You want to join the motorway. What driving line should you follow?

Driving line no. 3 is correct because when joining a motorway you should enter in a smooth, wide curve from the on-ramp into the acceleration lane, staying on your lane and using the full length available to build up speed.

The rule of thumb in Germany is: accelerate early in the acceleration lane to match the motorway traffic, keep a steady line, and only merge when there is a safe gap. A wider, more “open” line helps you keep better visibility and makes your intention clearer to drivers already on the motorway. It also avoids sharp steering, which can be risky at higher speeds or in poor conditions.

Driving lines like no. 1 or no. 2 would typically mean cutting across too early or turning too tightly, which reduces the distance you have to accelerate and can force other drivers to brake. On the Autobahn, traffic on the main carriageway has priority; you must adapt your speed and merge without disturbing them.