Quick answer
1. First licence or foreign-licence conversion?
A first-time applicant follows the full training and examination route. A holder of an EU/EEA licence normally does not need a new German licence merely because they live in Germany, subject to the licence remaining valid and applicable EU rules. A non-EU/EEA licence generally has a limited period of recognition after establishing normal residence, and conversion requirements depend on the issuing jurisdiction.
Do not start a full course until the Führerscheinstelle has confirmed whether your existing licence can be converted and which tests apply.
- No existing licence — follow the first-issue route
- EU/EEA licence — check validity and any exchange situation
- Other foreign licence — check the six-month rule and Anlage 11 treatment
2. Residence, driving school and the authority application
The licence authority is tied to your normal residence, so newcomers usually complete address registration before applying. You can compare driving schools before signing: ask for the written price information, lesson prices, exam-presentation fees, waiting times and cancellation rules.
The Bundesportal service description lists the core evidence for first issue. The exact form, fee, appointment and digital option are local, and additional documents depend on the licence class.
- Passport or accepted identity document and, where requested, current registration evidence
- Biometric photograph
- Eyesight-test certificate within the applicable validity period
- First-aid training evidence
- Driving-school and examination-body details
- Additional class-specific medical or official evidence where required
3. Theory and practical training
A first licence requires the prescribed theory instruction and practical training through an approved Fahrschule. Ordinary practice lessons continue until the instructor considers you ready; there is no single number that fits every learner.
For class B, the statutory special drives include five 45-minute country-road units, four motorway units and three units in darkness. These are minimum special drives, not the total number of lessons.
- Theory instruction and independent study of the official question material
- Basic practical lessons based on individual progress
- Five special country-road units for class B
- Four special motorway units for class B
- Three special darkness units for class B
4. The class B theory test
For a first class B licence, Annex 7 FeV currently specifies 30 questions worth 110 points and allows up to 10 error points. The test is also failed if two questions worth five points each are answered incorrectly, even when the total is 10.
The statutory list permits the theory test in German and named other languages including English. Prepare from the current question catalogue through a reputable learning system connected to your driving school; memorising translated forum screenshots is unreliable.
- 30 questions for a first class B licence
- Maximum 10 error points, except two wrong five-point questions still fail
- English is one of the permitted theory-test languages
- A failed test must be repeated in full
5. The class B practical test
Annex 7 FeV currently sets a minimum total class B examination duration of 55 minutes, including at least 30 minutes of driving time. Preparation, safety tasks, basic driving tasks and the result discussion sit around the driving portion.
The route tests safe, responsible and environmentally conscious driving in real traffic. It can include urban and outside-urban roads and, where possible, motorway or similar roads. Do not plan around an old 45-minute rule.
- Vehicle and safety preparation
- Basic driving tasks selected under the examination rules
- Observation, speed choice, priority and interaction with other road users
- Minimum 55 minutes total for class B, with at least 30 minutes driving time
6. Costs and timing vary by learner and city
A first licence normally costs several thousand euros, but a single national total would be misleading. The number of ordinary lessons, the school’s price list, local authority fees, learning materials, first aid, eye test, exam charges and any retakes all affect the total.
Request a written itemised price list and compare the base fee, each ordinary and special lesson, learning material, test presentation and cancellation terms. Application processing and test-slot availability can add weeks or months even when training progresses well.
- Driving-school base and learning-material fees
- Ordinary practice lessons, which vary by learner
- Mandatory special drives
- Authority, eyesight, first-aid and photograph costs
- Theory and practical examination plus school presentation fees
- Extra lessons and repeat fees after an unsuccessful test
7. A licence does not register or insure a car
Passing the test gives you driving entitlement under the licence conditions. Owning and using a vehicle adds separate work: compulsory motor-liability insurance, an eVB for registration, vehicle registration, tax and valid HU/TÜV inspection.
A first licence is generally issued on probation for two years, subject to the statutory exceptions and the rules that apply to the licence class. Keep the licence details and any restrictions clear before driving another vehicle.
- Arrange the legally required motor-liability insurance before registration
- Use the eVB in the vehicle-registration process
- Check HU/TÜV validity and vehicle tax
- Understand any probationary or transmission restriction on the licence
8. Frequently asked questions
For a first class B licence, enrol with a Fahrschule, apply to the local authority, provide the required evidence, complete theory and practical training, and pass both tests.
Possibly. The tests and documents depend on the issuing country and sometimes state or province. Use the dedicated conversion guide and confirm with the local Führerscheinstelle.
For first issue, the current rule specifies 30 questions. Up to 10 error points are allowed, but two wrong five-point questions still mean failure.
Yes. English is among the foreign languages currently listed in Annex 7 FeV for the theory test.
The current minimum is 55 minutes total, including at least 30 minutes of driving time. Older references to 45 minutes are outdated.
A first licence commonly costs several thousand euros, but no single total is reliable because ordinary lesson needs, school prices, authority and exam fees, and retakes vary.
No. Insurance and vehicle registration are separate. Motor-liability insurance is required before a vehicle can be registered for road use.
Official information
Rules and amounts change. Always verify current requirements using official sources.
Driving licence — rights and obligations, opens in a new tab
Bundesportal
Official service description covering driving licence issue and exchange of a foreign licence.
Annex 7 FeV — theory and practical driving tests, opens in a new tab
Federal Ministry of Justice
Current statutory question, error-point, language and minimum practical-test rules by licence class.
Annex 4 FahrschAusbO — mandatory special drives, opens in a new tab
Federal Ministry of Justice
The current class-specific minimum special drives for country roads, motorways and darkness.
Federal Motor Transport Authority, opens in a new tab
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA)
The federal authority for vehicle registration data and driving licence records.
Related guides
Related guide
Foreign licence conversion
The six-month rule, country treatment, documents and test requirements.
Read the guideRelated guide
Vehicle registration
Documents, eVB, plates and the Zulassungsstelle process.
Read the guideRelated guide
Car insurance
Liability, partial and comprehensive cover before registration.
Read the guide