Practical driving test: duration, tasks and fee

Requirements

• You have passed the theory exam – no more than 12 months ago.
• Your driving school confirms that you have completed the prescribed training, including the special drives. This confirmation must also be no more than two years old.
• At the earliest one month before the minimum age (class B: at 17 years and 11 months; BF17: at 16 years and 11 months).
• In practice, your driving school arranges the appointment with the test centre.

How long does the test last?

For class B, at least 55 minutes in total, of which at least 30 minutes of pure driving time. You drive in built-up and non-built-up areas and, if possible, on the motorway.

What is tested?

• Three basic manoeuvres (Grundfahraufgaben): one from “reversing into a junction or driveway to the right” and “parallel parking in reverse”, as well as two from “turning around”, “forward parking, perpendicular or angled” and “emergency braking”.
• In addition, typical driving tasks such as lane changes, bends, overtaking, junctions, roundabouts, level crossings and pedestrian crossings.
• The examiner completes an electronic test record (elektronisches Prüfprotokoll). You receive feedback – even if you passed.

The test takes place at a test location at your place of main residence or – with proof – at the place of your school, training, studies or work.

What does it cost?

The test centre's fee is €129.83 per attempt (fee schedule, No. 402.3). In addition there is the presentation fee charged by your driving school for the exam, including the vehicle. The driving school sets this fee itself; in Berlin price lists we saw €150 to €200, and ADAC states €160 to €289 nationwide.

Passed – and then?

• For class B you receive your driving licence or a provisional proof (vorläufiger Nachweis) directly after the test. From then on you may drive – at the earliest from your 18th birthday.
• In Berlin the provisional proof is valid for three months (in Germany only); according to the LABO, the card usually arrives by post after 10 working days.
• With BF17 you receive a test certificate (Prüfungsbescheinigung) that allows you to drive accompanied.
• Your probation period starts with your first driving licence.

Failed?

A retake is as a rule possible no earlier than after two weeks. Usually additional practice lessons are needed. In 2025, according to the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, 41.4% of practical exams for class B were failed (exams are counted, not people). More on this: Failed – what now?

B197: test in an automatic car

If you take the test in an automatic car, key number 78 (automatic only) is entered unless you have proof of manual training. With proof of manual training you get B197. See B197 – automatic with manual entitlement.

Draft – not yet in force: The reform draft (BR-Drs. 365/26) provides from 1 July 2027 for a shorter test (at least 40 minutes, of which 25 minutes driving time) and a lower exam fee. As of October 2026, this has not been adopted.