Applying for a driving licence

Teaser

You can apply for an unlimited driving licence for categories A, A1, A2, AM, B, BE, L and T. The driving licence, in which the driving licences are entered, serves as proof of possession of the corresponding driving licences.

  • Service description

    Anyone who wants to drive a motor vehicle in Germany needs a driving licence. The driving licence, in which the driving licences are entered, serves as proof of possession of the corresponding driving licences.

    You can apply for an unlimited driving licence for categories A, A1, A2, AM, B, BE, L and T.

    The first driving licence, with the exception of category AM, L and T licences, is issued on probation. The probationary period lasts two years.

  • Procedure

    You must submit an application for the relevant driving licence category to the relevant driving licence authority.

  • Prerequisites

    • You must have your main place of residence in the Federal Republic of Germany
    • You must have reached the required minimum age
    • You must be fit to drive motor vehicles
    • You must have been trained to drive motor vehicles in accordance with the Driving Instructors Act and the legislation based on it
    • You must have demonstrated your ability to drive motor vehicles in a theoretical and practical test
    • You must be able to provide first aid and provide the necessary proof of this
    • You must fulfil the vision requirements and provide evidence of this
    • You must not hold a driving licence in this category issued in a member state of the European Union or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area
    • The other requirements depend on the driving licence category applied for

  • Which documents are required?

    • Valid identity card or passport (with current registration certificate if applicable)

    • Application for a driving licence, if applicable
    • a biometric photograph in accordance with the provisions of the Passport Ordinance (size 45x35 mm, portrait format, frontal view). You can find more detailed information on the Bundesdruckerei's sample photo table.
    • Eye test certificate in accordance with Annex 6 No. 1.1 FeV (not older than two years)
    • Proof of participation in a first aid training course
    • the other documents depending on the driving licence category applied for

  • What fees are incurred?

    The fee is based on the scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt).

  • What deadlines do I have to observe?

    The application for the initial issue of a driving licence expires if the theory test is not passed within twelve months of receipt of the test order or the practical test is not passed within twelve months of passing the theory test

  • Processing time

    The processing time depends on the capacity utilisation of the responsible driving licence authority.

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    • Contradiction
    • You will find further information on how to lodge an objection in your respective notification
    • Action before the administrative court

  • Applications / Forms

    Forms available: Yes

    Written form required: Yes

    Informal application possible: No

    Personal appearance required: Yes

    Online services available: Yes

  • What else should I know?

  • Short text

    • Driving licence issue
    • A driving licence is required to drive a motor vehicle in Germany. The driving licence, in which the driving licences are entered, serves as proof of possession of the corresponding driving licences.
    • The first issue of a driving licence is the issue of a licence to a person who has never held a driving licence before.
    • An unlimited driving licence is issued for categories A, A1, A2, AM, B, BE, L and T
    • The first driving licence, with the exception of category AM, L and T licences, is issued on probation. The probationary period lasts two years.
    • The competent driving licence authority (usually that of the place of residence) is responsible

  • Typing

    2/3

Who should I contact?

Contact the driving licence authority of the district or city in which you have your main residence.

Responsible departments