Driving Theory Lessons Germany

[Eliz Mettert]

Areyou wondering whether you can drive in Germany with your foreign driver's licence, the licence from your home country? Or perhaps, you are about to receive driving lessons with a driving instructor at one of the official driving schools in Germany.

In this article, you will learn more about whether or not you can continue to use your original license, all the required documents in case you are obtaining a German license, how a German driving test is structured (there is a written exam and also a practical road test!), and some important traffic laws. Also, read on if you'd like to convert your international licence into a German one!

If you already have a foreign driver's licence from your home country and do not intend to move to the Federal Republic of Germany, it is possible to drive a car with a valid foreign driver's licence, even if it does not originate from the EU/EEA. In many cases, it is necessary for you to provide a German translation of your foreign driver's license for this purpose.

However, if you move your residence to Germany, a foreign driver's license is only valid for up to six months. Afterward, it is no longer recognized by the authorities. You should therefore apply for a German driver's license before this period for your foreign license expires if you wish to continue driving a car in Germany.

Note: In exceptional cases, the six-month period for your foreign driving licence may be extended, especially if you can prove to the authorities that you will not have your legal residence in Germany for more than 12 months.

If you regularly attend theory classes and take driving lessons, it will take 3 to 5 months to get your license. A total of 14 theory units (90 minutes each) can be completed in 2-week crash courses at many driving schools. If you otherwise assume one theory unit per week, you will need 14 weeks for this.

The practice drives also last 90 minutes each. If your average is 30 hours and one unit per week, it takes 15 weeks. If the student wishes to do everything faster, there is an option for that as well: Many driving schools offer fast-track courses that prepare you for the theory and practical test within 1 to 2 weeks. Of course, this depends on your previous knowledge, talent, commitment and free time.

Remember that it usually takes at least 5 weeks for the local authorities (the issuing authority, e.g. your local driving licensing office) to process your application. So apply on time, because only then you will be able to take your exams. If you fail an exam (for example the road test), you can retake it after 2 weeks.

To obtain a driving licence, you will need to take a number of steps, such as submitting an application at the district city hall or city hall and passing two driving tests:

These are additional requirements for applying for a driver's license. To do this, have your eyes examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You can have the biometric passport photo taken at a local photo studio, for example.

Anyone who is interested in driving lessons/driving licenses and would like to obtain a German driving license must do so through a certified driving school. The driving school will provide you with theory and practice lessons for a fee, as well as a car to drive with the driving instructor for practice purposes.

Note: Learning materials are available as learning software, printed paper questionnaires, or textbooks. Since the introduction of computer-based theory tests, the trend has clearly moved toward online learning systems and apps for smartphones and tablets.

At the beginning of the training, theory lessons are scheduled at the driving school. The training for class B, the classic passenger car driving license, comprises 14 double lessons of 90 minutes each - divided into 12 double lessons of basic material and two double lessons of additional material.

After you have completed the theory lessons, your school will register you for the exam, which is a written test. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. There can be several correct answers to a question. If you get more than ten minus points, you have not passed the exam.

The first practical lessons often start at the same time as the theory course. In the beginning, there is basic practical training. These are the classic first lessons with many laps around the driving school grounds. The number of hours depends on your individual skills. This is followed by at least five lessons of 45 minutes each on federal or country roads and seven special lessons - four of them on the highway and the remaining three at dusk or in the dark. This is the minimum number of practical lessons for everyone pursuing a driving licence.

Beyond these compulsory hours, you decide together with your instructor whether and how many additional hours you need to be really fit for the practical test. With every driving lesson, you gain more confidence in driving and thus increase your chances of passing the driving test. Even if each driving lesson costs extra, you would be saving in the end.

If all these requirements are met, you can take the practical exam at your place of residence. Again, the instructor will take care of registering you for the test. In most cases, you will take a driving lesson immediately before the test in order to prepare yourself optimally for the test. During the subsequent test, the first thing that will take place is the safety check of the vehicle. The examiner will ask you three questions about your car. These will include things like the various fluid levels of the car, the function and condition of the headlights, or the condition of the tires.

After that, it's time to go for a drive. During this, the examiner will set the route and give you various tasks, such as backing into a parking space, starting on an incline, or doing an emergency stop. Provided you don't make too many minor mistakes and no serious ones, you pass the test. If you fail, you will have to pay the full test fee again at the next attempt after two weeks at the earliest.

The driving test lasts between 30 and 45 minutes in total. Usually, the examiner sits in the back seat. They assess your driving in terms of safety, competence and composure. Your instructor sits next to you so that they can take control in case of an emergency.

To drive in Germany, in principle, you need a driving licence issued in Germany or another EU country. Driving licences from non-EU countries are only valid for six months in Germany. This means that you are only allowed to drive in Germany with a driving licence from your home country for the first six months. The period begins with your first police registration ("polizeilichen Anmeldung") in Germany. You must always carry your driving licence with you when driving.

You must also have a translation of your driving licence into German with you. The translation must have been done by a German or internationally recognized automobile club or an authority in your home country or by a sworn translator. You can find sworn translators at bdue.de. No translation is required for driving licences issued from the following countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Hong Kong, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland and Senegal. You don't need a translation for international driving licences, either.

At the end of these six months, you need to convert your driving licence ("Umschreibung") if you wish to continue driving. You can read more about the process in the section "Where and how can I have my driving licence converted?"

If you are only visiting Germany, you are allowed to drive with the driving licence you have obtained in your home country or an international driving licence. Keep in mind that you must always have your driving licence with you when driving. You can read more (in English and German) on the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI).

Please note: During your asylum procedure, BAMF keeps all your documents and often returns them only at the end of the procedure. You are not allowed to drive as long as your driving licence is held by the BAMF.

The Driving Licence Office then decides whether your driving licence can be converted without a test, or you first have to take part in the theory and practical exams. Their decision depends on the country from which your driving licence has been issued. You can find a list of national driving licences, which are converted without further tests, on www.gesetze-im-internet.de. If your driving licence has been issued in a country named in this list, in principle, you can have your driving licence converted without a test. Otherwise, you often have to pass a test.

Before the exam, it makes sense to visit a driving school. Germany has numerous traffic rules and street signs. But unlike the first-timers, if you already have a driving licence issued abroad, you do not need driving lessons.

Please note: If you are applying for driving licence classes other than A (motorcycles and similar) and B (Cars), you need to present some additional documents. You can learn more on the website of BMVI.

If you want to apply for a licence in the categories C (lorries) or D (Buses), you need to present some additional documents. On the website of BMVI, you can find a summary of all available driving licence categories.

Please note: If you are unemployed and think you can increase your chances in the job market by obtaining a driving licence, ask the Jobcentre to take over the occurring costs. Talk to the staff member responsible for you and explain your plans.

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