Driving licence in Germany
Which class do you need, how does it work and what does it cost? All information follows current law, checked on 05/10/2026 – with legal bases and sources.
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In-depth guides
For the car licence we have put together the process, all deadlines, fees and exam statistics.
Class B (car) →
Cars up to 3,500 kg, up to 8 passenger seats. Minimum age 18.
from 18 years · § 6, § 10 FeV
BF17 – accompanied driving from 17 →
Class B from 17; until 18 you may only drive with a named companion (30+, 5 years class B, max. 1 point).
from 17 years · § 48a FeV, § 6e StVG
B197 – automatic exam with manual entitlement →
Take the exam in an automatic but keep the right to drive manual: at least 10 manual lessons plus a 15-minute test drive (key number 197).
from 18 years · § 17a FeV, § 5a FahrschAusbO
How the driving licence process works
Six stages for class B. BF17 and B197 add a few extra steps.
Orientation
Preparation
Application
Theory
Practical
Licence
All driving licence classes
Minimum age under the basic rule of § 10 FeV – some classes have exceptions and staged rules.
Car
- Class B (car)
Cars up to 3,500 kg, up to 8 passenger seats. Minimum age 18.
from 18Guide - BF17 – accompanied driving from 17
Class B from 17; until 18 you may only drive with a named companion (30+, 5 years class B, max. 1 point).
from 17Guide - B197 – automatic exam with manual entitlement
Take the exam in an automatic but keep the right to drive manual: at least 10 manual lessons plus a 15-minute test drive (key number 197).
from 18Guide - Class BE (car with trailer)
Class B vehicle with a trailer up to 3,500 kg.
from 18 - B96
Extension for trailer combinations up to 4,250 kg (training only).
from 18
Motorcycle, moped & light moped
- Class AM (moped)
Mopeds up to 45 km/h. Minimum age 15.
from 15 - Class A1 (light motorcycle)
Light motorcycles up to 125 cc. Minimum age 16.
from 16 - Class A2
Motorcycles up to 35 kW. Minimum age 18.
from 18 - Class A
Motorcycles without power limit.
from 24 - Moped certificate (Mofa)
Mopeds up to 25 km/h, from 15.
from 15
Lorry & bus
- Class C1
Vehicles 3,500–7,500 kg.
from 18 - Class C1E
C1 with trailer.
from 18 - Class C (truck)
Vehicles over 3,500 kg.
from 21 - Class CE
C with trailer.
from 21 - Class D1
Minibuses up to 16 passengers.
from 21 - Class D1E
D1 with trailer.
from 21 - Class D (bus)
Buses.
from 24 - Class DE
D with trailer.
from 24
Agriculture & forestry
Legal basis: § 6 FeV (classification of licence classes), § 10 FeV (minimum age)