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Advice & registration
Fahrschule Adrian’s white training car, with a woman at the wheel, on a tree-lined city avenue at sunrise

Your route to a licence

Your route to a German
driving licence.

The German system can feel complicated when you see it for the first time. We break it down into clear steps and explain who is responsible at each stage.

Still unsure? We answer your questions first.

Discuss your first step

Your start

What do you take care of first?

Your 3 steps to your driving licence

  1. Advice, registration and application

  2. Theory and theory test

  3. Practical training and practical test

This is how your training begins:

  1. Getting in touch

    Drop in during our office hours, call us or write to us.

  2. Clarifying the class and registering

    We advise you, clarify the right licence class and register you with Fahrschule Adrian.

  3. Preparing and submitting the authority application

    We explain the documents you need and the next steps. You submit the application to the Führerscheinstelle, the driving licence authority responsible for your main place of residence.

We discuss your questions, driving experience and suitable licence category in English, then register you with Fahrschule Adrian. Your official application is submitted separately to the Führerscheinstelle responsible for your main residence; we explain the required documents and important German terms.

For registering with us: you can register while you are still gathering the documents for the authority.

  • Personalausweis oder Reisepass für die Fahrschulanmeldung
  • Bei Minderjährigen: Unterschrift der gesetzlichen Vertreter zum Fahrschulvertrag

Which costs arise is explained under Advice & registration.

Have you already started at another driving school? This is how switching driving schools works.

Required documents

What do you need for your request?

Your first application

Which proofs do you collect?

Für deinen Behördenantrag: Beim Ersterwerb von B oder einer Motorradklasse benötigt die Behörde in der Regel diese Unterlagen. Die verbindliche Form und Einreichung beschreibt deine zuständige Führerscheinstelle:

  • the application required by the authority responsible for your main residence
  • identity card, passport or foreign national passport
  • confirmation from the driving school
  • biometric passport photograph
  • valid eyesight test certificate (Sehtest)
  • first-aid course certificate (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs)

Bei Reisepass können weitere Nachweise zu deinem Wohnsitz nötig sein. Prüfe die aktuelle Behördenliste, bevor du Unterlagen abschickst.

Registering companions

What is added for BF17?

Zusätzlich zum regulären Erstantrag brauchst du:

  • BF17-Antrag
  • Zustimmung der gesetzlichen Vertreter
  • Angaben, Zustimmungen und Nachweise zu jeder Begleitperson

Welche Ausweis- und Führerscheinkopien erforderlich sind, steht auf der zuständigen Behördenseite.

The requirements are listed under Your accompanying persons.

Already hold a licence?

What changes with an extension?

For BE or an additional motorcycle class, the licence you already hold is taken into account.

  1. Bringing your licence

    Bring the licence you already hold to the consultation.

  2. Clarifying the proofs

    Which proofs are needed again depends on your application and on the documents already on file.

  3. Using the authority's list

    Follow the authority's own list for extensions.

After the course

What applies to B196 and B96?

Für die Eintragung brauchst du insbesondere:

  • Jeweilige Schulungsbescheinigung
  • Vorhandener Führerschein

Weitere Unterlagen wie Identitätsnachweis oder Foto richten sich nach dem Eintragungsverfahren der Behörde. Die Behörde nennt dir die verbindlichen Unterlagen für deine Eintragung.

For B196, note the deadline for the licence entry.

Do you already have a foreign driving licence?

Do not assume that every foreign licence follows the same rules. The country that issued the licence, its validity, your place of residence and the licence category can all affect the result. The driving licence authority makes the legal decision.

Licence from an EU or EEA country

A valid driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country is generally recognised in Germany without an immediate exchange simply because you move here.

Special rules may apply when a licence expires, is lost, has restrictions or includes certain bus or lorry categories. If you are unsure, ask the authority responsible for your main residence before driving.

Licence from a non-EU or non-EEA country

After establishing normal residence in Germany, a valid non-EU or non-EEA licence is generally recognised for another six months.

After that period, you normally need a German driving licence to continue driving. The exact conversion requirements depend on the issuing country and the rules in force. An international driving permit does not extend the six-month period and does not replace the original national licence.

Ask about converting a foreign licence

Your responsible office

Where do you submit the right application?

Which office is responsible depends on your main residence. The following official pages take you to the current information and – where offered – directly to the online application:

This is how you find the right information:

  1. Choosing the right office

    Choose the office responsible for your main place of residence.

  2. Selecting the matching request

    Choose your request: first issue, BF17, extension, or the entry after training.

  3. Checking documents and the application route

    Check the current documents and application routes on the authority's official page before you submit your application.

Choose First licence, BF17, Extension or Licence entry after a training course. On the linked authority page you will find the current documents and application routes. Check the notes on your request there before you submit your application. Different offices are responsible for the City of Munich and the Munich district. If your main residence is elsewhere, use the official portal of your city or district.

Submit your application as early as possible. The processing time depends on the authority and on how complete your documents are; you will find current information there.

Your theory

What do you learn in class?

You attend Fahrschule Adrian’s theory classes in German, study the material and can take the official theory test in English.

  1. Starting after registration

    You can start the theory classes as soon as you have registered.

  2. Unterricht besuchen

    Du besuchst die für deine Klasse und deinen Vorbesitz nötigen Einheiten. Unser regulärer Theorieunterricht findet ausschließlich auf Deutsch statt; eine Doppelstunde dauert 90 Minuten.

  3. Studying on your own in parallel

    The learning system helps you prepare for the theory test as well.

Der Theorieunterricht besteht aus zwei Teilen:

  • Grundstoff gemeinsame Themen wie Verkehrsregeln, Gefahren und verantwortungsvolles Fahren. Beim Ersterwerb von B sind zwölf Doppelstunden vorgesehen.
  • Zusatzstoff die Besonderheiten deiner Klasse. Beim Ersterwerb von B sind zwei Doppelstunden vorgesehen.

If you already hold a licence or other classes, we check the necessary scope with you.

Your dates

Which lesson do you need next?

Tuesday and Thursday
18:00 - 19:30
Saturday, fortnightly
10:00 - 13:00

Use the timetable to check the date, time and lesson. Ask us if you do not yet know which basic or additional topics you are missing. The currently published schedule is authoritative.

  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    7
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    8
  • Time
    10:00 - 13:00
    Lesson
    13 + 14
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    9
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    10
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    11
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    12
  • Time
    10:00 - 13:00
    Lesson
    13 + 14
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    1
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    2
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    3
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    4
  • Time
    10:00 - 13:00
    Lesson
    5 + 6
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    7
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    8
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    9
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    10
  • Time
    10:00 - 13:00
    Lesson
    13 + 14
  • Time
    18:00 - 19:30
    Lesson
    11

Your practice

How do your driving lessons build on each other?

Your driving lessons can take place in English. We prepare you step by step for German traffic and the official practical test; we cannot promise that the entire test will be conducted in English. Once you have passed, you are ready to drive independently with a solid understanding of German traffic. If you learned to drive in left-hand traffic, we pay particular attention to road position, turning, roundabouts, mirrors and the habits that need to change for right-hand traffic.

  • cyclists and cycle lanes beside turning traffic
  • pedestrian crossings and school zones
  • trams, buses and restricted lanes
  • multi-lane junctions and lane selection
  • 30 km/h zones and right-before-left junctions
  • motorway entrances, exits and safe following distances
  • independent driving with signs and navigation instructions

Instructions, explanations and feedback during your practical lessons can be provided in English. You can ask questions immediately and discuss difficult traffic situations without first having to find the correct German words. The official practical test is always conducted in German. Before your test we prepare you for the procedure and practise the terms and instructions you need, so you understand everything the examiner asks of you.

Theory and driving practice can partly take place in parallel. When your driving lessons begin is something we align with your level and the available dates. You do not have to assume a fixed number of weeks: your time, your learning pace and the support you need shape the course.

  • Learning in parallel

    Theory and practical driving can partly run at the same time.

  • Starting your lessons

    We agree the start with you, based on where you are and which dates are available.

  • Planning individually

    Your time, your learning pace and how much support you need shape the process; there is no fixed number of weeks.

How do you arrange your driving lessons?

You arrange your driving lessons individually, directly with your instructor. Together we plan them to fit school, training, work and your everyday life as well as possible. We can take school holidays and time off into account. You also discuss any changes directly with your instructor – that is the short, quick way.

Well prepared

When are you ready for the test?

Theory test

As soon as your theory training is complete, your level of knowledge is sufficient and the test order has been released, we register you for the theory test.

Für die Anmeldung zur Theorieprüfung müssen diese Voraussetzungen erfüllt sein:

  • Theoretische Ausbildung abgeschlossen
  • Ausreichender Lernstand
  • Prüfauftrag freigegeben

The official theory test can be taken in English. English is one of the foreign languages approved for the theoretical driving test in Germany. Choose your test language early and prepare with current learning material for the correct driving licence category.

You can take the theory test in German or in one of these twelve foreign languages:

  • Arabic (Hocharabisch)
  • English
  • French
  • Greek
  • Italian
  • Croatian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Turkish

Tell us early which language you want to take the theory test in. Our regular theory lessons take place in German only, regardless of that choice.

Practical test

Bei der regulären Erstausbildung gehst du zur praktischen Prüfung, wenn du alle Ausbildungsinhalte sicher beherrschst, die vorgeschriebenen Fahrten absolviert hast und die Theorieprüfung bestanden ist. Wir besprechen die Prüfungsaufgaben und den Ablauf vorab. Bei BE und Stufenaufstieg unterscheiden sich die Voraussetzungen; B196 und B96 sind Schulungen ohne zusätzliche Fahrerlaubnisprüfung.

Voraussetzungen für die praktische Prüfung bei der regulären Erstausbildung:

  • Alle Ausbildungsinhalte sicher beherrscht
  • Vorgeschriebene Fahrten absolviert
  • Theorieprüfung bestanden

Wir besprechen die Prüfungsaufgaben und den Ablauf vorab. Bei BE und Stufenaufstieg unterscheiden sich die Voraussetzungen; B196 und B96 sind Schulungen ohne zusätzliche Fahrerlaubnisprüfung.

Nach bestandener Prüfung darfst du erst im Rahmen der erteilten Fahrerlaubnis und mit dem erforderlichen Nachweis fahren. Bei BF17 bleibt die Begleitung bis zum 18. Geburtstag erforderlich.

More support with test nerves is available at Du schaffst das!

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about your training route

How many driving lessons do I need?

That is individual. There is no set number of practice lessons. What matters is when you can handle all the necessary situations safely, independently and responsibly. Mandatory special drives are added depending on your category.

Can I do theory and practical training at the same time?

Yes. As soon as it fits organisationally, theory and driving practice can run in parallel. That helps you apply what you know directly in traffic.

Are the theory classes in English?

No. The regular theory classes at Fahrschule Adrian are held in German. English-speaking learners may attend them.

How long does my training take?

That depends on your available time, your learning progress and how much support you need. Authority and test dates also affect the process. We plan the next steps with you.

Can I register even though documents are missing?

Yes. We can start the driving school registration and the advice while you put together the authority documents. For processing by the authority, the application must be complete.

Which licence categories does Fahrschule Adrian offer?

Fahrschule Adrian offers car, trailer and motorcycle training as well as B196.

  • Car B197 as our recommendation, BF17, B and B78
  • Trailer BE; B96 on request
  • Motorcycle A1, A2 and A
  • Extension B196
  • Getting back behind the wheel refresher lessons
What happens if I do not pass the test?

Wir besprechen gemeinsam mit deinem Fahrlehrer, woran es lag, und üben gezielt weiter. Eine zusätzliche Grundgebühr fällt nicht an. Die Gebühren je Prüfungsversuch bleiben gleich; weitere Fahrstunden und die erneute Prüfung werden regulär berechnet.

When do I need my parents?

Zur Beratung kannst du allein kommen. Wenn du minderjährig bist, benötigen wir beim Fahrschulvertrag die Unterschrift deiner gesetzlichen Vertreter. Ansonsten müssen deine Eltern nicht dabei sein. Wenn sie dir wichtig sind, können wir sie auf deinen Wunsch einbeziehen. Die erforderlichen Zustimmungen für den Behördenantrag klären wir getrennt davon.

Can I complete my entire driving licence in English?

Not every part is conducted in English. Advice, registration, organisational support and practical driving lessons can take place in English. The theory classes at Fahrschule Adrian are held in German. The official theory test can be taken in English.

Can I register in English?

Yes. We can explain the training route and support your driving-school registration in English.

Are the practical driving lessons really in English?

Yes. During agreed English-language lessons, driving instructions, explanations and feedback can be provided in English.

Can I take the theory test in English?

Yes. English is an approved language for the official theoretical driving test in Germany.

Will the practical test be in English?

The official practical test is always conducted in German. We prepare you for the procedure and practise the terms and instructions you need, so you understand everything the examiner asks of you.

Is my EU or EEA driving licence valid in Germany?

A valid EU or EEA licence is generally recognised in Germany. Special cases can apply to expired, lost or restricted licences and certain lorry or bus categories. Ask the authority if your situation is unclear.

How long can I use a non-EU licence in Germany?

After establishing normal residence in Germany, a valid non-EU or non-EEA licence is generally recognised for another six months. The authority can explain the exact date and any exception in your case.

Can an international driving permit replace my national licence?

No. It is normally used only together with the valid original national licence and does not extend the six-month recognition period.

Can I convert an Indian driving licence in Munich?

You can apply for a German licence on the basis of your Indian licence. India is currently not listed in Annex 11 of the German Driving Licence Regulation, so both the theory and practical tests are generally required. The authority decides the individual application.

Will I need a translation of my foreign licence?

The City of Munich normally lists a translation among the documents for converting a foreign licence. The authority may also request proof of how long you have held the licence and further documents.

Do I have to complete all minimum lessons when converting a foreign licence?

For many conversions requiring tests, the statutory minimum training programme for first-time learners does not apply in the same way. The preparation you actually need depends on your experience and driving standard.

Can I take refresher lessons in English?

Yes. You can practise Munich traffic, parking, motorways, German traffic rules or the change from left-hand to right-hand traffic in English.

Can you help with the authority process?

We explain the steps and help you find the correct official information. The authority responsible for your main residence processes the application and makes all legal decisions.

Is the “Du schaffst das!” course available in English?

No. The course is held in German. English-speaking learners may attend if they can follow the German-language session. Enrolled learners may participate once free of charge; external participants pay 69 euros.

Your next step

Let us clear up your questions

Tell us what you are planning and which questions are still open. We advise you personally and explain the next steps.

Request advice in English