'Driver’s Licenses in Germany in 2026: Application, Conversion, Exams,
Find your route
3 quick steps
In Germany, you obtain a driver’s license through a driving school, the Führerscheinstelle, and exams administered by TÜV or DEKRA. If you already have a license from a country outside the EU and the EEA, you usually do not need to take a full course from scratch, but rather go through the Umschreibung procedure—converting your foreign Fahrerlaubnis into a German Führerschein. However, the rules depend on the country that issued the license: for some countries, no exams are required; for others, one exam is needed; and for many countries, you must pass both a written and a practical exam.
The most important thing to know in advance: driver’s licenses from third countries are generally recognized only for the first six months after moving to a permanent residence in Germany. After that, a German Führerschein is required to continue driving. In certain cases, this period may be extended for another six months if the person can prove that they will be living in Germany for no longer than 12 months.
Two Scenarios: Starting from Scratch or Transferring a License
There are two different paths, and they should not be confused.
Getting a Driver’s License from Scratch
This route is suitable if you have never had a driver’s license before or if you want to obtain a new license category. For Category B, you must complete training at a driving school, submit an application to the Führerscheinstelle, and pass both the written and road tests.
For the theory exam for Category B, the following is usually required:
- 12 double sessions of 90 minutes each covering general material, if you have never held a driver’s license before;
- 2 double sessions of 90 minutes each covering Category B material;
- Preparation for the theory exam using the official question bank.
There is no set number of standard city driving lessons for the practical portion: the instructor allows the student to take the exam when they are ready. However, there are mandatory special driving sessions for Category B:
- 5 lessons on rural roads;
- 4 driving lessons on the autobahn or a road with similar speed limits;
- 3 lessons at night.
A single driving lesson usually lasts 45 minutes. Beginners often need more lessons than the minimum number of Sonderfahrten, especially in large cities and when there are long breaks between lessons.
Conversion of a Foreign Driver’s License
Umschreibung is suitable for those who already have a valid driver’s license from another country. If the license was issued in the EU or EEA, it usually remains valid in Germany until its expiration date. If the license was issued in a third country, a six-month transition period applies after moving to Germany.
The procedure is governed by Annex 11 of the Driver’s License Regulation (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung). This table lists the countries and categories for which Germany recognizes training as partially or fully equivalent. If a country or the required category is not on the list, you will generally need to pass both the written and road tests to convert your license.
For many licenses issued in CIS countries, a simple exchange without exams is not possible. However, it’s risky to generalize across all countries: for example, special conditions may apply to certain countries listed in Annex 11. Therefore, before paying for driving school, you need to check the specific country of issuance, the license category, and the date of issuance.
What to Bring to the Führerscheinstelle
You submit your application to your local driver’s license office—the Führerscheinstelle or Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. Requirements vary slightly by city and state, but for Category B, you generally need:
- passport or other form of identification;
- proof of registration at an address in Germany;
- a biometric photo;
- proof of completion of a first aid course (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs);
- a current vision test (Sehtest) from a recognized testing organization;
- an application for the issuance or renewal of a driver’s license;
- For conversion: the original foreign driver’s license;
- if necessary, a certified translation or classification of the foreign driver’s license;
- a confirmation from the driving school, if you’re taking the exam through it;
- Payment of the administrative fee.
If your foreign driver’s license is not in German and does not meet the requirements of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, you may need a translation or an international driver’s permit during your first few months of driving. An international driver’s permit does not, in and of itself, replace your national driver’s license.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Check which rules apply to the recognition of your license
Before enrolling in a driving school, check the country of issuance in Annex 11 of the FeV or on your local driver’s license office’s website. This will determine whether exams are required and, if so, which ones. It’s especially important to check the date of issuance, the license class, and any restrictions: sometimes the rules apply only to certain classes or licenses issued after a specific date.
2. Choose a driving school
Even when converting a license without mandatory training hours, the practical exam is taken in a driving school car and accompanied by an instructor. Therefore, you usually need a driving school anyway.
Before registering, please check:
- How much does the Grundbetrag cost, and what does it include?;
- the cost of a regular lesson and a Sonderfahrt;
- the cost of registering for the theory and practical exams;
- Start dates for practical training;
- In which languages are the study materials and theory available;
- Does the driving school handle license conversions and accept foreign licenses?
In cities with high demand, the waitlist for practical lessons and exams can take weeks or months. This is not a violation of the rules, but a typical organizational issue within the market for driving schools and testing centers.
3. Submit an application to the Führerscheinstelle
Don’t delay submitting your application: you won’t be allowed to take the exam until your documents have been processed. In some cities, just making an appointment at the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde takes time, and verifying a foreign driver’s license can take longer than a standard application.
Once the application is approved, the information is forwarded to the testing organization, usually TÜV or DEKRA. Only then can you register for the exams.
4. Prepare for the theory test
The Category B theory exam consists of multiple-choice questions. Typically, the exam includes 30 questions, and the result is evaluated using a penalty point system. The exam is not limited to German; it is available in various languages, but it’s best to check the specific list with TÜV, DEKRA, or a driving school.
When obtaining a license from scratch, you must complete mandatory theory classes. When transferring a license from a country that requires an exam, the mandatory theory course is usually not required, but preparation is still necessary: the questions are specific to German traffic laws and road conditions.
5. Complete the practical training and pass the practical exam
When obtaining a license from scratch, you take regular driving lessons and mandatory special driving sessions (Sonderfahrten). When converting a license, there is usually no mandatory minimum number of practical hours if the law requires only an exam, but a driving school may recommend a few lessons to assess your driving style and prepare you for the German exam format.
The Category B practical exam usually lasts about 45 minutes. The examiner sits in the car, an instructor accompanies the drive, and the candidate drives along a real urban and rural route. There is usually no separate “test area” as a standalone stage: basic maneuvers are tested in real traffic or on a suitable section of road.
6. Get a German Führerschein
After successfully passing all the required exams, you will receive a German driver’s license. During the conversion process, the foreign license is usually collected or handed over to the competent authority, but the procedure depends on the country of issuance and local practices.
How much will it cost in 2026?
The cost varies greatly depending on the city, the driving school, the number of lessons, and any retakes. Therefore, we cannot promise an exact amount in advance.
Guidelines for Category B:
| Fuel consumption | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Basic fee for driving school | approximately 350–565 € |
| Study materials or app | approx. 80–120 € |
| First Aid Course | starting at approximately 60 € |
| Eye exam | often free at an optometrist’s office; some providers charge a few euros |
| Biometric photo | approx. 10 € |
| Application at the Führerscheinstelle | approx. 38–70 € |
| A typical driving lesson | usually costs around 55–80 € for 45 minutes |
| Special driving test | usually around 60–95 € for 45 minutes |
| Registration for the theory exam through a driving school | depends on the driving school |
| Registration for the practical exam through a driving school | depends on the driving school |
| Exam organization fee for the theory test | usually around 25 € |
| Fee charged by the testing agency for the Category B practical test | usually around 130 € |
To obtain a driver’s license from scratch, the actual cost often ranges from approximately €2,500 to €4,500. The lower end of this range is possible with a small number of lessons and passing the test on the first try; the upper end rises quickly due to additional lessons and retakes.
The cost of conversion can be significantly lower if the person only needs to prepare for and pass the exams. However, the total cost can still rise: a few driving lessons, the license translation, fees, and the time spent waiting for exams and retakes can easily add up to hundreds of euros.
Common Mistakes
- Wait until the six-month period has expired and only then submit your application.
- Assuming that an international driver’s license replaces a national driver’s license.
- Choosing a driving school based solely on the registration fee, without comparing the cost of lessons and exam fees.
- Do not check the country of issuance in Annex 11 of the FeV.
- Don’t underestimate the theory exam just because you have extensive driving experience.
- Plan your budget without setting aside funds for additional lessons or a possible retake.
Quick Checklist
- Check whether your country of issuance is listed in Annex 11 of the FeV.
- Check with the Führerscheinstelle for the specific list of documents required in your city.
- Take an eye exam, complete a first aid course, and have a biometric photo taken.
- Bring your original driver’s license and a translation, if required.
- Enroll in a driving school that handles your specific situation.
- Submit your application as early as possible.
- Prepare for the theory exam using the current question bank.
- Take driving lessons until you feel confident, even if there is no mandatory minimum requirement.
- Pass the exams and get your German Führerschein.
FAQ
Can you drive in Germany with a driver’s license from a third country?
Yes, but usually only for six months after moving to a permanent residence in Germany. After that, you’ll need a German driver’s license. Exceptions and extensions must be coordinated with the local driver’s license authority.
Do you need to retake driving school when converting your license?
If your country is not on the list of those fully exempt from exams, you may need to take them. However, when converting a license from a third country that is not recognized under Annex 11, there is usually no mandatory minimum number of training hours, as there is when obtaining a license from scratch. Practical training is often required in this case, because the exam is taken in a driving school car and according to German rules.
Do they take away your old license?
When converting a foreign license, it is usually confiscated or forwarded as part of the administrative process. The specifics depend on the country of issuance and the decision of the local Führerscheinstelle.
Can I take the theory test in Russian?
The theory exam is available in several languages. Russian and English are often included in the list, but it’s best to check with a driving school or the testing organization for the current options before registering.
Why does the final price vary so much from person to person?
The main factors to consider are the number of driving lessons, the city, driving school rates, waiting times, retakes, and additional services. Therefore, before signing a contract, it’s important to compare not only the registration fee but also the full price list.
