What impairs your fitness to drive
Tiredness
Microsleep is deadly. Take a break every 2 hours, and stop at the first signs.
Distraction / phone
2 seconds looking at your phone at 50 km/h = about 28 m driven blind.
Medication
Many make you drowsy or impaired. When unsure, read the leaflet and ask your doctor.
Stress & emotions
Anger, time pressure and irritation lead to mistakes. Stay calm, plan extra time.
Alcohol: for new drivers it’s effectively zero
Alcohol lengthens your reaction time, narrows your field of view and causes overconfidence – a dangerous combination.
For new drivers (probationary licence) it’s effectively zero tolerance: 0.1 ‰.
NoteThe 0.1 ‰ limit applies, among others, to the probationary licence (3 years). For the exact, current limits and consequences, check with your driving school or the cantonal road traffic office.
Eco-driving: safer, cheaper, cleaner
Driving smoothly and looking ahead saves fuel and makes you safer – the two go hand in hand.
- Shift up early and keep the revs low.
- Use your momentum: ease off early, let the car roll instead of braking late and hard.
- Drive smoothly – rushing costs fuel and safety.
- Check tyre pressure, remove unnecessary weight and roof racks.
The strategy: distance buys time
Safe driving is above all defensive and anticipating. Your most important tool is distance:
- 2-second rule: when the vehicle ahead passes a point, you should reach it no sooner than 2 seconds later. More in poor conditions.
- “Half the speedo” in metres as a rule of thumb outside built-up areas: at 100 km/h, about 50 m of distance.
- Anticipate hazards: what could happen next? Plan gaps and escape routes before you need them.
At the end of the courseYou receive a course certificate, which you need to register for the practical driving test. Keep it safe.