The practical driving test in Germany

The practical driving test in Germany (2025 update)

Introduction
The practical driving test is the decisive milestone on the way to obtaining a German driving licence. It is the exam in which the learner must prove that they can drive safely and responsibly in real-life traffic situations, under the supervision of an official examiner from TÜV or DEKRA.

Since the introduction of the Optimised Practical Driving Test (Optimierte Praktische Fahrerlaubnisprüfung – OPFEP) in 2021, the test has become longer, fully digital, and far more detailed in its assessment of skills. Its duration and evaluation methods have continued to be refined up to spring 2025 (Deutscher Verkehrssicherheitsrat).

1. Duration and structure of the test

Element – Details

Total duration
55 minutes for category B:
– 5 minutes of preparation,
– 30 minutes of actual driving,
– 10 minutes of mandatory manoeuvres,
– 10 minutes of debriefing and feedback (Deutscher Verkehrssicherheitsrat).
Main sections
Safety check (Abfahrtkontrolle) → urban driving → rural road → motorway (if available in the test area) → special manoeuvres (parking, reversing, emergency braking).
Assessment
The test is assessed using an electronic protocol on a tablet, on which the examiner records your performance according to a nationwide standardised assessment catalogue (fahrschule-123.de, Deutscher Verkehrssicherheitsrat).

2. Before the test day: eligibility requirements

To be admitted to the practical test, the following conditions must be met:

Completion of all special driving lessons (Sonderfahrten)
For category B, this typically includes a fixed number of night drives, country-road drives and motorway drives.
Passed theory test
The theoretical test must have been passed within the last two years.
Payment of the practical test fees
The fee for the practical test at TÜV/DEKRA is usually between €130 and €163, depending on the federal state, plus a “exam presentation” fee charged by the driving school, typically €80–€120 (ADAC, TÜV SÜD).
Appointment booked via the driving school
The appointment is scheduled exclusively via the driving school in the examiner’s system; private requests from the learner are not accepted (DEKRA).

3. How the test is conducted – step by step

Identity check
The examiner checks your ID card or passport and your exam authorisation (Prüfauftrag) issued by the authorities.
Vehicle check (Abfahrtkontrolle)
You carry out a short safety check of the car, for example:
– Lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights),
– Oil level and tyre pressure,
– Horn and hazard warning lights,
– In some cases you may be asked to explain the function of a button or driver assistance system (e.g. ESP, lane-keeping assist).
Urban driving
In city traffic, the examiner pays particular attention to:
– correct application of right-of-way rules,
– behaviour in narrow streets and when parking,
– handling of roundabouts,
– consistent use of the shoulder check when changing lane or turning.
Rural roads
Key aspects here include:
– appropriate speed in bends and limited-visibility areas,
– safe overtaking or passing of cyclists and slow vehicles,
– anticipating and reacting to traffic signs in good time.
Motorway (where available)
If the route includes a motorway, you are expected to:
– accelerate safely on the slip road,
– merge smoothly into traffic,
– maintain the legally required safety distance,
– change lanes confidently without endangering others.
Special manoeuvres
Typical category B manoeuvres include:
– Parallel or reverse parking,
– reversing, for example in an L-shaped manoeuvre or around a corner,
– an emergency stop (full brake) from around 50 km/h.
Digital debriefing
After the car is parked for the final time, the examiner reviews the electronic test protocol, then provides detailed verbal feedback on your strengths and weaknesses.
You are informed immediately whether you have passed or failed, and a digital report (e.g. PDF) is usually provided via your driving school’s app or by e-mail.

4. Assessment criteria in the OPFEP system

In OPFEP, your performance is evaluated in around ten observation categories, including:

Vehicle control and handling,
Compliance with traffic rules,
Interaction and communication with other road users,
Eco-friendly and economical driving,
Hazard perception and risk management (TÜV SÜD).

Each error is documented with its severity level:

minor,
medium,
serious/dangerous.

A single dangerous error is sufficient for an immediate fail, for example:

driving through a red traffic light,
forcing another road user to brake sharply to avoid a collision,
deliberately exceeding the speed limit by a large margin in a critical area.

5. Most common reasons for failing

Reason – Short explanation

Ignoring right of way
Failing to come to a complete stop at a STOP sign or not yielding correctly in a roundabout or at a junction.
Insufficient mirror and shoulder checks
Changing lane or turning without a proper shoulder check, or not checking the mirrors frequently enough.
Incorrect speed choice
Entering a rural bend too fast, or merging onto the motorway too slowly, thereby hindering faster traffic.
Insufficient safety distance
Driving with less than two seconds’ distance to the vehicle ahead, especially at higher speeds.
Repeated parking errors
Touching the kerb more than once, stopping too far from the kerb, or overstepping the parking line by more than 50 cm.

6. Fees and retaking the test

The examiner’s fee is charged for each attempt, regardless of the outcome.
You may retake the test after a waiting period of at least two weeks; after a third consecutive failure, the examiner may impose a waiting period of up to four weeks (ADAC).
If one full year passes without a successful practical test, your theory test result may expire, and you may be required to retake the theory exam before booking another practical test appointment.

7. Golden tips for success

Simulate a full exam
Ask your driving instructor for at least one lesson that mirrors the real exam: 55 minutes in one go, with no unnecessary interruptions.
Don’t memorise the route – understand the rules
The exam route is not fixed; the examiner chooses from various streets in the test area. Focus on principles and rules, not on trying to memorise a specific path.
Manage your stress
Take a few deep breaths before starting, and adjust your seat, mirrors and steering wheel calmly. A composed start sets the tone for the whole test.
Communicate clearly with the examiner
If you did not hear or understand an instruction, ask for it to be repeated or repeat it out loud to confirm. This shows accuracy and responsibility, rather than guessing.
Practise the Abfahrtkontrolle
A structured pre-drive safety check lasting just a couple of minutes can create a very professional impression and helps you avoid losing easy points at the beginning.

Conclusion

In 2025, the practical driving test in Germany combines strict assessment standards with modern digital tools. By understanding the structure of the test, preparing yourself mentally, and practising real traffic situations intensively, you can turn 55 challenging minutes into a successful licence outcome, opening the door to greater mobility and job opportunities across the EU and beyond. Drive safely!

The editorial team of this website strives to offer accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or details may change over time. Therefore, the information presented in this article should be treated as an initial point of reference, and you should always consult the relevant authorities for final, binding information.