Driving licence
Prepare yourself realistically and successfully for the theory driving test. Our preparation for the theory test is based on the test format on the PC and helps you to understand and master the original test questions, video scenarios and test logic. With TÜV NORD, you are ideally equipped - for your exam success.
Simulate original test
With good preparation, you can almost pass the theory driving test. If you have successfully completed the questionnaires at the driving school, you can go into the test relaxed. The test is conducted on a PC and contains exactly the same questions that you know from the lessons.
The aim of the training is to make you a safe, responsible and environmentally aware road user. Theoretical knowledge is essential for this.
Important note: You can only register for the test once all the specified training objectives have been achieved and confirmed by your driving school.
Congratulations! You have passed the theory driving test.
Your results report will be made available to you by email and via the TÜV NORD learner driver app.
Share the positive result with your driving school and now concentrate on the practical test.
There are worse things! Let your driving school know the test result.
When you feel ready, arrange a new test date via your driving school. Please note that you can only take the test again after 14 days at the earliest.
The retest is subject to a fee. Please pay the test fee on receipt of the invoice and bring proof of payment and your valid ID with you. You're sure to pass!
Since 2014, videos have been an integral part of the theoretical driving test. These short films prepare learner drivers more realistically for critical traffic situations by depicting the scenes as they occur in real road traffic.
The computer-animated videos, which last around 15 seconds, show realistic scenarios. Examples include a cyclist suddenly emerging from a blind spot, a child playing at the side of the road or complex crossing situations involving several road users. The dynamics of these scenes are conveyed much better in a video than through static images or graphics.
Although the total number of exam questions has remained the same, the question catalogue now contains up to three video tasks within the 30 questions. As an examinee, you have the option of watching the video sequences up to five times before answering the corresponding question.
Thanks to the flexible computer animation, the clips can be customised so that there are always new scenarios with different landscapes, road layouts or vehicles. These variations challenge you as the examinee to analyse the situations and react appropriately.
The exam marking is not based on a fixed number of incorrect answers, but on penalty points:
Important rules regarding marking:
In practical terms, this means: You can afford to make plenty of ‘minor’ mistakes (e.g. on 2- or 3-point questions), but you should be particularly confident with the ‘critical’ 5-point questions – these usually concern dangerous traffic situations involving right of way, distances and hazard perception.
There is no fixed rule regarding how many 5-point questions appear in each exam paper – this depends on the question bank and the composition of the paper.
However, these 5-point questions are particularly important because they carry significant weight if answered incorrectly, and getting two 5-point questions wrong can directly prevent you from passing.
| Example | Mark deductions | Result of the theory test |
| 5 + 3 + 2 | 10 | ✅ Pass |
| 4 + 3 + 3 | 10 | ✅ Passed |
| 5 + 5 | 10 | ❌ Failed (two 5-point errors) |
| 5 + 3 + 3 | 11 | ❌ Failed (over 10 points) |
| Driving licence category | Number of exam questions | Permitted number of marks lost | Note |
| Category B | 30 | max. 10 penalty points | But not 2 × 5-point errors |
| Class A, A1, A2, AM | 30 | max. 10 penalty points | Same rule as B |
| Upgrade to a higher category | 20 | max. 6 penalty points | when obtaining an additional category |
| Class C (lorries) | 37 | max. 10 penalty points | But not 2 × 5-point offences |
| Class D (bus) | 40 | max. 10 penalty points | But not 2 × 5-point faults |
The theory test for a Class B driving licence (car) consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. These comprise:
In total, there are 30 questions that must be answered in the test.
If you already hold a driving licence, the number of exam questions is reduced to:
The examination fees for the theory test are set at a standard rate by TÜV NORD – this gives you clear pricing and certainty when planning, regardless of which driving school you attend. Many driving schools charge additional fees for registration and administration, but these vary considerably.
TÜV NORD fees for the theory test:
These prices are set out in the schedule of fees and apply equally to all candidates – regardless of the driving school.
No, as a rule, you cannot simply register for the official theory test on your own without a driving school, and the test itself is not taken entirely online – it takes place in person at an authorised TÜV NORD test centre.
Registering for the test:
In Germany, registration for the theory test is usually handled by your driving school. You must have attended the required number of theory lessons there and received a corresponding training certificate before the driving school can register you for the test.
Direct online registration: Whilst
it is technically possible to book an appointment for the theory test online via the TÜV NORD examination portal, you still need confirmation from your driving school or the training certificate to be admitted to the test. This means: Without a driving school and without this certificate, you will not be admitted to the official test.
Taking the theory test online:
You can prepare for the theory test online or via an app – there are many digital learning systems available to help you practise the questions. TÜV NORD recommends the current question bank.
However, the test itself does not take place entirely online. It is conducted on a PC or tablet at a TÜV NORD test centre; you must attend in person to sit the test.
Yes — there are specific theory tests for different categories of driving licence, which vary in terms of the number of questions and the topics covered. Some special authorisations, such as B196 (125cc without a test), do not require a standard theory test.
Motorcycle theory test (categories A, A1, A2): Motorcycle
licences also have their own theory section with category-specific questions on safe participation in road traffic. The test questions are based on official catalogues.
HGV theory test (categories C, C1, CE):
For heavy goods vehicles, there is a more comprehensive theory section with additional questions on size, weight, load securing and specific traffic situations. As usual, these tests are held at TÜV NORD.
B196 – riding 125cc bikes without a test:
With the B196 code, a car driving licence holder can ride 125cc motorcycles (light motorcycles) without taking a standard theory or practical test. Requirements include a minimum age and special rider training.
125cc bikes without a test in general:
This regulation corresponds exactly to the B196 model in Germany: you do not need to take an additional theory test, but only need to provide proof of training so that the code can be entered.
Yes – the theory test for a driving licence in Germany can be taken in several foreign languages, including Arabic and English.
The exam questions are translated from the official German question bank into the respective languages.
In addition to Arabic and English, other languages are available, such as French, Turkish, Polish, Spanish, Russian and many more – a total of up to 12 languages are available.
During the registration process, you specify the language in which you wish to take the test. Make sure that this language is confirmed by the test centre before you go to the test.
You can find further details on the procedure and language options on our handy information page about the theory test, which includes an overview of all categories and options.
Often, yes – but there are deadlines and conditions. Get in touch with your driving school as soon as possible so that they can change the date correctly.
Many learner drivers are already taking driving lessons at their driving school at the same time. Whether and how this works for you is up to your driving school – ask them what the best approach is.
You won’t automatically receive your standard driving licence card straight after passing your theory test – you’ll only receive it once you’ve passed your practical test and your application for a driving licence has been processed.
Depending on the local authority, this can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. In many cases, however, the driving licence is available shortly after the practical test or within a few weeks.
If you do not receive your card-style driving licence straight away (e.g. because it is currently being printed), you can apply to the driving licence authority for a provisional driving licence or a certificate of passing the test – this allows you to drive in Germany for a limited period.
Once you have passed the theory test, you have 12 months to pass the practical test – after that, your certificate of passing the theory test expires and you may have to retake it.
Prepare for your driving theory test in a realistic way and for free – exactly as it will be taken later on a computer. With our free, authentic sample test, you’ll answer real questions in the official format and can accurately assess whether you’re ready for the theory test.
✔ Original questions for each driving licence category – in the official exam format
✔ Realistic simulation of the exam structure (20 basic questions + category-specific questions)
✔ Ideal for learning, revising and targeted practice
✔ Free to use – no registration required
