Many German residents and expatriates feel that obtaining a driver’s license is one of the most important accomplishments in their life. The Cost of Getting a Driving License in Germany has some of the most stringent laws in place to guarantee drivers are prepared to drive safely on the roads. As a result of this, obtaining a German driver’s license (Führerschein) can be both very expensive and time-consuming. This article will show you the different expenses involved with getting your driver’s license, break down the expenses, and provide some suggestions on how to manage your money effectively relating how much it costs to go through the process of obtaining a German driver’s license.
Overview of the German Driving License Process
To properly calculate The Cost of Getting a Driving License in Germany, you must first understand exactly what is required to earn that driver’s license in Germany. To obtain your driver’s license in Germany, there are multiple “steps” to go through: Enrolling with a driving school (Fahrschule), completing theoretical/in-class education, completing on-the-road practical education, passing your written theory exam, completing additional necessary tests/requirements (first aid course, vision exam) and then passing your practice test. Each of these steps is charged individually, which makes it an overall cost for all of the above requirements.
Germany has a tiered licensing system. Most learner drivers will start with a standard Class B licence (the standard licence for passenger cars), but there are additional classes of licensing for motorcycles, trucks, and buses. The costs of obtaining a Class B licence are generally less than the costs of obtaining a motorcycle or truck driving.
Enrolling in a Driving School (Fahrschule)
The Cost of Getting a Driving License in Germany, license is your registration fee for the driving school. Each city has different pricing structures, and the license type affects how much your registration fee will be. Expect to pay somewhere between €20 €50 to register in a driving school. Once you register, the driving school will charge you for the theory and practical driving hours you will take while you learn to drive.
When you take theory classes you will have to attend in person and learn about traffic laws, signs, and safety rules. You will be billed between €200 – €400 for all of your theory classes combined, but if your driving school allows for online classes, you may be able to reduce this cost slightly.
When you schedule your practical driver classes (Fahrstunde) you will typically be charged by the hour and each driving lesson will take approximately 45 minutes, with an hourly rate between €30 – €50 depending on which city you are in. Most new drivers will take a minimum of 20, and up to 40 practical classes before taking the driving test. The cost of practical classes will typically be your biggest expense, where the total cost will be between €600 and €2,000.
Additional Required Courses
Before being allowed The Cost of Getting a Driving License in Germany, everybody must undergo certain requirements including some more in specific set of new requirements or additional classes before they can take their driving exams. One of these is the first aid skills class/ training that must be taken by everyone wanting to learn to drive as part of being able to apply for their license (so also taken before they can take their driving test). Cost varies from around €20 – €50 or An eye exam (Sehtest) must also be completed to ensure you have the minimum amount of vision required for driving. The cost for an eye test ranges from €6-€15 and is typically inexpensive.
In addition to the first aid class and the eye test, some driving schools may also require additional driving lessons for night driving, driving on the highway, or driving in various weather conditions for new drivers. These specific driving lessons (referred to as Sonderfahrten) are generally 5-12 hours in length and cost between €40-€70 per hour, resulting in an overall addition of €200-€700 to the cost associated with obtaining your driver’s license.
Examination Fees
The Cost of Getting a Driving License in Germany it is mandatory to pass both the theory examination and practical examination which are assessed independently and incur separate fees. The theory examination fee amounts to approximately €25-€50 depending on the licensing authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) and consists of multiple question types related to rules of the road, road signs and driving safety.
The practical examination is more costly because; it requires licensed examiners to administer and approve of the vehicle being used in the testing. This type of fee can amount to anywhere from €80- €150 typically, depending on the vehicle used, and the examiner conducting the examination.
Total Estimated Costs
Overall costs of obtaining a class b driving licence in Germany will average about 1500-2500 euros. If you live in a large city such as Munich or Hamburg you may pay upward of 3000 euros. However, if you live in a smaller town you might find a lower price range available. The number of driving lessons you receive is one area where most new learners overestimate their needs; thus it would be advisable to arrive at the decision to have received more than average number of lessons when doing your personal budget.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
Even though the fees for acquiring a driving licence in Germany can be considerable, it’s worth paying them due to how safe and well-regulated the roads are in Germany. In completion of the necessary training legally, you not only receive confidence as a competent and skilled driver; you also increase your abilities to drive in a safer manner. In addition, having completed this training and received your German driving licence is recognised throughout Europe, therefore assisting with your travel and employment opportunities in Europe.
Conclusion
When planning for a future, understanding how expensive it is to get your German driver’s licence is significant. The following are all expenses associated with obtaining a German. By knowing what to expect regarding the costs associated with obtaining your German driver’s license; it can help minimize some of the costs that you’ll face. Although the whole process is expensive and lengthy, it is a benefit that you will enjoy long after the initial investment.
