Getting a German Driving Licence

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Getting a German Driving Licence

Anyone driving any type of motor vehicle on the roads in Germany must have a valid driving licence (Führerschein). This licence must be carried on all journeys and must be presented to an official on demand.

A person with a foreign driving licence that cannot be exchanged for a German one or anyone who does not have a driving licence must take the full theory and practical driving examinations in Germany.

• For more on exchanging a driver's licence, see AngloINFO INFOrmation Page: Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Germany

Licence holders may only drive the category of vehicle for which their licence is valid.

• For comprehensive information on the different categories of driving licence: Click here

The German Driving Test

Enrolling at a driving school is compulsory in Germany. Inquire at a local driving school (Fahrschule) for specific information, exam dates, prices and driving lesson packages. Lots of schools offer lessons in English and many of the theory documents are also available in English. The written part of the exam, however, is carried out in German.

The following steps must be followed to complete a German Driving Test:

• Completion of a first aid course: "First Aid at The Scene of An Accident - Sofortmaßnahmen am Unfallort"
• To find a local first aid course held by the German Red Cross: Click here 
• For more information: Click here
• Eye test (Sehtestbescheinigung) – official confirmation of an eye test carried out within the past two years by an optician (Optiker)
• Submit an application to the local Office for Resident Registration (Einwohnermeldeamt) for a driving licence (Antrag auf Erteilung einer Fahrerlaubnis)
• Successful completion of the theory test
• Successful completion of the practical driving test
• Anyone taking a driving test for buses and heavy goods vehicles must provide a medical attestation of good physical and mental health

The theory test

The theory test must be passed before the practical test can be taken. Both the theory and the practical test must take place at an official test centre. The theory test may in some cases be taken in another language.

The theory test consists of 30 questions, mostly multiple choice on subjects such as speed limits, permissible vehicle weights and so on. Depending on the level of difficulty of the question, wrong answers score two to five minus points. In the multiple choice questions there may be several correct answers. A candidate who receives more than ten minus points for incorrect answers fails the test.

• For more detailed information on the theory test: Click here (in German)

The practical test

The practical test lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The driver must demonstrate an ability to drive safely, competently and calmly. The test can be re-taken three times at fortnightly intervals. There is no limit to the number of times it can be re-taken, but after the third, sixth and ninth re-takes there must be a three-month gap.

Note: the theory test is only valid for one year. If re-taking a practical driving test after 12 months, the theory test must be re-taken too.

• For more detailed information on the practical driving test: Click here (in German)

If the candidate is successful, the driving licence will be issued by the driving examiner.

• For more detailed information on the Driving Test: Click here (in German)

Once a German driving licence has been obtained it is valid for life. If a person loses their German driving licence they will need to apply for a new one at their local driving licence office (Führerscheinstelle).

• To find a local office: Click here and select the appropriate state

Young drivers

New drivers reaching the age of 18 then have a maximum of three months to apply for (and collect) a full driving license. During this three month period the driver can continue to drive with the test certificate and is permitted to drive unaccompanied. However, drivers should not drive abroad during this three month period since the test certificate will not necessarily be recognised by other countries. New legislation introduced in early 2009 means that 17-year-olds may have a driving licence but may not drive alone until they reach 18 years old, in all regions of Germany. 

• For the text of this legislation: Click here (in German)

For this to happen, a 16-year-old can apply to a driving school for a driving licence with parental permission to do a Class B or BE type driving license. If the application is approved, the young person can start having lessons with a driving school. These cover both the theory and practical sides of the exam. 

Once the theory and practical tests have been passed, the driving test can be taken at the earliest one month following the 17th birthday. Passing this test results in a test certificate (Prüfbescheinigung) as opposed to a regular driving license (Führerschein) being issued. This document is only recognised in Germany to prevent new drivers from driving abroad. Until they are 18 they must be accompanied while driving by a person who is at least 30 years old, with at least five years' driving experience and no more than three points on their license. The older person's name must be on the test certificate. There is no limit to the number of older drivers who may be named on the test certificate.

Motorbikes & Mopeds

A Mofa is a small moped or motor-assisted bicycle that can be driven up to 20 Km/h by anyone of 15 or over, without a driving licence and without a helmet. However, it is necessary to pass a written and practical test. These are offered by the majority of driving schools (Fahrschule).

A Mofa must comply with the following:

• It must be less than 30cc
• It must use less than 0.5 Kw of power
• It must weigh no more than 30 Kg when empty
• The front wheel must be no more than 26cm wide
• The back wheel must be no more than 28cm wide

The Mokick (from the words Motor and Kickstarter) is slightly bigger than a Mofa and is licensed to carry two people. It is 50cc and may be driven up to a speed of 45 Km/h. A licence is needed to drive a Mokick which can only be applied for if the person is at least 16 years old.

For more information: Click here (in German)

Further Information

• An English brochure on the German Highway Code can be obtained from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS)
• BMVBS
  Tel: 01888 3000
  Fax: 01888 300 3428
  e-mail
• Fahrschule.de: for information on driving tests and schools
• Fuehrerschein: for practical information on all aspects of taking the German Driving Test including costs (in German)
• Verkehrsportal.de: portal for transport information
• Notfallmedizin.de: for information on the content of the first aid courses (in German)
• Erste Hilfe: for first-aid courses (in German)
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Driving in Germany
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Germany

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