Living in Germany
Getting a German driving licence in English
You don't need to speak German to get a German licence. The theory test is offered in English everywhere, and most of the rest depends on finding the right instructor. The practical test is the one part that stays in German, and it uses a small set of phrases you can learn.
Which steps work in English
For a car licence (class B), in the order you'll do them.
- EnglishEye test (Sehtest). Any optician does it in a few minutes. You read numbers or symbols, so you barely need German.
- AskFirst-aid course (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs). One day, usually taught in German. Some providers in larger cities run courses in English, so ask when you book.
- AskTheory classes at the school. Compulsory, and most schools teach them in German. A few schools in big cities run English classes.
- EnglishLearning for the theory test. The common learning apps have the official questions in English.
- EnglishTheory test (Theorieprüfung). In English anywhere in Germany. You can't bring an interpreter, but you won't need one.
- AskDriving lessons. Only if your instructor speaks English. That depends on the person, not the school's website.
- GermanPractical test (praktische Prüfung). The examiner gives directions in German. Whether an interpreter may ride along is up to the test centre: ask before you book.
The theory test languages
By law the theory test can be taken in German or in any of these 12 languages, at every test centre in Germany. It has 30 questions, and you fail with more than 10 error points.
Chinese, Vietnamese, Ukrainian and Hindi are not on the list. If your language is missing, English is usually the easiest choice, so learn the questions in English from the start.
Already have a licence from home?
Check this before you pay a driving school. A licence from outside the EU is valid in Germany for six months after you register your address. Depending on the country that issued it, you then swap it without a test, with the theory test only, or with both tests. Even with both tests you skip the compulsory lessons, which saves most of the cost.
How to exchange a foreign licence →How to check a school really teaches in English
"English possible" on a website often means the learning app is in English and nothing else. Call and ask:
- 1.Will the instructor who drives with me explain things in English? Ask to talk to them, not only to the office.
- 2.Are the compulsory theory classes in English or German? If German, can I still follow them?
- 3.Have you had students take the practical test without German? How did it go, and does the test centre here allow an interpreter?
- 4.What do you charge: the base fee (Grundbetrag), a 45-minute lesson, a special drive (Sonderfahrt), and presenting me for each test?
- 5.How long is the wait for lessons and for a test date right now?
What it costs and how long it takes
- Cost: roughly €2,500 to €3,500 or more all in. Most of it is driving lessons, so the number of lessons you need matters more than the school's price list.
- Compulsory theory: 14 classes of 90 minutes (12 basic, 2 for the car licence).
- Compulsory special drives: 12 lessons of 45 minutes: 5 on country roads, 4 on the motorway and 3 at night. Normal lessons come on top, as many as you need.
- Time: usually three to six months from signing up to passing. After the theory test you have 12 months to pass the practical test.
- Paperwork: the school helps you apply at the Führerscheinstelle with your eye test, first-aid certificate, a biometric photo and your ID. Apply early, as processing takes several weeks.
The German you'll hear in the practical test
The examiner sticks to a small set of phrases. Ask your instructor to use them in German during your last lessons, so the test sounds familiar.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Fahren Sie bitte geradeaus. | Please drive straight on. |
| An der nächsten Kreuzung rechts / links abbiegen. | Turn right / left at the next junction. |
| An der Ampel links. | Left at the traffic lights. |
| Im Kreisverkehr die zweite Ausfahrt. | Take the second exit at the roundabout. |
| Folgen Sie der Vorfahrtstraße. | Follow the priority road. |
| Folgen Sie der Beschilderung Richtung … | Follow the signs for … |
| Fahren Sie auf die Autobahn auf. | Get onto the motorway. |
| Nehmen Sie die nächste Ausfahrt. | Take the next exit. |
| Wechseln Sie auf die linke Spur. | Move into the left lane. |
| Halten Sie bitte rechts an. | Please pull over on the right. |
| Parken Sie rückwärts in die Lücke ein. | Reverse into the parking space. |
| Wenden Sie bitte. | Please turn around. |
| Gefahrbremsung! | Emergency stop! |
| Schalten Sie bitte das Abblendlicht ein. | Please switch on the dipped headlights. |
| Zeigen Sie mir, wo Sie den Ölstand prüfen. | Show me where you check the oil level. |
Common questions
Can I take the German driving theory test in English?
Yes, everywhere in Germany. The theory test can be taken in German or in 12 foreign languages: English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Spanish, Turkish and Modern Standard Arabic. Tell your driving school which language you want when it registers you.
Can I bring an interpreter to the theory test?
No. Since 2011 interpreters are not allowed at the theory test, because examiners couldn't check who was answering. The only exception is a sign-language interpreter for deaf candidates. If your language isn't one of the 12, you take the test in one of them, often English.
Is the practical driving test available in English?
No, the practical test is held in German and the examiner gives directions in German. The rules for the practical test don't mention interpreters, so whether one may come along is up to the test centre. Ask your driving school early. Most learners simply learn the 15 or so phrases examiners use.
How do I find an English-speaking driving school?
Search for "Fahrschule Englisch" plus your city, then call and ask to speak to the instructor who would teach you. Many schools say they offer English when only their learning app is in English. The questions on this page help you find out quickly.
I already have a licence from another country. Do I need a driving school?
Maybe not. A licence from an EU or EEA country stays valid. Other licences are valid for six months after you register your address in Germany. Depending on the country, you then swap it with no test, with the theory test only, or with both tests. With tests you skip the compulsory lessons, but the practical test is still taken in a driving school's car.
How much does a German driving licence cost, and how long does it take?
Roughly €2,500 to €3,500 or more all in, and usually three to six months from signing up to passing. Prices vary a lot by city and by how many lessons you need. Once you pass the theory test you have 12 months to pass the practical test.
Driving school guide for your city
The local steps, the Führerscheinstelle and its booking page:
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Facing a German form?
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Sources: the exam languages are set in Anlage 7 of the Driving Licence Regulation (FeV). Prices are typical ranges, not quotes; your driving school's price list is what counts.