Theory topic 8 · Düsseldorf.
Speed is the biggest lever for safety, consumption and fines. Topic 8 explains how reaction distances, braking distances and stopping distances are calculated, which speed limits apply in Germany and why anticipatory driving is slower and more economical.
What you learn.
The most important rules.
Rule 1
In urban areas: 50 km/h (often 30 zones). Outside town (country road): 100 km/h for cars. Motorway: no general maximum limit, but recommended speed 130 km/h. BF17 + probationary period: no additional speed restrictions, but 0.0 ‰ mandatory.
Rule 2
Reaction distance in meters = (speed ÷ 10) × 3. At 50 km/h: 15 m. At 100 km/h: 30 m. This corresponds to 1 second reaction time (startle time + braking).
Rule 3
Braking distance = (speed ÷ 10)². At 50 km/h: 25 m. At 100 km/h: 100 m. During emergency braking, the braking distance is approximately halved (factor 0.5).
Rule 4
Minimum distance to the person in front = 2 seconds in good conditions. Practical: choose a fixed point on the side of the road as soon as the person in front passes it, slowly count 'twenty-one, twenty-two'. Double if wet.
Rule 5
Shift up early (at 2,000 rpm), roll ahead, use the engine brake, use the air conditioning in a targeted manner, remove the luggage rack. Saves fuel, money and CO₂ - and is a standard topic on theory tests.
Common mistakes.
Error 1
Double speed = 4 times the braking distance, not double. At 100 km/h the braking distance is 4x as long as at 50 km/h. Classic trap.
Error 2
In everyday life, nobody thinks in meters. The 2-second rule is suitable for everyday use. Half speedometer in meters as a thumb value (50 km/h → 25 m) corresponds approximately.
Error 3
The braking distance doubles when it's wet, triples when it's snowing, and seven times when it's icy. Anyone who pushes the limits to the fullest risks significantly more - and is still partly to blame.
Error 4
Impact energy increases with the square of the speed. Impact at 50 km/h ≈ fall from a height of 10 m. At 100 km/h ≈ fall from 40 m. Nobody survives that unprotected.
Sample questions.
Question 1
How do you calculate the reaction distance at 60 km/h?
Answer(60 ÷ 10) × 3 = 18 meters.
Rule of thumb: speed divided by 10, times 3.
Question 2
What safe distance should you maintain from the vehicle in front?
AnswerAt least 2 seconds - double in wet conditions and poor visibility.
Practical: Halve the speedometer = distance in meters (50 km/h → 25 m).
Question 3
You drive in wet conditions. What should you do?
AnswerReduce speed, increase safety distance, be aware of the risk of aquaplaning (especially in ruts).
In the event of aquaplaning: depress the clutch, do not steer abruptly, let the vehicle coast slowly.
Connection to practice.
On the A46 between Bilk and Wersten you practice speed adjustment in the transition from city to motorway. Your driving instructor will take you specifically to speeding hot spots such as Werstener Straße or the B1 in Düsseldorf - speed cameras are active there. You will learn to drive with cruise control and experience braking distances at different speeds.
FAQ.
80 km/h on country roads and motorways - unless the trailer has a 100 km/h speed limit. With a 100 km/h sticker: 100 km/h on motorways.
Ready to get started?
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.
