Theory and traffic rules
Theory is the foundation of confident driving. Here's a short overview of what to know about Latvia's traffic rules and how to prepare for the CSDD (the Road Traffic Safety Directorate, Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcija) theory exam.
Roman helps with theory too
Many people think a private instructor only deals with driving. Not so: in the lessons we also work through the theory — rules, signs, right of way and the typical CSDD questions — so theory and practice form one picture instead of living apart.
🎮 Theory sticks behind the wheel — even a virtual one
Drive the exam route through mini-Riga: Roman’s tasks, examiner points and rule questions right on the road.
What theory covers
Rules basics
Core concepts: road users, the driver's duties, documents and what to do on the road.
Read more →Signs and markings
Sign groups, their logic and meaning, road markings — and how to read it all in real traffic.
Read more →Right of way and junctions
Who gives way to whom: controlled and uncontrolled junctions, roundabouts, priority to the right.
Read more →Speed and manoeuvres
Speed limits, safe following distance, overtaking, lane changes and turns without risk.
Read more →The CSDD theory exam
How the exam works and how to prepare so you pass calmly. Check the current terms at csdd.lv.
Read more →Common mistakes
Trick questions, careless reading, confusion over priority signs — we go through them so you don't repeat them.
Read more →Passenger safety
Belt up yourself and carry no unbelted passengers; a child under 150 cm rides in a suitable restraint.
Read more →Road markings
What solid and broken lines, the stop line, the pedestrian crossing and yellow markings that restrict stopping and parking mean.
Read more →Speed and distance
Speed limits in town, in residential zones and outside built-up areas, plus a safe distance and a speed you can actually control.
Read more →Stopping and parking
How stopping differs from parking and where each is forbidden — at crossings, junctions, on sidewalks and where you block others.
Read more →Residential zones and courtyards
20 km/h, priority for pedestrians and cyclists across the full width, parking only in marked spaces, and giving way on the way out.
Read more →Public transport
In town, let a bus pull out from its stop, keep out of the bus-only lane, and remember the tram usually goes first.
Read more →Pedestrians and cyclists
Give way to pedestrians at crossings, watch for cyclists and e-scooter riders, especially near children and after dark.
Read more →Railway crossings
Obey the barrier, signals and attendant, never stop on the rails, and give way to the train.
Read more →Driving in bad weather
Rain, fog, snow and ice: how to adjust speed, distance and lights to stay in control.
Read more →What to do after a crash
First steps after a collision: stop, warn others, help and record correctly — calmly and in order.
Read more →Real road situations
The capstone topic: how to combine the rules you know in real situations — at junctions, roundabouts, residential zones.
Read more →Exam prep with Roman
Theory is half the job. Roman finds your weak spots and runs a lesson in exam format.
CSDD exam preparation →Check your readiness
A short self-check shows what you're ready for in practice and what to work on.
Take the self-check →Breakdowns and tips
Riga road breakdowns, typical situations and preparation tips — on the blog.
Open the blog →Official theory
Current rules, e-learning and booking the theory exam — on the official CSDD website.
Open csdd.lv →Frequent questions
Do I need to study theory separately from driving?
No. Theory and practice work together: understanding the rules makes driving deliberate. In the lessons we connect the two.
Which language should I prepare in?
You can study in Latvian, Russian and English. Confirm the CSDD theory-exam language at csdd.lv.
Where do I start?
With a first lesson: we see what you already know and build a plan — for both theory and practice.
The information on this page is for guidance and does not replace the official rules. Always confirm the current requirements at csdd.lv.
Ready to start?
Book a first lesson — we'll work through both theory and practice at your level.