Guides

B197: automatic exam with manual entitlement

Exam in an automatic car, yet drive manual cars: what you need for key number 197 and what to watch for.

Last checked 05/10/2026

BF17: accompanied driving from 17 and the rules for companions

Apply from 16½, drive accompanied from 17: requirements for companions, documents, fees and the switch to the card licence at 18.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Failed your driving test – what now?

Waiting time, the cost of a retake and the deadlines that keep running – plus honest figures on how often this happens.

Last checked 05/10/2026

First-aid course for your driving licence: scope, providers and validity

Nine teaching units, valid for life: what the course must cover and how to find a recognised provider.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Changing driving school: what to bear in mind

A change is possible, but it costs time and fees. What you report to the authority and what to settle with both driving schools.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Applying for your driving licence: when, where and with which documents

Earliest date, responsible authority, document checklist, fees and the deadlines that start running with your application.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Reducing driving licence costs – without risk

The biggest cost drivers are driving lessons and retakes. Seven ways to save sensibly – without shortcuts that cost you more in the end.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Driving licence with a foreign licence, residence or origin

Residence, foreign driving licences and exam languages – a short overview with links to the official rules.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Practical driving test: duration, tasks and fee

At least 55 minutes, three basic manoeuvres and an electronic test record: how the practical test works.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Probation period for new drivers: duration, rules and consequences of offences

Two years, zero alcohol: when the probation period begins, what happens in case of offences and which classes are exempt.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Eye test for your driving licence: procedure, validity and cost

Who may carry out the eye test, what is tested, how long the certificate is valid – and what you can do if you fail.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Special drives: rural road, motorway and darkness explained

Twelve compulsory drives of 45 minutes each: what is required, when they make sense and how the costs are made up.

Last checked 05/10/2026

Theory exam: procedure, error points, languages and fee

30 questions, at most 10 error points – but two wrong 5-point questions are enough to fail. Everything on procedure, languages and deadlines.

Last checked 05/10/2026