Car fires are rare, but when it happens, you need to know exactly what you're doing. Theoretically, these topics are addressed, but in practice, people are often prone to panic. From my experience as a course leader, I see that candidates are often surprised by how quickly a small smoke development can turn into a dangerous situation. That's why it's essential to understand what the right steps are.

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1. Stop in a safe place

‍Do you notice smoke or do you see flames? Stop the car in a safe place as soon as possible. Think of the emergency lane, a parking port or the right side of the road. Focus on safety, not economy or damage control. The car may be damaged, but you need to be able to get out.

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2. Engine off and get out immediately

‍Turn off the engine, bring the key and let all occupants out. Always stand on the side behind the guardrail or in the roadside, far away from the vehicle. Many people stay too close to the car because they want to save their belongings. That is extremely dangerous. Stuff is replaceable, not you.

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3. Use safety devices

‍A warning triangle should be present in the car. Place it behind the car, at least 30 metres away from the vehicle. In addition, don't forget to wear your reflective vest if you have it with you.

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4. Fire extinguisher Protocol

‍Many candidates ask me during the course: do you have to put out the fire yourself? The answer is nuanced. You may be able to extinguish a small starting fire under the hood, but only if it can be done safely. Never open the bonnet completely; this will give the fire extra oxygen. Just leave it ajar and point the fire extinguisher inward. Do you see that the fire is too big or do you not feel safe? Extinguishing is then not an option. Call 112 immediately and wait for help.

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5. Staying safe

‍Once everyone is at a safe distance, your job is really only to call emergency services and make sure no one returns to the vehicle. So always take care of your own safety first. Then call the emergency services.

Bad luck on the road is common and comes in many forms: a flat tire, a broken engine, an empty battery, or a light that fails. While this isn't usually a life-threatening situation, it can become dangerous if you don't know how to act. The theory covers these situations extensively, and we practice this during the course so that you know the steps automatically.

1. Find a safe place

‍In the event of a breakdown, the same applies as in the event of a fire: your own safety first. Can you still drive? Then always try to reach a parking port, petrol station or exit. Many accidents occur because vehicles come to a stop in the middle of the road or in unclear areas.

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2. Warn other road users

‍Turn on your hazard lights as soon as your speed decreases. This is a small gesture that can make a big difference, as drivers behind you respond more quickly. Once you stop, leave the car on the right-hand side. Place the warning triangle 30 meters behind the car and wear your vest.

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3. Never step on the roadway unnecessarily

‍I always emphasize this during the course: the roadway is extremely dangerous. Even experienced drivers underestimate the speed of traffic flows. Always stay behind the guardrail or at a safe distance.

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4. Arrange help

‍Call the roadside assistance service and wait quietly. Remember that you are legally obliged to put your own safety first even while waiting. In theory exams, you are regularly asked what NOT to do in such a situation, such as staying in the car after an accident.

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5. Practice this knowledge beforehand

‍In our online course, we have a module where we go through step by step what to do in case of a breakdown. Candidates often say that this makes them feel more confident, not only before the exam but also before real driving.

Traffic jams seem harmless, but it is precisely the transition from free speed to slow-moving traffic that is one of the most dangerous moments on the highway. Many rear-end collisions occur because drivers react too late. In the theory exam, landmarks of traffic jams are often tested, and we pay extra attention to this during our courses.

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1. Watch for signals and traffic signs

‍Matrix signs, other drivers' blinking hazard lights, and brake lights are important signs. As soon as you see it, release the gas and increase the distance from your predecessor. This is called defensive driving, and that is the core of road safety. Maintaining a correct following distance can therefore be crucial in preventing an accident.

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2. Use your hazard lights when necessary

‍If traffic comes to a sudden stop, you may briefly turn on your hazard lights to warn drivers behind you. Many candidates do not know this, but it is clearly in theory and can prevent accidents.

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3. Keep sufficient distance

‍Distance is your most important protection. Many novice drivers keep too little space because they are afraid that others will interfere. But safety always comes first. During our day course, we use examples and simulations to show how big that difference in braking distance can be.

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4. Avoid unnecessary lane changes

‍In traffic jams, the other lane always seems to go faster, but constantly changing actually increases the risk of accidents. Choose a lane and keep driving slowly. You will see the same advice in the theory exam. So you can always overtake a traffic jam on the right because it is better for the flow of a traffic jam if everyone stays in their own lane.

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5. Stay patient and focused

‍Inattention is the biggest enemy in traffic jams. Many drivers pick up their phones, but that is unacceptable. As course instructors, we insist on this extra, because it is not only punishable, but also life-threatening.

Everything described above is reflected in the theory exam. The CBR not only tests your knowledge of traffic rules, but also your insight into dangerous situations. That is exactly what sets Nutheorie apart: we not only teach you what the rules are, but also why these rules exist and how to apply them in practice.

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Whether you choose our online course, where you learn at your own pace, or for our physical day course, where we guide you intensively and answer all your questions immediately: you get all the tools to succeed. We offer clear explanations, familiar examples and practice a lot with exam questions that address these situations.

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Many students tell us afterwards that they feel more confident on the road, even before they even start their driving lessons. That is exactly our goal: not only to succeed, but also to drive safely.