FAQ
These are the answers to frequently asked questions
Many topics related to getting a driver’s license raise questions—from registration to the exam. To save you time, we’ve gathered the most important information for you here.
How do I apply for a driver’s license?
You need: a first aid course, eye test, and biometric photo – all available directly with us.
After that, take the documents to the Bürgeramt and submit your application there.
Important: Bring your passport or ID card, have €50 ready, and – depending on your license – also bring your old driver’s license (with translation if not in English), registration certificate, and the details of our driving school.
➤ Book your appointment for the first aid course here: erstehilfekursberlin.de/schoeneberg-fahrschule-oscar
How can I retake the practical driving test?
If you fail the exam, you may retake it after 14 days. A shorter waiting period of one week is possible if you complete three driving sessions, each lasting 90 minutes.
How does the practical driving test work?
For Class B, the practical driving test lasts 55 minutes. The actual driving time is usually around 35 minutes.
The examiner can shorten the practical test if they believe you have sufficient control of the vehicle and situations, or extend it – for example, if you were stuck in traffic (which rarely happens).
How much the test is shortened or extended is entirely at the examiner’s discretion.
What are the basic elements of the practical driving test?
The examiner pays attention to your preparation (seat, mirrors, seatbelt) and whether you can operate the controls confidently.
Important factors include proper starting with a glance in the rearview mirror, appropriate speed, safe distance, and calm, attentive driving behavior.
At intersections, things like shoulder checks, proper signaling, and yielding to pedestrians are essential. In urban areas and on the highway, the focus is on driving safely and with foresight.
At the end, you must park and secure the car correctly – then you’ve made it!
When can I take the practical exam at the earliest?
You can take the exam no earlier than one month before reaching the required minimum age.
How long is the passed theory test valid?
Your passed theory test is valid for 12 months. You must take the practical driving test within 12 months of passing the theory test.
When Can I Retake the Theoretical Driving Test?
If you fail the theory test, you can normally retake it after 14 days.
A shorter waiting period is possible: you may retake the theory test after 3 days if you attend 2 theory topics.
That means we’ll see each other again for some more theory lessons.
What is the maximum number of errors I am allowed to make in the theoretical exam?
How does the theory test work?
The theory driving test is conducted on a computer. You’ll receive 30 questions: 20 basic questions and 10 questions specific to the license class you’re applying for. You can pass with a maximum of 10 penalty points – but not if you make two 5-point mistakes.
If you’re upgrading an existing license, the test consists of only 20 questions (10 + 10), and you’re allowed a maximum of 6 penalty points.
You have 45 minutes to complete the test, though if you’re well prepared, you’ll often need only 10. In Berlin, it’s a good idea to arrive at least an hour before closing time in case it gets crowded.
How difficult are the driving tests?
In the end, only one thing helps: studying. But don’t worry — you’ll have enough time to work through all the questions thoroughly. Nearly 1,100 questions may sound like a lot, but with a bit of practice, you’ll quickly get a good feel for it.
How relaxed or stressed you feel going into the theory test depends largely on your preparation. Those who study regularly and approach the process with a positive mindset usually have no issues — and if it doesn’t work out, you can simply retake the test.
The practical test isn’t a mystery either. The examiner just sits in the back seat and gives instructions through the driving instructor. Everything goes just like you practiced in your lessons: parking, turning around, braking, getting on the highway. The better prepared you are, the calmer you’ll stay.
A bit of nervousness is normal, but with solid preparation and clear steps, you’ve got this. We’re with you every step of the way and keeping our fingers crossed for you.
When can I take the exam?
You can take the theory test once you’ve completed all topics at the driving school and confidently know all the questions in the learning center. The earliest possible date is three months before reaching the minimum age.
You may take the practical test no earlier than one month before your corresponding birthday, provided all required special driving sessions have been completed. Your driving instructor will discuss with you whether you’re ready. What matters is not perfection, but whether you drive safely and in accordance with the rules.
When do the theory lessons take place?
We offer our theory lessons in German on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
How long does it take to get a driver's license?
The standard training takes about 2–3 months.
This assumes that all steps with the authorities have been completed — meaning you’ve had your appointment at the Bürgeramt and submitted your driver’s license application there.
Processing times at the authorities in Berlin currently take around 2–3 months. You can only take your driving test after receiving official approval to obtain a license. However, you can start your training at the Driving School Berlin Schöneberg right away.
What teaching materials are required?
In addition to mandatory attendance in theory lessons, you need to register in our theory learning center. There, you prepare for your theory driving test using multiple-choice software.
You’ll also receive an app that you can use offline. As soon as you have an internet connection, you can sync and update it with your theory learning center. This way, you’ll always know your current learning progress as a percentage. Books are available both in print and digital format.
Can I agree on a fixed price?
No! There is a risk that you would be expected to pass the test within a fixed number of lessons. Anyone offering this does not have the well-being of the learner or the general public in mind, but likely has other interests.
Since every individual needs a different number of driving lessons to pass the test safely and not pose a danger to themselves or others, the law prohibits such offers.
Anyone who offers this is acting unlawfully. Only quality training reduces the risk of being involved in an accident. Every accident is more expensive than good driver training!
How much does a driver's license cost?
After how many theory lessons can I start the practical training?
Immediately. You can start theoretical and practical driver training at any time. This also makes sense. Our country is envied worldwide for its dual education system.
That means those who are already driving find it easier to learn the theory part. During practical driving lessons, you gain a lot of experience that supports your learning. At the same time, you can share your experiences with other students.
Because this has proven effective in practice, the legislator has made it mandatory.
What is a provisional driver's license/probationary period?
If you obtain a driver’s license for the first time in classes B, A, or A1, it will be issued on a probationary basis. This probation period starts on the day the license is first issued and lasts two years.
It can be extended—for example, if you commit a serious traffic violation or are caught twice for less serious offenses. In such cases, you must attend a remedial seminar, and the probation period is extended by two years.
Examples of such offenses include speeding, running a red light, or using a mobile phone while driving. The driver’s license office is automatically notified in these cases and will order the necessary measures.
More interesting facts about the provisional driver's license
Start and End of the Probationary Period:
The probationary period begins on the day the driver’s license is issued and ends exactly two years later at the close of that day. The end date is noted directly on the driver’s license.
Warnings and Fines:
Warning fines do not affect the probationary license. If offenses are committed during the probation period that result in points in Flensburg, driving bans, or even license revocation, additional training is mandatory.
Types of Offenses:
Traffic violations are divided into two categories: A and B offenses.
Category A offenses include serious violations, covering most traffic crimes (except, for example, license plate misuse, § 22 StVG) as well as frequent administrative offenses such as speeding, distance violations, running red lights, right-of-way violations, or improper overtaking.
Category B offenses are less severe infractions, such as violations of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), like exceeding the TÜV inspection deadline by more than eight months.
If an A offense or two B offenses are committed during the probation period, further training is required and the probation period is extended to four years.
Additional Training:
The additional training is aimed at novice drivers who have been flagged for offenses. It includes several theory sessions (four sessions of 135 minutes each) where the offenses are discussed in detail, as well as a driving test of at least 30 minutes during which an examiner evaluates the driving behavior.
These courses are offered by driving schools and cost about 350 euros, depending on the provider. All parts of the course must be completed in full and within the deadline set by the road traffic authority.
Further Offenses During the Probation Period:
If, after additional training, another A offense or two B offenses occur, the traffic authority will request voluntary participation in a traffic psychological consultation within two months.
Although this consultation is voluntary, it is highly recommended. It offers two benefits: a two-point reduction on your record and that offenses committed within the two months are not considered in the driver’s license evaluation.
License Revocation:
If a novice driver does not attend the additional training or commits another A offense or two B offenses within two months after the warning, the driver’s license will be revoked.
The license holder must then retake the theoretical and practical exams for the affected license class.
Summary of A and B Offenses Leading to Additional Training
After a single A offense:
Failure to keep right when facing oncoming traffic, being overtaken, or in unclear situations
Speeding in unclear traffic conditions, at intersections, junctions, or railway crossings
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 km/h
Insufficient safety distance at speeds over 80 km/h
Illegal overtaking on the right outside built-up areas
Overtaking in unclear or uncertain traffic situations or where overtaking is prohibited
Ignoring right of way, making U-turns, reversing, or driving against traffic on highways or expressways
Incorrect behavior towards public transport and school buses
Failure to stop before turning right on a green arrow
Ignoring red lights or blatantly disregarding STOP signs
Use or allowance of vehicles without registration or operating permits
Driving under the influence of alcohol
After two B offenses:
Dangerous left turns without signaling at the edge of the roadway
Driving with tires having less than 1.6 mm tread depth
Driving without headlights or only with parking lights in poor visibility outside built-up areas
Driving with unsafe loads that impair traffic safety
Exceeding the TÜV inspection deadline by more than eight months
Driving vehicles with defects
Exceeding permitted vehicle dimensions
When does the practical training take place?
Our driving school in Berlin Schöneberg/Steglitz offers driving lessons from Monday to Saturday.
In summer, due to night driving, lessons can extend until midnight. The early bird starts with us at 8:30 AM.
How many driving lessons do I need?
Questions about mandatory driving lessons can only be answered with special driving sessions. These are the only required ones and include highway, country road, and night driving.
All other practice drives depend on individual learning behavior. You can use the statistic here: age = number of practice drives (80 minutes each).
This statistic is only a rough guide. We had a retiree who needed just 30 practice hours and a student who needed more. Athletes generally perform better here. The average is actually about 16 practice drives plus the special driving sessions.
When can I start learning to drive (accompanied driving)?
- Until the 18th birthday, driving is only allowed when accompanied by an adult and experienced person (the person must be named in the test certificate, and it is also possible to register multiple accompanying persons)
- The accompanying person must be at least 30 years old
- The accompanying person must have held a car driving license for at least 5 years
- The accompanying person may have a maximum of three points in the central traffic register
- The driving license is only valid in Germany. Those who have now decided to start at 16 to be ready by their 17th birthday can already submit the applications. Consent from the legal guardians must be given. The application can be submitted from age 16½, but only accompanied by the legal guardian(s). Furthermore, the following documents must be brought:
- Identity card or passport
- Photo (35×45 mm, half-profile without head covering)
- Eye test certificate (not older than 2 years)
- Proof of instruction in life-saving immediate measures
- A form must be completed for each accompanying person
- Personal details of the accompanying person(s)
- Signature + copy of the driving license of the accompanying person(s)