Theory topic 13 · Düsseldorf
Topic 13: Vehicle technology, passengers & the environment
Topic 13 is one of the two extra double lessons that the FahrSchAusbO (the regulation on driving school training) adds for class B on top of the twelve general double lessons. It covers the technical side of the car: tyres, brakes, lights, securing a load and driving in a way that's kinder to the environment.
- In class
- 90 minutes, as often as you like
- This is topic 13 of 14. You can come to this double lesson as many times as you like.
- Flexible times
- 8 theory classes a week
- Lessons run on six days a week. The 14 topics follow on from each other in a loop, so you simply join at the next lesson.
- Four languages
- German, English, Arabic, Berber
- Lessons are taught in German. If something isn't clear, you can ask in English, Arabic or Berber.
What you learn
What topic 13 covers
This is what's on the plan in the lesson, and it's what the theory test (Theorieprüfung) will ask you about.
- How much tread summer and winter tyres need (1.6 mm by law, 4 mm recommended for winter tyres)
- When winter tyres are compulsory (whenever the conditions are wintry)
- How to check your tyre pressure and set it correctly
- Which lights you have to use and when: dipped headlights, sidelights, rear fog light
- How to secure a load with straps, anti-slip mats and the right weight distribution
- The rules for carrying passengers: seats, child seats and seat belts
- How to drive with the environment in mind: oil changes, tyre pressure, an economical driving style
The key rules
What you need to know for sure
A lot of the test questions on this topic come back to these points.
Minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm
By law every tyre needs at least 1.6 mm of tread in the main grooves, all the way round. It's recommended to change summer tyres from 3 mm and winter tyres from 4 mm. Driving with too little tread costs €60 and 1 point, and more if you put someone at risk.
Winter tyres when the conditions are wintry
When there's snow, ice or frost on the road, you must use tyres with the Alpine symbol (a snowflake on a mountain). Since 1 October 2024, tyres marked only M+S are no longer enough. The rule of thumb is 'O to O' (October to Easter, Ostern in German), but the law only requires winter tyres when the conditions call for them.
Securing the load is the driver's job
Everything in the car has to be secured so that it can't slide, fall over or fly around, even in an emergency stop or a sudden swerve (§ 22 StVO). Heavy things go in the boot, and you secure large items with a cargo net or a seat belt.
Child seats up to 12 years or 1.50 m
Children under 12 who are shorter than 1.50 m must travel in a child seat that suits their height and weight. If there's no suitable child seat, it costs €30 (€35 for more than one child) and no point. If the child isn't secured at all, it's €60 (€70 for more than one child) and 1 point. The rule applies on every trip, whether it's the school run, a holiday or giving someone else's children a lift.
The environment: tyre pressure, air conditioning, servicing
Tyres with too little air push up your fuel use, and the air conditioning costs extra fuel too. Regular servicing, such as oil changes and a clean air filter, also makes a difference. Leaving the engine running while you're standing still for no good reason is actually against the law (§ 30 StVO).
Common mistakes
Where the test often trips people up
In these places a question often means something different from what it seems to say when you read it quickly.
- Only checking the tyre pressure at the TÜV
- It's best to check your tyre pressure about once a month, not just when the car goes for its Hauptuntersuchung (the TÜV roadworthiness test). You'll find the right values inside the fuel flap or on the door frame on the driver's side.
- Leaving winter tyres on in summer
- In summer, winter tyres need a much longer distance to stop on dry and wet roads, and they wear out faster. Changing them is a question of safety.
- Just throwing things in the back
- In an emergency stop, an object that isn't secured can fly forwards with a force many times its own weight. That can kill the people in the car, especially children.
- Children in the front passenger seat without a child seat
- The child seat rule applies in the front passenger seat too. A rear-facing child seat may only go there if the passenger airbag is switched off. Child seats approved under i-Size (ECE R129) must be fitted rear-facing or sideways for children up to 15 months (§ 35a StVZO).
Sample questions
What the questions in the theory test look like
Click on a question to see the answer. You can practise the full set of official questions with our learning app.
What is the minimum tread depth your tyres must have?
You're giving a lift to a child who is 8 years old and 1.30 m tall. What applies?
What happens if your tyre pressure is too low?
In the driving lesson
Where you'll meet topic 13 again in the car
During your training you learn the standard checks on the car: tread depth, tyre pressure, lights, wipers and fluid levels.
Questions and answers
Common questions about topic 13
Short answers to questions around this topic.
When are winter tyres compulsory?
What is a low-emission zone?
How do I secure a week's shopping?
How many people can I take with me?
What does it cost to drive with an overdue TÜV?
Registration
Come along to the theory lessons
Pre-register online, with no obligation. Once your registration has gone through, you join at the next lesson, whichever topic is on that day.
Or just drop by
- Phone
- 0211 21098911
- Mon–Fri
- 10:30–19:00
- Sat
- 10:00–15:00
- Sun
- Closed
Read on
Related topics and pages
- Topic 11: Dealing with special situationsAccidents, breakdowns, emergency vehicles, fog, ice and what to do in a tunnel.
- Topic 12: Safety through further learningThe probationary period, the seminar for new drivers and why learning goes on after the test.
- Topic 14: Driving with and without a trailerTrailers, combinations and the differences between B, B96, BE and B197. Extra material for class B.
- Class BThe car licence.
- Class B96Combinations up to 4,250 kg, no test.
- Class BETrailers up to 3,500 kg.
