Lesson 2: Step-by-Step Roadmap — From Application to License
The complete process in 9 steps: Minimum age (FeV § 10), eye test, first aid course, application, theory lessons (12+2 double periods), mandatory special drives (5/4/3), earliest exam dates — including B197 and all deadlines.
1. The 9-Step Roadmap
- Step 1 — Check minimum age: Class B at 18 years (FeV § 10 para. 1). At age 17 with Accompanied Driving from 17 (BF17) (FeV § 48a) — details in Lesson 4. Class AM from 15 years.
- Step 2 — Eye test: at an officially recognized eye test center or ophthalmologist (FeV § 12). By federal law, the certificate must not be older than two years at the time of application (FeV § 12 para. 7).
- Step 3 — First aid course: at least 9 instruction units of 45 minutes (FeV § 19); offered by DRK, ASB, Johanniter, Malteser — also available as a single-day weekend course.
- Step 4 — Application at the driving license office: in person or online (FeV § 21, StVG § 2). Required: ID card / passport, eye test certificate, first aid certificate, biometric passport photo. For Freiburg: see Lesson 6.
- Step 5 — Theory lessons at driving school: 12 double lessons of basic theory + 2 double lessons of Class B specific material (FahrschAusbO § 4 para. 3 and 4 in conj. with Annex 2.8; if you already hold another license class: 6 double lessons of basic theory).
- Step 6 — Practical driving training: Basic training without fixed hours (adapted to your progress) plus 12 mandatory special training drives of 45 min: 5 cross-country, 4 highway, 3 twilight/night (FahrschAusbO § 5 para. 3 in conj. with Annex 4).
- Step 7 — Theory exam: can be taken at the earliest 3 months before reaching the minimum age (FeV § 16 para. 3). A passed theory test remains valid for 12 months (FeV § 18 para. 2).
- Step 8 — Practical driving test: at the earliest 1 month before minimum age and only after passing the theory exam (FeV § 17 para. 1).
- Step 9 — Receive your license: After passing the practical test, the driver’s license card is issued and handed over (usually by mail or through your driving school).
2. Deadlines You Need to Know
- 12 months: The practical exam must be taken within 12 months of passing the theory test — otherwise the theory exam loses validity (FeV § 18 para. 2).
- 2 years: The completion of your driving training must not be older than two years at the time of the exam (FeV § 16 para. 3).
- 2 years: A maximum of two years may pass between passing the practical test and receiving your license card (FeV § 18 para. 2).
3. Automatic or Manual Transmission? (Code 78 and B197)
- Exam taken in an automatic car → the license receives Code 78: automatic vehicles only. Through an upgrade course (Aufschulung), this restriction can be removed later.
- B197 regulation: At least 10 lessons of 45 minutes in a manual vehicle plus a 15-minute instructor verification drive — then you can take the practical exam in an automatic car without Code 78 restriction, permitting both manual and automatic driving (FahrschAusbO § 5a).
4. Practical Tips
- Apply for your driving license early — administrative processing can take several weeks, and you can only take the theory exam once your application is formally approved.
- Choose a driving school based on teaching quality, not just the lowest hourly rate: arrange a trial driving lesson and ask for total overall costs (including learning apps).
- Combine theory lessons with our free exam simulation — get familiar with the real exam format (30 questions, 45 minutes, penalty points) before your first attempt.