I Finally Got My Driving License in Germany

Back in November last year, I wrote about how I was starting from scratch to get my driving license in Germany. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I am now a licensed driver in Germany! I have been so busy on the move (pun intended) that I haven’t had the chance to share this update until now. The process in itself had a few challenges and I reckon sharing my experience might be helpful to anyone else in a similar situation, or just anyone curious about what it’s like to learn to drive in Germany as an expat. So here’s the story of how I got my driving license in Germany, the process, the costs, and the freedom that comes with it.

Theory Exams

In my last post, I explained how I registered for the theory classes and started using the learning app. The theory part was definitely a steep learning curve. I had to memorize a tonne of road signs, understand the right-of-way rules, and get familiar with the specific traffic laws in Germany. The app was really helpful, but it was also overwhelming at times. I attended all the compulsory theory classes, which were conducted in German, and did a lot of mock tests in the app to prepare for the actual theory exam. While my German comprehension is pretty decent, I elected to take the theory exam in English to avoid any language barriers that could affect my performance.

The theory exam consists of 30 questions and the passmark is pretty high. You can only get a maximum of 10 penalty points. Getting two 5 point questions wrong is an automatic fail. So the stakes are pretty high.

I wasn't too worried about the passmark though and was able to score 27/30 on my first attempt. With the theory exam out of the way, I could finally concentrate on the practical lessons which, for me, were the more daunting part of the process.

The Practical Lessons

While I could already drive both automatic and manual cars, I decided to take all the compulsory practical lessons just to brush up on my skills. While this decision was pretty costly in the end, I'm so glad I chose to start from scratch because I ended up learning so much from the instructor. From modern car features I didn't even know existed, newly introduced road signs, to minute things like properly joining the Autobahn, I ended up learning a tonne of stuff I would have otherwise missed out on if I had just translated my license.

The practical lessons were a mix of city driving, night driving, highway driving, and national road driving. These are the compulsory lessons that everyone has to take before they are eligible to take their exams. Each driving lesson lasts 90 minutes and costs between 130 and 190 euros depending on the road. Autobahn lessons are the most expensive, while city driving lessons are the cheapest. I took a total of 13 practical lessons, which ended up costing me around 2000 euros. While this was a significant expense, I consider it an investment in my and my family's safety on the road.

Practical Exams Experience

I'd be lying if I say I didn't lose a bit of sleep over the practical exams. The legend of the German driving test being notoriously difficult is not just a myth. I know of a lot of close friends who had to take the practical exam multiple times before they finally passed or gave up. I naturally had a bit of anxiety about it but I also felt pretty confident in my abiilities after all those lessons and practice.

The test itself consists of a 45-minute drive with an examiner who evaluates your driving skills, your ability to follow traffic rules, and how you handle different driving situations. The route was a mix of city streets, a bit of the Autobahn, and a drive back to the testing center in Munich. During the test, I had to demonstrate that I can safely navigate through traffic, make proper turns, park correctly, and respond appropriately to various road signs and signals. The examiner was a chilled middle aged guy who actually had an apprentice on that day and I think that worked to my advantage. He needed to explain to the apprentice on the points to look out for and in the process, he might have overlooked a mistake or two that I might have made.

The 45 minutes felt like an eternity. I could hardly blink as I didn't want to miss any roadsign or a right before left priority situation. I ensured I made a shoulder check before making turns, indicated on time, and followed the speed limits to the letter. I had to parallel park once and fortunately for me, there was sufficient space to back into the spot without much trouble. While headed back to the testing center, I missed a lane marking and found myself on a lane turning left but I was able to correct it on time before traffic behind me could catch up. That was the only mistake I made during the test and I was pretty sure that would be the one that would cost me the license.

As I pulled back into the testing center, I couldn't help but beat myself up over that lane marking mistake. The thought of the instructor having to return the license I already know he had in his bag back to their offices made me feel pretty hopeless. But to my surprise, the examiner congratulated me and said I passed. He mentioned that he noted the lane marking mistake but acknowledged that I was able to correct it in time. More critical in his opinion was the fact that I hadn't left sufficient space to parked cars as we were pulling into the testing center. I must have been too engrossed in my thoughts that I missed the minimum 1m distance requirement to parked cars. He explained the significance of being keen on the road, wished me well and handed me my driving license.

The elation that came with passing the practical exam was indescribable. I felt a hugh sense of relief and accomplishment. All I could think about was the freedom I now had to drive my kids to school, drive myself to my sunday league matches without having to bother Vreni and the endless road trips to tour Germany and Europe.

A Month Later

A month after I got my license, I'm still getting used to the fact that I'm now licensed to legally drive here. Every morning I instinctively try to enter the co-driver's seat before I remember that I can actually drive now. I still struggle a bit with the clutch control but it keeps getting better by the day. I have had both good and hair-raising moments. A day after getting the license, I was so excited about dropping Ruby in the Kita but made a fool of myself as I couldn't hillstart the car. I was so nervous that I had to switch places with my wife who drove us home. That moment has now become a running joke in the household and Vreni reminds me of it every chance she gets.

I have also had some pretty good moments including a 1150km round trip with the boys to Berlin to attend an annual Kisii community event. It was my first real test and based on the feedback from my passengers, I did exceptionally well. I have also been driving myself to football training, shopping in the city center and any opportunity I get to practise driving. I also drop Ruby in the Kita every morning and slowly, driving is becoming a second nature. I drive past that hill that wanted to shame me on the day and it serves as a reminder of how far I've come in this journey.

The Costs

I spent a total of 3155 euros to get the license and this is after I negotiated so hard with the driving school to reduce the number of practical lessons. Had I not haggled so hard, chances are I would have easily ended up paying over 4000 euros. The costs breakdown is as following: Driving School Registration Fee: €580, TÜV costs for theory and practical exams: €154, €300 driving test cost and the rest was for the practical lessons.

If you have any questions about the process, the costs, or just want to share your own experience, feel free to reach out to me. As for me, I will nolonger be freezing in the winter cold waiting for the bus or the tram, I will simply turn up the AC as I listen to music on my way to my destination. Consider this your motivation to start before the next winter!!