1. Driving School Registration
Register with a certified driving school (e.g., Fahrschule Oscar). You will receive your training contract.
German Class B Guide 2026
Apply for a German driving licence:Steps, costs and documents for 2026.
How to apply for a German Class B driving licence: driving school, documents, costs, deadlines, theory test and practical test.
The 5-Step Process
Your route to a German Class B driving licence.
2. Preparation
Complete the first-aid course (9 units), the eye test, and get biometric passport photos taken.
3. The Application
Submit the application to the driving licence authority (in Berlin, often via the Bürgeramt or online).
4. The Exam Order
After the authority processes your application, TÜV or DEKRA receives the exam order. This often takes 4 to 8 weeks but varies locally.
5. Theory & Practice
Pass the exams within 12 months after the order has been issued.
What you really need
The official document checklist
- Valid ID card or Passport
- Recent biometric passport photo
- Certificate of first-aid course
- Eye test certificate (not older than 2 years)
- Name of driving school & training contract
- If applicable: form for accompanied driving at 17 (BF17)
German driving licence application costs
Fixed fees and variable additional costs for Class B
- Authority Fee
- ~ 45.00 € - 50.00 €
- TÜV Fee (Theory)
- ~ 24.99 €
- TÜV Fee (Practical B)
- ~ 129.83 €
- Additional Costs (Eye test, photos, first aid)
- varies
Note: First aid, eye tests, photos, driving-school base fees and lesson prices vary by provider and place of residence.
POV: You found the right app.
Use the application-processing period to prepare. DriveBase helps you study theory interactively so you are ready when the exam order arrives.
DriveBase Pro for the Practical Exam
- 60+ interactive simulators (signals, lights, gear shift)
- Reduce test anxiety & avoid top exam mistakes
- Practice visual checks (shoulder check & blind spots)
- All departure checks & examiner technical questions
- One-time purchase (no subscription) - Lifetime access
A single driving lesson costs €80 - €100. If you fail the practical exam, you have to pay the TÜV fees (~€130) & school fees again. DriveBase Pro saves you driving hours and helps you pass on the first try.
Verified basis
Official sources for the application
Federal requirements come from the German Driving Licence Regulation. Fees, application routes and processing times can differ by place of residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Processing often takes 4 to 8 weeks. It can be shorter or longer depending on the local driving licence authority and its workload.
From receipt at TÜV, you have 12 months for the theory exam, and after passing it, another 12 months for the practical exam.
For a first driving licence, the probationary period generally lasts two years.