Theory test 18

Explanation

No stopping or parkingM21

“The marking indicates it is prohibited to stop or park a vehicle and it is placed at the edge of the carriageway. No other colour may be used.”

Explanation

There are never roundabouts that force you to exit via a specific exit road and the flow of traffic is always in the same direction (counterclockwise).

The mandatory sign straight ahead in the picture only indicates that the flow of traffic in the roundabout is counterclockwise, as is always the case.

Direction to be followedD1

“The signs indicate that the vehicle may only be driven in the direction of the arrow or, in the case of two arrows, in either arrow’s direction. The symbol is adapted to the conditions of the location.”

Explanation

Track for rider on horsebackD8

“This sign also indicates that pedestrian traffic is permitted.”

Review of the options:

• Pedestrian traffic is permitted.
  – Yes, pedestrian traffic is permitted in accordance with the above quote from the Traffic Sign Ordinance. In addition, the other alternatives are wrong. This is the right answer.
• The sign tells you to beware of horses.
  – This is a mandatory sign, not a warning sign. This option is therefore incorrect.
• Only horses may pass the sign.
  – It says that it “also indicates that pedestrian traffic is permitted”. This option is therefore incorrect.
• Only horses and riders may pass the sign.
  – It says that it “also indicates that pedestrian traffic is permitted”. This option is therefore incorrect.

Is this not an unnecessary catch question?

– No, this question puts the spotlight on something important, namely that you cannot simply look at the symbol on the road sign, you must also be aware of the accompanying text.

Explanation

“A road user may not interrupt or in any way obstruct [...] a group of children under the supervision of a leader, a funeral procession or any other procession.”

Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance

It is of course not appropriate for children to be left alone on the other side of the road just so that motorists can get through. Or to disrupt military vehicles that may be on a mission of national security.

Explanation

Direction of priority roadT15

“The sign indicates a junction where drivers on a road shown as a narrow line must give way to vehicles on a road shown as a bold line. The symbol is adapted to the conditions of the location.”

Explanation

“Underneath the red lights, there may be another circular light which emanates a flashing white light in order to make the crossing more visible.”

Traffic Sign Ordinance

Explanation

This is a U-turn. The fact that it is done in the shape of an “O” is unimportant, as the principle is the same.

Explanation

“Always drive as straight as possible through a curve.”

Du och jag i trafiken [You and me in traffic], 28th Edition, page 182

This method reduces the risk of skidding (this risk increases when you turn the wheel sharply). However, remember not to pass into the oncoming lane if your visibility is limited!

Explanation

“Parking is the stationing of a vehicle with or without a driver. The stationing is done for a reason [...] other than setting down or picking up passengers or to load or unload items.”

Swedish Transport Agency

What you are doing is subsequently not counted as parking and is therefore not subject to the parking prohibition.

Explanation

”Onsdag” = Wednesday

Time indicationT6

“If a certain day or certain weekday is indicated, the regulation applies to this day regardless of whether the day is a weekday, Sunday or public holiday.”

But should the text not be in red for it to apply on a public holiday?

– Normally yes, but there is one exception; see the quotation above. Therefore, if it says “Wednesday 00:00–06:00”, this applies to all Wednesdays, including national holidays.

Explanation

The additional panel indicates that the sign above it becomes applicable in 0.7 km, i.e. in 700 metres. This means that the sign is applicable in 1,600 metres.

Note that there is a similar question using different numbers.

Explanation

Road numberF14

“A road number is only given for roads in the number group 1–499. A sign with a dashed border indicates that the road is leading to the route with the number on the sign.”

Explanation

The question specifies that you are going uphill. Is there any alternative where the slope means that you should pay particular attention to a certain aspect?

Review of the options:

• The large rear wheels of the tractor increases the risk of loose chippings.
  – They would rather reduce the risk, as the tractor is driving at a low speed.
• Vehicles behind the tractor may overtake it.
  – Drivers behind the tractor may feel stressed by the low speed, and they have limited visibility due to the slope. The low speed of the tractor combined with the limited visibility on the slope means that this alternative is well suited as something to be particularly attentive of.
• The width of the tractor forces you out on the hard shoulder.
  – The slope has no impact on this, meaning that you do not have to pay particular attention.
• The driver of the tractor is young and inexperienced when it comes to regular road traffic.
  – The driver may just as well be very experienced, so this is not a good alternative.

Explanation

Biofuels are made from living organisms, such as trees. As these trees grow, they take up and filter carbon dioxide. However, when they are later used as biofuel, the trees release carbon dioxide.

In simple terms, the purification and the emissions are equal in size and therefore cancel each other out. The sum of added carbon dioxide is therefore zero, i.e. neutral. But in reality, it is difficult to completely neutralise the biofuels, as they also need to be processed (you cannot simply put a tree in the fuel tank of a car. The trees need to be felled, transported and made into fuel and all of this requires energy).

Explanation

It is always better to consider what obligations apply, rather than which rights exist. Otherwise you easily end up in a situation where you take risks in order to “insist on your right”, which is not good to do in traffic!

“[There are] no rights in traffic, only joint obligations.”

From written correspondence with a Swedish Transport Agency official

Explanation

On 20 May 2018, the old system with the last digit in the registration number was discontinued.

New inspection rules as of 20 May 2018:

• A new car must be inspected for the first time no later than 3 years (36 months) after the month when it was first used.
• The second inspection no later than 2 years (24 months) after the month when the first inspection was made.
• Then no later than 14 months after the month when the most recent inspection was made.

To simplify, a car older than 5 years must be inspected every year. It is recommended to schedule an inspection the same month every year and treat the 2 extra months as a margin of safety.

Please note that the last day for inspection is always the last day of the month. This is because you start counting the month after the most recent inspection.

Explanation

“Where do the accidents occur? Most accidents take place in built-up areas in dense traffic where many road user groups have to share the space.”

Du och jag i trafiken [You and me in traffic], 28th Edition, page 71

There is also a question regarding where the most serious accidents take place.

Explanation

It is forbidden to drive if “your blood contains any substance classed as a narcotic. This does not apply if the medication has been prescribed by a doctor.” (Driving Licence Book, 19th Edition, page 213)

Note however that you may not drive if you are a danger in traffic, meaning that:

• Medication in your blood containing a narcotic substance prescribed by a doctor and you are able to drive safely: permitted to drive.
• Medication in your blood containing a narcotic substance prescribed by a doctor and you are unable to drive safely: forbidden to drive.

Explanation

“Particles in the air is a problem in many built-up areas in Sweden. These particles arise when the studded tyres wear on the asphalt and tear particles from the paving.”

Swedish Transport Administration

Explanation

There is no hearing requirement. Did you have to take a hearing test in connection to the application for a learner’s permit?

The only requirement made is on your vision.

Explanation

The first alternative is wrong, as the additional panel with the arrow to the left only applies to the parking structure [P HUS] and not the prohibition sign, since “an additional panel underneath a parking prohibition sign or a prohibition to stop or park has [...] black characters on a yellow base.” (Traffic Sign Ordinance)

The third and fourth options are also wrong, as it is not true that you get directly onto route 53: “A sign with a dashed border indicates that the road is leading to the route with the number on the sign.” (Traffic Sign Ordinance)

But the sign indicates a prohibition to stop and to park, not just a parking prohibition as stated in the correct answer?

– There is nothing wrong with saying that you are not allowed to park by this sign. It is only wrong if you say that it is only forbidden to park but permitted to stop. The correct alternative does not say that.

Explanation

There is a pedestrian crossing in the picture. As a motorist, you are not obliged to give way to cyclists on the pedestrian crossing. It is the cyclist who must give way to the cars:

“A cyclist who crosses a road at a pedestrian crossing must always give way to both pedestrians and vehicles on the road.”

Swedish Transport Agency

Cyclists and moped drivers on carriagewayA16

“The sign indicates a section of road where cyclists and moped drivers often cross or drive in on the road.”

The warning sign warns that “cyclists and moped drivers often cross or drive in on the road.” However, it says nothing about the obligation to give way.

There is no other clear information stating that you must stop for cyclists, even though it good to be aware that cyclists may cross the road.

Explanation

Direction to be followedD1

“The signs indicate that the vehicle may only be driven in the direction of the arrow or, in the case of two arrows, in either arrow’s direction. The symbol is adapted to the conditions of the location.” The signs are to be interpreted as: “A bus in regular service is free to choose route. All other must however turn left.”

(Note: The situation in the picture consists of a junction where the road straight on leads to a quieter street with residential buildings and a bus stop. The smaller street is a shortcut, so in order to prevent everyone from taking this route, it has been decided that all vehicles apart from buses must take the detour to the left on the major road. This information is not relevant for being able to answer the question, but it may help you understand the reason for the sign.)

Explanation

“Since 2004, the registration certificate has had two components”

Swedish Transport Agency

Explanation

“Hydrocarbons (HC) in car exhausts causes cancer and can have a genetic impact. Along with nitric oxides, the hydrocarbon emissions contribute to the formation of tropospheric ozone.”

Driving Licence Book, 19th Edition, page 228

Sometimes, you have to give the answer that is the “most correct”. The increased risk of cancer caused by nitric oxide is so small that the STR Driving Licence Book does not even mention it. On the other hand, the Driving Licence Book does say that hydrocarbons “cause cancer”, which makes that alternative the most correct.

Explanation

The following types of arrow are described in the segment quoted above:

• Two-way arrows.
• Downward arrow.
• Rightward or leftward arrow.

There is no such thing as an “upward arrow”.

A single upwards-facing arrow (A) would indicate that the sign is applicable “from this point on”. This is already the basic significance of a road sign, which means that no additional panel is necessary (the arrow is implied, as in B).

Explanation

The catalytic converter “does not work at all in cold starts”. (Driving Licence Book, 19th Edition, page 224)

The reason for this is that the catalytic converter has a high operating temperature.

Explanation

”Skola” = school.

InformationM34

“The marking provides information, warning or instruction of importance to the road user.”

SpeedM29

“The marking indicates the maximum permitted speed.”

The road markings themselves do not indicate that they only apply during certain times. If you only see the road markings, assume that they apply all days and times.

Explanation

The right-hand rule: “When the paths of two vehicles intersect, the one driver must give way to the vehicle approaching from the right”. (Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance)

Is it not a priority road sign on the pole further on?

– No, it is speed sign. The picture is (purposely) a little unclear to make the question harder, but if you enlarge the image you should see fairly clearly that it is a speed sign. If it was a priority road sign, it would also probably be closer to the junction.

Explanation

No class II mopedsC11

“If the prohibition also applies to class I mopeds, this is indicated on an additional panel.”

Although they are equal in size, class II mopeds are classed more as a bicycle and class I mopeds are classed more as a motorcycle. Therefore the prohibition does not automatically apply to both the classes.

Explanation

The motorcycle drivers are by far the biggest risk. The likelihood is very great that they will overtake the cars and therefore require you to keep far right. Many things can happen, for example:

• You are not prepared for the motorcycles to “force” you to keep right = risk of head-on collision.
• You have to avoid a deer that runs onto the road = risk of head-on collision.
• The motorcycle drivers accelerate fast and lose control = risk of head-on collision.
• The oncoming cars have to give way and push out the motorcycles towards you = risk of head-on collision.

Sure, the distance between the oncoming cars is too short, but this does not entail any direct risk for you.

Explanation

ANo entryC1

BNo vehiclesC2

“The sign refers to traffic with vehicles in both directions.”

COne-way trafficE16

“The sign indicates that vehicle traffic on the road is one-way in the direction of the arrow. An arrow pointing up indicates that the traffic is one-way in a forward direction.”

DNo motor vehicles other than class II mopedsC3

“If the prohibition also applies to class II mopeds, this is indicated on an additional panel.”

Explanation

Compulsory tracks for pedestrians, cyclists and moped driversD7

“The sign indicates tracks separated by road marking, median strip or similar into one lane for pedestrians and another for cyclists and moped drivers. The placement of the symbols on the sign shows which part of the track is intended for which type of traffic. If class II mopeds may not be driven on the track, this is indicated on an additional panel.”

“On bicycle paths, cyclists and drivers of class II mopeds must be given right of way by other vehicle drivers.”

Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance

Explanation

“A car driver with poor self-knowledge will often overestimate their abilities.”

Driving Licence Book, 19th Edition, page 183

Explanation

The reasons why you should not drive extremely close to the right edge:

• The cyclists are far to the left = there is no reason to increase the margins between you and the cyclists.
• A hard shoulder starts just by the cyclists = increased safety margin.
• The possibility for you to steer over to the right decreases significantly at the 70 sign = you must in that case carry out an abrupt and possibly dangerous manoeuvre.
• The oncoming car is so far away that you will pass the cyclists before the oncoming car reaches them (can be seen by counting the number of centre lines from you to the cyclists and from the cyclists to the oncoming car, as well as by comparing the cyclists’ size to the car – the cyclists are significantly bigger = the car is far away).

If there is no reason to do something, it is safest and best to continue as normal.

Explanation

“Vehicles or trams may not overtake directly before or on an unguarded pedestrian crossing [...] In the following cases it is not considered overtaking when a vehicle in one lane passes a vehicle in another lane 1. if the carriageway has two or more lanes for travel in the same direction and there is a heavy traffic queue in all lanes. 2. if the carriageway is divided into lanes for different destinations that are marked with a lane assignment sign, or 3. if the vehicles have been placed in separate lanes in connection with a junction.”

Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance

Note that the second exception states that the lanes must lead to different destinations, as opposed to the same destination, as one of the options suggests.

Explanation

Driving Licence Book (19th Edition, page 84): “If you increase your average speed by 10 km/h, the time gain per 10 km will be: – approximately 1 minute at speeds under 90 km/h – approximately ½ minute at speeds over 90 km/h”

In all likelihood, you will not need to know the following mathematical calculations for the real test. It is enough to know that the time gain is minimal.

Method 1

Colour codes for the figures (easier to keep track of them)

Original speed 100 km/h

New speed 110 km/h

Minutes per hour (since the speed is km/h, kilometres per hour) 60 minutes

Number of kilometres 10 km We first calculate how many minutes it takes to travel 1 km at both speeds:

• 60 / 100 = it takes 0.6 minutes to travel 1 km
• 60 / 110 = it takes 0.54 minutes to travel 1 km

It is therefore takes slightly less time with the higher speed. The difference is:

• 0.6 - 0.54 = 0.06 minutes faster per km when travelling at 110 km/h compared with 100 km/h.

However, the question is how much time you gain per 10 km, not per km. Therefore, recalculate the time gain per 10 km:

• 0.06 * 10 = 0.6 minutes time gain per 10 km

Now it is really done. It is however easier to understand if the answer is recalculated to seconds:

• 0.6 * 60 = 36 seconds

Method 2

Colour codes for the figures (easier to keep track of them)

Original speed 100 km/h

New speed 110 km/h

Distance 10 km = 10,000 metres

Fixed conversion rate km/h to m/s 3.6 times

Formula for calculation of time:

• Distance / speed = time

For the formula to work requires us to use metres instead of 10 km and metres per second (m/s) instead of kilometres an hour (km/h). The speeds are therefore recalculated to m/s:

• 100 / 3.6 = 27.78 m/s
• 110 / 3.6 = 30.56 m/s

Only now can we use the formula Distance / speed = time:

• 10,000 / 27.78 = 360 s
• 10,000 / 30.56 = 327 s

We can then work out the time difference between both speeds:

• 360 - 327 = 33 seconds

Explanation

A heavy lorry is permitted to drive at a maximum speed of 90 km/h on motorways and clearways and a maximum 80 km/h on all other roads.

Since the sign does indicate that this is a motorway, the applicable speed is 90 km/h.

Reasons for limiting the speed of heavy lorries:

• Lower emissions (lower speed = lower fuel consumption).
• Increased traffic safety (shorter braking distance and fewer lorries overtaking).
• The small time gain does not make up for the increased costs of fuel and wear.

Explanation

Acceleration lane: “you do not have right of way [...] motorway traffic does not have right of way [...] mutual consideration applies.” (Driving Licence Book, 19th Edition, page 106)

This is because the acceleration lane to the motorway is intended to be counted as part of the motorway. If you were obliged to give way, you would need to slow down to a greater extent and maybe even stop before turning onto the motorway’s carriageway, which is not good for these reasons:

• It is risky to brake from the high speed built up in the acceleration lane (increased risk of being hit from behind).
• It is not good for the environment if you accelerate quickly, brake, and then accelerate quickly again.

Explanation

Two post sections, as in, the cars are each at a post and there is one post between them, is often a good distance on a highway. Therefore:

POST + 50 metres + POST + 50 metres + POST

On the left of the picture, it may be difficult to see if there is another post between the cars. On the right however, it is easy to see that this is not the case. The car furthest back should therefore reduce its speed so that the distance is doubled.

Explanation

There are no specific rules for this situation. The most relevant rule would be:

“If there is an obstruction when approaching an oncoming car, the driver who has the obstruction on their side shall stop, if this is necessary for the oncoming car to be able to pass.”

Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance

You do not both have to stop at the obstacle, you are well within your right (and recommended) to keep moving slowly as the other car is passing.

Another situation where only mutual consideration and adaptation will work: when the right hand rule applies in a four-way crossing and four cars are waiting to drive.

Explanation

When two cars cross paths, one of them must be coming from the other’s right, which makes the right-hand rule applicable.

Imagine that you are in A. Is B coming from your right? If the answer is yes = the right hand rule applies. The angle of the roads, i.e. whether the car is coming “slightly” or “straight on” from the right, does not matter.

Explanation

“Only when the child is 140 cm tall is it safe for them to sit in a passenger seat with a connected airbag.”

Swedish Transport Agency

When they are 135 cm tall, the child may be seated as an adult in a seat with no airbag. As the question specifies that the seat has an airbag, the answer of at least 140 cm is the correct one.

Note that there is a nearly identical question but without the airbag.

Explanation

“Every year, around 70 people die in alcohol-related traffic accidents.”

Swedish Transport Administration

Explanation

Human beings have always risked falling from great heights. We have only risked car collisions in the last 100 years or so.

“[…] our brains still react as if we were living in the stone age. Our genes have not had a chance to adapt to the development. For this reason, we immediately realise the danger of falling from a height, but not that of a collision at 90 km/h.”

Swedish Transport Administration

What is the purpose of this question?

– Realising that we humans are bad at making assessments about certain risks. This hopefully humbles you and makes you take it easy in traffic, which can save lives.

Explanation

There is an established order for how to prioritise casualties:

1. Life-threatening situation
2. Breathing
3. Bleeding
4. Shock

Explanation

“A vehicle may not stop or park [...] in a junction or within a distance of ten metres from the nearest outer edge of an intersecting road.”

Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance

C is likely in violation of both the conditions of this rule (i.e., is both standing in the junction and less than 10 metres from the intersecting road.)

Explanation

No stopping or parkingC39

“The sign indicates it is prohibited to stop or park a vehicle. The more detailed provisions relating to sign C35, Vehicle parking is prohibited, paragraphs two to four, also apply to this sign.”

Priority roadB4

”A vehicle may not be parked [...] on a priority road”

Road Traffic Ordinance

Review of the options:

• I may not park after the signs on a weekday at 13:00.
  – True. As it is a priority road, it is not permitted to park. The signs with the stopping prohibition and times therefore do not matter here. It is never permitted to park at this location.
• I may stop after the signs on a weekday at 17:00.
  – False. 17:00 falls within the times indicated on the additional panel. There is thus a stopping prohibition.
• I may never stop after the signs.
  – False. You may stop as long as it is not within the times indicated on the additional panel.

Explanation

“A driver entering a priority road from another road [...] is obliged to give way to vehicles on the road they are entering.”

Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance

Explanation

AAdditional laneF16

“This sign indicates an increase in the number of lanes. The sign is specific to the conditions at the location. Symbols for types of vehicles or road numbers may be included in the sign. The sign is also used as a preparatory notice that the number of lanes will increase. The distance is then stated on an additional panel. In case of a temporary re-routing of traffic, the sign may have an orange base. Otherwise, no deviating colour may be used.”

BLane endsF17

“This sign indicates a reduction in the number of lanes. The sign is specific to the conditions at the location. The sign is also used as a preparatory notice that a lane is ending. The distance is then stated on an additional panel. In case of a temporary re-routing of traffic, the sign may have an orange base. Otherwise, no deviating colour may be used.”

CConnecting road in a separate laneF20

“The sign is specific to the conditions at the location. In case of a temporary re-routing of traffic, the sign may have an orange base. Otherwise, no deviating colour may be used.”

DConnecting road with acceleration laneF19

“The sign is specific to the conditions at the location. In case of a temporary re-routing of traffic, the sign may have an orange base. Otherwise, no deviating colour may be used.”

Do not A and B show connecting roads too?

– No, they only indicate that the number of lanes is increasing/decreasing. It is still the same road, as per the definitions:

Explanation

Disc brakes and drum brakes are the brakes predominately used for private cars. Drum brakes on the rear wheels and disc brakes on the front wheels are a common combination. It is hard to even find any information about “spring brakes”, which means it is not a common type of brake, which was the subject of the question.

Explanation

“Mopeds class I [EU mopeds] may [...] not be driven on a motorway.”

Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance

Explanation

In popular speech, the solid line (B) is often described as a “prohibition on overtaking”. In actuality, the law does not say anything about overtaking being prohibited; solid lines are used when it is “not permitted to enter the opposite running lane” (Traffic Sign Ordinance).

However, in practice, this usually means that it is not possible to overtake, as overtaking most often requires you to cross the centre line. But it is not a prohibition on overtaking!

This could possibly be considered a catch question, but there are situations in which this knowledge is essential.

Example: You are driving behind a tractor on a country road with a solid line. The tractor drives out on the hard shoulder and you think “I can easily and safely drive past without even crossing the centre line, but I cannot overtake since the line is solid.” You therefore stay behind the tractor and cause a long queue (and maybe obstruct an ambulance). The right choice is to overtake the tractor without crossing the solid line. (If it is not possible to overtake the tractor without crossing the centre line, you have to stay behind it.)

Explanation

“No vehicles or trams may be overtaken right before or on an unguarded pedestrian crossing, an unguarded bicycle path or a bicycle crossing.”

Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance

There are exceptions, for example, in the event of heavy queuing and if there are several lanes in your direction. However, none of the exceptions apply here.

Explanation

Zone signE20

“Within the area, there may be deviations from the instructions on the sign. These deviations are indicated through other road signs and additional panels.”

No stopping or parkingC39

In other words, the zone sign is applicable in the absence of other directions. The parking sign in the image constitutes “other direction” and thus outweighs the zone sign (imagine how unreasonable it would be if there was a prohibition against stopping and parking on the parking lot of a shopping centre just because a zone sign some hundred metres away said so).

Where you are permitted to park, you are always permitted to stop, so there is no problem in that regard.

Explanation

As the driver of the parked car is not currently driving, it does not matter if they are dazzled (and it is also easy for them to take their eyes from the road). It is more important that you, who are driving, can see. For this reason, you do not have to dim your full beam headlights for a parked car.

Explanation

Review of the options:

• All internal combustion engines contribute equally to the greenhouse effect.
  – Wrong, a large fuel-guzzling engine is worse than a small one.
• Ethanol is a greenhouse gas.
  – Wrong, ethanol is a type of fuel, not a gas.
• The permitted time of engine idling is often limited.
  – Correct, examples of regulations regarding idling: Skellefteå
• The unladen weight of a car has no impact on its fuel consumption.
  – Wrong, a heavy car requires more power. More power = more fuel.

Explanation

“Airbags increase the protection against whiplash injuries.”

Swedish Transport Administration

The reason for this is that the airbag catches the head and cushions the abrupt movement that causes whiplash injuries.

Explanation

Convert m/s to km/h: 14 * 3.6 = 50 km/h

3.6 is a fixed figure for converting m/s to km/h. If you struggle to multiply by 3.6 right away, you can multiply the number by 3 first, then by 4 and finally chose a value in between (the answer alternatives often give you a great margin).

Explanation

“You do not need to worry about the airbag triggering during small accidents as it requires a speed of 20–30 km/h for it to be activated.”

Driving Licence Book, 19th Edition, page 117

Is it not better for it to be triggered every time?

– No, actually not. The airbag is not completely harmless since it inflates with such extreme force. If you crash at 10 km/h, the airbag can do more harm than good. However, at higher speeds, it does more good than harm.

Explanation

Roundabout aheadA30

Explanation

Even though the lorry technically must yield in accordance with the right-hand rule, it is more appropriate and safer if you reverse a few metres to let the lorry pass. Strictly insisting on the rules is not desirable: you must display “good judgement when interacting with other road users.” (Swedish Transport Administration)

You could perhaps squeeze past the lorry, but as you must assume that the lorry is moving (“is turning”), you risk being hit by the lorry.

Explanation

• Infrasound is an environmental problem.
  – True, sound is considered an environmental problem (compare with the term working environment).
• Hydrocarbons acidify the ground and contribute to eutrophication.
  – False, nitric oxides contribute to eutrophication, see the Driving Licence Book (19th edition, page 228).
• Tropospheric ozone is another term for nitric oxide.
  – False, see the Driving Licence Book (19th edition, page 228).
• Carbon monoxide is harmless to humans but very harmful to nature.
  – False, carbon monoxide reduces the capacity for oxygen uptake in humans, see the Driving Licence Book (19th edition, page 228).

Explanation

“In humid weather, only use a low gear for parking. There is a risk of the parking brake freezing!”

Driving Licence Book, 19th Edition, page 129

Explanation

”Husbil, 3 platser” = Mobile home, 3 spaces

”P-skiva” = Parking disc

The entire sign combination applies to mobile homes (campers). In other words, there are 3 parking spaces for mobile homes, they are allowed to use them for a maximum 6 hours and they must have a parking disc.

Explanation

The mandatory signs referred to mean:

Direction to be followedD1

“The signs indicate that the vehicle may only be driven in the direction of the arrow or, in the case of two arrows, in either arrow’s direction. The symbol is adapted to the conditions of the location.”

The rectangular signs with several arrows are arrow markers (X1) and not mandatory signs, which were the subject of the question.

Roundabouts are never designed so that you must turn off at a certain exit road, you can always drive around if you want.

Explanation

It is much safer to turn this way than to make a U-turn or reversing.

Explanation

“You may not overtake right before or on a level crossing [...] However, two-wheeled vehicles without a sidecar may be overtaken.”

Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance

If the road is wide and visibility is good, it would not be safe or efficient if you were forced to break abruptly and drive at a snail’s pace behind the cyclist (and thus pass the hazardous railway crossing at a very low speed).

However, if the road is narrow and visibility is obstructed, you may not overtake according to other rules. But this question asks if it is generally allowed, which it is.

Explanation

“On the motorway, you shall stay in the right lane other than when overtaking [...] After overtaking, you shall return to the right lane as soon as possible. However, you are allowed to overtake several cars in a row.”

Du och jag i trafiken [You and me in traffic], 28th Edition, page 261

Turning in between the red car and the grey car is not a good idea, as the space is much to small.

Explanation

“The braking distance [...] increases quadratically with increasing speed.”

Driving Licence Book, 19th Edition, page 120

Colour codes for the figures (easier to keep track of them)

Current speed 30 km/h

Comparative speed 60 km/h

Comparative braking distance 41 metres

Reduction in speed (to be calculated) X times

Reduction in braking distance (to be calculated) X times The answer is arrived at in several steps. The first question to ask yourself is whether the speed is increasing or decreasing. It is decreasing (from 60 to 30). But what we need to know is by how much it decreases:

• 60 / 30 = decreases by 2 times

The next step is to find out how much shorter the braking distance will be:

• 22 = 4 times shorter (22 is the same as 2 * 2)

To the power of 2 as the braking distance increases quadratically with the speed. The term “quadratically” corresponds to the meaning of “to the power of 2”.

We now know that the braking distance is 4 times shorter. In order to arrive at the distance in metres (as the question is asking for), the following calculation is used:

• 41 / 4 = approximately 10 metres.

Note that the road is probably very slippery, as 10 metres at 30 km/h is a fairly long braking distance.