Failed your driving test – what now?

You are not alone

In 2025, according to the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, 48.2% of theory exams and 41.4% of practical exams for class B in Germany were failed. The statistics count exams, not people. Based on the same data, the TÜV-Verband reports that around 63% pass the theory exam and around 65% the practical exam on the first attempt (class B and BF17 combined).

When can you retake?

• As a rule, no earlier than after two weeks – this applies to both theory and practical exams (§ 18 Abs. 1 FeV).
• The theory exam is taken in full again.
• After an attempt to cheat, the waiting period (Sperrfrist) can be up to nine months.

What does a retake cost?

• Theory: the €24.99 exam fee again, plus usually the driving school's presentation fee again. In total roughly €25 to €160, depending on the driving school.
• Practical: the €129.83 exam fee again plus the driving school's presentation fee (in Berlin often €150 to €200) – together roughly €280 to €420, plus usually further practice lessons.

These ranges are estimates based on the fee schedule and market data. What your driving school charges is on its price list.

If you do not turn up for the exam without a sufficient excuse, the exam fee still falls due.

These deadlines keep running

• You must pass the theory exam within 12 months of receipt of the exam order (Prüfauftrag).
• You must pass the practical exam within 12 months of passing the theory exam – otherwise the theory exam expires.
• In Berlin, according to its own information, the LABO does not extend these deadlines; a new application is then needed.

What helps?

• Use the feedback: After the practical test you receive feedback from the electronic test record (elektronisches Prüfprotokoll). Go through it with your driving instructor.
• Practise theory in a targeted way: TÜV | DEKRA arge tp 21 offers a free sample exam in the original layout. You can find learning apps compared at Learning theory.
• Don't register too early: One more practice lesson is usually cheaper than another exam attempt.
• If the driving school isn't a good fit: Changing driving school.