Application and Exam Authorisation (Prüfauftrag)

Before sitting any exam, you must submit your complete document set to the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. They issue a Prüfauftrag — an authorisation that allows TÜV/DEKRA to schedule your theory and practical tests.

✓ Verified: 15/08/2026

WHAT TO DO

Book an appointment at the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde — allow 4–10 weeks lead time

Assemble the complete document set (see checklist below)
Attend your appointment, submit documents, pay the processing fee
Wait for the Prüfauftrag — the authority sends it directly to TÜV/DEKRA on your behalf
Wait for TÜV/DEKRA to get in touch (2–4 weeks). Allow 2–4 months in total from application to first exam — processing runs 1–6 weeks depending on the city

AUTHORITY

Fahrerlaubnisbehörde / Straßenverkehrsamt

Municipal authority

The driving licence office belongs to your district or city administration. Enter your postcode and we will show yours.

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DOCUMENTS 8

Valid passport or EU identity card
Current biometric photo (35×45 mm)
Original foreign driving license
Certified translation of the license (if not in Latin script)
Sehtestbescheinigung (vision test certificate, under 2 years old)
Teilnahmebescheinigung Erste Hilfe (first aid course certificate)
Fahrschülerausweis or driving school enrolment confirmation
Proof of registered German address (Meldebescheinigung)

COSTS

€

Administrative processing fee €30–50

Varies by state and local authority

The gate to your exams

The Prüfauftrag is the document that unlocks your exams. Without it, TÜV↗/DEKRA↗ cannot test you — no matter how prepared you are. The licensing authority issues it only after confirming that every prerequisite has been met: vision test, first aid course, driving school enrolment, valid identity, and German address.

Documents: completeness is everything

The authority operates strictly: an incomplete document set means the appointment is rejected and no part-processing occurs. There are no exceptions or “we’ll accept the missing document later” workarounds.

Use the checklist above and verify every item before your appointment. If you’re unsure about any specific requirement (some authorities have local variations), call them in advance.

The wait after submission: use it well

Between submitting your application and sitting your first exam, expect 2–4 months. This time is valuable:

Work through all 1,400+ theory questions systematically
Take driving lessons focused on German-specific rules
Practice parking manoeuvres and motorway entry/exit

Candidates who treat the waiting period as intensive preparation time have a significantly higher pass rate on the first attempt.

› Details and tips

👨🏻‍💻

Max recommends:

Two days before your appointment, call the authority and confirm the document list. Some offices have requirements not published on their website — for example, specific photo formats or additional forms. One phone call can save you losing an appointment slot.

👩🏼‍💼

Lea recommends:

The whole process from 'I have all my documents' to 'I hold a German license' can easily take 4–6 months. Set that expectation early so the wait doesn't feel like something is going wrong — it's completely normal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why can't I book the exam directly with TÜV/DEKRA? ▾

In Germany, the licensing authority (not the test centre) controls who is permitted to sit driving exams. The Fahrerlaubnisbehörde first verifies that all prerequisites are met, then issues a formal Prüfauftrag directly to TÜV/DEKRA. Only then can the test centre schedule your exams. Direct booking without this authorisation is not possible.

How long does the whole process take from application to first exam? ▾

Typically 2–4 months total: 2–4 weeks for the authority to process your application and issue the Prüfauftrag, then another 2–6 weeks for TÜV/DEKRA to assign exam dates. Plan accordingly and use the waiting period to prepare intensively.

What if a document is missing at the appointment? ▾

The authority will not accept an incomplete application. Your appointment slot is lost and you'll need to rebook — potentially another 4–10 weeks wait. Double-check every item on the list before attending, and call ahead if in doubt.

Does the authority keep my foreign license at this point? ▾

Usually yes. Most Fahrerlaubnisbehörden take the original foreign license when you submit your application. You receive a temporary driving authorisation in exchange, valid until your German license is issued.

What happens if I fail the exams — do I need a new Prüfauftrag? ▾

Yes. If you fail theory or practical (and exhaust the allowed retakes within the current Prüfauftrag), you need to return to the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde to request a new one. This means another fee (€30–50) and another queue. Prepare thoroughly to avoid this.