Ever wonder what it takes to get a driving license in Germany? The short answer is a lot! But it is not impossible. This detailed guide shows you the best way to quickly obtain your driving license in Berlin or anywhere else in Germany.
1. Find a Driving School in Your City
Open Google Map and search “Fahrschule” with the name of your city. For instance, if you live in Berlin, search for “Fahrschule Berlin“
2. Read Reviews
Before enrolling in any driving school, make sure you read reviews. On the search result, click on reviews to read the reviews and select the school with good reviews.
3. Visit the Driving School and Enroll
Check when the school is open, pay them a visit and enroll for your theory classes. After a successful enrolment, the school will provide you with the following documents called “Ausbildungsvertrag”. Keep this document in a safe place because you will need to register at your local Burgeramt (Citizen’s office).
After registration, the school will provide you a link to download their app. You will need this app to prepare for your theory exam. The typical cost of initial registration is between €80 and €500 euros depending on your school. The enrolment cost is significantly in most driving schools in Berlin compared to Munich. This cost also covers the 14 mandatory theory classes.
4. Do Eye-Test and First-Aid Course
Most driving schools now provide eye-test and first-aid course, check with your school. Otherwise, you will need to do this separately. If your school does not provide eye-test, you can do it for free at medical glass stores such as Fielmann or Eyesandmore. For first Aid course, you can also do this at any Red Cross office. it cost around €70.
5. Register at Burgeramt
Now that you have all the documents you need, it is time to get permission from the government to learn driving. Visit your local burgeramt with the following documents:
- Your Passport
- Ausbildungsvertrag
- Eye-test certificate
- First Aid course participation certificate
- Biometric picture
- Payment for the 49.80€ fee
During your appointment, the officer will ask you two questions:
Question 1: Do you want to learn Manual (Schaltgetriebe) or Automatic cars? If you learn manual gears, you will get a B197 license which also allows you to drive automatic cars. If you choose automatic cars, you are not allowed to drive manual gears until you take 10 hours additional lesson on manual cars.
Question 2: Do you want Dekra or TÜV? In my opinion, I would recommend you choose Dekra (in Berlin), they seems to be faster.
6. Take Your Theory Exams (€24,99)
Once you have completed 14 mandatory theory classes, it is up to you to choose when you want to take your theory exam. Practice the exam on your app. As soon as you feel you are ready, transfer the exam fee to Dekra account at least 5 working days before your exam. You do not need appointment for the exam, you can just show up on any workday and take the exam.
You can take the exam in English. On the day of the exam, you will be given an iPad and you can spend as much time as you want. Your result is available immediately you submit your exam. The examiner will inform you if passed or failed. In case of failure, you can retry the exam in 2 weeks. The cost of the theory exam is €24,99 euros
7. Start Your Practical Classes
You will need at least 12 practical lessons including special classes known as “Sondernfahrt”. One hour driving class cost between €65 and €100 depending on your school. When your finish your normal classes, your driving instructor will now give your 3 special classes. These special classes include:
- Autobahnfahrt: 3 and half hours on highway
- Uberlandfahrt: 3 hours on country-side road
- Nachfahrt: 2 hours night driving
8. Set Up Appointment for Your Practical Exam (€129,83)
After your special driving classes, you are allowed to schedule your exam. It may take between one and 3 months to get a practical exam appointment.
9. Take your Pratical Exam
Your practical exam will last about one hour in total. You will be in the same car you use to learn with your driving teacher beside you and the examiner at the backseat. The examiner will test your driving skills at various scenarios such as driving in 30-zone, in the city, in the highway, and also your skills at parallel parking. At the end of the exam, he will inform you if you pass or fail.
10. Get Your License
If you pass your practical exam, you get a temporary driving licence (Vorläufiger Nachweis der Fahrerlaubnis or VNF). It’s valid for 3 months, and only when carried with a valid ID. When your plastic license is ready, you can pick it up from Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or ask them to send it to your home by post.
That’s it ladies and gentlemen. As you can see the cost of learning driving in Germany can be quite high. If you like this post, please like, subscribe, and share with your friends. Thanks for always supporting us.