Vision Test (Sehtest) at an Optician

Every applicant — regardless of which exchange route applies — must pass a basic vision test at a licensed optician. It takes 15 minutes and costs around €10.

✓ Verified: 15/08/2026

WHAT TO DO

Find a local optician (Augenoptiker) that offers the Führerschein-Sehtest — chains like Fielmann and Apollo are convenient

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them while driving
Complete the test — around 10–15 minutes, no appointment usually needed
Collect the Sehtestbescheinigung with its original stamp and add it to your application — it is valid for 2 years from issue, so do not take the test too early

DOCUMENTS 1

Sehtestbescheinigung (original, with optician's stamp)

COSTS

€

Vision test at optician €6–15

Some chains (e.g. Fielmann) offer it free or at very low cost

Mandatory for everyone

The vision test is required for all applicants — whether you’re doing a simple EU exchange or the full exam route. It’s the easiest step in the process: no appointment needed, no language barrier, done in 15 minutes.

Where to go

Walk into any licensed optician and say: “Ich möchte einen Sehtest für den Führerschein” (“I’d like a vision test for my driving license”). They’ll know exactly what to do. Major chains like Fielmann, Apollo, or Pearle have locations in virtually every German city and town.

The test uses a standard vision-testing device (Sehprüfgerät). You look into an eyepiece and identify letters or symbols at different sizes. The whole procedure takes 10–15 minutes.

The certificate you receive

After passing, the optician hands you a Sehtestbescheinigung — a printed form with the test results and the optician’s stamp. This is an original document; photocopies are not accepted by the authority. Keep it safe.

Will you have to take the tests? That depends on the country where your licence was issued.

Yes → No →

› Details and tips

👨🏻‍💻

Max recommends:

The Sehtest is the fastest and cheapest step in the entire process. Get it done in the first week — it requires no preparation and doesn't depend on anything else being ready.

👩🏼‍💼

Lea recommends:

Fielmann stores are everywhere in Germany, often inside shopping centres, and usually have short queues on weekday mornings. The test takes about 10 minutes and some branches offer it at no charge. It's genuinely the easiest step of the whole process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I go to an optician or does it have to be an eye doctor? ▾

A licensed optician (Augenoptiker) is sufficient — no referral or eye doctor appointment needed. Opticians are quicker, cheaper, and widely available. An ophthalmologist's certificate is also accepted if you prefer, but it's rarely necessary.

What exactly is tested? ▾

Visual acuity (sharpness) for each eye individually and both eyes together, plus minimum field of vision. For a standard category B (car) license, the minimum standard is: combined binocular acuity ≥ 0.7, and the weaker eye alone must be ≥ 0.5. Colour vision and night vision are not part of the standard Sehtest.

How long is the Sehtestbescheinigung valid? ▾

2 years from the date of issue. If more than 2 years pass before you complete your application, you'll need to repeat the test.

What if I fail the vision test? ▾

The optician simply won't issue a certificate. You'll need to get corrective lenses or glasses and retest. If your vision is permanently below the minimum standard, a specialist's assessment may be required — the licensing authority can advise.

Do I need to wear my glasses or contacts during the test? ▾

Yes — test under the same conditions you use when driving. If you pass with glasses, the certificate will note this, and your German driving license will include the restriction 'must wear corrective lenses while driving' (Schlüsselzahl 01).