Getting a driving license in Germany can be a long, expensive, and nerve-wracking process. Did you know that 42% of people fail the theory exam and 30% fail the practical exam?
Well, I passed both on my first attempt! But here’s a twist:
Even though I passed the theory exam, I had to retake it. Want to know why? Stick around, and I’ll explain!
With over 70 hours of driving practice, my total cost was over €5,000! But don’t worry—I’ll show you how to save money and pass both exams on your first try.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost depends on:
- The number of lessons you need.
- Whether you pass on your first try.
- Your location and driving school fees.
If everything goes smoothly, the minimum cost is around €2,500. Here’s a breakdown:
| Item | Cost (€) |
| Base Fee | 350 |
| Practice Drives (15 × €55) | 825 |
| Special Drives (12 × €60) | 720 |
| Learning Materials | 88 |
| Theory Test Presentation | 60 |
| Practical Test Presentation | 160 |
| Theory Test Fees | 25 |
| Practical Test Fees | 130 |
| First Aid Course | 50 |
| Vision Test | 0 |
| Passport Photo | 10 |
| Driver’s License Application | 38 |
| Total Costs | 2,456 |
Now, here’s what I actually spent:
| Item | My Cost (€) |
| Base Fee | 400 |
| Practice Drives | 2,400 |
| Special Drives | 1,950 |
| Learning Materials | 50 |
| Theory Test Fees (2×) | 50 |
| Theory Test Presentation | 60 |
| Practical Test Presentation | 160 |
| Practical Test Fees | 130 |
| First Aid Course | 50 |
| Driver’s License Application | 80 |
| Passport Photo | 10 |
| Total Costs | 5,340 |
💡 Tip: I’ll share money-saving strategies later!
Step-by-Step Process
1️⃣ Register at a Driving School
Find a school that fits your budget and schedule. Some schools offer English classes.
2️⃣ Take a First Aid Course (Erste Hilfe Kurs)
- Required for all new drivers.
- I paid €55 at Deutsches Rotes Kreuz.
3️⃣ Eye Test (Sehtest)
- Done at opticians like Apollo or Fielmann.
- Cost: Up to €10 (but I did mine at Apollo for free!).
4️⃣ Submit Your Application
- Where? Either through your driving school or the local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde.
- Required Documents:
- Valid ID
- Biometric passport photo
- First aid and eye test certificates
- Proof of residence
- Application form (Antrag auf Erteilung einer Fahrerlaubnis)
5️⃣ Attend Theory Classes
- 14 double lessons (12 basic + 2 additional).
- Available in multiple languages: German, English, French, Greek, High Arabic, Italian, Croatian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.
6️⃣ Pass the Theory Exam
- Format: 30 multiple-choice questions.
- Failing criteria: More than 10 mistakes or two 5-point errors.
- Tip: Study using the ADAC app until it says you’re 100% ready!
💡 My Story: I took my theory classes in German to improve my language skills. Bad idea! I barely understood 10–15%. Always choose the language you’re most comfortable with!
7️⃣ Driving Lessons
- Includes:
- Practice lessons (varies by skill level).
- Mandatory: 12 special lessons:
- 5 on federal or state roads.
- 4 on the autobahn (highway).
- 3 night-driving lessons.
💡 Tip: The number of practice hours depends on your skills. Quick learners might need only 15 hours, while I needed over 40!
8️⃣ Practical Exam
- Book when your instructor says you’re ready.
- Exam route: Familiarize yourself with the test area.
- Cost: ~€130.
Theory Exam – My Biggest Mistake
A colleague once asked, “Thi, how’s your driving going?”
I sighed, “Not good.”
“Did you fail the theory exam?” they asked.
“No, it’s worse. I passed—but had to redo it because it expired after a year!”
👉 Tip: Once you pass the theory exam, you MUST take the practical exam within 1 year—or you’ll need to retake the theory exam!
Practical Lessons – What I Learned
💡 I had never driven before, and to be honest, I’m not naturally good at driving.
- I took 1–2 lessons per week, but long breaks (vacations, scheduling issues) delayed me over a year.
- Solution: If possible, schedule lessons at least 3x per week to build confidence.
- Practice at ADAC Training Centers (ADAC Verkehrsübungsanlage) with friends.
Practical Exam Day – How to Pass!
✅ What Helped Me Pass
✔ Dress properly – My examiner mentioned that showing up untidy feels disrespectful. ✔ Practice regularly – The more you drive, the more confident you get! ✔ Know your test route – Most exams take place near your driving school. ✔ Stay calm! – A clear mind leads to better driving decisions.
💡 Bonus Tip: Treat it like another driving lesson. Don’t overthink it!
Final Thoughts
That’s everything you need to know about getting your German driving license! It’s expensive and time-consuming, but with the right approach, you can pass on your first try and save money.
Good luck on your driving journey!
Got any questions? Drop them in the comments below! 👇
