Theory topic 4 · Düsseldorf
Topic 4: Roads & level crossings
Topic 4 explains how the German road network is organised, which lanes and paths are meant for whom (cycle lanes, bus lanes, the hard shoulder) and why level crossings are some of the most dangerous places you'll drive through in everyday life.
- In class
- 90 minutes, as often as you like
- This is topic 4 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 4 covers
This is what's on the plan in the lesson, and it's what the theory test (Theorieprüfung) will ask you about.
- How roads are classified, from motorways down to local roads run by the town
- Who may use which lane, including bus lanes, cycle lanes and advisory cycle lanes
- How to read road markings: solid, broken and double lines
- Which rules apply at level crossings with and without barriers
- What the St Andrew's cross, flashing lights and red lights mean at a level crossing
- How to drive through roadworks, narrow sections and tunnels
- What is different about residential streets, traffic-calmed areas and so-called play streets
The key rules
What you need to know for sure
A lot of the test questions on this topic come back to these points.
At the St Andrew's cross, trains have priority
The St Andrew's cross (Andreaskreuz, sign 201) stands in front of a level crossing. Trains and trams always have priority here, even when there are no barriers or lights. You approach the crossing at a moderate speed.
When the barrier comes down, you stop
As soon as the barrier starts to come down, the red or amber light comes on, or you hear a train, you must not go onto the crossing, whether on foot or in a vehicle. You stop at the stop line, or in front of the St Andrew's cross if there isn't one.
Never cross a solid line
You must not drive over or across a solid line along the road, and that includes overtaking or turning. You may only change lanes or overtake across a broken line, and only when the traffic allows it.
Some lanes and paths are for other road users
Cars must stay off cycle lanes, bus lanes, pavements and bridleways, and you can't stop or park on them either. Bus lanes are for scheduled buses, and taxis and ambulances may only use them if an extra sign says so. Driving in a bus lane or on a cycle path costs €15, and on the pavement or a cycle path on the left-hand side it's €55.
Walking pace in a traffic-calmed area
Once you pass the sign for a traffic-calmed area (sign 325.1), often called a 'play street' (Spielstraße), you drive at walking pace. Children are allowed to play in the road, pedestrians have priority, and you can only park in marked spaces.
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.
- Stopping too late at a level crossing
- If there's no stop line, you wait in front of the St Andrew's cross. If you carry on when the light is red or the barrier is coming down, you risk a fine, points and a driving ban.
- Mixing up an advisory cycle lane and a cycle lane
- Cars may drive over an advisory cycle lane (broken line with a bicycle symbol) when they need to, as long as they don't put cyclists in danger. A cycle lane marked with a solid line is off limits.
- Thinking walking pace is faster than it is
- Walking pace is much slower than normal driving, and it certainly isn't 20 km/h. In traffic-calmed areas this is a mistake people often make in their test answers.
- Not taking crossings without barriers seriously
- Before every St Andrew's cross you slow down, check that you can see clearly and listen for trains. If you need to, open the window so you can hear better.
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.
You're approaching a level crossing with a St Andrew's cross and no barrier. What do you do?
What does a solid line along the road mean?
What is the fastest you may drive in a traffic-calmed area?
In the driving lesson
Where you'll meet topic 4 again in the car
Traffic-calmed areas, level crossings and bus lanes are part of everyday driving. Get into the habit of spotting the St Andrew's cross and the warning lights from a distance, so you have time to slow down to a moderate speed as you approach.
Questions and answers
Common questions about topic 4
Short answers to questions around this topic.
Do I have to stop and wait when the light at a level crossing is red?
What's the fine for driving a car on a cycle path?
Can I stop in a bus lane?
What's the difference between a play street and a traffic-calmed area?
What do I do at a narrow section where no sign says who goes first?
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 5: The basic rule, priority & traffic controlPriority to the right, priority signs, traffic lights and the police officer who overrules them all.
- Topic 6: Traffic signs & markingsWarning signs, regulatory signs and information signs, and how to tell them apart.
- Topic 9: Observation & manoeuvresMirrors and shoulder checks, overtaking, changing lanes, turning round and reversing.
- Class BThe car licence.
- Class BF17Start at 17 and drive with a companion.
- Theory timetableWhich topic runs on which day.
