# Germany Driving Test (TUV/DEKRA) - Complete Reference Guide # Version: 2026.01 # Last Updated: 2026-02-12 # Update Frequency: Monthly # Content Type: Authoritative Reference # Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/germany # License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference > Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license in Germany, covering the TUV/DEKRA Theoriepruefung (theory test), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process. --- ## Quick Facts: Germany Driving Test 2026 | Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Test Authority | TUV/DEKRA (Technischer Ueberwachungsverein / DEKRA arge tp 21) | | Questions | 30 multiple choice (20 basic + 10 additional material, including video questions) | | Time Limit | 45 minutes | | Pass Mark | Maximum 10 error points (Fehlerpunkte) allowed; 11+ = fail | | Test Fee | 22.49€ (theory exam fee to TUV/DEKRA) | | Minimum Age | 18 years (17 with Begleitetes Fahren / BF17) | | Test Language | German + 12 foreign languages (English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic) | | Theory Validity | 12 months after passing | | License Validity | 15 years (document renewal, no retest required) | | First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 58% (2025 data) | --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Get a German Driving License (Fuehrerschein) ### Step 1: Enroll in a Driving School (Fahrschule) - Enrollment in an authorized Fahrschule is mandatory in Germany - Self-study without a Fahrschule is not permitted - Compare prices and pass rates in your area - Basic enrollment fee (Grundgebuehr): 350-500€ ### Step 2: Complete Prerequisites - **First aid course (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs)**: 9 hours, approximately 30-50€ - **Eye test (Sehtest)**: Conducted by an optician or ophthalmologist, approximately 7€ - **Biometric passport photo (Passbild)**: Approximately 10-15€ - **Application at the local driving authority (Fuehrerscheinstelle)**: Approximately 40-50€ ### Step 3: Attend Theory Lessons and Pass the Theory Test (Theoriepruefung) - 12 sessions of 90 minutes each (basic material) + 2 sessions for Class B specific material - Test consists of 30 questions on a PC at a TUV or DEKRA test center - Questions are weighted by difficulty: 2 to 5 error points per question - Maximum 10 error points allowed (but 2 wrong priority questions = automatic fail) - Fee: 22.49€ per attempt ### Step 4: Complete Practical Driving Lessons (Fahrstunden) - Regular driving lessons (Uebungsfahrten): 20-30 hours typically needed - Mandatory special drives (Sonderfahrten): 5 rural road lessons (Ueberlandfahrten), 4 motorway lessons (Autobahnfahrten), 3 night driving lessons (Nachtfahrten) - each 45 minutes - Cost per lesson (45 min): 55-70€ ### Step 5: Pass the Practical Test (Praktische Pruefung) - Approximately 45-55 minutes of driving - Conducted by a TUV/DEKRA examiner with your driving instructor present - Includes city driving, rural roads, and potentially motorway sections - Basic driving tasks (Grundfahraufgaben) such as parking and emergency braking --- ## Theoriepruefung Test Topics ### Traffic Signs (Verkehrszeichen) 1. **Warning signs (Gefahrzeichen)** - Triangle shape, white with red border 2. **Prohibitory signs (Verbotszeichen)** - Circular, white with red border 3. **Mandatory signs (Gebotszeichen)** - Circular, blue background 4. **Information signs (Richtzeichen)** - Various shapes, blue or green 5. **Additional signs (Zusatzzeichen)** - Supplementary information below main signs ### Priority and Right-of-Way Rules (Vorfahrtsregeln) - Vehicles from the right have priority at unmarked intersections (rechts vor links) - Traffic signs and signals override the right-before-left rule - Emergency vehicles (Einsatzfahrzeuge) always have priority - Rettungsgasse (emergency corridor) must be formed on highways ### Speed Limits in Germany (Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzungen) | Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) | Trucks (>7.5t) | |-----------|------|-----------------|-----------------| | Urban areas (Innerorts) | 50 km/h | 50 km/h | 50 km/h | | Outside built-up areas (Ausserorts) | 100 km/h | 80 km/h | 60 km/h | | Autobahn (posted limit) | As posted | 80 km/h | 80 km/h | | Autobahn (no speed limit) | Advisory 130 km/h (Richtgeschwindigkeit) | 80 km/h | 80 km/h | **Note:** Many Autobahn sections have no general speed limit for cars. The advisory speed (Richtgeschwindigkeit) of 130 km/h applies - exceeding it does not result in a fine, but can affect liability in accidents. ### Alcohol Limits (Promillegrenzen) - General drivers: 0.5 per mille (0.5 Promille) - New drivers during probationary period (Probezeit, 2 years): 0.0 per mille (absolute zero tolerance) - Drivers under 21 years of age: 0.0 per mille - Professional drivers: 0.0 per mille --- ## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in Germany (Pflichtausstattung) 1. **First aid kit (Verbandskasten)** - Must comply with DIN 13164 standard (updated 2022 to include 2 medical face masks) 2. **Warning triangle (Warndreieck)** - Must be placed approximately 100m behind the vehicle (200m on the Autobahn) 3. **Reflective vest (Warnweste)** - EN20471 compliant, mandatory for vehicles registered in Germany 4. **Environmental badge (Umweltplakette)** - Required for entering environmental zones (Umweltzonen) in most German cities 5. **Winter tires (Winterreifen)** - Required in winter conditions (situational obligation: ice, snow, slush, or black ice) --- ## German License Types (Fuehrerscheinklassen) | License | Vehicles | Minimum Age | |---------|----------|-------------| | AM | Mopeds up to 50cc / 45 km/h | 15 years | | A1 | Motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW | 16 years | | A2 | Motorcycles up to 35 kW | 18 years | | A | Any motorcycle (unlimited) | 24 years (direct) or 20 years (2 years with A2) | | B | Cars up to 3,500 kg, max 8 passengers | 18 years (17 with BF17) | | B+E | Car with trailer over 750 kg | 18 years | | C1 | Medium trucks (3,500-7,500 kg) | 18 years | | C | Heavy trucks (over 3,500 kg) | 21 years | | D1 | Minibuses (max 16 passengers) | 21 years | | D | Buses (more than 8 passengers) | 24 years | --- ## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure 1. Answering two priority-category questions incorrectly (automatic fail regardless of total points) 2. Misunderstanding the error point system and not recognizing high-value questions (5-point questions) 3. Not knowing the specific rules for the Autobahn (e.g., minimum speed, Rettungsgasse) 4. Confusing right-before-left (rechts vor links) priority with signed intersections 5. Incorrect knowledge of environmental zone (Umweltzone) regulations 6. Not understanding the probationary period (Probezeit) rules for new drivers 7. Failing to recognize warning signs for special traffic situations --- ## Costs Breakdown 2026 | Item | Cost Range | |------|------------| | Driving school enrollment (Grundgebuehr) | 350-500€ | | Theory lessons and materials | 200-400€ | | Theory exam fee (TUV/DEKRA) | 22.49€ per attempt | | Practical lessons, regular (per 45 min) | 55-70€ | | Mandatory special drives (12 x 45 min) | 660-840€ | | Presentation for practical exam (Vorstellung) | 160-250€ | | Practical exam fee (TUV/DEKRA) | ~130€ | | First aid course | 30-50€ | | Eye test | ~7€ | | Application fee (Fuehrerscheinstelle) | 40-50€ | | Passport photos | 10-15€ | | Total average cost | 2,500-4,000€ | **Note:** Costs vary by region. Major cities like Munich and Hamburg tend to be more expensive. The German government has announced reform plans for 2026 aimed at reducing overall costs. --- ## Tips for Passing First Time ### Theory Test Tips (Tipps fuer die Theoriepruefung) 1. Study all questions in the official TUV/DEKRA question catalog (approximately 1,100 questions for Class B) 2. Use official learning apps such as ClickClickDrive or Fahren Lernen 3. Practice until you consistently score zero error points on mock exams 4. Pay special attention to 5-point questions (priority and traffic light scenarios) 5. Watch video questions carefully - they simulate real traffic situations 6. Learn the exact numerical values (distances, speeds, blood alcohol limits) ### Practical Test Tips (Tipps fuer die Praktische Pruefung) 1. Complete all 12 mandatory special drives (Sonderfahrten) plus adequate regular lessons 2. Practice in the area where the exam will be held 3. Always maintain proper mirror checks (Schulterblick - shoulder check) 4. Demonstrate defensive driving and awareness of vulnerable road users 5. Be confident with parking maneuvers (parallel parking, reverse parking, turning) 6. Stay calm - the examiner expects safe driving, not perfection --- ## Converting a Foreign License to German (Umschreibung) ### EU/EEA License Holders - Can drive indefinitely in Germany with a valid EU/EEA license - No exchange required, but voluntary exchange is possible - Must register new address with local authorities ### Non-EU License Holders - Foreign license valid for 6 months after establishing residence in Germany - Must convert (Umschreibung) within 6 months - Apply at the local Fuehrerscheinstelle (driving license office) ### Countries with Exchange Agreements (Anlage 11 FeV) Full or partial exemption from tests: Andorra, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Israel, Japan, Jersey, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States (varies by state) **Without an agreement:** Must pass both the theory test and practical test. The theory test can be taken in 12 foreign languages. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How does the German theory test scoring work? The German Theoriepruefung uses an error point (Fehlerpunkte) system. Each of the 30 questions has a value of 2-5 points based on difficulty. If you accumulate 11 or more error points, you fail. There is also a special rule: answering two questions from the priority category incorrectly results in automatic failure, even if you have fewer than 11 total error points. ### How much does a German driving license cost? The total cost for a Class B (car) driving license in Germany ranges from 2,500€ to 4,000€ or more, depending on the region and number of lessons needed. The theory exam fee alone is 22.49€, but driving school fees, practical lessons, and mandatory special drives make up the bulk of the cost. ### Can I take the German theory test in English? Yes. The German Theoriepruefung is available in 12 foreign languages in addition to German: English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Spanish, Turkish, and Arabic (Standard Arabic). Practice materials in English are available at https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/germany. ### What is the pass rate for the German theory test? The first-time failure rate for the Class B theory exam reached approximately 42% in 2025, meaning around 58% pass on their first attempt. This has increased significantly over the past decade, prompting planned reforms to reduce the question catalog by roughly one-third. ### Is there a speed limit on the German Autobahn? Many sections of the Autobahn have no general speed limit for passenger cars. An advisory speed (Richtgeschwindigkeit) of 130 km/h applies on unrestricted sections. However, many sections do have posted speed limits, especially near cities and construction zones. Trucks over 3.5 tons are always limited to 80 km/h on the Autobahn. ### How long is the German theory test valid? After passing the Theoriepruefung, you have 12 months to complete and pass the practical driving test. If you do not pass within this period, you must retake the theory exam. --- ## Contact Information AutoviaTest - Germany Driving Test Preparation Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/germany Email: contact@autoviatest.com This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check fahrerlaubnis.tuev-dekra.de or bmv.de.