Germany Driving Theory Test Study Guide 2026

How to get a car licence in Germany

In Germany you learn with a driving school (Fahrschule). You take theory lessons and practical lessons, then a theory test and a practical test. You apply for the licence at your local driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde).

1. Complete a first aid course of at least 9 lessons of 45 minutes.
2. Get an eye test certificate (Sehtestbescheinigung). It must be no older than 2 years when you apply.
3. Apply for the licence and train at a driving school.
4. Pass the theory test. You can take it from 3 months before your minimum age.
5. Pass the practical test within 12 months of the theory test.

The normal minimum age for class B is 18. With accompanied driving (begleitetes Fahren ab 17) you can drive from 17, but only with a named companion.

What class B covers

• Vehicles up to 3,500 kg permitted total mass with up to 8 passenger seats.
• Trailers up to 750 kg, or heavier trailers if the whole combination is no more than 3,500 kg.
• Mopeds in class AM.
• Class B is granted without a time limit. Lorry and bus classes are limited to 5 years.

How the theory test works

The theory test (Theorieprüfung) is taken on a computer at a testing centre such as TÜV or DEKRA. Bring a valid ID card or passport. The questions are multiple choice, and some show a short animated video that you can play up to five times.

Each question is worth 2 to 5 error points (Fehlerpunkte), depending on how important it is for safety. If you answer two 5-point questions wrongly, you fail, even with only 10 points.

You can take the test in German or in one of 12 foreign languages: English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Spanish, Turkish and Arabic. If you fail, you can normally try again after at least two weeks.

Probation period and the point system

A new licence comes with a 2-year probation period (Probezeit). One serious offence or two less serious ones lead to a driver improvement course (Aufbauseminar), and the probation period is extended by 2 more years. More offences lead to a warning and then to losing the licence.

All drivers can collect points in the driver fitness register (Fahreignungsregister) in Flensburg. Offences are worth 1, 2 or 3 points.

With 1 to 5 points, a voluntary driver fitness seminar removes one point, but only once every 5 years.

Alcohol, cannabis and medicines

• Zero alcohol for drivers in the probation period and for all drivers under 21.
• For other drivers, 0.5 per mille in the blood (0.25 mg/l in the breath) or more is an offence.
• The cannabis limit is 3.5 ng/ml THC in blood serum. Drivers under 21 or in the probation period must not drive under the effect of THC at all.
• Combining cannabis and alcohol is a separate offence with a higher fine.
• These cannabis and drug rules do not apply when the substance comes from a prescribed medicine taken as directed.

Speed limits

The 100 km/h limit outside towns does not apply on motorways (Autobahn) or on roads with separate carriageways or two marked lanes in each direction. Many motorway sections have no general speed limit for cars, but signs often set one.

• If fog, snow or rain cut visibility below 50 m, drive no faster than 50 km/h.
• With snow chains fitted, drive no faster than 50 km/h.
• Always drive so you can stop within the distance you can see. On narrow roads, stop within half that distance.

Priority and turning

The basic rule at junctions without signs, signals or markings is right before left (rechts vor links): give way to traffic from the right. This does not apply to vehicles coming out of a field or forest track. If you must give way, show it early by slowing down. If you cannot see, edge forward carefully.

When you turn, let oncoming traffic pass. You must also let cyclists and e-scooter riders who go straight on pass first, even if they ride on a cycle path beside the road. Take special care of pedestrians and wait if needed.

Motorways, jams and lane changes

As soon as traffic on a motorway, or on a road outside town with two or more lanes in your direction, moves at walking pace or stops, form an emergency corridor (Rettungsgasse). It is always between the far-left lane and the lane next to it. Only police and rescue vehicles may use it.

• Do not turn or reverse on a motorway. If you miss an exit, drive on to the next one.
• Do not stop on a motorway, including the hard shoulder, except in a breakdown or emergency.
• When a lane ends in slow traffic, merge in turn directly before the narrowing (zip merge, Reißverschlussverfahren).
• If the left lane is moving slowly or has stopped, you may pass on the right, but only slightly faster and with great care.
• You may use hazard lights to warn drivers behind you of a jam.

Cyclists, pedestrians, buses and children

• When overtaking cyclists, pedestrians or e-scooter riders, leave at least 1.5 m in built-up areas and 2 m outside.
• When someone overtakes you, do not speed up.
• Do not overtake a scheduled bus or school bus that approaches a stop with hazard lights on.
• Pass a bus stopped at a stop with hazard lights on at walking speed, in both directions.
• At a zebra crossing (Fußgängerüberweg), approach at moderate speed and let people cross. Do not overtake there, and do not drive onto it if you would have to stop on it.
• Children under 12 who are shorter than 150 cm need a suitable child seat.

Phones, tyres, lights and emergencies

• You may not pick up or hold a phone while driving. Voice control and a short glance are allowed. Automatic start-stop does not count as switching off the engine.
• Radar detectors and similar warning devices are banned.
• In snow, slush, ice or frost, all wheels must have winter-suitable tyres. There is no fixed calendar date.
• Use the rear fog lamp only when fog cuts visibility below 50 m.
• Cars must carry a warning triangle, a warning vest and a first aid kit.

Breakdowns and accidents

If you break down where others may not see you in time, switch on your hazard lights at once and place the warning triangle about 100 m behind on fast roads. After an accident, stop, secure the scene, help injured people and give your details. If the damage is minor, move the vehicles aside without delay. If nobody is there, wait a reasonable time and leave your name and address.

Everyone must give help in an emergency when it is needed and can be given without serious danger to yourself. Failing to help is a crime. When you hear a siren and see blue lights, make way at once.