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Germany driving test Pass first time

Prepare for the Technischer Überwachungsverein driving theory test with realistic practice questions. 30 questions, ≤10 needed to pass.

  • 30Questions
  • ≤10 errorsPass mark
  • 45Minutes

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What must you expect after this sign, and how do you drive on?

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Data sourced from Technischer ÜberwachungsvereinTÜV/DEKRA · Last updated March 15, 2026
TÜV/DEKRA
Driving test index58 /100Medium

Based on AutoviaTest's global analysis, the driving licence system in Germany ranks as a moderate system globally — with a Driving Test Index score of 58/100.

About the TÜV/DEKRA theory test

The official driving theory test in Germany is administered by Technischer Überwachungsverein. Here's what you need to know.

Test format30 multiple-choice, video-based
Duration45 minutes
Pass mark≤10 errors
Test fee~€22.49 (theory) + ~€117practical exam
Official source: Technischer Überwachungsverein

Driving rules in Germany

Key rules and regulations you need to know for your theory test.

Speed limits

50 km/hUrban areaskm/h
100 km/hRural roadskm/h
130*Highwayskm/h

* Recommended on unrestricted Autobahn sections

Driving information

Driving sideright
Emergency number112
Minimum age18 years
License validity15 years
Alcohol limit0.5‰ (0.0‰ for new drivers)

Important rules

  1. No speed limit on many Autobahn sections
  2. Right lane driving mandatory unless overtaking
  3. Umweltzone (environmental zones) in cities
  4. Winter tires required in winter conditions

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Germany driving test explained — theorieprüfung, cost & rules 2026

A 2-minute walkthrough of Germany's Führerschein system — from Fahrschule enrolment to passing the TÜV/DEKRA theory and practical exams.

Key takeaways

  • The TÜV/DEKRA theory test has 30 questions (20 basic + 10 class-specific) with a maximum of 10 error points allowed — two wrong 5-point questions is an automatic fail.
  • Total cost runs €2,000–€3,500 (ADAC average ~€2,800): Fahrschule registration, theory + practical lessons, mandatory Sonderfahrten, and TÜV/DEKRA exam fees.
  • Enrolment in a licensed Fahrschule is mandatory — self-taught driving is not permitted in Germany.
  • Speed limits are 50 km/h urban, 100 on rural roads, and no general limit on ~60% of the Autobahn (130 km/h advisory).
  • BAC limit is 0.05% (0.5 promille) general, with absolute zero tolerance (0.0%) for novice drivers in Probezeit and under-21s.
  • Germany uses the Flensburg points system — 8 points triggers licence revocation, with points expiring after 2.5 to 10 years.
  • The 2021 Bußgeldkatalog reform nearly doubled most traffic fines — failing to form a Rettungsgasse now costs €200–320.
Read full transcript
Getting a driving licence in Germany means enrolling at a Fahrschule and passing exams administered by TÜV or DEKRA — the two organizations that run every theory and practical test in the country. Here's everything you need to know in under two minutes. [0:06 Theory Test Format] The German theory test — the Theorieprüfung — has 30 multiple-choice questions: 20 basic knowledge and 10 class-specific. Each question carries 2 to 5 error points based on difficulty, and you can accumulate a maximum of 10 error points to pass. But watch out — getting two 5-point questions wrong is an automatic fail, even if your total is under 10. You have 45 minutes, the test is available in 12 languages including German, English, Turkish, and Arabic, and it costs €22.49. [0:20 Cost of a German Licence] Expect to pay between €2,000 and €3,500 total — ADAC reports an average around €2,800. That covers Fahrschule registration (€100–200), theory lessons and materials (€200–400), regular driving lessons at €45–70 per 45 minutes, 12 mandatory Sonderfahrten (€540–840), the theory test (€22.49), and the practical test (€116.93). You'll also need a first aid course (€25–50), eye test (€7), and licence application fees (€40–50). [0:35 German Speed Limits] Germany is famous for the Autobahn — but only about 60% of it has no mandatory speed limit. The advisory speed is 130 km/h, and exceeding it increases your liability in an accident. Urban areas are 50 km/h with widespread 30 km/h zones. Rural roads are 100 km/h for cars. Trucks over 3.5 tonnes are capped at 80 km/h on all roads outside cities. [0:47 Traffic Fines & Points] The 2021 Bußgeldkatalog reform nearly doubled most fines. Speeding 31–40 km/h over the limit in urban areas costs €260, 2 Flensburg points, and a 1-month driving ban. Phone use while driving is €100 and 1 point. Drunk driving over 0.5 promille starts at €500, 2 points, and a 1-month ban. Failing to form a Rettungsgasse — the emergency corridor — costs €200–320 and 2 points. [1:02 Key Road Rules] Germany drives on the right. The default priority rule is Rechts-vor-Links — yield to traffic from the right at unmarked intersections. The Flensburg points system runs on 8 points: reach 8 and your licence is revoked. Novice drivers face a 2-year Probezeit with absolute zero BAC. Every vehicle must carry a warning triangle, first aid kit, and reflective vest. [1:14 Step-by-Step Licence Process] The process: enrol at a Fahrschule, complete a first aid course and eye test, apply at the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde, attend 14 theory sessions, pass the 30-question TÜV/DEKRA theory exam, complete practical lessons including 12 mandatory Sonderfahrten, then pass the practical road test. Total time is typically 3 to 6 months. [1:29 Emergency Numbers] Germany uses 112 for fire and ambulance — the EU-wide emergency number. Police is 110. For non-emergency medical help, the Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst is 116 117. [1:37 Driving Myths vs Facts] Myth: the entire Autobahn has no speed limit. Fact: only about 60% is unrestricted — the rest has mandatory posted limits. Myth: Rechts-vor-Links rarely applies. Fact: it's the default rule at every unmarked intersection and catches foreigners off guard constantly. Myth: flashing headlights on the Autobahn is fine. Fact: aggressive Lichthupe to pressure other drivers is illegal and can be prosecuted as coercion. Practice the full German theory question bank for free on AutoviaTest to prepare for your Theorieprüfung.

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Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Germany driving test?

The TÜV/DEKRA driving theory test has 30 questions. You need ≤10 to pass.

How long is the TÜV/DEKRA theory test?

You have 45 minutes to complete the TÜV/DEKRA driving theory test.

What is the pass mark for the Germany driving test?

You need ≤10 to pass the TÜV/DEKRA theory test (30 questions).

How much does the TÜV/DEKRA test cost?

The TÜV/DEKRA driving theory test costs approximately ~€22.49 (theory) + ~€117 (practical exam).

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Last updatedMarch 15, 2026
Reviewed byPawan PriyadarshiFounder & Chief Engineer
Data sourced fromTechnischer Überwachungsverein and official government sources. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.