Learning to drive in Germany

16 year olds are entitled to apply for a car driving licence, so long as they have parental permission. If the application is approved, the young person can start taking theory and practical lessons with a driving school. Drivers have to be 17 to be able to sit the practical driving test.  Passing this exam results in a test certificate (Prüfbescheinigung) as opposed to a regular driving license (Führerschein) being issued. This document is only recognised in Germany to prevent new drivers from driving abroad. Until they are 18 they must be accompanied while driving by a person who is at least 30 years old, with at least five years' driving experience and no more than three points on their license. The older person's name has to be on the test certificate. There is no limit to the number of older drivers who can be named on the test certificate

To learn to drive, German residents must enrol at a Driving School (Fahrschule).  Many schools offer lessons in English and many of the theory documents are also available in English. Local schools provide specific information, test dates, prices and driving lesson packages.

New learners have to complete a "First Aid at The Scene of An Accident” (Sofortmaßnahmen am Unfallort) course. These are provided locally by the German Red Cross.  The eyesight test (Sehtestbescheinigung) has to be carried out by an optician (Optiker).

The theory test must be passed before the practical test can be taken. Both the theory and the practical test must take place at an official test centre.  The theory test consists of thirty, mostly multiple-choice questions. Depending on the level of difficulty of the question, wrong answers score two to five minus points. A candidate who receives more than ten minus points for incorrect answers fails the test.

The theory test may in some cases be taken in another language. A theory test pass is only valid for one year. If re-taking a practical driving test after 12 months, the theory test must be re-taken too.

The German practical driving test lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The driver must demonstrate an ability to drive safely and competently. The test can be re-taken three times at fortnightly intervals. There is no limit to the number of times it can be re-taken, but after the third, sixth and ninth re-takes there must be a three-month gap.

New qualified drivers aged 18 and over have a maximum of three months to apply for (and collect) a full driving license. During this three month period the driver can continue to drive with the test certificate and is permitted to drive unaccompanied. However, these drivers cannot drive abroad during this three month period since the test certificate will not necessarily be recognised by other countries. 17 year olds with a full driving licence may not drive alone until they reach 18 years old, in all regions of Germany. 

Once a German driving licence has been obtained, it is valid for life. If a person loses their German driving licence they will need to apply for a new one at their local driving licence office (Führerscheinstelle).

Anyone aged 15 or over can ride a very small motorcycle without a driving licence and without a helmet. These machines are known as “Mofas”. Riders do have to pass both a written and practical test. These are offered by the majority of German driving schools.

German drivers must have a valid driving licence (Führerschein) that has to be carried on all journeys. Licence holders may only drive the category of vehicle for which their licence is valid. A person with a foreign driving licence that cannot be exchanged for a German one or anyone who does not have a driving licence must take the full theory and practical driving examinations in Germany.