Defensive driving & anticipation
Spot hazards before they happen
Look far ahead, react early
Good drivers look far ahead, check their mirrors regularly and keep asking: “What if …?” If you spot a hazard early, you can react smoothly – instead of braking hard at the last moment. That is the core of § 1 StVO: constant care and mutual consideration.
Hindering or endangering?
Hindering
- Others must brake lightly, wait or steer around you
- Example: you wait to turn left, others briefly stop
- Allowed only as far as unavoidable
Endangering
- An accident almost happens
- Others must brake hard or swerve
- Example: cutting in tightly after overtaking
Trust – with limits
In principle, you may trust others to follow the rules. But not with children, elderly or vulnerable people, or anyone clearly behaving wrongly. Then the rule is (§ 3 (2a) StVO): slow down and be ready to brake, so that any danger is ruled out.
Watch out – hazard cues!
- Ball rolls onto the road → a child follows
- Bus at a stop → people walk in front of or behind it
- Person in a parked car → a door may open
- Cyclist looks back → wants to turn or swerve
- Brake lights far ahead → traffic jam or obstacle
- Ice‑cream van, school, playground → children nearby
- Leaves or mud on the road → risk of skidding
What do you see?
A ball rolls out between parked cars. Pros lift off the accelerator at once and get ready to brake – the child is often just seconds behind.
This source question references an image or scene that is not yet supplied. Do not use it for scored practice.
Blind spot of trucks and buses
Next to a truck on its right, the driver often cannot see you. At junctions, never stop to the right of a turning truck and never pass it there. Rule of thumb: if you can't see the truck's mirrors, the driver can't see you. In towns, vehicles over 3.5 t may only turn right at walking speed.
Motorcycles: small, fast, easy to miss
Motorcycles are often spotted too late, and their speed is underestimated. Look twice before turning or pulling out. Expect riders to swerve around potholes, ruts or drain covers – and keep enough distance, because motorcycles can brake very hard.
Remember: giving way is strength
Even if you have right of way, you must give it up when the traffic situation requires (§ 11 (3) StVO). Being right is useless in a crash. Seek eye contact, wait for a clear signal – and if in doubt, wait one more time.
Stay cool – don't compete
Anger, stress and time pressure increase risk‑taking. Don't let yourself be provoked: let tailgaters pass, no revenge, no hard braking without reason – that is forbidden (§ 4 StVO). Forgive others' mistakes; you make some too. If you notice you are angry: slow down, breathe, take a break if needed.
A ball rolls onto the road between parked cars. What must you expect?
- That a child runs after the ball
- That there is no danger because children watch the traffic
- That an adult may also step onto the road suddenly
Check answer
That a child runs after the ball
That an adult may also step onto the road suddenly
Children follow the ball without watching traffic – and adults sometimes run after it too. Lift off the accelerator, be ready to brake.
Train your hazard perception
In the simulator, hazards appear before they become dangerous. Tap as early as possible – this sharpens your anticipation.
Hazard trainer↗