Germany Driving Test
Pass First Time

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.