Truck & Bus – supplementary theory (C, C1, D, D1)

Topics

1. 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.

   49 questions

2. 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).

   100 questions

3. Night-time and Sunday driving bans, exemptions, permits

   Heavy motor vehicles for the carriage of goods must not be driven at night from 22.00 to 05.00 or on Sundays and eight public holidays. The VRV specifies which vehicles are covered, which transports are exempt (as at 1 July 2026) and when permits are granted.

   40 questions

4. 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).

   70 questions

5. 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.

   80 questions

6. 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

7. 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.

   55 questions

8. 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.

   55 questions

9. 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.

   35 questions

10. 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.

    40 questions

11. 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.

    45 questions

12. 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.

    55 questions

13. 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.

    30 questions

14. 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.

    20 questions

15. Load securing in depth: load distribution, load carriers/packaging, lashing equipment, loading and unloading Additional knowledge

    Anyone transporting goods commercially must distribute and secure the load so that axle loads are respected and nothing can shift or fall off. This includes the load distribution plan, lashing equipment, aids such as edge protectors and anti-slip mats, and the safe handling of forklifts, tail lifts and cranes.

    50 questions

16. Goods transport rules & the industry: transport documents, operator licensing, heavy vehicle charge in depth, employer duties Additional knowledge

    In commercial goods transport, the right documents belong in the vehicle, the heavy vehicle charge (LSVA) must be recorded correctly, and employers have their own duties under the Chauffeur Ordinance and the CZV. This chapter links these rules to everyday work in a transport company.

    35 questions

17. Health, ergonomics, occupational accidents, work organisation, communication, crime/people smuggling Additional knowledge

    Professional drivers are responsible for their own health, for safe work procedures when loading and coupling, and for presenting themselves professionally to customers. This also includes dealing with fatigue, alcohol and medicines and behaving correctly in the event of theft, robbery or people hidden in the load compartment.

    35 questions

18. Dangerous goods basics (ADR/SDR): orange-coloured plate, danger labels, tunnels, exemptions, training certificate, alcohol, signs Additional knowledge

    In Switzerland, the ADR and, in addition, the Ordinance on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (SDR) apply to the carriage of dangerous goods by road, including domestic traffic. Drivers must recognise marking and danger labels, observe tunnel and route restrictions and know when an ADR driver training certificate is required.

    30 questions