Skip to content
FahrAtlas
en

Applying for a driving licence in Berlin

Where, when and with what you apply for your driving licence.

Where do you apply?

LABO Berlin

Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten (LABO) – Fahrerlaubnisbehörde

Official source

Apply in person at a Bürgeramt or at the LABO (by appointment), or via the driving school (FAO). There is no separate online application for members of the public.

Source: service.berlin.de · as of 05/10/2026

  • In person by appointment at one of Berlin’s 57 citizens’ offices (Bürgerämter) or at the LABO (Puttkamerstraße). Any citizens’ office can deal with it, not just the one in your district.

    Source: Service-Portal Berlin · as of 05/10/2026

  • Via your driving school using “Führerschein Antrag Online” (FAO), if it takes part. The driving school may not charge a processing fee on top of the official fees.

    Source: LABO Berlin – FAO · as of 05/10/2026

  • Berlin has no separate online application for citizens.

    Source: Service-Portal Berlin · as of 05/10/2026

When can you apply?

At the earliest 6 months before the minimum age: from 17½ for class B, from 16½ for BF17. After that you must pass the theory exam within 12 months and the practical exam within 12 months of the theory exam.

Legal basis: § 21 Abs. 4 FeV, § 22 Abs. 5 FeV

Calculate your earliest possible dates →

Which documents do you need?

  • ID card or passport

  • A current biometric passport photo

    In Berlin on paper – photos are not printed on site.

  • Apply at the earliest 6 months before the minimum age

    The application may be submitted no earlier than six months before you reach the minimum age.

    Legal basis: § 21 Abs. 4 FeV

  • Visual acuity of at least 0.7

    Central daytime visual acuity of at least 0.7 (with or without a visual aid).

    Legal basis: § 12 FeV, Anlage 6

  • Eye-test certificate no more than 2 years old

    The eye-test certificate (Sehtestbescheinigung) must be no more than two years old when you apply.

    Legal basis: § 12 FeV, Anlage 6

  • First-aid course: 9 teaching units

    At least 9 teaching units of 45 minutes at an officially recognised body; no expiry date.

    Legal basis: § 19 FeV

  • Companion at least 30 years old

    Companions must be at least 30 years old, have held class B for 5 years and may have at most 1 point.

    Legal basis: § 48a FeV

  • Name and address of your driving school

    The driving school must be stated on the application (§ 21 Abs. 1 FeV).

First aid and eye test in Berlin: course providers · eye-test providers

Authority fees

How long does processing take?

Published processing status (as of 28/09/2026): applications submitted on the following dates are being processed …

  • First issue17/08/2026
  • Online applications via driving schools (FAO)05/08/2026
  • Accompanied driving at 1715/09/2026
  • Extension17/08/2026

The LABO is currently processing applications submitted on these dates. According to the LABO, this does not allow any conclusions about a possible collection date.

Current status from the authority ↗

  • Bring a biometric passport photo on paper – paper photos are not printed on site.

    Source: Service-Portal Berlin · as of 05/10/2026

  • In the application you also name the test centre (DEKRA or TÜV Rheinland). Once you have received your exam admission, you can no longer change the test centre.

    Source: Service-Portal Berlin · as of 05/10/2026

  • The deadlines for the theory and practical exams (12 months each) are not extended; a new application is then required.

    Source: LABO – Frequently asked questions · as of 05/10/2026

  • After passing the exam you receive a provisional proof (valid for 3 months, in Germany only). The card normally arrives by registered post after 10 working days.

    Source: LABO – Information on obtaining a licence · as of 05/10/2026

  • Any change to an ongoing application (e.g. changing driving school, B ↔ BF17, an additional companion) costs €12.80.

    Source: LABO – Information on obtaining a licence · as of 05/10/2026

Locations with appointments (53)