Car & Driving

How long does it take to get a driving licence in Germany?

Estimated wait
~4 months
Based on published sources
Timeline guide
  • Faster cases
    ~3 months
  • Average cases
    ~4 months
  • Slower cases
    Up to 5 months
The 3–5 months is a rule-of-thumb, not a fixed deadline — scarce exam slots or extra driving lessons make it longer. This is the learning process, not the same as the driving-licence office processing your application and producing the card (see "Führerschein").

From registering at a driving school to passing the test, a Class B licence usually takes about 3 to 5 months if you attend theory and practical lessons regularly. How fast it goes depends mainly on how many driving lessons you need and how quickly theory and practical exam slots become available.

More details

Intensive or holiday courses can complete the whole training in as little as around two weeks.

Sources

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Information is for general knowledge only.