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Cars & Driving · Licence

German Driving Licence: costs, exams and timelines

Getting a Führerschein in Germany takes longer and costs more than in most countries. Here is what the process actually looks like, and when you can simply exchange the licence you already have.

Reviewed · Last updated August 2026

7 min read

Einfach Germany editorial team

Quick answer

If you hold an EU/EEA licence you can keep driving indefinitely. Licences from most other countries are valid for six months after your Anmeldung — after that you need a German licence, which you may be able to get by exchange rather than by taking the full course.

1. Do you need a German licence?

EU and EEA licences stay valid until they expire. Everything else runs on a six-month clock that starts when you register your address.

  • EU/EEA licence — no action needed
  • Listed countries — exchange without exams
  • Partly listed — theory or practical exam only
  • Everything else — full driving school

2. What the full process costs

A complete Führerschein in a mid-size German city typically lands between 2.500 € and 4.500 €, depending on how many practical lessons you need. The mandatory items are fixed; the driving hours are not.

  • Driving school base fee: 350–550 €
  • Theory exam: 25 €
  • Practical exam: 130–180 €
  • Practical lessons: 60–90 € per 45 minutes
  • First aid course and eye test: about 70 €

3. The theory exam

The Theorieprüfung can be taken in English and several other languages. It has 30 questions and you are allowed a maximum of 10 error points, with limits on how many high-value questions you may miss.

4. The practical exam

The practical test lasts about 45 minutes and includes town driving, country roads and usually Autobahn. Examiners are strict about mirror checks, right-of-way and speed adjustment.

5. Realistic timeline

From signing up to holding the plastic card, plan for three to five months. Exam slots, not lessons, are usually the bottleneck.

6. Frequently asked questions

Yes, for six months from your Anmeldung date for most non-EU licences. Some cases allow a one-off extension if you can show you will not stay longer than a year.

For a stay under six months an IDP alongside your national licence is usually enough. It does not extend the six-month rule.

The theory exam is. The practical exam is conducted in German, though many examiners accept simple English instructions.

Official information

  • Bundesministerium der Finanzen

    Income tax and tax class regulations

  • Bundesagentur für Arbeit

    Employment and social contributions

  • BAMF

    Residence and integration information