Swiss car theory · free · no account needed
Swiss driving theory: learn the rules step by step
Before deciding who may go, check how traffic is controlled: directions from an authorised person, traffic lights, priority signs and road markings, then the general priority rules. This guide takes you through that sequence, with examples of full green lights and green arrows, explanations of the main rules and our own practice questions.
Learn the main Swiss road rules with clear explanations, diagrams, legal references and common misunderstandings. Explore the road sign reference organised by the Swiss Road Signalling Ordinance (SSV). All explanations are free to read without an account.
Step 1
Who controls traffic? Work through the order of priority
Start at the top of the sequence at each junction. Find the instruction that applies to your lane and direction. This sequence helps you decide; it does not cancel other duties, such as observing carefully.
- A person is directing traffic
Follow the signs and instructions of the police or other authorised traffic controllers. A police officer’s instruction to stop applies even when the light is green. This does not mean that any person waving at you can give you priority.
- A traffic light controls your movement
Traffic lights take precedence over general priority rules, priority signs and road markings. Then check exactly what the light allows: a full green light and a green arrow do not mean the same thing when turning.
- Priority signs and the corresponding markings
When neither a person nor traffic lights control the junction, look for signs such as Stop, Give Way or Priority Road. Stop and give-way lines show where you must stop, or wait if necessary.
- General priority rules
Only after checking for a different instruction should you apply priority to the right and the special cases. A driver joining a road from a car park or across a pavement, for example, must give way even when approaching from your right.
Example: green light, but the police tell you to stop
You stop. The officer’s instruction takes precedence. Continue only when directed to do so, following the instruction and keeping an eye on the surrounding traffic.
Legal basis: SVG Article 27, SSV Articles 67–68 and VRV Article 15 (German).
Step 2
Traffic lights: full green, green arrow and flashing amber
Look beyond the colour. Check the shape, the direction shown and any additional warning light. These illustrations are simplified memory aids.
Full green: you may go, but check priority
A green circle releases traffic. When turning left, give way to oncoming vehicles. When turning, let pedestrians cross the road you are entering; also watch for cyclists whose path you would cross.
Example: You want to turn left while an oncoming car continues straight ahead. Both have a full green light. You wait for a safe opportunity to turn.
Green arrow: only in the direction shown
You may travel in the arrow’s direction. For a green arrow without flashing amber, the special duty to give way when turning to oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing the side road does not apply. Still check that the way is actually clear.
Example: A green right arrow permits a right turn, not travelling straight ahead. You must, of course, avoid endangering anyone who is still on the road.
Green arrow with flashing amber
You may travel in the arrow’s direction, but when turning you must observe the priority of oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing the road you are entering. The flashing light warns of a possible conflict.
Example: You are turning right, the amber light flashes and someone is crossing the side road. You let them cross first.
What if the lights only flash amber or are switched off?
Flashing amber calls for particular care; it does not give you priority. If the lights are not controlling traffic, follow the existing priority signs and road markings. Use the general priority rules only when no other rule applies. An existing Stop sign therefore still matters.
- Red: stop. Red and amber together do not yet permit you to move.
- Amber after green: stop if you can still stop before the junction.
- Green with a queue ahead: do not enter the junction if you would block other traffic.
Read more: SSV Article 68, VRV Article 6 paragraph 2 and VRV Article 12 paragraph 3 (German).
Step 3
Read road signs and markings together
A sign often answers “Which rule applies?”; a marking also helps answer “Where, and in which lane?”. Read the whole situation instead of treating a single line as permission to go.
Stop
Stop completely and give way. A solid white line across the carriageway marks where to stop. Rolling slowly is not a complete stop.
Look up the Stop signGive Way
Give way and stop if necessary. The give-way line is made up of white triangles. Give Way and Stop therefore do not require exactly the same action.
Look up the Give Way signPriority road and your route
Check the course of a priority road that bends at a junction, including supplementary plates. Signal a change of direction when turning. A road does not have priority just because it is wide or continues straight ahead.
Priority roads and information signsSolid safety lines and lane arrows affect the route you may take. A broken line alone does not prove that a safe gap exists for changing lanes. Work through the lesson on lane changes, shoulder checks and blind spots.
Legal basis: SSV Article 36 and Article 75 (German). See the illustrations in the road marking reference.
Step 4
Apply priority to the right – and recognise the exceptions
At a junction without a different priority arrangement, the vehicle approaching from the right normally has priority. First check that it is actually an ordinary intersecting road: leaving a car park or crossing a pavement to enter the road is a special case.
Two similar scenes, two different answers
Case A: An ordinary road joins from the right, with no different priority arrangement. You give way to the vehicle approaching from that road.
Case B: A car on your right is leaving a petrol station to enter your road. That driver must give way to traffic on the road. Being on your right is not enough.
Drivers turning left generally give way to oncoming traffic. Trams and roundabouts also have particular rules. Work from the complete situation rather than assuming that “the vehicle on the right always goes first”.
Priority to the right with a diagram · Exceptions explained step by step · Priority at roundabouts
Legal basis: SVG Article 36 and VRV Article 15 (German).
Step 5
Preparing for the theory test: understand, then practise
- Understand one rule. Read the explanation, study the diagram and describe the rule in your own words.
- Explain the situation. Who controls traffic? Which direction are you taking? To whom must you give way? What changes if the traffic light is switched off?
- Check each answer. More than one statement can be correct in the real basic theory test. Read every option to the end.
- Explain your mistake. Note the rule you missed and try a different situation later. Remembering where an answer appeared in a picture is less useful than understanding the reason.
- Mix the topics. Then practise different subjects and a timed run. A good score in our practice section does not certify that you are ready for the official test.
For full test preparation, asa recommends an officially licensed learning product. Our own questions and explanations supplement that preparation; they are not the official asa question bank. The current asa learning-material directory lists providers and available languages.
The category B basic theory test has 50 questions, 45 minutes and a maximum of 15 error points. Check the available language and local arrangements with your canton. Our car theory test guide covers registration, costs and documents; this page focuses on understanding and practising the rules.
Understand traffic situations with lesson videos
Watch first, then explain: our own simplified 3D scenes show the paths vehicles take. Read the explanation and apply the sequence from this guide.
Explainer: changing lanes in 45 seconds
Watch why A holds its lane first. Then answer the reflection question about checking again.
A is in the right lane; B approaches from behind on the left. A signals, holds its lane while B passes and checks again. A only moves left once a safe gap is clear.
MP4 · Captions (VTT) · Transcript (TXT)
Your decision
What must you check again after waiting?
Compare your answer
Traffic ahead, mirrors, your blind spot and a sufficiently large gap. Only change lanes when you will not impede or endanger anyone. If there is no safe gap, stay in your lane.
Transcript
You want to move from the right lane to the left. A car is approaching from behind on your left.
Check early: interior mirror, left side mirror, then a brief, focused shoulder check.
Signal in good time. Your indicator does not give you priority.
The other car is now beside you. Hold your lane and let it pass.
Then check again: traffic ahead, mirrors, your blind spot and a sufficiently large gap.
Only change lanes when you will not impede or endanger anyone. If there is no safe gap, stay in your lane.
What must you check again after waiting?
Recognise priority from the right
This junction has no priority signs. A waits for B, approaching from its right. First check signs, road markings and special exceptions, then apply the general rule.
SVG Art. 36 Abs. 2 · Simplified learning scene
Read the rule and exceptions →Enter a roundabout calmly
Slow down before entering and give way to vehicles approaching from the left within the roundabout. Signal right when leaving. This scene shows a simple single-lane roundabout; watch for cyclists and pedestrians.
VRV Art. 41b · Simplified learning scene
Read the rule and exceptions →One topic at a time
Rules and concepts
- Dipped and main-beam headlights: Swiss lighting rulesDipped headlights are required while driving from dusk until daylight, in poor visibility …Explore this topic
- Exceptions to priority from the right: Swiss rules and examplesPriority from the right is the default at junctions where no other rule applies. Priority …Explore this topic
- Braking distance and stopping distance: formulas, examples and limitsStopping distance is reaction distance plus braking distance. The learning model used on t…Explore this topic
- Pedestrian crossings: spot the situation and respond earlyApproach a pedestrian crossing with particular care and adjust your speed early. At a cros…Explore this topic
- Speed limits in Switzerland: where 50, 80, 100 and 120 applyThe general Swiss maximum speeds in favourable conditions are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 8…Explore this topic
- Roundabouts in Switzerland: priority, indicating and lane choiceAt a roundabout signed with the circular-direction sign and give way, slow down and give w…Explore this topic
- Parking and stopping in Switzerland: places, signs and blue zonesParking means leaving a vehicle for a purpose other than simply letting people in or out o…Explore this topic
- Reaction distance: how far you travel before brakingReaction distance is the distance travelled from recognising a hazard until braking begins…Explore this topic
- Priority to the right in Switzerland: the rule, exceptions and common mistakesAt a Swiss road junction, give way to vehicles approaching from your right unless another …Explore this topic
- Zip merging in Switzerland: when to merge and who must let you inSince 1 January 2021, Swiss law has required alternating merging where a lane ends or cann…Explore this topic
- Joining a motorway: accelerate, observe and merge safelyIn normal flowing traffic, vehicles already on the motorway have priority. Use the acceler…Explore this topic
- Changing lanes: mirrors, shoulder checks and blind spotsBefore changing lanes, you need to judge whether the space will remain clear and whether y…Explore this topic
Shape, colour, meaning
Road sign reference
- Warning signs (1.xx)
- Regulatory signs (2.xx)
- Priority signs (3.xx)
- Information signs (4.xx)
- Supplementary plates (5.xx)
- Road markings (6.xx)
Compare the sign categories
| Category | Shape | Colour | Meaning | Legal effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warning signs | triangular | red border, white background | warn of a hazard | adapt your speed and driving to the danger |
| Regulatory signs | usually circular | red restrictions or blue instructions | prohibit or require an action | observe the rule; infringements can lead to penalties |
| Priority signs | varied: triangle, octagon, diamond | red and white, or yellow | determine who must give way | set priority at junctions and other conflict points |
| Information signs | rectangular | blue or green | give information and directions | identify roads, routes and applicable rules, such as motorway rules |
| Supplementary plates | small rectangles | white with black lettering | qualify the main sign | read together with the sign above |
| Road markings | lines and areas | white or yellow | organise the carriageway | carry traffic rules, for example do not cross a continuous safety line |
Practise the theory test – free interactive quiz with road signs
Test your knowledge for the Swiss car theory test: 82 practice questions on traffic rules, right of way and the 25+ official road signs from the Signalisation Ordinance — with instant feedback and an explanation after every answer. Pick practice mode or try the timed practice run. No login, completely free.
- 82 practice questions Questions incl. road signs
- Practice + mock exam Modes with a time limit
- instant + explanation Feedback after every question
- Free Cost no sign-up
Updated: July 2026 · by DriveLab driving school
Independent practice questions with one correct answer each and our own difficulty weights. The real test may have multiple correct answers and uses different scoring. This quiz is not a copy of the official question catalogue. The road signs are from the Swiss Signalisation Ordinance (SSV, an official work). Without guarantee; the SVG, VRV, VZV and SSV are authoritative.
Learn the Swiss road signs
The key official signs from the Signalisation Ordinance (SSV) at a glance — exactly as they appear in the theory test and on the road. Tap “Practice signs” in the quiz above to test yourself.
Warning signs
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Children
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Pedestrian crossing ahead
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Two-way traffic
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Roadworks
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Slippery road
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Tramway
Priority signs
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Stop
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Give way
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Priority road
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End of priority road
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Give way to oncoming traffic
Prohibitory signs
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No vehicles (both directions)
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No entry
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Speed limit
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End of speed limit
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No overtaking
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No stopping
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No parking
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No U-turn
Mandatory signs
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Roundabout
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Proceed to the right
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Turn right
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Compulsory cycle path
Information signs
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Motorway
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Expressway
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One-way street
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Pedestrian crossing (location)
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Parking permitted
Zone signs
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Meeting zone (max. 20 km/h)
How the real theory test works
Tip: Don’t just memorise — understanding right of way, signs and rules also makes the practical test easier later. Use the “Mock exam” above to train pace and concentration.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise the C1 theory test here for free?
This free test is designed for category B basic car theory. The C1/D1 additional theory test is separate: Aargau lists 30 questions, 45 minutes and a maximum of 3 errors. Use learning materials for C1 additional theory; this car quiz does not replace them. The C1 category guide explains the next training steps.
Are these the real theory-test questions?
No. They are independently written practice questions covering the same topics and rules as the official exam — but not a 1:1 copy of the copyrighted asa question catalogue. The road signs shown are the official signs from the Signalisation Ordinance (SSV) and therefore identical to those in the exam and on the road.
How many mistakes are allowed in the real exam?
The official car theory test (50 questions, 45 minutes) allows a maximum of 15 error points. Incorrect or partially correct questions produce 1 to 3 error points, and more than one answer can be correct. Our practice run instead uses one answer per question and its own difficulty weights. Its result does not reproduce official scoring.
Does this replace a learning app?
No — it's a free supplement for a quick self-test and sign training. For full preparation we also recommend an official learning app; you'll find an overview on our theory-test page.
Do I need an account or have to pay?
No. The quiz runs straight in your browser, without sign-up and completely free. No personal data is required; your best score is stored only locally in your browser.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. The quiz is optimised for smartphone, tablet and desktop — perfect for practising a few questions and road signs on the go.
Are the road signs current and correct?
Yes. We use the official signs from the Signalisation Ordinance (SSV). Rules and explanations are based on the SVG, VRV and VZV (as of 2026). The official legal text always prevails.
Theory nailed? Time for the road.
Really understanding rules and signs pays off in the practical test. DriveLab connects you with vetted instructors in Zurich, Zug, Lucerne and Rapperswil — modern cars, transparent prices, flexible slots.