Rule 1
Form reveals meaning
Triangle with red tip = danger. Round with red border = prohibition. Round blue = commandment. Rectangle/Square = Note (Directional Sign). Octagon red = stop. This form logic applies EU-wide.
Theory topic 6 · Düsseldorf.
topic 6.
Traffic signs & traffic facilities.
Traffic signs are the language of the road. Topic 6 shows you the three main categories — danger signs (triangle), regulatory signs (round) and directional signs (rectangle) — plus traffic devices such as traffic lights, traffic cones and markings. Anyone who reads them confidently will drive confidently.
What you learn.
Learning objectives for topic 6
- Recognize the three main categories of traffic signs by shape and color
- The most important danger signs (e.g. curves, intersections, animal crossings) and their meaning
- Distinguish between regulatory signs: prohibitions (red) vs. commandments (blue)
- Read direction signs (priority road, motorway, one-way street)
- Interpret additional characters (e.g. scope, days of the week)
- Recognize traffic facilities (beacons, guide posts, barriers)
- Reading road markings (longitudinal, transverse, special lines)
The most important rules.
Core rules from topic 6
Rule 2
Danger signs warn in good time
Danger signs are located approx. 150-250 m outside of town and approx. 50 m in front of the danger point in town. Adjust speed, increase braking readiness, do not overtake danger zones.
Rule 3
Prohibition signs override mandatory signs
If a ban (red, e.g. 'ban on all types of vehicles') and a command collide, the ban applies. Additional characters can restrict (e.g. 'Residents free').
Rule 4
Directional signs are never mandatory, but they are important
Directional signs show the direction, mark special routes or provide information (e.g. priority road, motorway notice). Violations are usually not directly sanctioned, but can trigger subsequent sanctions.
Rule 5
Traffic facilities provide visual guidance
Red and white traffic beacons, yellow traffic cones, barriers and guide posts show you the correct route - especially at construction sites and dangerous areas. Your order may temporarily override other traffic signs.
Common mistakes.
What goes wrong in the theory test
Error 1
Read yield sign as a 'stop sign'
'Give way' (inverted triangle, 205) requires you to stop only if necessary. 'Stop' (octagon, 206) ALWAYS requires stopping.
Error 2
Speed limit repeal overlooked
A speed limit applies to the exit of the town OR to the next cancellation sign (sign 278) OR to the next intersection. Many people stick to the old limit for too long, others go faster too soon.
Error 3
Ignore additional characters
'Residents free', 'Mon-Fri 7am-7pm', 'except public bus' completely change the main sign content. Always read completely!
Error 4
Priority road = priority everywhere
Wrong. 'Priority road' (yellow, 306) only applies to the main continuous direction. If there is a bend or junction, it ends without explicit extension signs.
Sample questions.
In theory test style
Question 1
What shape does a regulatory sign that indicates a prohibition take?
AnswerRound with red border.
E.g. 'ban on all types of vehicles', 'speed limit', 'no overtaking'.
Question 2
You will see a triangular red sign with a deer. What does it mean?
AnswerAnimal crossing (danger sign 142). Reduce speed, especially at dusk.
Wildlife crossing is the most common cause of accidents involving animals in Germany - especially in the evenings in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Question 3
Where does a speed limit usually apply in urban areas?
AnswerFrom the sign to the next cancellation sign or to the next intersection - after that, the speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas.
Outside town it applies until the next sign or until the town exit sign.
Connection to practice.
This is how the theme shows up 6 in your driving lesson
During your driving lessons in Düsseldorf you will be confronted with hundreds of signs every day. On the A46 or B1 (Mettmanner Straße) you practice reading regulatory signs quickly, and in the city center you practice the complex combinations of commands, prohibitions and additional signs. Your driving instructor will train you to recognize what is coming from a distance of 100 m.
FAQ.
Frequently asked questions on the topic 6
Via the official learning app (e.g. Learn to Drive, Drivers Cam) - all 600+ official signs are categorized there. Plus: in every driving lesson your driving instructor will have you read signs.
Ready to get started?
understand theory. Pass exam.
At driving school S.U.V. In Düsseldorf-Oberbilk you will learn all 14 theoretical topics in an understandable and exam-oriented manner. Mindenerstraße 106 · Mon–Sat · from 5:00 p.m. (Sat 12:00 p.m.) · visit as often as you want.