When should you change to summer tyres? Rules, dates and common theory test traps

Knowing when you can and should change to summer tyres is important – both for road safety and for passing the theory test. However, this is a topic that often causes confusion and frequently appears in the theory exam.

Here you will find a simple and correct explanation of the rules, important dates – and what the authorities expect you to know for the theory test.

When is it allowed to change to summer tyres?

There is no fixed date for when you must change to summer tyres. The rules say:

❗ You must always use tyres that are suitable for the road conditions.

This means:

• You may drive with summer tyres all year round if the road conditions are suitable
• You must not drive with summer tyres in winter conditions

👉 In the theory test, the correct answer often depends on road conditions, not the date.t.

Important dates you must know

Even though summer tyres have no mandatory changeover date, you must know these rules:

Studded tyres

• Allowed: 1 November – the first Sunday after Easter
• Exception: Studded tyres may also be used outside this period if road conditions require it

📌 Theory trap:
❌ Many people think studded tyres must be removed after Easter – this is wrong. Road conditions decide.

Tread depth for summer tyres

For summer tyres:

• Minimum requirement: 1.6 mm tread depth

But:
✔️ At least 3 mm is recommended for better safety
✔️ Worn summer tyres increase braking distance on wet roads

📌 This is often tested together with questions about braking distance and speed.

Summer tyres vs winter tyres – what is the difference?

Summer tyres	Winter tyres
Harder rubber	Softer rubber
Best on warm and wet asphalt	Best on snow and ice
Shorter braking distance in summer	Better grip in slippery conditions

📌 Theory trap:
❌ “Winter tyres are safer all year round” – this is the wrong answer in the theory test.

When should you actually change to summer tyres?

In practice, it is recommended to change when:

• The temperature is consistently above +7 °C
• There is no risk of frost, snow or ice
• Roads are dry and clear

But remember:
👉 Recommendation ≠ rule
In the theory exam, the rules always apply.

Common theory test traps about summer tyres

Here are some classic mistakes many people make in the theory test:

❌ “There is a fixed date for summer tyres”
✔️ Correct: Road conditions decide

❌ “Studded tyres must always be removed after Easter”
✔️ Correct: There are exceptions in winter conditions

❌ “Winter tyres are always the safest choice”
✔️ Correct: Summer tyres are best in summer conditions

❌ “Tread depth is only important in winter”
✔️ Correct: It matters all year round

👉 These traps can appear in the theory test.

How to practise tyres and road conditions effectively

To master this topic, it is recommended to practise at bil-teori, where you can:
1️⃣ Take topic tests on vehicles and road conditions
2️⃣ Read explanations for incorrect answers
3️⃣ Track your statistics by topic

👉 Start with a free theory test and see how well you know the rules.

Summary

• There is no fixed date for summer tyres
• Road conditions are decisive
• Minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm
• Summer tyres are best in summer conditions
• Tyres are a common theory test trap topic

If you understand the rules about summer tyres, you will be much better prepared for the theory exam.

Ready to test yourself?

If you want to find out whether you would pass the theory test today, start with a realistic test.

👉 Take the free theory test here
– and see which topics you should practise more before the exam.

⸻

Start practicing today:

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