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way with traffic in both directions

easily be not noticed, when alongside larger vehicles

- cyclists and moped riders approaching from the left on a cycle

Turning left at crossroads - this is how to do it

- is there traffic approaching from behind to the left of the car?
- signal in plenty of time that you will turn left
- position yourself in the lane furthest to the left, or in the
compulsory lane
- keep a suitably low speed, so that you are ready appropriately
to the view and give way duties
- hold back for oncoming traffic
- look in both directions several times
- is the gap in the oncoming traffic, or traffic from the left or
right, big enough for you to turn to the left, or drive forwards
to the turning lane in the middle of the crossroads, without
forcing others to reduce speed or change positioning?

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140

Look to the left at the crossroads. Is the carriageway not completely

clear after turning, take this into account, already before you turn.
- are drivers from both directions of the crossroads adhering to
their possible duties to give way?
- is there a cycle way in both directions to the left at the crossroads, are you keeping an eye on cyclists and moped riders
approaching from behind
- look out for pedestrians, who are crossing.

- when positioning or driving towards the middle of crossroads, you should show oncoming traffic, also turning left
how you plan on passing by them

Wait before
turning left, if
the oncoming
vehicle is also
waiting to turn
left obscures

CONTENTS

all crossroads:

ALPHABETIC

And this is what you should do at

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your view

- wait for pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into, or if
they are already on a pedestrian crossing even if they are ignoring a red light against them
- wait for cyclists and moped riders, who are entering crossroads
from a cycle way
- position yourself in the right-hand from which you are turning
right. If there is more than one lane then, before you turn, you
must choose the lane most suited for your destination and
appropriately to other traffic.

crossroads with traffic lights:

- after stopping at a red light you must keep an eye on the lights
and for possible green arrow filter lights
- avoid concentrating solely on the traffic lights, also keep an
eye on traffic in the crossing, especially pedestrians who are
crossing even if they have a red light against them

Turn immediately there is a freelane whilst the lights are still green,
or there is a green left arrow in your favour or repeater signals.
- judge whether the oncoming traffic is going to give way. Be
sure that the crossing is clear, when the light turns yellow or a
P A

green left arrow shows. Also be ready to brake

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142

- turn as soon as possible, when there is a clear lane and when

the lights are green, green left arrow or a repeater yellow/red.

crossroads, where you must give way to traffic from both directions:
- give way, until there is a gap in the traffic that is big enough to
allow you to turn without danger or inconvenience to oncoming
traffic or traffic from the right
- if the crossing has turning lanes in it or a waiting place in the
middle, wait there until there is room to complete your leftturn
crossroads where you must give way to traffic from the right:
- give way before entering the crossing until you can drive
forward without blocking the road to traffic that is crossing.
crossroads, where traffic that is crossing must give way to traffic from
both directions, and T-junctions with a turning into a side road:
- drive forwards slowly towards the middle of the crossing intersection and wait until there is room enough for you to complete
your left turn.

order to wait for a gap in the traffic. This applies also at

T-junctions where you must give way to traffic from the right
as road users on the intersecting road often drive, as if the
traffic coming from the side road must give way to traffic from

both directions.

14. Driving at roundabouts

Potential hazards and accidents
If you drive too quickly up to a roundabout, your assessment of
traffic will be bad, it will be difficult to give way to other traffic. If

CONTENTS

- here you should stop either where there are sharks teeth or in

ALPHABETIC

T-junctions when turning from a side road:

your speed is too high on the roundabout it can be difficult to keep a

proper position. Misjudging road holding or the speed of others (especially cyclists and moped riders) on a roundabout can result in danger-

look thoroughly for pedestrians cyclists and mopeds behind you

who are proceeding round the roundabout or for pedestrians crossing the road. These situations cause many accidents.

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It can be dangerous on your way out of a roundabout, if you do

ous situations

Solo accidents with motorists are the most common type at roundabouts. It's usually due their loosing control of their vehicle.
Observing and manoeuvering
You should learn to pay attention to and manage the following dangerous situations when driving at roundabouts:
- reduced road grip due to weather conditions
- vehicles approaching from the left who speed
easily can be underestimated
- cyclists and moped riders approaching from behind who can be
hidden in the blind spots behind to the right
- signs that when you are driving out of the roundabout, where
there are cyclists and mopeds, continuing, even though there is
a red cycle signal, a green right arrow or green light for cars
- pedestrians on their way to cross the carriageway just as you
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are leaving the roundabout.

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Approaching roundabouts - this is how to do it

- drive at a suitably low speed, so that you can see the layout of
possible lane divisions, light signals and give way duties, when
you are approaching the roundabout.
- are there cyclists and mopeds to the right of you?
- use the allocated lane, or the most convenient one
- before positioning in the right lane, look carefully just like
when turning right and before positioning in a left lane, follow
the same procedure as for a left turn
- are there pedestrians crossing and motorists from the left?
- hold back, if there are pedestrians
- if you are leaving by the first exit, choose the right lane and
indicate right
- if you are leaving by the last exit, you can signal with your left
indicator to show others your intentions.

CONTENTS

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145

ALPHABETIC

Leaving or exiting a roundabout this is how to do it

Make an orientation as when driving in front, behind or alongside
others. And do in addition likewise:
leaving by the first exit:
- stay in the right lane and keep well to the right by the kerb,
while you continue to indicate to the right
- position yourself appropriately to others and hold back for
cyclists and mopeds just like when turning right at crossroads
- hold back for pedestrians, on their way over the carriageway,
that you are turning into.
when exiting between the first and the last exit:
- choose the lane that is most conveinient and appropriate to the
rest of the traffic and conditions generally

- move to the right lane signal just before leaving the last exit
- position yourself appropriately to cyclists and mopeds just like
when turning right at a crossroads.
when leaving by the last exit:
- position yourself in the left lane and it is advisable to
indicate left
- move to the right hand lane just like a lane change and start
indicating just before the exit you intend to leave by.
- position yourself in appropriately to cyclist and mopeds just
like with a right turn.

15. Driving on motorways

Hazards conditions and accidents
P A

Risk conditions on motorways are especially

related to construction work, for example a wide

146

carriageways, gentle bends and hills, no buildings

alongside the roads, a visibility and high speeds.

The typical hazard here is the underestimation of
Approximately 75 accidents
per year

ones own and others speed and therefore poor

judgement, overestimation of distances, too short
safety distances, underestimation of sidewinds,
tiredness and reduced attention after a longer
than normal period of driving, as well as speed
blindness.
The potential hazards cause many accidents. The

Approximately 25 accidents
per year

most common are solo ones with motorists on

motorways at entrance and exit lanes.

Another typical form of accident is collision from behind or colliding

with the vehicle in front. The accidents occur due to too short a
distance from vehicles in front, or because vehicles in a queue are
caught up with faster than one had expected.

entrance and exit lanes. The maximum allowed speed on a motorway

and it's entrance and exit lanes is 110 km/h. For vehicles with trailers,
maximum 80 km/h. You are only allowed to enter a motorway via an
entrance lane or at its beginning. In the same manner you may exit

only via exit lanes. The maximum allowed speed on a motorway and
its entrance and exit lanes is 110 km/h. (From 1/4 2004 130 km/h).
For vehicles with trailers 80 km/h.
Driving over the central reservation, u-turns, reversing, stopping and
parking are not allowed on motorways, on entrance and exit lanes or
on grass verges or in other places by the motorway.

CONTENTS

km/h, which are allowed to drive on motorways and in their

ALPHABETIC

It is only motor vehicles, who may and can drive minimum 40

Motorists must give an indication with indicators when changing lanes

or any other considerable sideways movements of the vehicles
positioning on the motorway. (Applicable by law from September 2003).

can be used outside a built-up area. Stopping at an emergency telephone is only allowed, if you need to call for help. In such a situation
then you should attempt to stop off the carriageway.
On motorway with three or more lanes in the same direction, vehicles
towing trailers with a total overall length in excess of 7 m may only use
the two lanes to the far right, unless preparing a left turn at the end of
the motorway. Towing another vehicle is forbidden on a motorway.
Observing and manoeuvering
You must learn to pay attention to and manage the following dangerous situations when driving on a motorway:
- vehicles from behind on the entrance lanes, which are not
keeping a sufficient safety distance
- vehicles in front on the entrance lanes that are not taking the
opportunity to enter the motorway, but are stopping
- vehicles from behind on the entrance lanes, who could suddenly
pull out in front before you have entered the motorway yourself
- motorists on the motorway, approaching from behind and can
be hidden in the blind spots
- motorists on the motorway, showing that they do not intend
to help make your entrance easier
- signs of unexpected reactions of motorists in front at exit lanes,
sharing lanes or where two motorways join

147

drivers approaching from behind of the hazard(s). The same precaution

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motorway one must use ones hazard warning lights in order to warn

When there are unexpected queues or other sudden hazards on the

- dangerous situations as for an ordinary road to the same

extent that the same situations also could arise on motorways
- vehicles from behind on a combined entrance and exit lane
that can be hidden in the blind spots.
Entering where there is a merging rule this is how to do it
- make an assessment of the entrance lane conditions
- are there vehicles in front or approaching from behind?
- adjust your speed to the entrance lanes and the merging
appropriately to available length, uphill or downhill and
appropriate to the rest of the traffic, in order to avoid stopping
- despite this if you are forced to stop, then you must make a
thorough orientation behind and warn others with the help of
your braking lights. Stop, so that you still have plenty of
entrance lane ahead and wait for the possibility of entering.
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148

At this
entrance the

merging rule
applies.

Entrance, when the changing lane rule applies, this is how to do it

- right at the beginning of the entrance lane signal that you wish
to change lanes
- make a thorough assessment of the entrance conditions
- are there motorists approaching from behind in the lane that
you wish to move into?
- adjust your speed to the entrance lanes length, any incline or

you do
- otherwise change lanes according to the rules and conditions
you have to read about on page 100
- at combined entrance and exit lanes you must keep an eye on

other motorists, if they are signalling that they are exiting.

Entering when there is an absolute give way duty this is how to do it
- assess thoroughly and in good time the view and
approach and entrance lane conditions
- is there traffic approaching from behind? How fast is it
driving and how far are they from you?

CONTENTS

- keep space for to allow vehicles in front to change lane, before

ALPHABETIC

down hill gradient or in line with the rest of the traffic

- adjust your speed accordingly

- show the other motorists that you intend to give way

those entering where there is a short

entrance lane and a
poor view. Allow
space for those
entering or maybe
even change lane.

Driving on the motorway this is how to do it

- keep in the centre of the right-hand lane a short time after you
have entered in order to get used to the road and the rest of
the traffic situation before maybe overtaking
- only use the left lane for overtaking
- keep a constant eye on entrance and exit lane conditions as far
ahead as possible

149

duty applies for

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Absolute give way

- enter, when there is a sufficient space.

- regularly check the speed on your speedometer and find the

highest safest, legal speed for that stretch of road
- help others on entrance lanes to enter by adjusting your speed
appropriately or change lanes
- if there are a number of lanes, only change one lane at a time
- pay attention to lane markings and road signs, especially for
allocated lanes, the course of the road, merging according to
rules and the end of the motorway
- always carry out manoeuvres on motorways with the greatest
safety margin, and make assessment earlier and more
thoroughly than for an ordinary road.
Exiting - this is how to do it
- assess, signal and change lane in good time before the beginning of exit lanes
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- can you leave the motorway without any risk?

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150

- avoid reducing your speed on the motorway especially if you

have vehicles close and immediately behind

- leave the motorway immediately where the exit lane begins

- reduce your speed appropriately to the new conditions and
speed limits.
when exiting dangers
can easily arise, if for
example the vehicle
in front suddenly leaves the motorway and
pulls out in front of
you without looking.
Generally speeds are
higher on motorways
and the risk of accidents are therefore
greater.

get in, before you. By accelerating just sufficiently and by driving

close by the side of the motorway, you show vehicles from behind that
you wish to leave the motorway.

- Continous sideline, followed by a dotted sideline. The merging rule applies after the dotted line. On joint entrance
and exit lane you can merge, if the broken line markings
discontinue. If the dotted line markings are continued the
rule for changing lanes applies.
- Give way Give way sharks teeth show that as an exception there is
an absolute requirement to give way when entering the
motorway.
Speed limits for heavy goods vehicles and vehicles with trailers.
On all motorways the maximum speed limit is 80 Km/h for:
Lorries and lorries with a trailer
Buses weighing over 3500 kg
Cars towing caravans and trailers
The speed limit applies on motorways, unless posted otherwise

151

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Lane markings

CONTENTS

Give room for vehicles in front on the entrance to the exit lane can

ALPHABETIC

Leaving by a joint entrance and exit lane

Road signs
- Motorway. Shows that the motorway is beginning.
- End of motorway. Normally placed at the end of a
motorway (not on exit lanes).
- Must give way. Shows that here as an exception you give
way at the motorway entrance.
- Merge rule shows that you must drive according to the
rule for merging.
- The course of the road with merging rule. Shows, where
and how the lanes decrease, and where the merging rule
applies.
- The course of the road with changing lanes. Shows, where and how the lanes decrease, and where the rule for
changing lanes applies.
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- Dangerous junction. Shows that motorists on side roads

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152

must give way but also have difficulty in merging, for

example because of a short entrance lane.

- Lane allocation (with possible arrows pointing down).

Shows, which lanes are meant for driving for the
destination, you see on the sign.
- Pre-warning of course of the road. Shows the course of
the lanes and directions. At the bottom of the sign you
are informed of the distance from the sign to the junction
or exit.
- Diagram information signs for motorways. Shows route
numbers or direction of destination for each fork. At the
bottom of the sign you are informed of the distance from
the sign to the junction or exit.
- Exit information sign. Shows the exit leads in the
direction of the destination that you see on the sign.
- 500-m exit sign. Advanced warning of the exit
information sign.
- 1000-m exit sign. Shows the exit number and is followed
by the exit name. The sign usually also shows the next
exit number and name, as well as the distance to it
- A recommended speed sign shows the speed that under
normal conditions you can drive through the bend with
the red arrow!

only buses weighing over 3500 kg

cars with trailers
duration: 06001800, Monday to Friday
the restriction no longer applies in .... kilometres

Driving on a motor vehicle only road The same rules and lane markings
apply on a motorvehicle only road as on motorways. But there are a
couple of special things that you must know.

CONTENTS

lorries and lorries with trailers

ALPHABETIC

Overtaking forbidden for:

The maximum speed on a motor vehicle only road as well as

entrance and exit lanes is 80 km/h. Where the limit locally is rai-

sed to 90 km/h it is shown on road signs.

There is rarely a middle central reservation on a motor vehicle only

road. Therefore there is a risk that oncoming traffic can cross the
middle. In addition we can expect traffic to cross over. Here we can
expect both pedestrians and motorists to cross.

Road signs
- Motor vehicle only road. Shows the beginning of a motor
vehicle only road.
- Motor vehicle only road ending. Normally put up only
at the end of a motor vehicle only road (not at exits).

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153

Hazards

Towing another vehicle on a motor vehicle only road is forbidden.

16. Driving at night and during lighting-up-time generally

HAzards and accidents
In the dark and at twilight, or if you are driving towards a low lying
sun your ability to see becomes impaired considerably. The same
applies, if you are blinded by an oncoming vehicle. Hazards can arise,
if you drive too fast in comparison to visibilty and lighting. It can be
difficult to judge speeds and distances under these conditions, because there are no visible guidelines.

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Unmarked or badly marked obstructions on the road are dangerous,

and in darkness and during twilight many pedestrians, parked vehicles,
animals and objects on the road are often hit.
The majority of accidents at night and at twilight are mainly solo.

i
Lighting-up-time is from sunset until sunrise, or when it is necessary
to use lights due to darkness, fog, mist, rain or in other poor visibili-

ty conditions or light. The purpose is to be seen by others, or so that you

can see better yourself. Special daytime lighting is not powerful enough

CONTENTS
ALPHABETIC

during lighting-up-time.
Observation and manoeuvering

ones ability to judge conditions is somewhat reduced.

Driving using the lights at night and at lighting-up-timethis is how to do it
- before driving at night you must be sure that the vehicles
lights are working correctly
- use the lane markings and the side line reflectors and background markings in order to locate yourself. Remember that side
markers on the right side have orange reflectors, and those on
the left hand side have white reflectors
- remember that your ability to judge conditions is impaired: you
should be able to stop the car within the range of the lights
that you are driving on and within the clear stretch of road in
front of you
- on lit up roads use dipped headlights. Side lights should only be
used when stopped or parked
- on roads without any lighting use main beam headlights, if
dipped lights are not sufficient enough for your speed. Take
care not to blind others!
- in fog or heavy rain, you can use fog lights. The rear fog light should only be used in extremely foggy conditions, and only if, they
do not blind others

155

attention to the risk of indications of dangers, particularly because

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tions as during daytime. At night time you should drive with greater

You must learn to pay attention to and manage the same danger situa-

- if you need to warn others, flash your headlights instead of using

your horn. Only use the horn, if there is an immediate danger.
And generally this is what you should do
when meeting others:
- keep an eye on oncoming traffic or signs indicating that an
oncoming vehicle is approaching, for example a glare of lights

Regulate your speed,

to the range of your
dipped headlights.
Remember, you must
be able to stop
within that range.
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When meeting other

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156

cars on narrow and

dark roads your

speed should be
reduced to 40 km/h,
so that you are able
to react and stop for
possible obstructions
ahead.
- find a suitable distance to dip your lights. Is the oncoming vehicle a car or a motorcycle, then dip your lights approx. 200-300
m before meeting them, if the oncoming is a cyclist or moped
rider, then dip your lights approx. 100-150 m before
- the number and positioning of the lights of oncoming vehicles
should indicate the type of vehicle you can expect
- stop, if the oncoming vehicle is blinding you and that you cannot see anything. You can avoid being blinded severely by not
looking directly into the oncomings lights. Look ahead along the
right-hand road side as it is here that an obstruction can appear
- change to high beam just before passing the oncoming vehicle.

distance and dip your lights so that you do not blind the other
vehicle in its mirrors
- find out what type of vehicle to expect by its position and note
the number of rear lights, and reflectors

- keep a greater distance than you would in daylight - the vehicle

in front will also have reduced vision too
- pay attention to vehicles behind and their intentions. If a vehicle from behind is planning on overtaking then keep your main
beam headlights on a little while longer to help it out. As soon
as the vehicle starts to pull in again, then dip your headlights.

CONTENTS

- when you catch up on a vehicle ahead, you should judge your

ALPHABETIC

when driving in front of or behind others:

when overtaking:
- if you are overtaking in darkness you must look out more due to
poor visiblity

have the best conditions. Be careful not to blind the driver you
overtake.

On completely dark roads you can see and judge the overtaking stretch by pulling out left and by putting on the main beam momentarily.

157

- change to main beam just before overtaking, it is then you

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it dip your headlights to avoid blinding the other driver

- if you catch up on the vehicle in front and intend to overtaking,

when stopping:
- use your brakelights to warn others behind
- parking or side lights should only be used on poorly lighted
roads when stopping or parking.
Use of your lights at lighting-up-time during the daytime
- normally use dipped headlights never side lights - when it is
foggy, misty, rain, or if there is poor visiblity
- if there is heavy fog during the daytime you can maybe
use the main beam headlights in order to be seen
- when you are driving with a sun low in the sky behind you, you
can switch on your dipped headlights in order to make it easier
for the oncoming traffic to see you.

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17. Driving alongside others

Hazards and accidents

158

Dangerous situations can arise, if the distance

between you and cyclists and moped riders is

misjudged. It can easily happen, because there is
a tendency for them to sway. A motorist can also
easily start skidding on a slippery or greasy road.
If a motorists in heavy traffic has poor observatiApproximately 85 accidents
per year

on and manoeuverability, because there are vehicles on both sides of it, there is a dangerous tendency just to follow what the others are doing.
Finally it can be dangerous to only focus on vehicles at your sides alone, because you might pull
out and loose your oversight in front and behind
you.

Approximately 50 accidents
per year

Accidents often happen, where motorists, mopeds

and cyclists pull out in front of cars at crossroads. At other times it can be the motorist, who
is pushing or "squeezing" other road users.

following dangerous situations in connection with

driving beside others:
- traffic diagonally behind, which can be hidden
in blind spots

- signs that a motorcyclist is going to drive

Approximately 35 accidents
per year

between the rows of traffic in heavy queues of

slow moving traffic
- vehicles in the lane next to you that have a tendency to sway or are particluarly sensitive in
sidewinds

CONTENTS

You must learn to take note of and manage the

ALPHABETIC

Observing and manoeuvering

- vehicles in the lane in front to the right that

need more than one lane to carry out a manoeuvre, e.g. lorries with trailers or articulated

- signs that vehicles with steering ease suddenly

change lane, or pull in front to the left at a
crossroad
- blind spots or angles generally
- the difference between sidewind and shelter, when large
vehicles pass by.
Driving beside others - this is how to do it
- check regularly but briefly your distance to those, who are
driving alongside you
- especially in heavy traffic you must look as far ahead in your
own lane as possible. In this way your driving and positioning
will be stable and you can change lanes in good time
- only change lanes, if it is necessary to prepare for a turn pass
by stationary vehicles or pull in to the right to park
- moving forward in a lane. This can mean that you pass other
vehicles to the right. In this situation it is legal, because this is
not considered overtaking, but just passing
- avoid driving in others blind spots either by driving slightly
ahead or behind them
- keep a good distance from others that have a tendency to sway.

159

slightly to the left, before turning right

lorries, turning to the right, but needing to turn

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Approximately 35 accidents
per year

Avoid "squeezing" cyclists, moped riders and motorcyclists by driving

next them in the same lane, or when driving past stationary vehicles
on the right-hand side.
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160

lane markings etc.

- Cycle symbol shows that cyclists and mopeds (non- regi-

stered) must use a particular part of the road. A symbol

of a cycle in a lane that has a solid line side line as a
boundary shows that that lane is a cycle lane

Bus symbol. The

word BUS in a
lane that has a
solid line as a
boundary shows
that that lane is
only used by
buses.
If you are turning
to the right at
this crossroads
and junctions,
then cross the
buslane before
the continuous
line positioning
behind the
cyclists.

that is meant for

particular vehicles,
for example a bus in
a bus lane, then this

is not considered
overtaking, but just
passing.

Road signs

CONTENTS

vehicle in a lane

ALPHABETIC

If you are passing a

- Cyclists warning that there can be cyclists and riders of

non-registered mopeds on the carriageway.
- Road narrows warning that the road narrows, so you can

- Merging shows that the rule for merging applies.

- The course of the road with a merging rule ahead.
- The course of the road with a lane change rule ahead.

18. Stopping and parking

Hazards and accidents
If you are searching for a parking space, you are concentrating on this
and can easily lose your attention on other situations. Some road users
give up the search, and park the car without taking the ability of
others to see them into consideration.
Hazards can arise, if the person parking is not taking into consideration that others can suddenly be surprised. Maybe they expect the rest
of the traffic will continue steadily. This situation from time to time is
the cause of accidents.

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161

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lane.

expect a lane change or merge rule up ahead.

- Sidewind warning that it can be difficult to keep to ones

When you are parking, you should carry it out at a speed low enough
to control of your steering.
Collisions with parked vehicles happen primarily on two laned roads in
town, often in the dark. It is cyclists, motorists and moped riders,
who are involved in this type of accident.

Parking is defined as leaving your vehicle voluntarily with or

without a driver in it. Stopping for less than three minutes, stop-

ping for loading and unloading is not considered parking.

Stopping and parking may not take place, if there is a danger or
inconvenience to others. If possible it should be done off the
carriageway.
Outside built-up-areas park in lay bys by the side of the road. As far
as possible you should only use the parking areas on the right- hand
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side of the road.

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162

If you are stopping or parking on a railway track or less than 2 m from

a railway track in the road, at a quay side or likewise, you must not

leave the vehicle, so that you can move it, if you notice a train
coming.
If you are parking a vehicle at night (without a trailer) by the roadside
in a built-up-area, it is sufficient enough just switch on the front and
rear parking lights on the side nearest the centre of the road.
There can be local parking restrictions. They could be for example
that you are not allowed to park with part of the vehicle on the pavement.
Observing and manoeuvering
Stopping and parking, this is how
- whilst you are looking for a parking place, you must always
remember that there are other road users than yourself you
should take into consideration
- keep to a suitably low speed and check behind before reducing
speed even more or when stopping to find out if you are allowed to park or not. Signal with brake or indicator lights
- is the space big enough - and is it legal to park there? And can
you park without being an unnecessary inconvenience or hindrance to others?

den" as well as "Parking forbidden", pages 166/167)

- park the car as you learned on the initial manoeuvre track (see
page 32)
- if you park by the kerb facing up hill, you should maybe turn

the wheels fully to the left, if you park by the kerb facing down
hill you should turn the wheels fully to the right so that in both
instances the wheels are pressed towards the kerb to avoid the
risk of rolling downhill
- apply the handbrake and maybe put the car into gear
- are there compulsory P-disc or Parking meter tickets?

CONTENTS

specified distance from (look at Stopping and parking forbid-

ALPHABETIC

- judge your distance from places that you should keep a

- check for cyclists, pedestrians or others before opening doors

- be sure that you do not tempt anyone: remove the ignition keys

lar duration, you must

set the P-disc.
You should set it to the
end of the quarter hour
in which you arrived. This
means, if you begin parking at 11.35, then you
can set your disc at
11.45.
The P-disc must be placed in the windscreen to the right, so that it
can be read from outside. Transparent discs that are stuck onto the
screen, must be placed furthest down to the right on the inside of the
screen. If you need to display a ticket, place it inside at the front
windscreen that is closest to the pavement.

163

is restricted to a particu-

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At places, where parking

activate the antitheft device steering lock and lock the car!

lane markings etc.

- A continuous yellow line on the kerb or by the kerbstone
shows stopping is forbidden.
- A broken yellow line on the kerb or by the kerbstone
shows parking is forbidden.
- Parking box can be marked with white, continuous lines
or marked with a special surface - shows that you may
only park within the box.
- Text or symbol for particular vehicles -shows that the box
is limited to that particular type of vehicle, e.g. handicapped.
- Parking symbol shows the allocated area is meant for parking.
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Road signs

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164

- Stopping forbidden - shows that stopping on the carriageway is forbidden, where the sign is erected, unless you

are stopping because of other traffic.

- Parking forbidden - shows parking on the carriageway is
forbidden where the sign is erected.
- Under plates with arrows
- this shows the restriction applies before and
after the sign to the nearest junction or next
sign
- this shows the restriction applies after the sign
to the nearest junction or to the next sign
- this shows that the restriction applies from up
to and including the sign to the nearest junction
or previous sign
- Under plate with a verge
- this shows stopping on the verge is forbidden
- this shows parking on the verge is forbidden

The time with black or white numbers is for

weekdays, numbers in brackets on Saturdays.
Red applies for Sundays and bank holidays
- this shows stopping is forbidden within the

stated hours
- this shows parking is forbidden within the
stated hours
- this shows the hours, where main sign applies.
- this shows parking is only allowed for the stated
duration.

CONTENTS

- states the time to which the main sign applies.

ALPHABETIC

- Under plate with a restriction time

- Zone sign shows an area with forbidden parking or

restrictions. The sign give fuller details.

ctions they must be shown on that type of under plate

used for parking restrictions, or on an under plate
applying for particular types of vehicles. If the under plate for example shows the symbol of a lorry and tilladt,
then the parking restriction does not apply to ordinary
cars and delivery vans. If the under plate only shows a
symbol of a lorry, and no text, parking with an ordinary
car or delivery van is forbidden.
- Main road - shows parking on the carriageway is
forbidden outside a built-up-area.
- End of main road.
- Bus stops or taxi stand - shows ordinary vehicles may not
stop or park here.
- Dangerous verge warns of risk of driving off into the verge. The reason may be stated on an under plate.

165

in the area where the sign is. If there are parking restri-

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- Parking shows parking is allowed on that side of road or

- End of the zone.

Stopping and parking forbidden

There are some places, where stopping and parking is forbidden, even
though it is not marked. This applies in the following places:
Stopping and
parking is forbidden on the
left-hand side
of the road,
except in oneway streets
and less important or minor
roads.
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166

- on a pedestrian crossing or less than 5 m before the crossing

- no nearer than 5 m before the end of a cycle way
- at a crossroads or less than 10 m from the nearest edge of the
intersecting carriageway or cycle way (it is always allowed in a
parking box)
- less than 5 m from a continuous lines beginning at crossroads
- next to a continuous line, if there is less than 3 m between the
car and the continuous line, and there is no broken line to the
right of the continuous line
- on a bridge over a motorway, in a viaduct or tunnel

On footpaths,
cycle-paths,
middle reservations, on central reservations restricted
areas and pavements stopping
and parking is
forbidden.

bidden, if the
car obscures
road signs or
signals

- on or near a hilltop

CONTENTS

parking is for-

ALPHABETIC

Stopping and

- in or at a bend with a poor view around it

- in a crawler lane
- at taxi ranks

167

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park 12 m before or after the bus stop sign.

- for the whole marked length by a bus stop.

Where there are no kerb markings, you are only allowed to stop or

Parking forbidden
At some other places parking is forbidden, even though it is not marked as such:
- less than 30 m from a level crossing
- in front of an entrance or exit to a property, or such like, so
that entering and exiting is made difficult
- beside another vehicle that is stopped by the kerb, with the
exception of cycles, mopeds or motorcycles without a sidecar
- so close to another vehicle that it is not possible to access it,
or able to be driven away.

On the
carriageway on
a main road
outside a builtup-area or
where all
parking is
forbidden.

19. Driving in redeveloped areas

Hazards and accidents
A redeveloped area is an area with speed restrictors, pedestrian and
residential and play areas.
Pedestrians and especially children playing, are not always aware of
traffic, and therefore are a risk you must take into account. This
applies to both residential and play areas, but also in pedestrian only
streets.
Finally you must be aware of and respect speed restiction humps and
other obstructions, used to restrict the speed.
Children (and adults) consider residential and play areas to be "safe"
and are therefore less aware. Be extra careful in such areas give way
to pedestrians and be sure that those playing on the road have seen
you, and give them space.
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168

When driving in a redeveloped area, you must give way to pedestrians and never continue to drive before you are completely

sure that nobody can come close to your vehicle. You must also be
certain that those who are on the road or playing, have seen your car
and will give you room. If you are driving in a pedestrian street you
must exercise extra caution with pedestrians. If you can see that
pedestrians on the road cannot avoid coming close to your vehicle,
and that there may be danger, you must ensure that they have seen
your car. Stop, if it is safer.

- be particularly aware of pedestrians and children playing

- drive within the speed limit, or slower and reduce your speed
at the speed restriction measures e.g. humps.
If crossing a pedestrian street, then you must hold back for pedestrians.

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169

CONTENTS

Driving in redeveloped areas this is how to do it

ALPHABETIC

Observing and manoeuvering

lane markings etc.

- Humps are chequered areas, this shows, a hump is
coming up.
- Rumble strips are small sound-making strips across the
carriageway that show that you must be extra
cautious.
Road signs
- Areas with speed restrictors - shows speed restriction
measures are to prevent you from driving faster than the
permitted speed.
- End of the area with speed restrictors.

- Pedestrian street shows an area, where special traffic

regulations apply. Certain forms of traffic may be
allowed. Under plate shown. Driving in the area is
normally restricted to less than 15 km/h. You are not
allowed to park outside areas allocated for parking.
- End of pedestrian street. Motorists have absolute duty to
give way when leaving the area.
- Residential and play area - shows that motorised traffic
has lower priority than residents and children playing or
adults on the road. Normally the speed is under 15 km/h.
No parking outside the marked areas.
- End of residential and play area. Motorists have an absolute duty to give way when leaving residential and play
areas.
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171
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i
ALPHABETIC

CONTENTS

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172
8

Part 8: Manoeuvres on a technical installation

an influence speed has on steering and stopping. The idea is that

these manoeuvres should give you a better understanding of how
the car will react in different situations. It is important that you find
out that the speed alone can determine, if a manoeuvre will succeed or not.

The exercises at the technical installation should not be carried out

at speeds greater than 60 km/h. During these exercises you will be
alone in the car.
In this part there are theory and preparations for the exercises on
the technical installation. Just as with part 2 you can use this part
as a checklist.

the car grips onto the road. The engine and the power of the brakes,
as well as steering can only be used with the help of road grip. Therefore road grip is important for all acceleration, stopping and steering.
If the road is slippery due to snow, ice or wet and greasy conditions,
road grip is reduced and therefore you must be cautious when you
operate the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering. At the same time
it is important that you keep a appropriately low speed.
Loads
A vehicle can be loaded so heavily in the back so pressure of the front
wheels on the road surface is reduced. This can, firstly, cause a tendency to oversteer and secondly reduce the road holding and impair
steering the vehicle. But reduced road grip will also cause a front wheel drive car to accelerate more slowly (engine power will not be at its
maximum due to wheel spin), and the wheels can lock prematurely if
you brake. It will not be possible to steer in either situation when turning the steering wheel.

173

As you read in part five, road grip is an expression describing how well

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Roadholding

Roadholding and loads

ALPHABETIC

At the technical installation you are able to experience how great

CONTENTS

This is how the car reacts

If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, tyre contact is changed and
in turn the cars steering ability is changed.

Normal pressure

Too high pressure

Too low pressure

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174

A worn tyre tread impairs road holding in wet conditions. If you drive
in heavy rain or through puddles, there is a risk of aquaplaning. Even
with brand new tyres you can experience aquaplaning, if the tyre cannot drain water off.

When a car is set off moving, a certain amount of energy is induced.

This is called momentum. Momentum causes the car to continue to
drive for some time even though the engine is not engaged even when
the clutch being depressed or because the car is in neutral.

There is an exact connection between speed and the momentum. If

you double up the speed, then the momentum becomes quadruples.
You then need four times as much energy to stop the car. When you
double the speed this in turn means that the stopping length also
becomes four times greater.

CONTENTS

Motional energy

ALPHABETIC

Speed, stopping lengths and road holding

Centrifugal force energy When you drive through a bend or carry

out an evasive action the car is influenced by a side force, that will

force. Just a slight increase in speed can make it difficult to steer

correctly through the bend.

Half the curve

radius (in other
words a bend that
is twice as sharp)
will make the centrifugal force two
times greater. If
the curve radius
becomes doubled
(in other words half
as sharp) then the
centrifugal
force will be
halved.
Braking lengths

175

force. This means that a doubling of the speed quadruples centrifugal

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fugal force. There is a connection between the speed and centrifugal

try to "pull" the car outwards in the bend. This energy is called centri-

Stopping distances
The stopping distance is the length of road along which the car moves
from the moment when you tread on the brake, and stopping begins,
until the car comes to a standstill.
In the following you should learn something about stopping distances,
that later on you will experience on your own at the technical installation.
The stopping distance depends on just how hard you tread on the brake pedal. If you drive 60 km/h on the flat on a dry road the stopping
distance is approx. 50 m, if you brake gently (approx. 2.75 m/s2),
approx. 30 m, if you brake hard (approx. 4.5 m/s2) and approx. 20 m,
if you brake extremely hard (7.0 m/s2).
If you increase the speed just slightly, it has a great influence on the
stopping distance. It becomes almost twice as long, if you increase speP A

ed from 30 to 40 km/h, from 60 to 80 km/h or from 80 to 110 km/h.

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The stopping distance also depends on the road grip and therefore
also the road surface, that is being braked on.
A stopping distance of approx. 35 m can be achieved at 80 km/h on a
horizontal, dry road without the wheels locking. In order to achieve a
stopping distance of 35 m, maximum speed must be 60 km/h on wet
asphalt or gravel, 40 km/h on solid snow and 30 km/h on ice.

with a total weight of 3.500 kgs the maximum must be 7 m. These are
the laws minimum requirements, but with good brakes they can be
halved.
Situations can arise, when you need to use the emergency brakes. If

they are working as they should, the maximum stopping distance must
be 12 m for an ordinary car and 14 m for a delivery van, at 30 km/h.
With a lawful handbrake the maximum stopping distance must be 20
m at 30 km/h.
The stopping length is increased when driving down hill.
Exercises in stopping distances

CONTENTS

ry car at 30 km/h must be 6 m. For a delivery van at the same speed

ALPHABETIC

On a good road surface the maximum stopping distance for an ordina-

The following exercises are carried out on a dry surface at 60 km/h.

- brake softly, so you achieve a stopping distance of approx. 50 m
- brake hard, so you achieve a stopping distance of approx. 30 m

The following is a combination of theory and practice.

To avoid the wheels from locking (this means wheels that no longer
rotate), when you brake on a slippery road surface, you depress the
brake pedal very gently. Locked wheels increase the stopping distance.
Newer cars have ABS brakes. ABS brakes means an anti lock braking
system, because the system makes sure that the wheels continue to
keep turning (rotating), even if you are treading hard on the brake
pedal. When the system is functioning, there are violent vibrations on
the brake pedal, but you must continue to keep pressure on the brake
pedal, as long as braking is still necessary.
In a car without ABS brakes you have to regulate the pressure on the
brake pedal yourself in order to keep the wheels rotating, so that you
achieve the best possible braking.

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The use of the road holding

- brake very hard, so you achieve a stopping distance of approx. 20 m.

If you brake while the one set of wheels is on the dry part of the
road, and the other set of wheels is on a wet part, then this can cause
a violent and unequal pull, pulling the car off to one side. An unequal
pull can also occur with the ABS.
If you turn sharply on a slippery road surface you can experience that
the car not following the movements on the steering wheel, but also
powerful braking or acceleration in a bend on a slippery surface can
cause the car not to keep on course through the bend.

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178

Exercises using the available road holding

On a dry road surface:
Brake at approx. 60 km/h and adjust the pressure on the brake pedal,
so that the stopping distance becomes the shortest possible without
locking the wheels or skidding outward. You must be able to complete
this exercise both with and without the ABS.
On a slippery road surface:
- set off without wheel spin or skidding
- brake within the shortest distance with gradually increasing
speeds up to approx. 50 km/h. The exercise should be carried
out without the ABS-brake system in function

cise both with and without the ABS- system in function.

On a dry/slippery roads (with different frictions):
With one set of wheels on the dry surface of the road and the other

on the wet and slippery surface of the road you must brake with gradually increasing speeds. Adjust the pressure on the brake pedal, so
that you avoid skidding outwards.
Correct or adjust your steering, if the car makes an uneven or unequal
pull to one side.

CONTENTS

as on the dry track, approx. 20 m. You must carry out the exer-

ALPHABETIC

- adjust your speed, so that you get the same stopping distance

Obstructions on the carriageway

road.
Double evasive action without braking
On a dry road surface:
At 50-60 km/h then you need to make a lane change in order to avoid
hitting a marked obstruction. When you have passed by the obstruction, then change quickly back to the original lane half.
On a slippery road surface:
At a suitable speed make a lane change to avoid hitting the marked
obstruction. When you have passed the obstruction, then quickly move
back into the original lane. The exercise is to learn to judge, just how
much the speed should be reduced, in order to avoid hitting an
obstruction.
Combined braking and evasive action
On a dry road:
at 40-60 km/h brake - without blocking the wheels - as close to a
marked obstruction, so that you have time to stop.

179

speed has to be reduced on a slippery surface in comparison to a dry

P A

Again during these exercises you will discover, just how much the

You must learn to react correctly to sudden obstructions up ahead.

Release the footbrake, steer around the obstruction and brake bringing the car to a complete stop. This exercise should be carried out
without the ABS-braking system in function.
On a slippery road surface:
At a suitable speed (that you decide for yourself) you should
brake without locking the wheels as close to a marked obstruction,
but without having to stop. Release the brake pedal, steer around the
obstruction, brake and stop completely. The exercise should be carried out without the ABS functioning.

Regaining control after skidding

When skidding you should never use the brake or accelerator - this
will just make the skid worse. The following exercises take place on a
slippery road. This should make you familiar with operating the car
P A

correctly and give you experience in carrying it out.

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180

Rear wheel-skidding

When the rear wheels skid outwards, press the clutch pedal all the
way down and keep it down throughout the whole straightening up
process.
Turn the steering wheel back to the original direction of travel, this
means in the same direction, that the cars back end is skidding
towards. When the rear end straightens up, turn the wheel back for
driving straight ahead otherwise you risk a new skid in the opposite
side.
When the car has regained road grip and is on the correct course
again lift the clutch out slowly, while you gently give some gas.
Front wheel-skids
When the car starts to skid turn the wheels to the straight ahead position at the same time that you press the clutch down. Keep it down
while straightening up.
When the car follows the steering wheel, continue in a turn that is as
flat as possible, taking the sharpness of the bend into consideration.

One can easily loose control by driving over a high edge. This can
throw many people into a panic and cause them to turn the steering
wheel vigorously. If you do this the car can easily cross over into the
oncoming carriageway or verge.

R
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181

CONTENTS

ALPHABETIC

Keeping control of the vehicle after driving over a high edge

Back again over the high road edge

This exercise that takes place on a dry track with gradually increasing
speeds, should teach you to react properly.
- drive over a high road edge
- reduce your speed by braking carefully and steer the car
forwards along the edge
- steer back up over the high edge again, when the speed is low
enough so that you can do so safely.

Once you have driven at the technical installation you will have
gained knowledge of the forces that influence the vehicle under different conditions. You will have experienced that just a slight increase
in the speed can be enough for you are not able to carry out all
manoeuvres. You will have also experienced the importance of having
control of the correct driving technique in order to be able to cope in
a critical situation but most of all to avoid causing critical situations
for yourself and others.
The hours on the technical installation should give you a good feeling
for the car. It is a good idea to refresh techniques from time to time,
in order to keep your driving skills up to a high standard. But no matter how clever you become, still remember that there are some physical rules that you cannot break - and your speed is one of the elements that you must have a great respect for!
P A
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183
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ALPHABETIC

CONTENTS

P A

184
9

Part 9: Preparations for the driving test

The driving tuitional curriculum/driving and theory lessons

If it is the first time you are taking a licence for category B you
must receive lessons from a driving instructor, who is approved in

this category. The lessons must fulfill the demands that are laid down

by the traffic managements teaching plan for category B. They contain both theoretical and practical lessons. The teaching plan can be
bought at a book shop, or you can read about it at the driving school
or at the driving licencing office.
When driving on ordinary roads an approved driving instructor must be
beside you at all times. The driving instructor is considered to be the

ALPHABETIC

Conditions for obtaining a drivers licence

CONTENTS

A few last minute hints

driver of the vehicle. When you are carrying out manoeuvres on a

manoeuvre track and on the technical installation you must be alone

There must be two copies of the lesson planat all lessons. According
to the rules and regulations laid down in the driving licence proclamation you should have one copy, and your driving instructor the other.
The lesson plan must give details of the lessons you are receiving in
the theory class and in the school training car. When each lesson is
completed both you and your driving instructor sign in the driving
instructors copy of the lesson plan to confirm that the lesson has been
completed.

Preparing for the driving test

The drivers licence is issued by the police after you have passed the
driving test carried out by police examiners or for those called up for
military service or the national rescue corps for special
driving judges or examiners.
When you have received theoretical and practical lessons up until the
"Manoeuvres on the technical installation" (or part 8) apply for the driving test. You need to fill out and sign a specially approved application form, where you confirm that you have received the lessons that
meet the demands that are laid down in the lesson plan. You must
also confirm that the initial introductory lessons have taken place on a
manoeuvre track (enclosed area).

185

The lesson tuition plan

P A

in the vehicle.

The application form

has to be
handed in at
the driving
licencing
office.

If you already have a driving licence the following has to be handed in

together with the application form:
- the fee for taking the test or a receipt for the appropriate fee
P A

- a doctors certificate with information about your health

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186

together with a recognisable photograph (portrait without

any head wear) size 35 x 45 mm, without stamps, and with the

doctors stamp and his/her signature on the back

- national health card with Cpr no. or other suitable documentation for your personal number/ residence permit, passport,
diplomatic ID card if applicable.

Driving licence category B and the right to drive

Driving licence category B gives you the right to drive the following
vehicles:
- ordinary cars and delivery vans that do not exceed a total load
weight of 3.500 kg. Ordinary cars may only highest have a maximum 8 seats in addition to the drivers seat
- cars as before mentioned with a trailer attached with a maximum weight of 750 kg
- cars as before mentioned above with a trailer attached of over
750 kg (car/trailers maximum joint total weight of 3.500 kg)

motorized implements and registered EU-mopeds.

Demands at the driving test

At the driving test the examiner must judge, if you have achieved
the abilities and skills that are demanded in the lesson plans

subparts.
it is both a theory and a driving test. You must pass a theory test
before you can sit the practical test. At both tests you must bring your
application form for the driving licence and the driving instructors
copy of the lesson plan duly signed.
The theory test
The theory test is a written test and normally takes about half an
hour. At the test you will be shown a random series of approved colour
slides by traffic management.

At the the colour slide

test there will be question read out by an
interpreter that you will
need to answer to by
placing a cross in the
accompanying test form
paper.

187

P A

The actual driving test

CONTENTS

wheeled motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecar), tractors,

ALPHABETIC

- 3-wheeled motorcycle with or without a trailer (not a two

Students, who because of documented special circumstances cannot

take the theory test, can carry out a special theory test, where the
coluor slide series and multiple choice questions are also used.
The location of the test is closed at the appointed time. If you arrive
too late for a theory test you will have to pay a new fee to sit it again.
Before the test starts you will be instructed as to how the test is to be
carried out and terms. You will, for example be instructed as to how
the multiple choice questions should be filled out. The use of aids is
not allowed.
During the test there will only be the examiner one interpreter and
the students, who are allowed in the room.
P A

At the test you must bring with you

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188

- your application duly filled out and signed

- the driving instructors lessonplan, that is filled out and signed

- the test is marked by the traffic management correction scheme and you will get the result immediately. If you have made
mistakes, you will be told in what the subjects are.
The final practical driving test
Driving time should be less than 25 minutes. In that time the examiner
judges your behavior in traffic. In addition to the driving time there
will be some time taken up in checking your identity, and informing
you of how your test proceeded, checking the vehicles equipment and
evaluating the course of the test. If there is a need for it the test can
be extended, or stopped, if your driving skills are not good enough.
The test is carried out in an approved school training car that you
(and your driving instructor) supply. The examiner will sit beside you.
The driving instructor, if you or the examiner do not object, can view
the test from the rear seat. You must have an interpreter on the rear
seat with you.

the test. You will not be forced into abnormal traffic situations nor be
made to break any traffic laws. If it is necessary for safety reasons for
the examiner to interrupt your driving to avoid a collision, if it becomes necessary for the controls to be taken over, then the examiner

must do this.
If you happen to make minor mistakes during the test you can still
pass. It is your driving as on the whole throughout the test that will be
evaluated.

CONTENTS

responsibility and duties are yours. The examiner ensures safety at

ALPHABETIC

During the test you are considered the driver, and therefore the

Checking the vehicles

legal equipment is part
of the practical test. The

189

P A

You should be able to

without the use of tools.

technical car check is

check and decide, if the

parts you are checking,
meet the laws demands.
You must also be able to
explain how the technical check is carried out.
You must drive the route,
and carry out the manoeuvres to the examiners
instruction. The instructions must be given clearly
and in good time, so that
you have time to acknowledge, understand, prepare
and execute them.

The manoeuvres, that you have practised at the initial manoeuvre

track and at the technical installation, should be carried out naturally
as part of your driving during the test. Reversing and reversing around
corners can be incorporated from time to time. And if they do it is
only expected that you carry out the manoeuvre with some precision.
Driving in a figure of eight and reverse slalom may not be requested.
After the test you will be told immediately, if you have passed or not.
A student who has not passed, must be informed of the demands and
skills in the lesson plan that were not accomplished.
At the practical driving test you must bring
- an approved interpreter
- your application filled out and duly signed
- an earlier driving licence
P A

- certain verification eg. EU-driving licence, passport (issued

after the 1. October 1949) or birth certificate or diplomatic

190

card

- driving instructors lesson plan filled out and signed

The driving licence, laws and conditions

Validity
Normally a driving licence is valid until you are aged 70. Under

special or certain circumstances it can be issued for a shorter duration

and with special terms. When the licence is no longer valid, it can be
renewed for a shorter period (max. five years). This is done by enquiring at the police driving licencing office.
When you are driving a car you, must always have your licence with
you, and show it, if the police ask you to do so.
If your driving licence gets damaged or lost, then it is the police driving licence office, who can renew it.
Bans and reclaiming licences
If the police have strong belief that you no longer meet the conditions/terms for holding a driving licence, then they can confiscate it or
summon you to take control tests = theory and practical driving tests.

What is expected of you now?

The compulsory tutorial, that you have completed, are the foundati-

ons for, you to become a good driver. When very shortly you will be
making your way out into traffic on your own, you should not only use
what you have learnt at the driving school, you should also build on
top of your abilities and achieve some routine. Your understanding in
traffic will become better as gradually you expand your experience of
hazards and potential hazards.

191

remember just how dangerous high speeds can be!

P A

take a good look around, never take chances and always

The best advice you can get is simple: ensure always that you

CONTENTS

re-obtain the licence by sitting contol tests.

ALPHABETIC

If you already have had your driving licence confiscated, you can only

When "all is going well" for you, you can get a false sense of security
and in turn end up getting into a dangerous/risk taking driving style.
You must show consideration to others in traffic, but never blindly trust others. It is you and you alone, who should adjust to each traffic
situation and drive at such a speed, that you always have time to stop.
It is no coincidence that Rdet for Strre Frdselssikkerhed traffic
advisory again and again have campaigns that are based on making
motorists reduce their speed and be a little more sensible in traffic.
Keep an eye on these campaigns, but also the changes to traffic law
and news of newer traffic rules generally. Maybe you could visit some
of the home pages that are referred to at the beginning of the book.
The drivering licence is your property, but a driving licence that you
must live up to at all times.
P A
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You have a great responsibility as a driver, but you will also experience a whole new freedom with your newly obtained licence take good

care of it.
Lots of luck for the future!

193
P A

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ALPHABETIC

CONTENTS

194
A

U1

U2

U3

U3

U5

U4

U6

U6,8

U6,7

195

U3

ALPHABETIC

Under plates

CONTENTS

Extra supplement 1: Road signs

Warning signs

A 11

A 11.1

A 16

A 17

Dangerous crossroads

Dangerous junction

Roundabout

Pedestrian
crossing

A 18

A 19

A 20

A 21

Oncoming traffic

Traffic lights

Queues

Cyclists

E
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196

A 22

A 23

A 26

A 27

Children

Horseback riders

Wild animals

Cattle

A 31

UA 31

A 33

A 34

Slippery road

Ice

Loose stones

Rock avalanche

A 35

A 36

A 37

A 39

Dangerous verge

Hump

Uneven road

Road works

A 41,1

A 41,2

UA 41

A 42,1

Sharp bend
right

Sharp bend
left

Speedinstruction

Numerous bends,
the first to the right

A 43,2

A 43,3

Road narrows
on the left

Road narrows
on the right

A 44

UA 43

A 46,1

A 46,2

Tunnel

Maximum
width

Steep hill
downwards

Steep hill
upwards

CONTENTS

A 43,1
Road narrows

UA 73
Warning
electrified track

197

A 73
level crossing
with a barrier

UA 72
Look out for trains

A 72
level crossing
without a barrier

A 42,2
Numerous bends,
the first to the left

ALPHABETIC

A 74,1

A 74,2

Cross marking for a single

track level crossing

Cross marking for a multiple

track level crossing

A 75
Distance markers

A 91

A 92

A 95

A 96

Draw bridge

Quayside

Side wind

Low flying aircraft

A 99
Other dangers

A 99
Other dangers

Give way signs

B 11

B 13

Give way left

& right

Stop

UB 11,1

UB 11,2

Pre-warning
for a full stop

Cycle way in
both directions

B 18

B 15

Give way to
oncoming
traffic

Merge rule

B 16

B 17

Main road

End of main road

E
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198

B 19

Oncoming
traffic must
give way

Prohibitory signs

C 11.1

C 11.2

C 12

C 19

No right turn

No left turn

No U turns

No entry

C 21

C 22,1

C 22,2

C 23,1

No entry from
both ends

Motorvehicles, tractors
and motorized implements forbidden

No motorcycles
allowed

No lorries
allowed

C 23,2

C 23,3

C 24,1

C 24,2

Buses forbidden

Driving with dangerous goods forbidden

Tractors and motorized

implements forbidden

Horse and carts

or equivalent forbidden

C 25,2

C 26,1

C 26,2

Mopeds forbidden

Riding and leading

horses forbidden

No pedestrians
are allowed

C 36
Bogie wheels
total weight

199

CONTENTS

C 35
Axle weight

C 32
Total weight
of lorry and trailer

C 31
Total weight

C 25,1
Cycles and
mopeds forbidden

ALPHABETIC

C 41

C 42

C 43

C51

Total vehicle width

Vehicles total height

Vehicles total length

No overtaking

C 52

C 53

Overtaking with a lorry

forbidden

End of
no overtaking

C54
End of overtaking
restriction for lorries

C 55
Maximum speed limit

C 56

C 59

C 61

C 62

End of maximum
speed limit

End of restrictions

Stopping and parking

forbidden

Parking forbidden

C 92
Passage without
stopping forbidden

UC 33

UC 60,1

UC 60,5

UC 61

UC 60,2

UC 60,6

UC 62

UC 60,3

Under plate that is limiting or forbidding stopping/parking

Compulsory direction signs

E
X

D 11
Compulsory driving directions

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200

A
1

D 11
Compulsory driving directions

D 12

D 15

D16

Compulsory
driving direction
at a roundabout

Compulsory passage

Free choice of
passage

D21

UD 21,1

UD 21,2

UD 1

Cycle lane

Cycle lane in
both directions

End of cycle
lane in both
directions

Under plate
for D 21

D 22

D 23

D 26

D 27

Footpath

Horse riders
path

Divided
pedestrian/cycle
path

Paths for multiple

use

D 55

D 56

Minimum
speed

End of
minimum speed

CONTENTS

201

Informative (get into lane) signs

ALPHABETIC

E 11
Suspended arrow markings

E 11

E 15

Suspended arrow markings

Lanes
at cross roads

E 16,1

E 16,1.1

E 16,2

The course of the lanes

with the merge rule

The course of the lanes

with the merge rule

The course of the lanes

with the changing lanes rule

E 17

E 18

E 19

E 21,1

Pedestrian
crossing

No through road
for vehicles

One way traffic

Recommended route
for cyclists

E 21,2

E 21,3

E 21,4

E 22,1

Recommended
route for
hikers

Recommended
route for
horse riders

Recommended
route for
mopeds

Recommended
route for
lorries

E
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A
1

E 22,2

E 23

E 26

Recommended
route for vehicles
with dangerous
goods

Instuction
for invalids

Pedestrian tunnel or pedestrian bridge

E 31,1

E 31,2

E 31,3

E 33

Long distance
bus stop

Local bus stop

Taxi stance

Parking

E 33

E 33,1

E 33,1

E 33,1

Covered parking

The parking area is both

before and after the sign

The parking area

starts from the sign

The parking area

ends at the sign

E 41
E 37
Crawler lane

Recommended speed
for the exit lane

E 42

E 43

E 44

E 45

Motorway

Motor vehicle only

road

End of motorway

End of motor
vehicle only
road

E 50

E 51

E 52

End of pedestrian street

Residentialand play area

End of residential and

play area

E 53

E 54

Area with
speed restriction

End of area with speed

restriction

E 68

E 68 B

E 69

E 80

Parking zone sign

Zone sign with

time restriction

End of zone

General
speedrestrictions

F 11

F 12

F 13

F 14

Arrow directory

Arrow directory

Arrow directory

Temporary arrow
directory

E 56
End of a built-up-area

E 55
A built-up-area

203

E 49
Pedestrian street

CONTENTS

ALPHABETIC

Road classification area signs

Directional signs

F 16
Exit road directory

F 21,4
Path diagram sign

F 18
Table directory
E
X
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F 21,2

204

Path directory

A
1

F 21,1
Path route sign

F 21
Path directory

F 21,3
Path table directory

i
G 11

G 14
Diagram directional sign

G 15
Lane directional sign

H 41
Distance sign

G 18
Table directional sign

CONTENTS

205

Suspended directional sign

ALPHABETIC

H 45
Town name sign

H 47
H 42

County and communal sign

Divided distance signs

E
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T
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206

A
1

I 11
Exit directory 0-m sign

I 13
1000-m exit sign

I 12
500-m exit sign

I 16
Exit directory 0-m sign for
joining another motorway

I 17

J 11
Allocated lanes

CONTENTS
ALPHABETIC

207

500-m exit sign for

joining another motorway

J 11
Allocated lanes

J 12
Pre-warning of the course of the lanes

J 11
Allocated lanes

J 13
Diagram signs for motorways

K 12
Distance sign

K 11
Confirmation signs

L 42

L 43

Route number for primary routes

Route number for secondary

routes

L 41
Route number for a European road

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A
1

L 44

L 45

Route number for ring roads

Route number for paths

L 50
Route identification for
a tourist route,
Margueritruten
The marigold route

M 11

M 12

M 13

M 14

M 15

Ferry

Airport

Railway station

Bus terminus

Post office

M 22

M 23

M 24

M 30

Telephone

Workshop

Filling station

Primitive
campsite for
pathfinders

M 31

M 32

M 33

M 34

M 35

Campsite for
tents only

Caravan site

Houses

Recreation
area

Bathing

T
E

209

M 21
First aid

CONTENTS

ALPHABETIC

Services signs

M 36

M 37

M 41

M 42

M 43

Golf course

Fishing lake

Hostel

Hotel

Restaurant

M 45

A 42,1

M 51

M 52

M 57

Cafeteria

WC

Church

Place of interest

Industrial area

M 61
Information

Side marking signs

N 17

N 41

Pedestrian
crossing
pole

Side marker posts

N 42

N 43

Side marker plates

Arrowed
markings

E
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210

N 44

O 41-42

O 43-45

P 11

Marking cone

Directional arrows

Road closed signs

bollards

A
1

Traffic light signals

X 11

X 12

X 16

Main traffic lights

Arrow traffic lights

Cycle traffic
lights

X 18
Pedestrian lights

Y 17
X 19

X 20

Bus lights

Repeater lights

Lane lights

i
= Red light

= Yellow light

= Red light

= Green light

CONTENTS
ALPHABETIC

211

Lane markings

Q 41

Q 42

Q 44

Ordinary lane markings

Warning lane markings

Solid or continuous lane-lines

Q 45

Q 46

Q 47

Prohibited areas

solid side lane markings

Broken side lane markings

R 11

R 13

R 14

R 15

Lane arrows

Double
lane arrows

Lane arrows with

turning
prohibitation

Arrows for a
lane change

E
X
T
R

212

S 16

S 11

S 13

Absolute give way duty lines

Stop lines

Guided turning lanes

S 18
Noise rumble strips

S 17
Pedestrian crossing area

S 21
Blue cycle areas

S 32

Hump

T 61

T 62

V 11

Stoppingforbidden

Parkingforbidden

Give way
symbol

V 23

Cycle symbol

Invalidsymbol

213

CONTENTS

V 21

Route symbol

V 15

Stop

V 12

T 33
Parking space

ALPHABETIC

V 33

V 42

Parking symbol

Bus symbol

214
A

215

Approaching crossroads

Approaching crossroads - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Alphabetic contents

ALPHABETIC

CONTENTS

Extra supplement 2:

Directional signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Give way duty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Give way right duty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
Hazardous conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
This is what you should do at crossroads with a bad view . . . . . . .123
Traffic light regulated crossroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
What you must remember at crossroads and duty to give way . . . .120
Cars with trailers and caravans
Observation abilities or limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Speed abilities or characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Steering abilities or limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Conditions for obtaining a driving licence

Demands at the driving test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Driving lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Driving licence category B and driving rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
Laws conditions for obtaining a driving licence . . . . . . . . . . . . .190
Preparing for the practical driving test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
The lesson-plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
The practical driving test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
The theory test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Different vehicles manoeuvering abilities
Observation abilities or limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Speed abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
E
X

Steering abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

T
R

216

Directions for the traffic

Danger, inconvenience and unecessary inconvenience . . . . . . . . . .80

Engine breakdown and towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Free passage for certain road users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Fundamental rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Insurance requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Passengers and goods etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Road traffic accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Signalling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Yellow lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Driving at night and during lighting up time generally
Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
This is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156 - 157
Driving at roundabouts
Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
This is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144-145-146

Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

This is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
Driving in front of and behind others
Driving behind others - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Driving in front of others - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

CONTENTS

Driving beside others

ALPHABETIC

Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Lane markings etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

217

Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Driving in redeveloped areas

Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169-170

This is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Driving on motor vehicle only roads

Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Driving on motorways
Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
This is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148-149-150

Driving pass stationary vehicles pedestrians etc.

Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105-108
Markings for a school bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
Passing stationary vehicles, pedestrians and others - this is how . .107
Road signs etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Driving straight ahead at crossroads
Crossroads with traffic light regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Risk conditions and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
This is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
E
X
T
R

218

Lane changing and weaving-in

Changing lanes - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Lane markings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Merging - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
Lorries, including buses
Observation abilities and limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Speed abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Steering abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Manoeuvering on the technical installation slippery track
Braking lengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176
Centrifugal forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Combined braking- and evasive action on a dry track . . . . . . . . . .179
Combined braking- and evasive action on a slippery track . . . . . .180
Double evasive action without braking on a dry track . . . . . . . . .179
Double evasive action without braking on a slippery track . . . . . .179

Keeping control of the vehicle after driving over a high edge . . . .181
Momentum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Obstructions on the carriageway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Rear wheel skids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180

Road grip and loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
The use of road holding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Meeting others
Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

CONTENTS

Front wheel skids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180

ALPHABETIC

Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Meeting others - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
2

Observation and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

219

Mopeds and bicycles

Observation abilities or limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Speed abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Steering abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Motorcycles and registered mopeds
Observation abilities or limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Passengers on motorcycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Registered mopeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Speed abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Steering abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Ordinary vehicles and delivery vans
Observation abilities or limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Speed abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Steering abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Overtaking
Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Overtaking a number of vehicles in front

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Overtaking another vehicle that is turning left . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Overtaking - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Positioning while driving straight ahead
Central isles bollards etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
E
X
T
R

220

Road user's behavior

Accidents, age and type of road user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Characteristics of age, awareness and intentions . . . . . . . . . . .63-64

Certain vunerable road user's typical mistakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Children cycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Children walking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Difficulties due to age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Elderly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Eyesight (vision and movement) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Illness, medicine, tiredness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Judging speeds and distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Judging other road user's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Mobile or (cell) telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Perception and reaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Perception- and reaction abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53,00
Reaction times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Young motorists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Compulsory direction signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

Directional signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .204-205-206-207-208
Give way duty signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198
Informative signs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201-202

Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211-212-213

Prohibitory signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198-199
Roadside sign markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210
Service signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209
Traffic light systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210

CONTENTS

Road signs

ALPHABETIC

Under plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Warning signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196-197

Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

221

Setting off - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Setting off and stopping by the side of the road (kerbs)

Zone signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

Stopping - this is how to do it

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Speed when driving straight ahead

Choice of speed - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Lane markings etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Manoeuvering at level crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Manoeuvering through bends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Manoeuvering up and down hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Observing and manoeuvreing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Road signs about other dangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Road signs about speed restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Road signs about the course of the road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Road signs about the road surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Road signs and other facts about level crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Stopping and parking

Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Lane markings etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
Observing and manoeuvreing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Parking forbidden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
Stopping and parking forbidden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
This is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Set up, equipment and documents
Bodywork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-19-20-21
Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
E
X

Gears and gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

T
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222

Energy and environmentally correct driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Engine and exhaust system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Engine, ignition and accelerator (gaspedal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Instruments and control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Lighting equipment, reflectors and horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-22-23
Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Special equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Special vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Vehicle documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
The initial manoeuvre track
Before you start the car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Driving in 2. gear, right turns and braking without locking wheels . .32
Forward and reverse measured braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Forwards and reverse slalom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Here you drive in a figure of eight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Parking in parking spaces (boxes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Reversing and turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Setting off and stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Tractors, including motorised implements

Orientation abilities or limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Speed abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Special conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Steering abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

CONTENTS

Parking by the side of the road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

ALPHABETIC

Turning
2

Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Turning - this is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

223

U-turns - this is how to do it

Road signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Lane markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Turning left at crossroads

Hazards and accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144
This is how to do it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140-141-142
Turning right at crossroads
Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Observing and manoeuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
This is what you do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135-136
Weather conditions
Carriageways surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Carriageways width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Central reservations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Course of the road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Hazards on the roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Indications of the risky conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Limitations to the roads safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Pedestrian crossings, bridges and tunnels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Roads equipment or state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Road humps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Roads surroundings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Street lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Type of road or classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Use and safety on the roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Use of the road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
E
X
T
R

224

A
2