Taking the theory test in Germany: registration, procedure and what you need
From the application at the driving licence authority to test day at TÜV or DEKRA: how to get to the German theory test, today and after the planned reform.
Last updated: November 2026 · Read this article in German
Key points
- First you apply for your licence at the local driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde).
- The authority commissions TÜV or DEKRA with the test; they give you the place and date.
- You can take the test no earlier than three months before the minimum age.
- Under the draft, proof of training for the theory test is no longer required from July 2027.
Step 1: apply
You apply at the driving licence authority of your town or district, often online. Many driving schools submit the application for you. You usually need:
- your ID card or passport
- a biometric passport photo
- an eye test certificate (Sehtest)
- proof of a first aid course (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs)
Your authority will tell you exactly which documents it needs. Apply early, processing often takes a few weeks.
Step 2: test order to TÜV or DEKRA
Once everything is in order, the authority commissions the responsible testing organisation, TÜV or DEKRA depending on the federal state. Under the draft, it must inform you about this, and the test order is to remain valid for five years.
Step 3: booking a date
Today the driving school usually registers you for the test and confirms your training. Under the draft, this proof of training for the theory test is to be dropped from 1 July 2027, because you may then learn the theory without a driving school. TÜV and DEKRA decide how registration works in detail; ask them.
The test can take place no earlier than three months before the minimum age: for class B at 18, that means from 17 years and 9 months; for accompanied driving from 17, from 16 years and 9 months.
On test day
Bring your ID card or passport: the supervisor checks your identity before the test. The test is taken on a computer or tablet, with text, picture and video questions. Besides German, it is offered in several foreign languages, including English, Turkish, Russian and Arabic. The testing organisation will tell you which languages are available.
After the test
You see the result straight away. Passed? Then your practical training continues. Failed? You can retake the test after a waiting period; the testing organisation will give you the next possible date. Currently the practical test must follow within twelve months of the theory test; under the draft this deadline is to be dropped from 2027.