The theoretical driving test in Germany

Theoretical driving test in Germany (2025 update)

Introduction
The theoretical driving test is the first gateway to obtaining a driving licence in Germany. Without passing this strict exam, the law does not allow you to move on to the practical driving test. Because German legislation places road safety as the top priority, the exam content is regularly reviewed. The latest major amendment came into force on 1 April 2025, introducing more interactive image-based questions to assess the practical understanding of road rules (tuev-verband.de).

Structure of the test and number of questions

• Category B (cars):
  30 questions in total:
  – 20 questions from the “general knowledge” section
  – 10 category-specific questions for class B

• Error limit:
  You may collect a maximum of 10 error points, on the condition that you do not answer two 5-point questions incorrectly (ADAC).

• Other licence categories:
  Depending on the class (AM, A, C, D …), the test contains between 20 and 40 questions, with a similar maximum error limit of 10 points (ADAC).

What is new in 2025?
With the 2025 update, more picture questions (Abbildungsfragen) have been added. In these, candidates must:

• analyse a traffic scene or

• a digital road sign or display,

and then choose the appropriate response. This makes the exam more realistic and reduces the effectiveness of pure rote learning (AUTO BILD).

Available languages
The theory test can be taken in 13 approved languages:

• German

• English

• French

• Greek

• Italian

• Polish

• Portuguese

• Romanian

• Russian

• Croatian

• Spanish

• Turkish

• Standard Arabic

This list has been officially approved by the federal examination body (TÜV | DEKRA ARGE TP 21) and appears in full in the digital exam interface (ADAC).

Fees and scheduling

• Exam fee:
  Around 25 euros, paid to TÜV or DEKRA (ADAC).

• Registration fee via driving school:
  Between 50 and 150 euros, depending on the federal state and the driving school.

• Earliest exam date:
  You may sit the test up to 3 months before reaching the minimum age for the chosen licence category (ADAC).

• Validity of theory course:
  The certificate for the theory lessons is usually valid for two years from the date of the last theory class.

If you fail the exam, you may retake it after at least two weeks, paying the exam fee again (ADAC).

Digital exam procedure

• The exam is taken on a computer or tablet in the examination centre, with live supervision to prevent cheating (ADAC).

• The questions are presented in a uniform digital interface that includes short videos, interactive images and, where necessary, calculation-based questions (for example, braking distances).

• Candidates receive their result immediately as a digital protocol, which highlights the incorrectly answered questions and the main weak points, helping them to prepare for a possible second attempt.

Content of the question bank (Fragenkatalog)
The official question bank now contains around 1,040 questions, after removing repetitive items and adding modern scenarios related to electric vehicles, driver assistance systems and environmental safety in smart cities (tuev-verband.de).

The content is updated twice a year – in April and October – so you must make sure that your practice app or theory book includes the latest version of the question catalogue.

Best preparation methods

• Official or licensed apps
  Use recognised learning apps, such as the ADAC app for members, which simulates the real exam interface and contains all official questions (ADAC).

• Full mock exams
  Take complete exam simulations several times until you can achieve a result with no mistakes or with significantly fewer than 10 error points.

• Topic-based study
  Structure your learning according to topics, for example:
  – Traffic signs
  – Right of way and priority rules
  – Environmental and urban safety situations
  – International traffic rules and driving abroad

• Reverse review (error analysis)
  Start with the questions you previously got wrong, and focus on understanding the underlying rule, not just memorising the correct answer.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on pure memorisation of questions without understanding the legal background; the picture questions are designed to expose this weakness quickly.

• Neglecting calculations of stopping and braking distances; many learners lose 5 full points in a single question because of a small mistake in distance or speed.

• Using outdated apps or books; older versions may contain questions that are no longer current or have been removed from the official catalogue.

On exam day: quick checklist

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid stress.

• Bring your ID card or passport and a copy of the training approval issued by your Fahrschule (driving school).

• Read every question carefully; in many exam centres, you may use headphones to activate the audio reading function in the language you selected.

• After finishing the test, use the few minutes while waiting for the result to mentally review any uncertain questions – this can help you to prepare better for a possible second attempt.

Conclusion
Passing the theoretical driving test in Germany in 2025 requires more than memorising questions. It is a comprehensive assessment designed to build real traffic awareness and prepare drivers for everyday situations on motorways and urban roads.

With systematic preparation, the use of modern learning tools and a clear understanding of the ongoing updates to the question bank, you will have completed half the journey towards an EU-recognised driving licence and opened the door to safe and responsible driving.

The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of various sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may change over time. Therefore, the information contained in this article should be regarded as an initial reference only. For binding and up-to-date information, always contact the competent authorities and official bodies.