Lesson 1: Overview, Legal Requirements & Exam Psychology
Structure of the practical test (55 minutes), roles of examiner and instructor, and overcoming exam anxiety.
1.1 Legal Basis & Exam Structure (FeV § 15, § 17, Annex 7)
- Admission to the exam: Theory test passed and still valid (the practical exam must be taken within 12 months of passing the theory test, otherwise it expires — FeV § 18 (2)); completed training with driving school certificate confirming all required training modules were completed and practical training concluded (FeV § 17 (5)).
- Required training scope (FahrschAusbO): 12 double lessons of basic theory + 2 double lessons of Class B specific theory (§ 4, Annex 2.8); 12 special driving hours (Sonderfahrten) of 45 min each: 5 rural roads, 4 Autobahn, 3 night/dusk driving (§ 5 (3), Annex 4) — including at least one session of at least 90 minutes (2 x 45 min) for both rural road and Autobahn training.
- Additional documents required: Eye test certificate not older than 2 years (FeV § 12), first aid course with at least 9 instructional units of 45 minutes (FeV § 19), biometric photo, driving license application submitted to the licensing authority (FeV § 21).
- Minimum age: Practical test can be taken at the earliest 1 month before reaching the minimum age (Class B: 18 years; 17 years for Supervised Driving from 17 under § 48a FeV — FeV § 10, § 17 (1)).
- Test vehicle (FeV Annex 7 No. 2.2.4, 2.2.16, 2.2.17): Passenger car with top speed of at least 130 km/h, at least 4 seats, dual controls (pedals for the driving instructor), additional interior mirror and two right-side exterior mirrors; learner signs must be removed. For Class B, only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted (No. 2.2).
- Duration (FeV Annex 7 No. 2.3): Total exam duration at least 55 minutes, including at least 30 minutes pure driving time — excluding basic driving maneuvers, pre-trip vehicle safety check, and prep/debriefing (e.g. announcing the result). Approximately half the driving time outside built-up areas, ideally including Autobahn (No. 2.4).
- Time breakdown in practice (practical tip): approx. 15–20 minutes for safety questions and the 3 basic driving maneuvers; the final approx. 5 minutes for announcing results, digital test report (ePProt/OPTA), and examiner feedback.
- Who is in the car: The officially recognized expert or examiner (TÜV or DEKRA) decides schedule, starting point, and route, and verifies your identity (FeV § 15 (5), § 17 (5)). The driving instructor sits in the front passenger seat. The examiner sits in the rear right seat (monitoring your eyes and footwork through the extra mirror) — practical tip / examiner insight.
- B197 regulation (FeV § 17a, FahrschAusbO § 5a): After at least 10 lessons of 45 minutes on a manual transmission vehicle and a drive of at least 15 minutes with the driving instructor (certificate according to Annex 7 FahrschAusbO), you take the test in an automatic vehicle — without code 78 (automatic restriction). This completely eliminates the fear of stalling the engine during the test.
1.2 💡 Examiner Insights
- Original ID document is mandatory: Only the original passport, national ID card, or residence permit (with passport) is accepted — a phone photo or photocopy will immediately cancel the exam with full loss of exam fees (practical tip; identity verification itself is required by FeV § 17 (5)).
- The "golden sequence" upon getting into the car (practical routine): Assessment starts the moment you sit down. Follow this exact routine: Close doors → adjust seat (depress clutch/brake fully, knees slightly bent) → adjust steering wheel → adjust all 3 mirrors (1 interior, 2 exterior) → fasten seatbelt → check that instructor and examiner have fastened their seatbelts.
- Navigation system use (practical tip): The examiner may specify a section using the sat nav. Entering addresses is permitted only when the vehicle is completely stopped — typing on the navigation screen while driving leads to immediate failure.
- Proper exam mindset: The examiner does not expect a race driver, but anticipatory, defensive driving. If you slow down for a good reason, say it out loud: "Visibility is poor here, so I'm taking it slow." Explaining your reasoning prevents the examiner from marking you down as hesitant.
- Language: The theory test can be taken in German, with audio support or in one of 14 approved foreign languages (FeV Annex 7 No. 1.3). The law does not specify language rules for the practical driving test — expect German instructions during the drive and use the handy response phrases from Lesson 9 (practical tip).