The Easy Theory Book
Here you will learn how to safely, considerately, and in an energy- and environmentally friendly manner adjust your driving according to the conditions and comply with the applicable rules and regulations. You will practice on different types of roads and at different times of the day (during and outside rush hours, in daylight and in darkness).
When you are starting, pay attention to other traffic that may come from behind.
There are three things that particularly pose a risk when you start or stop:
When you start from the roadside, you must never be a nuisance or danger to other drivers. Therefore, you must look carefully ahead and look back through the mirrors. Also, remember to turn your head and look around the headrest to the left if you are on the right side. If you start from the left side of the road, look over your right shoulder. This way, you will also see vehicles that may be hidden in blind spots behind. If there is very little space where you are parked, be particularly attentive.
You should also consider if the road is greasy, wet, or slippery, so you cannot start as usual.
Avoid driving in front of someone. Therefore, it is important to be able to estimate the distance correctly to a car coming from behind. Experience shows that one often believes that the car behind is driving slower or is further away than expected. Therefore, be attentive and cautious when driving off the curb.
If there is heavy traffic, it can be difficult to 'get out' in a safe way that does not inconvenience other drivers.
You must wait and be patient instead of forcing the car into traffic to the risk of yourself and others. Remember to use turn signals, and make sure that the low beam is on so others can see you. When you drive out, start gently, but also make sure to start quickly enough so that you do not unnecessarily slow down traffic.
The same applies when you need to stop at the roadside. Signal with turn signals well in advance, gently reduce speed so that you are not at risk for those driving behind you. Brake gently until you stop, and turn off the engine and lights if necessary.
Remember:
To drive well and safely, the car must be in the right place on the road. Therefore, pay attention to the road markings and traffic signs.
Refer to How to proceed
Refer to How to proceed
The following describes what the various elements on the road are called and what they mean.
A lane is a part of the roadway. It should be wide enough for a row of cars to travel on. If there are lane markings, simply follow them; if not, you should divide the road into lanes yourself and stay in the middle of your lane.
You should stay to the right, but not so close to others on the side of the road that you pose a danger or inconvenience to them. If the road is so narrow that two cars cannot fit side by side, you should move as far to the right as possible. You should pass islands and traffic signals to the right, unless there are signs indicating otherwise.
You need to be able to recognize the different markings on the road. These include lane markings, traffic signs, or road markings.
Lane markings are divided into several categories:
A solid edge line delineates the part of the road that cars, motorcycles, and large mopeds should use. You are allowed to cross an edge line when stopping or parking, or when entering and exiting driveways. You can also cross the edge line when overtaking a vehicle that is about to turn left.
If there is a bus lane or a bicycle lane to the right, you must not cross the line.
You are allowed to cross the dashed edge line.
If it is a wide edge line, it means that space has been provided for cyclists and pedestrians. If it is a narrower edge line, no space has been provided, so you should be aware that cyclists and pedestrians may be on the normal roadway.
A lane line is the line that separates lanes on the roadway. A warning line is the line that warns of poor visibility conditions or signals that there will soon be stop lines, meaning fully drawn lines between the two lanes that must not be crossed. However, if a car is parked illegally or there is roadwork, you are allowed to cross the double lines. There may also be an actual stop box, which is a field with stripes across it. Here, you should pass to the right, in the direction the stripes point.
There are some traffic signs that are good to know:
If there is a mandatory direction, you must drive the way the sign indicates. With optional direction, you can choose which side to drive to. Finally, there is the crawling lane sign, indicating where drivers should position themselves if they are driving slower than the speed indicated on the sign for the normal roadway. At lay-bys, traffic signals, or similar, you should pass to the right, unless otherwise indicated on the signs.
Look as far ahead as corresponds to driving for 8-12 seconds straight ahead, and avoid focusing solely on the roadway just in front of the car. Try to assess the traffic to avoid braking and accelerating constantly, thus using less fuel. Continuously move your gaze, look ahead and to the sides, and use the mirrors to look behind.
When driving around curves, you can follow the lines on the roadway, and remember that the faster you drive, the less you can move or turn the steering wheel before losing control of the car.
When visibility is poor, such as in hills or curves, look as far ahead as possible. In that situation, be extra attentive to other cars and vehicles in front, behind, and to the sides.
The Traffic Act states that you must consider traffic and other conditions and keep as far to the right as possible, while still considering factors such as cyclists, moped riders, parked vehicles, or pedestrians. Also, position yourself in the middle of the lane you are driving in. Only use the left lane if you need to overtake or pass someone. Move to the right on narrow roads before a hilltop or when the road curves are unclear. Continuously adjust the steering wheel when turning to avoid jerky movements. Try to avoid making too many steering corrections when increasing speed.
The speed should always match the conditions in which you are driving. The conditions cover both road conditions and the condition of the vehicle. Road conditions include weather, wind, equipment, and progress. Other conditions such as the vehicle's condition cover whether the car is loaded, but also your own condition, and how congested the traffic is. Overall, the speed should be adjusted to the sum of it all, and of course, you should also follow the speed indicated on the traffic signs.
There are several situations that can be dangerous and lead to accidents. For example, there are a lot more single-vehicle accidents on straight stretches than there are in bends. This often happens because the driver veers too far to the right or left on the road – or even completely off into the shoulder – and then tries to turn back onto the road, thereby losing control of the car. High speed is one of the major causes of young drivers ending up in so-called single-vehicle accidents, where they lose control of the car in a curve or end up colliding with objects on the road, such as other cars, containers, and the like. The accident can also happen if you are not paying attention to the traffic. High speed, alcohol, and drugs are an extremely dangerous combination, and if the car's tires are worn and there is poor traction due to wet or slippery conditions, then the risk is high. Always be very attentive to who is moving in traffic, where you are driving, and adjust your speed accordingly.
When choosing speed, there are some specific things you need to be aware of – whether you misjudge your own speed, the sharpness of a road bend, traction, whether your vehicle has incorrect tire pressure, worn tires, or improper loading. If you turn sharply on the steering wheel, especially if you are driving at high speed or are not paying attention, there is also a risk of a dangerous situation arising.
When choosing speed, be especially aware of the potential dangers in these areas: road bends or hills with poor visibility, where obstacles may be hidden. These could include slow-moving vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians on the side of the road.
Also, watch out for sharp road bends, railroad crossings with poor visibility, road surfaces with reduced traction such as gravel or cobblestones, speed bumps, obstacles ahead such as parked cars, or weather conditions that may impair visibility. This could include being blinded by the sun or driving in rainy conditions.
Monitor your speed by assessing visual cues from the road, feeling vibrations from the car, and listening to sounds from the engine, wind, tire noise, etc. Also, check your speed quickly by glancing at the speedometer. Look for lane markings and traffic signs warning of road bends, speed limits, railroad crossings, or anything else that may require you to reduce speed. Always gauge the distance to the vehicle in front of you. Watch for traffic approaching from behind. Particularly, heavy vehicles may accelerate just before or after a hill. Look both ways for trains approaching a railroad crossing – and also watch for auditory and/or light signals indicating an approaching train.
You must be able to adjust your speed so that you drive safely and according to conditions, visibility, and speed limits. Shift gears when indicated by the car's indicator – if the car has one. Maintain a relatively constant speed by using the accelerator pedal moderately or the car's cruise control. Only drive fast enough to always maintain full control of the car, so you can stop within the distance you can see and avoid colliding with an obstacle on the road. Drive in as high a gear as possible to save fuel – however, without lugging the engine.
When going up a steep hill, shift down to a lower gear in good time so you have enough engine power to get over the hill. Use the climbing lane if you cannot maintain the minimum allowed speed. Consider reducing speed when reaching the top of the hill if visibility is poor. Choose a gear that suits the slope and length of the hill. When driving downhill, select a gear that matches the steepness and length of the hill. Maintain a steady speed by easing off the accelerator pedal. You may choose a lower gear to utilize engine braking or brake occasionally. However, refrain from continuous braking over a long stretch, as it can cause the brakes to overheat.
When approaching a curve, refrain from accelerating or braking, but simply maintain your speed. You should have already chosen an appropriate speed. Optionally, lightly accelerate when exiting the curve while straightening the car. Because speed is a crucial factor for safety and good driving, always keep an eye on the road, markings, signs, and of course, the speedometer.
If you approach a railroad crossing, be particularly attentive and be prepared to stop if a train or tram is approaching. You must always stop at a stop line or at least 5 meters before a crossing mark, a red flashing signal, or a barrier that is lowered or in the process of being lowered or raised. You must also stop if you can simply hear a train or tram approaching. Never blindly rely on signals, barriers, etc. – technology can fail. Therefore, always come to a complete stop at the stop line at a railroad crossing and thoroughly observe your surroundings.
Outside cities – except on motorways – you are normally allowed to drive at a maximum of 80 km/h. If you are towing a trailer or caravan, you are also limited to a maximum of 80 km/h – this also applies on motorways. However, you can obtain a special permit called "tempo 100." With this permit, you can drive at 80 km/h on rural roads and expressways and 100 km/h on motorways.
There are a whole range of situations where you need to maintain an appropriate low speed:
50 km/h in built-up areas
80 km/h outside built-up areas
80 km/h on motorways
130 km/h on highways
30 km/h - small moped
30 km/h - car and motorcycle with non-registered trailer, e.g., cement mixer
30 km/h - car being towed by another vehicle
30 km/h - tractor
40 km/h - tractors may drive 40 km/h if equipped with a Tempo 40 sticker on the back
45 km/h - large moped
50 km/h - truck and bus over 3,500 kg within urban areas. Otherwise, follow local speed signs.
80 km/h - car with attached registered trailer (e.g., caravan) on rural roads/motorways/highways. However, with special approval, the car and trailer can be tempo 100 approved, allowing 80 km/h on rural roads/motorways and 100 km/h on highways.
80 km/h - towed vehicle and truck outside urban areas (80 km/h on highways)
80 km/h - bus and motorhome
100 km/h - bus on highways
100 km/h - motorhome over 3500 kg on highways
80 km/h - motorcycle with registered trailer, e.g., trailer or caravan also on highways and entrance/exit ramps is at most 80 km/h.
Be aware that you will lose your driver's license if you drive more than 40 percent faster than allowed.
E 80 General speed limits
The sign indicates the general speed limits that apply in the country.
C 55 Local speed limit
C 55 Local speed limit. The sign sets a local speed limit for a stretch of the current road, cf. the Road Traffic Act § 42. The speed limit applies regardless of the provision in § 16, paragraph 2, until it is lifted by an end sign, by distance indication on a sub-sign, or by indication of another speed limit. The speed limit can be restricted to apply only to vehicles, including combinations, whose total authorized weight exceeds the specified limit by weight indication on a sub-sign.
E 51 Recreation and play area
Everyone is allowed to stay or play on the roads in the area, but children and adults in the area must not obstruct traffic. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians, who otherwise would be at risk of being hit. Driving must be done at a speed of no more than 15 kilometers per hour, and road users must show extra consideration and attention to pedestrians in the area. When exiting, drivers must yield unconditionally. Parking of cars must be done in designated parking areas, while other vehicles can park according to general traffic rules. However, this does not apply to bicycles, mopeds, and two-wheeled motorcycles. Drivers have an unconditional duty to yield when exiting a recreation and play area.
E 53 Area with speed reduction
The sign indicates an area where the road is designed in such a way that it is not suitable for driving at a higher speed than indicated.
The sign can be used with the sub-signs U 1, U 2, or U 6 for advance warning.
When changing lanes or merging, you need to be particularly attentive to where other road users are. You should also be familiar with the signs or markings on the road that can assist you when changing lanes or merging.
Refer to "How to do it"
When changing lanes, it can catch your fellow drivers off guard. Therefore, make sure it happens without unnecessary risk or danger to others. Be very mindful of those driving behind you, and be careful not to misjudge their distance and/or speed. Thus, thoroughly check to the side and behind by using mirrors and turning your head to cover blind spots. Of course, do not do it for so long that you lose focus on what is happening in front of the car.
Keep an eye on those driving behind you, but be careful not to look for so long that you overlook obstacles on the road ahead. Maintain a safe distance from other drivers when merging, and be aware that not everyone observes the merging requirement.
Check well in advance for vehicles approaching from behind. Also, look for vehicles behind or in front that are about to change lanes. Try to avoid causing those driving behind you to brake. It is not always possible in heavy traffic. Look around using mirrors and by turning your head to check blind spots. Signal with indicators when changing lanes or positioning to the side. It is not mandatory, but do it anyway. However, on highways, you must always signal.
Look for vehicles driving diagonally behind you on both sides, which may be hidden in your blind spots. Notice if there are signs that drivers behind you are not adhering to their merging obligation. If lane lines end before the lanes reduce (e.g., from three to two lanes), then you should follow the merging rule. In short, this means that drivers should show consideration for each other, adjusting their speed to that of other drivers. Adjust your speed to match others in your lane, and carefully observe ahead and behind, turning your head to cover blind spots. Use indicators if it can help others know where you are going and what you are doing.
Adjust your speed as much as possible to the traffic in the lane you are switching to. Avoid changing lanes if other drivers are forced to slow down. Signal well in advance to indicate your intentions. Position yourself in the middle of the new lane. Turn off the turn signal - unless you need to turn or make a U-turn immediately.
Adjust your speed to those you are merging with. Signal if necessary to indicate your intentions. Turn off the turn signal when you have merged with the other traffic.
Use the turn signal if it can help other drivers understand what you intend to do.
You need to learn how to perform both a U-turn and a three-point turn. You should also familiarize yourself with traffic signs related to turning around. Additionally, you need to learn how to reverse.
Accidents involving turning maneuvers often pose a risk from those approaching from behind. This typically includes other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.
You can easily misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming or following vehicles. Be careful not to focus solely on oncoming traffic or, for example, a traffic signal, so you don't overlook other factors. Impatience due to constantly yielding to oncoming traffic can be dangerous. Be patient. Also, know the size of your vehicle to understand how much space it occupies on the road.
When you turn, do so without inconveniencing or endangering others. There's a particularly high risk of collisions when you turn – whether it's bicycles, cars, mopeds, or motorcyclists. Look carefully in all directions, and turn the car to the left if possible.
There are two types of turns:
You need to learn: turning, reversing, U-turn from the middle of the road, turning from the right roadside, turning at signal-regulated intersections, and reversing. Additionally, you should learn about the road markings and traffic signs that indicate turning or reversing.
When you need to make a U-turn, drive as close to the center of the road as possible. Signal left, and wait for the road to be clear ahead. When there's space, slowly move forward and quickly turn the steering wheel to the left. When the car is facing in the opposite direction, accelerate and adjust to the rest of the traffic.
When making a three-point turn, first stop on the right side of the road. Thoroughly observe the traffic and choose a spot on the road that's as wide as possible with good visibility. Drive towards the left side of the road, shift to reverse, and back up to the right side of the road, positioning the car diagonally facing the opposite direction. Then straighten out and drive straight ahead, now in the opposite direction. See illustration.
Reversing is a dangerous maneuver. As with all other maneuvers with the car, you must be able to perform it without endangering yourself or others. Therefore, keep a close watch on all sides, front and rear, to avoid overlooking fixed objects such as signs or poles. You are not allowed to reverse on motorways or main roads, just as you are not allowed to reverse on entrance or exit ramps or emergency lanes.
Before you turn or reverse, make sure you can do so without endangering or inconveniencing others. Use your turn signal to indicate that you intend to turn.
When passing other cars or vehicles as well as pedestrians, you should maintain a safe distance. Slow down to match the surroundings. Pay particular attention to whether there are elderly individuals, children, or playing children on the side of the road who may suddenly step onto the roadway.
A significant number of collisions occur when one drives into a vehicle parked on the side of the road or when passing cars or two-wheeled vehicles pulling out from the roadside. Children and elderly individuals are also among those who may be involved in accidents because they may step onto the roadway, possibly hidden behind a vehicle.
Consider reducing your speed when passing a parked car so you can brake if a pedestrian steps out unexpectedly. This is often the case with children or elderly individuals. Also, be mindful of mopeds and bicycles that may wobble when starting or stopping.
Cars, mopeds, and bicycles often start from the roadside without proper signaling, making it difficult to anticipate when driving. By keeping a close eye on whether there is anyone in the car, whether signals are being used, or lights are on, you can better predict if someone is about to pull out, allowing you to take precautions. Similarly, cyclists' and moped riders' body language can indicate if they are about to start from the side of the road, and you can adjust accordingly. Pay attention to signs of passengers or pedestrians who may suddenly step onto the road. Also, be aware of horses, roadwork, or school patrols.
When approaching pedestrians in a pedestrian crossing, you should reduce your speed to a level where they know you can and will stop for them. This also applies if there are school patrols present. If there are pedestrians on the road, maintain a sufficient distance and slow down enough so as not to unnecessarily pressure them. Additionally, drive slowly enough to avoid splashing rain or snow on them. If you are driving behind a bus that is indicating to pull out from a bus stop, you should yield.
You should know that oncoming vehicles may cross the center line of the road. This can happen due to weather conditions, road conditions, or other traffic situations.
There are quite a few accidents involving young drivers when they encounter oncoming traffic. This often happens on narrow roads or two-lane roads. There are also a number of collisions with oncoming cars overtaking or turning, or a car driving ahead and reversing, as well as pedestrians on the roadside.
If you drive over the center of the road, it can pose a risk of colliding with oncoming traffic. Therefore, you should only cross the center for a short period of time.
Keep an eye out for obstacles ahead in your own lane. If you're driving on a narrow road, a road with potholes, or with parked vehicles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and vehicles with trailers often end up crossing the center line due to poor handling characteristics. Maintain distance as best as you can. In strong winds or when encountering a large truck that can create turbulence, you or other drivers may be pushed off course. Inattention can also cause oncoming drivers to cross the center line. When there are hills, it can be difficult to assess where oncoming traffic is positioned on the road. Therefore, be extra vigilant.
You should keep an eye on oncoming traffic at all times. Reduce your speed to an appropriate level and maintain a safe distance to the side. Watch for traffic on the right side of the road, and stay behind pedestrians, moped riders, and cyclists until the oncoming vehicle has passed and you can overtake without squeezing them.
If there is an obstacle in your own lane, you should stop and let the oncoming vehicle pass first before continuing—unless a traffic signal or road sign indicates otherwise.
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You should always maintain a safe distance from those driving in front of and behind you.
There are quite a few accidents involving drivers who collide with those in front or behind them. Often, this occurs in heavy traffic.
It's important to maintain a good distance from those in front. A following distance of less than 2 seconds is too short for you to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. If the road is slippery or greasy, or if you're driving behind a vehicle that obstructs your view, preventing you from seeing what's happening further ahead, you should maintain an even greater distance. Always be aware of the speed and position of the vehicle in front so you can react in time.
Be attentive to situations that may be dangerous. For example, if you or others suddenly need to brake at turns, intersections, queues, or crossing pedestrians, or if visibility becomes poor due to fog or slippery conditions. Be extra cautious if you're driving behind or in front of a large vehicle that obstructs your view, or if you're behind someone who seems distracted or unfamiliar with the area. Continuously use your mirrors and turn your head to see what's happening, and assess whether the distance to the vehicle behind and in front is safe enough. Also, monitor your speed to ensure you're neither driving too fast nor excessively slow.
When driving in front of others: Maintain the traffic rhythm as much as possible. Of course, you should adhere to the speed limit and be aware that you must not drive so slowly that you impede traffic. In that case, pull over to the side and let others pass. Keep an eye on those behind you by frequently checking your mirrors, and if it appears they want to overtake, move well to the right in your lane.
When driving behind others:
Assess the distance to the vehicle in front of you and determine if there is enough space for you to react or brake. You should look as far ahead as possible when driving behind others – even beyond the vehicle in front of you. Keep an eye out for obstacles, turns, hills, traffic jams, railway crossings, or anything else you need to be particularly attentive to. The distance to the vehicle in front of you should be large enough for you to brake and react if something unexpected happens.
If you are towing a trailer or similar, you should maintain enough distance to the vehicle in front to allow other vehicles to overtake and merge between you and the vehicle in front. Vehicles traveling at low speeds or those that are extra wide should be especially mindful of those behind them on narrow or winding roads. They should facilitate overtaking by either reducing speed or pulling over so others can pass.
If there is a traffic jam or danger, you may use hazard lights to alert drivers behind you. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, equivalent to approximately a 2-second time interval. If road conditions are slippery or slick, you should maintain an even greater distance from the vehicle in front to allow for braking.
Braking distance is the distance you travel from the moment you begin braking until you come to a stop. The harder you press the brake pedal, the shorter the braking distance. You will learn more about braking distances during lessons at the driving facility.
In most cases, collisions can be avoided by maintaining at least a 2-second driving time interval to the vehicle in front. It can be difficult to gauge, especially for inexperienced drivers, what this means. Therefore, practice seeing how far you travel in 2 seconds. Find a fixed point (like a car) ahead on the road, start counting one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two, and see how close you have come to the point. If you have passed it, you have been driving too closely and need to maintain more distance from the vehicles in front.
If it is discovered after a collision that you were driving so close that there was 0.4 seconds or less of distance to the vehicle in front, your driver's license may be conditionally revoked.
In these situations, you cannot rely on the two-second rule and must maintain more distance because your braking distance is longer than usual:
You need to learn to assess how much space you need to overtake.
Accidents often occur during overtaking. When you need to overtake, remember that overtaking accidents often result in serious injuries to people and damage to vehicles. It's typically the overtaking vehicle that collides with an oncoming vehicle or fails to notice one approaching from behind and pulls out in front of it.
Accidents often occur because drivers fail to properly assess the situation or overtake where overtaking is prohibited. It's easy to underestimate the amount of space needed to overtake, and there's particularly greater risk when overtaking near bends, hills, intersections, or long vehicles such as trucks or trailers. Know your own acceleration capabilities, and be aware that if you hesitate too long, you may not have enough time to overtake safely. Remember to be patient when driving behind a slow-moving vehicle to avoid making rushed overtaking maneuvers. Do not blindly follow others overtaking; instead, assess whether there is enough space for you to overtake safely. When overtaking a truck, be aware of strong wind turbulence, which can affect your overtaking time, as well as water spray from wet roads, which can impair visibility.
It depends on your vehicle's overtaking capability, the speed limit at the location, and the speed difference between your vehicle and the one you intend to overtake. Never attempt an overtake unless you are completely sure you can complete it before encountering oncoming traffic. Also, be mindful of obstacles that may obstruct your view: hill crests, bends, adverse weather conditions, or low sun glare.
Also, pay attention to any signals from the vehicle ahead that may indicate new maneuvers: Is the driver signaling a turn or any other action that requires you to adjust your overtaking strategy?
Overtaking involves three phases – before, during, and after the maneuver. Overtaking should be done on the left. However, vehicles indicating a left turn should be overtaken on the right. Before overtaking, thoroughly assess the situation. Ensure there is sufficient space ahead, meaning you should be able to see further ahead than your overtaking distance.
To improve visibility, move slightly to the left and look as far ahead as possible. If you are driving behind a line of vehicles or a truck convoy, consider whether it is safe to overtake.
Before deciding to overtake, make sure you can return to the right lane after completion without obstructing the vehicle you overtook. Never blindly follow another car that is overtaking – always assess the situation yourself and evaluate the safety and opportunities for overtaking.
When ready to overtake, signal with your left turn signal or use the overtaking signal to inform vehicles behind you of your intention. If you are on a highway, use the turn signal.
While overtaking, constantly monitor the vehicle you are passing and be alert for oncoming traffic. If a vehicle approaches, abandon the maneuver immediately and return to your lane. Always use a relatively low gear when overtaking – it provides the best acceleration for a quick and safe maneuver.
Maintain a safe lateral distance from the vehicle you are overtaking, and be mindful that overtaking large trucks may expose you to wind turbulence while passing.
After completing the overtake, return to the right lane when you can see the overtaken vehicle in your rearview mirror – this ensures sufficient distance without causing inconvenience.
If you intend to overtake multiple vehicles in one attempt, you may remain in the overtaking lane. However, be aware that this is one of the riskiest maneuvers. Ensure there is enough space between vehicles to merge back into the line if oncoming traffic appears. Some vehicles you intend to overtake may not have noticed you and might pull out in front of you.
If you need to overtake a vehicle turning left, reduce your speed and potentially come to a stop if the leading vehicle slows down. Overtake slowly on the right with ample distance.
There are several places where overtaking is prohibited:
In front of and at intersections, except if:
In front of or at railroad crossings
On hills or in bends, except if:
In front of and in pedestrian crossings, except if:
You need to learn to drive in traffic-calmed areas. A traffic-calmed area is an area where measures have been taken to reduce speed. This can include flower pots and speed bumps, and they will be marked with stripes on the road so you can see them well in advance. In traffic-calmed areas, there will be pedestrians or children playing, whom you should be aware of.
Currently, there is not enough statistical material to say anything about accidents in areas with speed calming measures, on pedestrian streets, and in recreation and play areas.
In traffic-calmed areas, you should watch out for speed-reducing measures such as speed bumps or obstacles on the road, pedestrians on pedestrian streets, or children playing who may not expect cars.
You should adhere to the speed limit signs posted near the speed bumps and be aware that some pedestrians may believe they can move more freely and safely on the roadway if there are bumps. This is not the case, but you should adjust your driving accordingly.
Special rules apply in pedestrian streets. Entry is prohibited unless there is a sign below the pedestrian street sign indicating when it is allowed to drive in the area at specific times and with specific guidelines. You must always be particularly careful when driving in a pedestrian street. You must show special consideration for pedestrians, as the street is primarily for them. Do not drive faster than 15 km/h, preferably slower, and stop if a pedestrian approaches the car closely. You may not park in a pedestrian street unless it is specifically marked. However, bicycles, mopeds, and two-wheeled motorcycles are allowed to park in pedestrian streets.
Special traffic rules apply in bicycle streets. You may drive a maximum of 30 km/h, and you may only park in designated spaces.
You are allowed to enter a recreational/play area, but you must be aware that adults and children may be on the road and playing, playing ball, etc. You must adjust to this and yield to everyone who is or is playing in the area on the road. Therefore, maintain a very low speed. You should adhere to their behavior and yield to children and adults.
Drive slowly, and preferably slower than indicated on the signs. Drive extra slowly when crossing bumps or similar obstacles. Yield to pedestrians if you cross a pedestrian street, and drive at an appropriately low speed in a bicycle street.
Yield to pedestrians, and make sure they have seen the car. Proceed only when they make space for you. In a bicycle street, drive considerately, and yield to cyclists.
When approaching an intersection, you should adjust your speed to take into account the traffic, visibility, traffic lights, and other road users – both pedestrians and drivers.
Refer to straight-ahead driving, right turns, and left turns at intersections.
Many accidents occur at intersections. They can take various forms – regular four-way intersections, T-intersections, and fork intersections/Y-intersections. Accidents happen because two roads intersect, and there may be pedestrians crossing the road in, before, and after the intersection. If you are driving too fast towards the intersection, it is harder to see properly, and you may overlook traffic lights, pedestrians, and how a vehicle in front of you reacts. All of this poses a danger to you and others in traffic. Therefore, keep an eye out for pedestrians, mopeds, and cyclists on the side of the road or on the road. Also, be aware of other drivers' maneuvers (turn signals, lane changes, speed). You should not drive faster than you can anticipate and react correctly. Conversely, you should not brake unnecessarily if you can fully anticipate the intersection – this slows down traffic.
Be aware of poor visibility at the intersection and signs that the vehicle in front is slowing down or stopping and turning into a driveway just before the intersection. Also, pay attention to whether vehicles in front are braking abruptly for a yellow light to orient themselves, hold back, or turn. Also, notice if other drivers next to you suddenly change lanes and drive in front of you. Look for pedestrians on the corners of intersections – especially children and the elderly – who may cross the road. They don't always follow the traffic lights, and they can therefore walk on red. Also, assess whether other drivers are obeying their right of way.
The lights in a traffic signal mean:
Red light – means stop. You should stop at the stop line or at a safe distance from the intersection if there is no stop line.
Green light – means go if the road is clear. If you cannot make it all the way across the intersection and thus block cross traffic when the signal changes, you may not proceed.
Yellow light – means stop. Indicates that the light will soon turn red. You should not stop when the signal changes from green to yellow if you have reached a point where it may be dangerous to brake.
In some places, there is an arrow in the traffic light. It's a turn signal, and it tells you when you can go if you need to turn and there is a clear lane.
If the light in a signal isn't working, you should drive according to the rule of yielding to the right, unless there is a sign indicating that you should yield unconditionally.
Unconditional right of way means you must yield to traffic from both sides.
You have unconditional right of way
You must know the right of way because you can't always determine from the road equipment (signs and stripes) if there is unconditional right of way. Reduce speed in good time and yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
Right-turn right of way means you must yield to traffic coming from the right if neither you nor the other driver have unconditional right of way, or the rules of merging apply.
Drive at a controlled pace so that the vehicles coming from the sides know that you are attentive and both can and will stop and yield if there is no traffic light regulating the traffic.
You must ensure that you are in the correct lane well in advance and avoid disturbing others by sudden changes. If there are multiple lanes, you should be in the lane that corresponds to the direction you intend to go. Left lane if you are turning left, middle lane if you are going straight, and right lane if you are turning right. If there are no marked lanes, you should stay on the right side of the road if you are turning right, and towards the center if you are turning left. To act correctly and position yourself correctly, you need to know a number of signs and waymarkers.
Suspended arrow markings
The signs indicate the directions of travel in the intersection for the lane under a sign. (see more)
E 16,1 Lane layout with merging
The sign indicates the layout and direction of travel of the lanes. The sign may show shoulders, obstacles, and the like, as well as lanes from the opposite direction of travel. When reducing the number of lanes, drivers must show mutual consideration, cf. the Road Traffic Act § 18, para. 4. If a traffic sign is indicated by an arrow, the sign applies to the respective lane. During road works, the signs and any sub-signs may be executed with black symbols on a yellow background. (see more)
Enter the intersection if you have good visibility and traffic permits. If you need to stop, release the accelerator in good time and only disengage the clutch just before stopping. If you need to cross a sidewalk, shoulder, or bike path when exiting the intersection, yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
Approach a traffic light intersection at a speed that allows you to stop at the stop line at a red light without obstructing vehicles behind you. If it's red, stop. If it's yellow, stop if it doesn't obstruct the vehicles behind you. And when it's green and the intersection is clear of vehicles, you can proceed. Pedestrians often cross on red, so be sure to watch out for them to take precautions. Also, remember that if the traffic lights fail, the normal right-of-way rules apply: unconditional right-of-way when indicated by a sign, and/or right-of-way to the right.
You must learn to assess speed and distance to other road users in the intersection and not blindly follow others in the intersection, as they may not necessarily adhere to their right of way.
There are quite a few accidents involving motorists or two-wheelers when one party needs to go straight through an intersection while the other needs to make a turn. You should also be mindful of pedestrians crossing the roadway.
Don't just follow others without looking carefully. It's easy to misjudge the speed and distance of those coming from the sides at an intersection. Don't expect them to always yield or obey the traffic signal. Be aware that drivers making left turns don't always yield. Keep a close eye on pedestrians crossing the road at the intersection exit.
The most important thing for driving safely and without risk to yourself and others is being able to judge the distance and speed of other vehicles. Especially young drivers often struggle to do this correctly. They may think that cars are moving slower and are farther away than they actually are, which can lead to dangerous situations. Also, remember that cyclists, pedestrians, and moped riders/motorcyclists may have difficulty seeing in bad weather, making them harder to judge. Finally, it's easy to overlook pedestrians. A serious danger can also arise if those turning left don't yield to oncoming traffic. If you notice them maintaining speed and seeming to want to turn left, even though they should yield, it's your responsibility to stop to avoid an accident.
So, be attentive to drivers stopping to turn left in front of you without yielding or stopping for red lights, as well as cyclists and pedestrians who casually turn left in front of you.
Intersections with poor visibility and yield signs from side roads In general, you should keep an eye on whether your fellow road users crossing your path yield or seem to intend to do so. The best way to do this is to slowly approach the intersection and look for mopeds and bicycles turning left in front of you. When the lane is clear and there are no pedestrians entering the intersection, you can proceed.
Even if there are traffic lights and perhaps arrow signals, keep an eye on the cross traffic – whether they yield. Some drivers run both yellow and red lights. Therefore, never blindly rely on those driving in front of you, but assess the situation yourself before entering the intersection. Also, watch out for oncoming traffic that may be inclined to turn left without yielding in the intersection.
Quickly accelerate when you have stopped at a cross street, yield line, or stop line – but only if the coast is clear for you to proceed straight ahead.
You should learn to adjust your speed so that you have the opportunity to orient yourself well before making a right turn in an intersection.
There are quite a few accidents that occur during right turns in intersections. It's especially the traffic from behind and from the sides in the intersection that are involved in accidents. Traffic from behind includes cyclists and moped riders who ride up on the right side of the car, and who may also need to make a turn. It can also involve pedestrians crossing the road onto which one is turning.
Be careful not to drive at too high a speed before and while turning, as this can make it difficult to orient yourself, and you may risk crossing into oncoming traffic lanes. Don't just follow others ahead of you who are turning; instead, make sure to orient yourself first. It's easy to misjudge the speed and distance of those coming from the left side of the intersection. Also, keep an eye out for cyclists and moped riders coming from behind, as well as pedestrians who may be at the exit of the intersection. Be aware that others may not always yield or follow the traffic signals.
There are various factors that can increase the risk of accidents when making a right turn at an intersection. These include a bike lane on the cross street in the intersection, reduced road grip, such as cobblestones or slippery conditions, vehicles from the left that may have difficulty orienting themselves, vehicles whose speed may be difficult to assess, cyclists and mopeds coming from behind that may be hidden in blind spots, cyclists or mopeds entering the intersection even though the light is red, oncoming cyclists or mopeds on a two-way bike lane, oncoming traffic making left turns without yielding, pedestrians entering the crosswalk, or children standing on the corners at the exit of the intersection or in a blocked lane. These are all things you should be aware of and drive accordingly. Look for cyclists and mopeds by using both mirrors and turning your head to check blind spots. Assess whether you can overtake cyclists and mopeds in front of you or if you need to wait behind them. Be vigilant and assess whether there is enough space when making your turn. Still, keep an eye on others in traffic while turning.
You should be aware that many cyclists and mopeds going straight may run a red light. In such cases, you should naturally brake, but without inconveniencing those driving behind you. At the same time, watch out for pedestrians in the crosswalk and for children in the intersection who may step out in front of you.
When stopped at a red light in an intersection with traffic signals, keep an eye on the signal, including green turning arrows. Look for anyone running a red light, and of course, yield if that happens. Watch out for oncoming traffic making left turns, as they may do so without yielding. Assess whether cyclists and mopeds stop for the red bicycle signal on the bike lane before you make your turn.
Before making a right turn at an intersection, you should first proceed slowly after checking your mirrors and turning your head to check the blind spot (look over your right shoulder). Then, signal your intention to turn. The car should be positioned close to the right curb, so that bicycles and mopeds stay behind you if they are turning right – and can move to your left side if they are turning left.
If they are already far ahead of you and you cannot overtake safely, you should stay behind. Naturally, avoid squeezing them towards the curb. If there is a bike lane, you cannot block cyclists before making a right turn. Therefore, you must be very attentive when checking your surroundings to avoid accidents. Assess whether there is enough space before making your turn so that you do not force other drivers to slow down, and evaluate whether other drivers from the left side of the intersection are adhering to their right of way, if applicable. Turn off your signal when you have completed your turn at the intersection, and adjust your speed and position according to the rest of the traffic.
When approaching a T-intersection, you often, but not always, have an unconditional right of way. If you have a right-of-way to yield to traffic from the right. Many drivers are unaware of this, and traffic from the left will often violate their right-of-way for you.
Du skal lære at tilpasse din hastighed, så du har mulighed for at orientere dig godt, inden du svinger til venstre i et kryds.
Venstresving giver mange ulykker. Det er en farlig manøvre, fordi mange, der skal svinge til venstre, ikke holder tilbage for modkørende. Det er både modkørende bilister, cyklister, motorcyklister og gående, der er i risiko for at være impliceret i en ulykke.
For høj hastighed før svinget og under svinget til venstre er ofte årsag til ulykkerne, da man ikke når at orientere sig godt og styre sikkert, hvis man kører for hurtigt gennem svinget. Giv tegn til dem, der kører bag dig, så de ved, du skal svinge. Følg ikke dem foran, der også svinger til venstre, men orientér dig godt, inden du kører ud. Vær opmærksom på, at du nemt kan fejlbedømme hastigheden på de andre trafikanter, og forvent ikke, at alle overholder deres vigepligt eller respekterer signallyset. Undgå kun at fokusere på de modkørende, så du ikke kommer til at overse andre trafikanter. Hav tålmodighed, også selv om du holder på den udsatte venteplads i midten af krydset, og der hele tiden er modkørende. Hav ikke kun opmærksomheden på signallyset, men kig rundt, og vid, at grønt lys ikke betyder, at der er fri bane, men at du stadig skal se dig for, inden du svinger. Hold især øje med krydsende fodgængere eller cyklister eller knallertkørere, der kommer bagfra.
Inden du svinger, skal du holde øje med kørende fra venstre side i krydset, der kan have svært ved at orientere sig, køretøjer, der kan køre hurtigere, end du umiddelbart kan se, små køretøjer, der let kan overses, modkørende, der skal ligeud, men som kan være skjult af modkørende, der venter på at svinge, gående, der krydser vejen eller er på vej ud i fodgængerfelt ved udkørsel af krydset, børn på hjørnerne ved udkørsel af krydset. Cyklister eller knallerter på dobbeltrettede cykelstier kan også give problemer, fordi de nemt skjules af modkørende biler, og du derfor kan komme til at køre ud foran dem. Du skal derfor gøre følgende: Blink i god tid. Kør frem i roligt tempo.
Se dig for for at sikre, at der ikke kommer nogen bagfra på venstre side af bilen. Se også til siderne i krydset for at sikre, at der er frit. Vurdér, om der er plads nok til, at du kan svinge ud på den anden vej, eller om du skal køre frem til svingbanen i midten af krydset. Vurdér, om de andre trafikanter i krydset overholder deres eventuelle vigepligt. Se, om der kommer cyklister eller knallertkørere bagfra på dobbeltrettet cykelsti til venstre i krydset. Se efter gående, der er på vej ud i fodgængerfelt eller på vej over vejen til venstre i krydset.
Placér dig tæt på midterlinjen eller den relevante vognbane (venstre, når du skal til venstre, højre, når du skal til højre, og den midterste, når du skal ligeud). Hvis vejen er ensrettet, skal du ligge i venstre side. Hold øje med børn og handicappede samt ældre i eller ved krydset. Hold øje med cyklende på cykelstier, og om de øvrige bilister ser ud til at ville holde vigepligten.
Når du skal til at svinge til venstre, skal du også være sikker på, at der er nok afstand til, at du kan nå at komme over krydset. Du skal vise de andre, der er ved at svinge til venstre, hvordan du vil køre forbi: i det ’flade sving’ eller i et skarpt sving.
Hvis du kører i et kryds med markeringer på vejbanen, skal du altid stoppe ved den markerede punkterede tværlinje. Hvis der er modkørende, så vent, til du har fuldt udsyn, før du svinger til venstre, og lad være med at ’mase’ dig over i svinget, da det er risikabelt for dig selv og den modkørende.
Når du stopper for lys i kryds, skal du først køre, når der er grønt eller grøn pil. Du skal naturligvis skabe dig overblik over færdslen i trafikken – øvrige bilister, fra cyklende til gående, ventende og knallerter. Hvis du er nødt til at vente på modkørende, indtil der er gult eller rødt, skal du naturligvis stadig gennemføre dit venstresving, men holde opmærksomt øje med, om den tværgående trafik allerede er på vej ud i krydset.
Hvis du skal vente på ophold i tværgående eller modkørende trafik, skal du vente ved vigelinjen eller der, hvor du bedst kan overskue krydset og trafikken i krydset. Hvis der er en stoplinje, skal du altid stoppe ved den. Når vejen er fri fra højre og forfra, kan du køre til venstre.
Her skal du på samme måde vente på ophold i trafikken fra højre og i den modkørende færdsel, før du svinger til venstre. Sørg for, at du ikke blokerer trafikken ved manøvren.
Kryds, hvor de tværgående køretøjer har ubetinget vigepligt
Kør langsomt frem til midten af krydset. Vent, indtil der er ophold i trafikken, som er stort nok til, at du kan svinge til venstre uden at genere færdslen i øvrigt.
Du skal lære at køre i rundkørslen, så du ved, hvor du skal placere dig i den.
Der er kommet flere og flere rundkørsler i Danmark. De er mere sikre med færre uheld og ulykker end i almindelige kryds. Der sker dog stadig ulykker, særligt i to tilfælde: når bilister ikke orienterer sig godt nok og påkører cyklister og knallerter, og når bilister kører for hurtigt ind i en rundkørsel og mister kontrollen over bilen.
Hvis du kører med for høj hastighed frem mod en rundkørsel, kan du ikke nå at orientere dig og have svært ved at overholde din vigepligt. Vær opmærksom på vejgrebet, hvis det er glat eller fedtet føre. Det kan være svært at bedømme hastigheden hos dem, der kører i rundkørslen. Det er især svært ved cyklister eller knallertkørere. Hvis du kører for stærkt i rundkørslen, har du svært ved at holde placeringen i vejbanen. Det er vigtigt, at du kigger efter cyklister eller knallertkørere, der kommer bagfra, samt fodgængere, der er på vej over vejen, hvor du kører ud af rundkørslen.
Der er nogle ting, du bør holde øje med, og som kan give risiko for ulykker i rundkørsler. Det er nedsat vejgreb, køretøjer fra venstre side i rundkørslen, hvor du kan undervurdere deres fart, cyklister og knallertkørere, der kommer bagfra enten på vejen eller cykelsti, og som kan være skjult i den blinde vinkel, tegn på, at cyklister eller knallertkørere kører over for rødt cykelsignal, selv om du har grønt lys, gående på vej ud i fodgængerfelt eller fodgængere, der krydser vejen, hvor du kører ud af rundkørslen.
Når du kører frem mod rundkørsel:
Du skal køre med tilpas lav hastighed, så du kan nå at orientere dig om færdslen. Du har ubetinget vigepligt, når du skal ind i en rundkørsel. Hold tilbage for cyklister og gående, og vær opmærksom på, at du ikke kører for hurtigt ind i rundkørslen, særligt i dårligt føre.
Kør langsomt frem mod rundkørslen, så du har tid til at se dig for, og så du kan følge lyssignal og overholde din vigepligt. Kør ind i rundkørslen, så snart der er frit. Vælg generelt den vognbane, der er mest hensigtsmæssig i forhold til, hvor du skal hen. Når du skal køre ud af rundkørslen, er det lidt forskelligt, hvordan du skal gøre. Det kommer an på, hvornår du kører ud af den.
Udkørsel af 1. vej
Hvis du skal til højre ad 1. vej, skal du blinke til højre. Pas på med at komme til at klemme eller påkøre cyklister og knallerter. Kig i spejle og bagud, så du dækker de blinde vinkler.
Udkørsel af 2. vej
Hvis du først skal ud ad 2. vej, skal du vælge den vognbane, der passer bedst, typisk den inderste eller den midterste. Blink mod højre, så snart du er forbi første ’ben’ i rundkørslen.
Udkørsel af 3. vej
Hvis du skal ud ad 3. vej, så kig grundigt bagud, blink af, så snart du er forbi 2. vej, og læg dig længere og længere mod højre, så du til sidst ligger i 1. vognbane og kan dreje ud af rundkørslen.
Du skal lære at køre på motorvej, hvor du bruger de ting, du allerede har lært, men hvor du også lærer at køre stærkere, end du har gjort tidligere.
Ulykker på motorvej sker typisk, fordi en bilist bagfra kører op i den foran eller bliver påkørt bagfra. Der sker også eneulykker på motorveje.
Motorvejens udformning, hvor den fx er bredere, er med til at øge risikoen for ulykker. Det er nemt at undervurdere egen og andres hastighed, men overvurdere afstande. Derudover er det vigtigt at holde god afstand til andre trafikanter – især når der er tæt trafik. På motorveje må man køre hurtigere, og det gør, at du både må orientere dig mere fremad og bagud, og at du nemt kan overvurdere, hvad bilen kan. Ved kraftig sidevind og nedsat vejgreb, fx ved kraftig regn, kan det være svært at styre bilen. Det samme gælder, hvis du er træt eller uopmærksom, når du kører. Har du kørt i længere tid, kan du blive fartblind og køre hurtigere, end du må. Uventet kø eller standsede køretøjer kan udgøre en fare, fordi det kræver, at du bremser i god tid i forhold til din hastighed.
Der er nogle ting, som du bør være opmærksom på, når du kører på motorvej. Når du kører på tilkørselsrampen, kan den bagved holde for kort afstand til dig. Den foran udnytter måske ikke muligheden for at køre ind, men standser i stedet, så du også må standse. Hvis den bag ved dig på tilkørselsrampen kører ind, før du selv er flettet ind, kan det være farligt. Hold øje med bagfrakommende på motorveje, der kan være skjult i blinde vinkler, eller kørende, der ikke giver tegn til at give plads, så du kan komme ind. Vær også opmærksom på, at der kan være nogle på tilkørselsrampen, der kan være skjult i din blinde vinkel.
Fart er den største fare på motorvejen. For høj fart og for lille afstand betyder ulykker, måske endda harmonikasammenstød, hvor flere biler kører op i hinanden. Man kan let glemme, hvor hurtigt man kører, når alle andre også kører hurtigt. En anden fejl er, at man ikke husker at se langt fremad og aflæse trafikken og reagere rigtigt.
Man kan også nemt blive sløv af at køre på motorvej, da den netop er indrettet til højere fart – ingen sideveje, god bredde og bløde sving og bakker. Når opmærksomheden er lav, kan man lettere begå fejl, som kan få alvorlige konsekvenser. Derfor er politiet tit på motorvejen med razziaer. Hold farten, hold afstand, og vær opmærksom på trafikken bagude og fremad. Mange bilister holder ned til 2 meters afstand til den forankørende – prøv selv at tælle til 2 sekunder (tosekundersreglen), og se, hvor galt det kan gå, hvis man med 130 km/t. kører ind i den forankørende. Det koster som minimum betinget frakendelse af kørekortet. En anden fare er at miste koncentrationen, hvor man måske på grund af ensformigheden, der kan opstå, når man kører på motorvej, eller bare almindelig træthed kører galt.
På en motorvej er der højere hastighed og derfor også højere krav til, hvordan du skal orientere dig og køre. Motorveje er blevet stadig mere trafikerede i de senere år, og du kan desuden risikere at møde spøgelsesbilister, der kører i den modsatte retning på motorvejen, hvilket naturligvis er utrolig farligt for alle. Du skal være klar over reglerne følgende tre steder for at kunne køre sikkert på motorvej:
For at køre på motorvejen skal man kunne holde en fart på mindst 50 km/t.
Biler og motorcykler der ikke kan holde en fart på mindst 50 km/t.
Traktor og motorredskab
Hestevogn og lignende
Cykel og knallert
Du må kun køre ind på motorvejen, hvor den begynder, eller ad de særlige tilkørselsbaner. Pas meget på ikke at køre ned ad en forkert rampe, fx i mørke. Det skaber livsfarlige situationer, hvis du ender som spøgelsesbilist.
På en motorvej bruges sammenfletningsreglen ved tilkørslerne. Det betyder, at øvrige trafikanter ved tilkørslen, som er bag dig ved tilkørselsstedet, skal sætte hastigheden ned, for at du kan komme ind på motorvejen. Dem, der er foran, skal blot køre videre. Du skal kort sagt passe ind med hjælp fra øvrige bilister. For at signalere, at du vil ind på motorvejen, giver du tegn med blinklyset. Hvis du ikke kan komme ind mellem bilerne på motorvejen, kan du blive nødt til at stoppe op. Hold endelig godt øje med, at du ikke generer andre bilister bag dig. Du skal desuden være klar til hurtigt at accelerere, så du ikke sinker trafikken på motorvejen, når du er klar til at køre ind.
Hvis tilkørselsbanen er meget kort, er der ofte ubetinget vigepligt. Det betyder, at du skal holde tilbage, indtil der er plads til, at du kan køre på motorvejen. Du skal give tegn med blinklys og være meget opmærksom på ikke at genere andre bilister eller færdslen i det hele taget. Nogle steder, hvor det er meget svært at overskue trafiksituationen, kan der være en stoplinje, der som altid betyder, at du skal stoppe helt op, før du kører ud.
Der kan være kombinerede til- og frakørselsramper på motorveje. Det betyder, at du skal køre ind på motorvejen og køre fra den igen ved at følge reglerne om vognbaneskift (blinke, afstand og orientering).
Hold øje med trafikken både bag og foran dig, så du kan nå at reagere, hvis dem nærmest dig ændrer hastighed eller forbereder sig på at lave en manøvre. Kontrollér jævnligt din hastighed ved at kigge på speedometret. Vær opmærksom på kørebanestriber og færdselstavler, der fx siger noget om vognbaner eller sammenfletninger.
Når du kører på motorvejen, skal du også holde øje med tilkørselsramper. Du har pligt til at være opmærksom og tilpasse din hastighed, så andre lettest kommer ind på motorvejen. Det betyder, at du skal sætte farten ned, så de kan slippe ind, og sætte farten op, hvis den anden bilist skal flette ind bag dig. Du skal i øvrigt, for at trafikken kan glide let, holde den højest tilladte hastighed på motorvejen, hvis forholdene ellers er til det.
Orientér dig på færdselstavlerne i god tid, inden du skal køre fra. Vurdér frakørselsbanens længde. Se, om der er nogen, der er ved at køre ind på motorvejen, og vurdér, om du sikkert kan tage afkørslen. På afkørslen skal du lægge mærke til, hvor hurtigt du må køre, og hvor du skal placere dig i forhold til, hvor du skal hen.
Hvis du skal køre på en kombineret til- og frakørselsrampe, skal du grundlæggende følge de samme regler som ved øvrige til- og frakørselsramper. Holde afstand, blinke til højre, når du skal køre fra, og give plads til forankørende, der vil ind på motorvejen.
Sådan kører du, når du skal køre på motorvej:
Tilpas hastigheden til tilkørselsbanens og flettestrækningens længde og til de kørendes hastighed i den vognbane, der er nærmest dig på motorvejen. Blink til venstre, og placér dig ud fra et mellemrum i trafikken eller lidt foran en anden bil, der nedsætter farten eller skifter vognbane, så du kan komme ind. Når der bliver plads, så accelererer du og kører ind på motorvejen og tilpasser din hastighed til de andre der. Hvis du kører bag ved en på tilkørselsrampen, så bliv bag ved den hele tiden. Hvis du skal flette ind på motorvejen, og du ikke kan komme ind, så sæt hastigheden ned i god tid, så du har så lang fri tilkørselsbane som muligt. På den måde kan du nemmere komme op i fart, inden du fletter ind, når der bliver plads.
Tilpas hastigheden til tilkørselsbanen, blink til venstre, og vis de andre på motorvejen, at du vil overholde din vigepligt.
Bliv i højre vognbane, et kort stykke tid efter at du er kørt på motorvejen, så du kan vænne dig til vej- og færdselsforholdene. Brug blinklyset, hvis du skifter vognbane. Placér dig midt i højre vognbane, og brug kun venstre, hvis du skal overhale eller give plads til, at andre kan køre ind – eller for at følge anviste vognbaner. Hjælp andre trafikanter, der vil køre ind på motorvejen, ved enten at accelerere eller nedsætte hastigheden eller skifte vognbane, hvis der er frit, så de kan komme ind.
Brug havariblink, så du kan advare de andre bilister, hvis der opstår uventet kø eller anden fare. Accelerér op til højeste sikre og lovlige hastighed på strækningen. Vær i god tid, når du fx skal skifte vognbane, dreje fra eller lignende.
Du må kun køre væk fra motorvejen via en frakørselsrampe. Giv tegn med blinklyset, og kør ind i 1. vognbane, hvis du ikke allerede er der. Når du nærmer dig frakørselsbanen, så prøv så vidt muligt at holde farten, indtil du er oppe på den og kan sætte farten ned. Det giver mindst mulig gene for trafikken på motorvejen. Der kan være skarpe sving på frakørselsramper, som du skal være opmærksom på. Ret dig efter den anbefalede højeste hastighed, også selv om den er markant lavere end farten på motorvejen.
Det er kun biler og motorcykler, som må køre på motorvejen. For at køre på motorvejen skal man kunne holde en fart på mindst 50 km/t., og du må højst køre 130 km/t. Hvis du kører med påhængskøretøj, må du højst køre 80 km/t. – hvis du har særlig Tempo 100-godkendelse, må du dog køre 100 km/t.
Du må kun køre ind og ud af motorvejen på til- eller frakørselsbanerne.
Hvis du slæber et andet køretøj, må du kun køre 30 km/t., så det er også forbudt, medmindre bilen skal trækkes væk fra vejen. Det sidste skal ske så kort tid efter uheldet som muligt.
På motor- og motortrafikvej er det forbudt at:
Du skal så vidt muligt altid holde uden for kørebanen i nødsporet, hvis du må stoppe på motorvejen. Hvis du har koblet et påhængskøretøj på, der er længere end 7 meter, skal du holde dig i inderste vognbane. Hvis der er 3 eller flere vognbaner, skal du holde dig i bane 1 eller 2. Når du kører på motorvejen, skal du holde dig i inderste vognbane. Hvis du har overhalet, skal du finde tilbage i vognbane 1. Det er ikke nødvendigt at blive ’hængende’ i bane 2, heller ikke hvis der er tre vognbaner. Det er forbudt at slæbe en anden bil på motorvejen.
Motortrafikvejen er en blanding af landevej og motorvej og det, man kalder en hovedfærdselsåre. Det er kun biler og motorcykler, der kan køre mindst 50 km/t., som må køre på motortrafikveje. Du må højst køre 80 km/t. på en motortrafikvej, da der kan være sideveje. Lastbiler og påhængsvogne må højst køre 80 km/t. på motortrafikveje, og bortset fra disse ting, så gælder de samme regler for motortrafikveje som på motorveje, når du kører.
Du skal være klar over nogle andre forskelle:
Du kan møde modkørende på en motortrafikvej, der er nemlig ikke spærrelinje eller midterrabat, som der er på en motorvej. Der kan komme trafik på tværs, både gående og kørende, som du skal være opmærksom på. Ligesom på en motorvej må du hverken vende eller bakke på en motortrafikvej.
Hvis du kører tæt i flere rækker ved siden af hinanden, så kan du hverken se særlig godt eller manøvrere ret godt. Derfor skal du øve dig i det.
Ulykker sker ved, at både bilister, knallertkørere og cyklister uventet svinger til venstre ind foran bilen i et kryds. Nogle gange er det også bilister, der klemmer dig fra enten venstre eller højre.
Det kan være svært at bedømme afstanden til dem, der kører ved siden af dig, især cyklister og knallertkørere, fordi de nemt slingrer. Hvis det er glat eller fedtet føre, kan det være svært at styre bilen. Hvis der er tæt trafik, kan der være begrænset udsyn og nedsat mulighed for at manøvrere, hvis du har køretøjer på begge sider, og det kan gøre, at du måske har en tendens til blot at følge trafikken uden at se dig for. Pas på ikke at kigge for længe på dem, der kører ved siden af dig, da det øger risikoen for, at du kommer til at trække hen mod dem.
Du skal af den grund være meget opmærksom på, hvordan de øvrige bilister i køen/rækken opfører sig, så du kan køre efter forholdene. Når man kører tæt ved siden af andre, er det typisk uventede sving og folk, der kører lige ind foran dig, der skaber ulykker. Vær parat til at bremse, og kig i spejlene, så du ved, hvad der foregår omkring dig. Når du kører i dårligt vejr, er det endnu vigtigere at holde godt øje med dem, der kører ved siden af dig, fordi det er sværere at undgå at støde ind i hinanden. Ved blæst, og især når man kører over broer, kan der komme ryk i bilen på grund af sidevind, og det kan nemt genere andre bilister, så igen – tag dine forholdsregler, og vær fokuseret på trafikkens forløb og de øvrige bilister.
Hold vognbanen, hvis der er tæt trafik, og skift kun vognbane, hvis det er nødvendigt. Husk at se dig for både bagud og til siderne, inden du skifter bane. Slut op i kolonnen foran dig, også selv om det gør, at du overhaler dem, der kører i venstre vognbane. Undgå at placere dig i de blinde vinkler hos dem, der kører lidt længere fremme end dig i de andre vognbaner. Orientér dig med hurtige blik om afstanden til dem, der kører ved siden af dig og bag dig.
Der er flere uvaner i trafikken, som sker, fordi folk mister tålmodigheden i køkørsel eller tæt kørsel i rækker:
Nogle klemmer bilisten i den inderste bane, hvilket er stærkt generende. Motorcykler og små knallerter kan også finde på at bruge den smalle passage mellem bilrækkerne til at komme hurtigere frem, hvilket er rigtig farligt, da de er svære at se.
Du må kun overhale venstre om. Du må til gengæld godt lave en overhaling højre om, hvis den anden bilist tydeligt viser, at han skal til venstre. Ellers gælder reglerne om forbikørsel, hvor du både må køre forbi højre og venstre om en anden trafikant. Du må kun skifte vognbane, hvis du skal svinge eller uden om en parkeret bil/holdende bil.
Du skal lære at parkere langs vejkanten og i parkeringsbås, og så skal du lære at sikre dig, at bilen ikke sætter i gang af sig selv eller bliver stjålet, når du forlader den.
De fleste ulykker sker ved tosporede veje, fordi en bil kører ind i en parkeret bil. Det kan både være bilister, cyklister og knallertkørere, der kører ind i den. Det er sjældent, der sker alvorlige parkeringsulykker, men der sker til gengæld en del uheld, hvor køretøjet bliver skadet.
Risikoforhold og ulykker
Når du leder efter en parkeringsplads, skal du holde godt øje med den øvrige trafik. Du må ikke være en risiko for andre eller genere andre. Derfor skal du se dig grundigt for i spejlene ved at dreje hovedet, når du sænker farten for at lede efter en parkeringsplads. Hvis du blot skal standse, så blink ind, så andre ved, hvad du er i færd med.
Hvis du kører for hurtigt og fx bremser hårdt op for at nå ind på en parkeringsplads eller forsøger at parkere hurtigt, kan andre køre ind i dig bagfra. Husk også, at hvis du kører hårdt ind i kantstenen, kan du miste kontrollen og i øvrigt ødelægge dæk og fælge på bilen.
Der sker en del parkeringsuheld og parkeringsskader, særligt i mørke. Det ordentlige og lovpligtige at gøre, hvis man skader en andens bil, er at sætte en seddel i vinduesviskeren, så sagen kan blive redt ud af forsikringsselskaberne. Du får en klækkelig bøde for at undlade at gøre det, hvis andre ser det og indberetter til politiet, hvad der skete.
Der er en del kørebanestriber og færdselstavler, du skal lære, i forhold til at parkere og standse.
Der er nogle hovedregler for standsning og parkering:
Hold øje med den øvrige trafik, mens du leder efter en parkeringsplads. Se bagud, før du sænker hastigheden eller standser kort for at undersøge, om en plads kan bruges. Bedøm hurtigt, om der er nok plads, eller om det er lovligt at holde der. Vurdér, om du kan parkere uden at genere trafikken unødigt. Orientér dig hele tiden i spejle og ved at dreje hovedet, mens du parkerer. Hold også øje med cyklister, knallertkørere eller gående, når du åbner bildøren. Vurdér, om din bil holder til gene for de andre trafikanter.
Hold en hastighed, der ikke er væsentlig lavere end dem, der kører bagved, mens du leder efter en parkeringsplads. Vis, at du standser, ved at bruge stoplys og evt. også blinklys. Parkér langs kørebanens yderste kant eller i parkeringsbås. Træk parkeringsbremsen, og sæt evt. bilen i gear. Sluk lyset, fjern nøglen, og sikr, at evt. tyverisikring er sat til. Vent med at åbne døre, indtil du er sikker på, at du kan gøre det uden risiko for andre.
Der er forskel på at standse og parkere. For begge dele gælder, at det er ’frivillig hensætning’, som det hedder, af bilen. Dvs. at man standser bilen, uden at det er trafikkens ’skyld’ (der er fx ikke rødt, vigepligt, kø eller tekniske problemer). Det kan være, fordi man skal sætte af, læsse på eller af. Når det sker i mindre end tre minutter, er der tale om standsning. Er det mere end tre minutter, er der tale om en parkering. I en parkering skal formålet ikke nødvendigvis være af- eller pålæsning af personer eller ting.
Du skal lære at køre i mørke, hvor du bruger de rigtige lygter, når du kører foran eller efter andre, og når du overhaler.
I det hele taget skal du være klar over, at der er mange ulykker i mørke eller tusmørke. Man får ikke set, at der er gående på vej over vejen, man ser ikke den parkerede bil eller påkører dyr, der løber over vejen. Det er typisk, fordi folk ikke bruger reflekser og lys eller afmærker biler/forhindringer på vejen som fx en container.
Hvis du påkører et dyr, skal du huske, at man skal ringe 1812.
Se godt efter striber på vejen, reflekser på vejen, der bl.a. sidder på kantpælene. Du skal altid have en lyskegle foran dig, der er længere end din standselængde, så du hele tiden er klar over, hvad der er foran dig, og du kan nå at reagere.
Det er svært at se ordentligt, når det er tusmørke, mørkt, tåget eller diset, hvis der er kraftig regn og sne, eller hvis solen står lavt. Det kan være svært at bedømme hastigheden og afstand til andre under de forhold. Hvis du kører for hurtigt i forhold til, hvor godt du kan se, og hvor langt du kan se, kan du bringe dig selv og andre i farlige situationer. Det er også farligt, hvis du bliver blændet af modkørende, eller hvis du blænder dem. Parkerede køretøjer, mørke fodgængere og cyklister uden lys udgør en risiko, fordi de er svære at se, hvis det er mørkt. Derudover skal du bruge lygterne rigtigt og især huske dem, hvis det er tusmørke i lygtetændingstiden om dagen.
Du skal kunne opfatte og bedømme faremuligheder i mørke, præcis som du kan ved dagslys. Udnyt kørebanestriberne og de reflekterende kant- og baggrundsmærkninger, der er ved vejen, så du kan se, hvordan vejen forløber. Vær også opmærksom, hvis der står kantpæle med orange refleks i højre vejside og hvid refleks i venstre vejside. Kør kun så hurtigt, at du kan standse inden for rækkevidden af det lys, du bruger, og inden for længden af den fri strækning foran dig.
Inden du kører, skal du sikre dig, at lygterne virker, som de skal, og at de er indstillet rigtigt.
Du skal bruge nærlys, når der er vejbelysning der, hvor du kører. Du skal bruge fjernlys, hvis vejen ikke er lyst op af fx gadelamper, og hvis du ikke kan se langt nok med nærlys, så du kan nå at reagere ved den hastighed, du kører. Du skal dog blænde ned, hvis du møder andre trafikanter, så de ikke bliver blændet. Når du har passeret dem, kan du blænde op igen. Når det er lygtetændingstid, er det ikke nok med kørelys – der skal nærlyset være tændt. Kører du uden for lygtetændingstiden, skal du enten bruge nærlyset, det særlige kørelys eller tågelygter. Tågebaglygterne må du kun bruge, når det er tåget, og det ikke generer andre.
Når du ser lyset fra en modkørende nærme sig, skal du hurtigt bedømme, om der er tale om bil, traktor, motorcykel eller lastbil/bus. Hvis du kører med fjernlys, skal du, senest 200-300 meter før du møder den anden, skifte til nærlys. Skift til nærlys i god afstand fra tog, der kører langs vejen, hvis der er risiko for, at dit lys blænder lokoføreren. Sæt hastigheden ned til højst 40 km/t., når du møder biler på smalle eller helt mørke veje, så du kan nå at reagere, hvis der er noget i vejkanten. Du skal ikke se lige ind i lygterne; det blænder dig. Stands, hvis du bliver blændet af andres lygter. Skift til fjernlys, lige før du passerer modkørende.
Du skal altid sætte farten ned, inden du skifter til nærlyset, så du er sikker på at se alt, hvad der ligger foran dig. Hvis du har fjernlys og er ved at indhente en, der kører foran dig, skal du skifte til nærlys, da det ellers generer kraftigt. Hold større afstand til den, der kører foran, end du ville gøre i dagslys, fordi den forankørende kan have svært ved at se i mørket. Hold fjernlyset tændt, hvis der er en, der vil overhale bagfra. Så hjælper du dem med at se. Skift til nærlys, så snart bilen har overhalet og begynder at trække ind.
Det er farligt at overhale i mørke. Hvis du skal gøre det, skal du være meget sikker på, at der ikke kommer modkørende eller andre forhindringer. Hvis du er ved at blive overhalet, gælder det samme: Skift til nærlys, så du ikke risikerer at blænde vedkommende i spejlene. Du skal kunne lyse væsentlig længere op med lygterne end den længde, du skal bruge for at overhale. Efter overhalingen tænder du igen fjernlyset. Træk ind til højre, når du er sikker på, at der ikke er gående eller andre, du kan ramme.
Hvis du holder midt på vejen, fordi du fx skal svinge til venstre, så kan du bruge bremselygterne til at advare biler, der kommer bagfra, ved at trykke let på bremsen. Hvis du standser eller parkerer i vejsiden på veje, der ikke er tilstrækkelig oplyst, bør du bruge positionslyset på bilen.
Brug normalt nærlys – aldrig positionslys – når der er tåge, dis, regn, eller sigtbarheden på anden måde er dårlig. Du kan dog bruge tågeforlys i stedet for nærlys, hvis du vil. Brug evt. fjernlys i særlig tæt tåge om dagen, så du sikrer, at andre kan se dig. Tænd nærlyset, når du kører med lavtstående sol i ryggen, af hensyn til dem, der kører mod dig. Så er du nemmere at se.
Lygtetændingstiden er fra solnedgang til solopgang. Det er også, når vejret kræver det, fx i dis, tåge, regn eller lav sol, som kan gøre det svært for andre at se dig.
Du skal lære at køre i tunnel, hvor det kræver mere af dig. Du skal køre i én af de her tunneller: Tårnbytunnellen, Frederikssundsvejstunnellen, Englandsvejstunnellen, Guldborgsundtunnellen eller Limfjordstunnellen.
Der er bygget mange flere tunneller, efter at der er kommet mange flere biler på vejene, og folk kører mere. Der har været nogle voldsomme ulykker i udlandet de seneste 30 år, der har gjort, at man fx i danske tunnelbyggerier kan se nogle af de bedst sikrede tunneller. Du skal sætte dig godt ind i de forskellige sikkerhedsforanstaltninger i tunneller, så du er parat til at reagere rigtigt, hvis der skulle opstå uheld eller en ulykke.
Vær opmærksom på højden af din bil, da tunneller har en begrænset frihøjde. Hvis du er for høj, vil du køre på tunnellen. Når du kører ind i tunnellen, ændrer lyset sig. Pas på, at du ikke kører for hurtigt ind i tunnellen, da det tager lidt tid for dine øjne at vænne sig til det, og du kan derfor nemt overse forhindringer forude.
Vær opmærksom på, at du ikke overser et evt. rødt blinksignal før tunnellen. Vær også opmærksom på havarerede køretøjer, der kan holde eller er standset i tunnellen. Se efter skilte, der viser nødudgange, nødudstyr, nødpladser og radiofrekvens, hvor du kan lytte til informationer om tunnellen. Se efter, om vognbanesignalerne skifter. I mange tunneller tændes der automatisk et rødt kryds over højre vognbane, hvis alarmskabet åbnes i tunnellen. Hvis du har brug for at kontakte alarmcentralen, bør du bruge nødtelefonen i tunnellen i stedet for din mobiltelefon.
Du skal kunne forskellige ting, når du kører i tunnel.
Hold længere afstand end normalt til dem, der kører foran dig. Uheldet kan være ude. Din bil eller motorcykel kan gå i stå. Så skal du køre ind til højre side, tænde havariblinket og tage sikkerhedsvest på med reflekser. Nu skal du gå fra bilen og passe meget på. Gå hen til nærmeste nødtelefon, løft røret, og du har kontakt til politiet, som nu vil komme for at transportere bil/motorcykel ud.
Hvis der sker en ulykke – sådan kører du og handler du
Kør ind til siden, tænd havariblink, og tag sikkerhedsvesten på. Giv førstehjælp, som du har lært på kurset i færdselsrelateret førstehjælp. Ring 112 fra din telefon eller brug nødtelefonen for at tilkalde hjælp, og vent ved stedet.
Hvis der skulle gå ild i din bil eller en andens køretøj, så kør hurtigst muligt ud af tunnellen. Hvis du ikke kan det, så kør ind til siden, sluk motoren, og gå væk fra bilen. Lad være med at låse bilen. Slå alarm via din egen telefon eller nødtelefonen.
Hvis du kan slukke branden med en pulverslukker, så gør det, og giv førstehjælp, hvis det er muligt, til dem, der måtte være kommet til skade. Derefter kan du gå fra tunnellen via en nøddør, der også er markeret tydeligt i tunneller.
Du skal lære at køre, hvor der er letbane. Hvis det er muligt, skal du køre ved en af disse letbaner: Aarhus Letbane eller Odense Letbane.
Der sker ulykker ved letbanen, fordi trafikanter misforstår eller overser det røde lyssignal. Der sker også ulykker med bilister, fordi de overser letbanens tog, når de laver manøvrer med bilen, eller med fodgængere, fordi de overser letbanens tog, når de krydser sporet.
Der sker tit ulykker ved letbanen, fordi lyssignaler eller tavler bliver overset, så vigepligten ikke bliver overholdt, og letbanen bliver påkørt. Det kan også skyldes uopmærksomhed. Letbanekøretøjets bremselængde er lang, og derfor er det vigtigt, at du er særlig opmærksom, når du kører ved en letbane.
Vær opmærksom på rødt lyssignal ved letbanen, og pas på ikke at have for meget opmærksomhed på letbanen, så du overser de andre trafikanter. Letbanekøretøjer kører efter forholdene, signalerne og trafikken. De må ikke køre hurtigere end busser, dvs. maks. 80 km/t. Vær opmærksom på, hvor letbanen kører, hvis du overhaler eller kører forbi et letbanetog.
Du skal kunne tilpasse hastigheden, når du kører ved letbanen, så du har tid til at vænne dig til den.
