Bus & Coach – supplementary theory cat. D and D1

Topics

1. Passengers, doors and safety on buses and coaches

   As the driver of a bus or coach you are responsible for your passengers’ safety: from getting on and off, seat belts, children, wheelchairs and luggage to emergency equipment and evacuation. This chapter sums up the most important rules from the VRV, VTS, SVG and SSV as well as recognised practice.

   30 questions

2. Dimensions, articulated buses and vehicle dynamics

   Maximum dimensions of buses, coaches, articulated buses and double-deckers, plus the exemptions for scheduled services. How a long bus moves when turning (tail swing, swept path, blind spots) and how to drive safely with standing passengers, a high centre of gravity and a pusher articulated bus.

   30 questions

3. Scheduled and coach services: stops, bus lanes, signs

   This topic covers the rules on stops, bus lanes, bus-only roads and the special signs for public scheduled services, how to behave towards trams, and school transport. It also covers the speed limits for buses and coaches and the basics of passenger transport law (licence, authorisation, cabotage ban, admission, certificate of professional competence).

   30 questions

4. Licences, categories, admission, medical fitness, CZV obligation, learner driving

   Driving licence categories C, C1, D and D1 and their trailer combinations, entitlements, minimum ages, medical requirements of group 2, the procedure for the learner's permit, supplementary theory test and practical test, and the CZV obligation with certificate of professional competence and periodic training.

   29 questions

5. Traffic rules & signs for heavy vehicles

   Speed limits, following distance, overtaking, passing oncoming traffic, right of way, stopping and parking, and the signs and markings that particularly concern trucks and buses (weight, dimension and partial access bans, tunnels, dangerous goods).

   56 questions

6. Weights & dimensions, axle loads, towable trailer load

   Maximum dimensions and weights for trucks, drawbar combinations and articulated vehicles, axle loads with tolerance, load distribution, load overhang and the weight limits of categories C/C1 and of zero-emission vehicles up to 4 250 kg (as at 2026).

   6 questions

7. ARV 1: driving, rest and working time, breaks

   Driving, working and rest times for drivers of heavy motor vehicles under the Chauffeur Ordinance (ARV 1, as at 1 October 2026): know the limits and check shift plans with clock times.

   73 questions

8. Tachograph: digital/analogue, cards, pictograms, downloading, checks

   Digital and analogue tachographs under ARV 1 and VTS (as at 1 October 2026): recording activities correctly, reading tachograph cards, printouts and record sheets, and the obligations to carry, download and keep data.

   55 questions

9. Brake systems, compressed air, endurance brake/retarder, speed limiter

   Design and function of the compressed-air brake with dual-circuit system, spring brake and trailer control, plus ABS/EBS, endurance brakes and driving downhill. Also the rules on braking performance, securing the vehicle and the speed-limiting device.

   52 questions

10. Vehicle technology: engine, fluids, fuel, electrics, drivetrain, troubleshooting, maintenance

    How the diesel engine, turbocharger, fuel and SCR system, electrics and drivetrain work, and how to interpret important warning lights. Also systematic troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and the rules on vehicle condition, exhaust maintenance and periodic inspection.

    52 questions

11. Tyres, wheels, changing a wheel, snow chains

    Minimum tread depth, tyre condition and markings, studded tyres, the snow chain requirement and the safe procedure for changing a wheel.

    26 questions

12. Trailers and coupling systems

    Types of trailer and coupling devices (fifth wheel, pin coupling, ball coupling), compressed-air and electrical connections, and safe coupling and uncoupling. Also the terms nose load, fifth-wheel load and towable trailer load, and the rules on towing trailers.

    15 questions

13. Load & load securing (basics)

    A load must not endanger anyone, must not fall off and must not overload the vehicle; the steering axle and centre-axle trailers need correct load distribution, and load projection is tightly limited. Loads are secured by form-fit (blocking), top-over lashing or direct lashing, supported by anti-slip mats and intact lashing equipment.

    7 questions

14. Visibility, blind spot, turning, vehicle dynamics, braking distance, mountains and tunnels

    Heavy vehicles have large blind spots, so N2 and N3 need front, wide-angle and close-proximity mirrors. Special duties of care apply when turning, reversing and moving off; braking distance and centrifugal force grow with the square of the speed, and special rules apply on mountain roads and in tunnels.

    38 questions

15. Accident, breakdown, fire, emergency, tunnel fire

    After an accident there are clear duties: stop, secure the scene, help, report. The Traffic Rules Ordinance (VRV) governs the warning triangle (50 m or 100 m), the use of hazard warning lights, behaviour on the motorway and in tunnels, and the emergency equipment of heavy vehicles.

    29 questions

16. Environment, eco-driving, noise, LSVA (basics)

    Drivers must avoid unnecessary noise and smoke, switch off the engine even during short stops and observe exhaust maintenance; an anticipatory, low-rev driving style saves fuel. Heavy vehicles over 3.5 t are subject to the heavy vehicle charge (LSVA), which is based on the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight, the kilometres driven and the emission category.

    11 questions