Enrol in a Driving School (Fahrschule)

Even experienced drivers must register at a licensed Fahrschule (driving school). German law requires an instructor to be present at the practical exam. A trial drive determines how many lessons you actually need.

✓ Verified: 15/08/2026

WHAT TO DO

Find a Fahrschule experienced with Umschreibungs-Kandidaten (exchange candidates)

Book a Probefahrt (trial drive) to assess your current driving level
Agree on the required number of lessons with your instructor
Obtain your Fahrschülerausweis (student ID card) for the licensing authority

DOCUMENTS 2

Fahrschülerausweis (driving school student ID)
Enrolment confirmation from the Fahrschule

COSTS

€

Trial drive (Probefahrt, 1–2 lessons) €50–80

Assesses your existing skill level; cost varies by school and city
€

Driving lesson (45 minutes) €50–80 per lesson

Experienced drivers typically need 3–8 lessons; less experienced drivers may need more

The driving school is a legal partner, not a teacher

Many experienced expat drivers are surprised to learn they need a driving school. The reason isn’t about skills — it’s the law. Under the examination guideline (Anlage 7 FeV), your instructor sits in the car with you during the practical exam. You cannot take the exam without them.

Think of the Fahrschule as a regulatory partner: they hold the Prüfauftrag (exam authorisation) on your behalf, provide the exam vehicle, and accompany you to the test.

The trial drive: the key assessment

The Probefahrt (trial drive / first lesson) is when your instructor evaluates your driving. They observe how you handle German traffic: right-of-way rules at unmarked intersections, mirror checks, lane discipline, motorway behaviour, and parking.

Based on this, they suggest how many additional lessons you need. Confident, experienced drivers often need only 3–5 lessons specifically focused on German road conventions.

What you’ll get from the school

After enrolling, the school issues you a Fahrschülerausweis — a small document about the size of a business card that confirms your enrolment. This is required for your application at the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. You’ll also agree on a lesson schedule and the details of the practical exam (which TÜV↗/DEKRA↗ centre, date, etc.).

› Details and tips

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Max recommends:

Before your trial drive, spend 30 minutes reviewing German right-of-way rules — especially 'Rechts vor Links' (right-of-way to the right at unmarked intersections). This is the most common weak point for foreign drivers and directly affects how many lessons the instructor will recommend.

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Lea recommends:

Ask specifically about the instructor's experience with exchange candidates — someone who regularly works with people switching from foreign licenses will give much more targeted advice than an instructor who mainly trains teenagers. The difference in lesson efficiency can be significant.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do I need a driving school if I've been driving for 15 years? ▾

The examination guideline (Anlage 7 FeV) requires the test vehicle to seat the examiner, the candidate and the driving instructor — the instructor accompanies the practical exam. This is not about your skill level — it's a legal procedural requirement. Without a Fahrschule, TÜV/DEKRA cannot conduct the test.

How many driving lessons are required for exchange candidates? ▾

There is no fixed minimum for exchange candidates. The instructor assesses your level on the trial drive and recommends how many lessons are needed. Experienced, confident drivers typically need 3–8 lessons. The focus is usually on German-specific rules (right-of-way, Autobahn, parking) rather than basic driving skills.

How do I find a good driving school? ▾

Look for schools with experience in Umschreibung (license exchange). In cities with large expat or immigrant communities, many driving schools have multilingual instructors (English, Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic). Ask for the pass rate on first attempts — a good school will tell you. Online reviews are helpful but word-of-mouth from others who have done the exchange is often more reliable.

Do I need to take theory lessons at the driving school? ▾

Not formally — exchange candidates are not required to complete theory lessons at the school. You can prepare for the theory exam independently using the official question catalogue. However, some schools offer a compact 1–2 day theory refresher course, which is useful for brushing up on German-specific road rules.

What is the Fahrschülerausweis and why do I need it? ▾

It's a small ID-sized document issued by the driving school confirming your enrolment. Without it, the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde will not process your application for a Prüfauftrag (exam authorisation). Keep the original — carry a copy to the authority if they ask for one.