The German practical driving test for a Class B licence lasts about 55 minutes of driving time. An officially recognised examiner from a testing organisation such as TÜV or DEKRA sits in the back or passenger seat, your driving instructor sits next to you, and the examiner gives directions in German. You must have passed the theory test first, no more than 12 months earlier.
The examiner assesses whether you drive safely and independently: observation, speed, positioning, right of way and how you interact with other road users. One serious mistake – such as ignoring someone’s priority – can end the test early.
What the test includes
- Vehicle checks: lights, tyres, fluids or similar questions before driving.
- Basic manoeuvres (Grundfahraufgaben): for example reverse parking, parallel parking, turning around or an emergency stop.
- Driving in town: junctions, right-before-left, traffic lights, pedestrians, cyclists, trams.
- Rural roads and, where possible, a motorway or expressway with merging and overtaking.
- Independent driving: following signs or a satnav for a few minutes without step-by-step instructions.
Common reasons people fail
- 1Ignoring right of way – especially right-before-left in residential streets.
- 2Rolling through a stop sign instead of stopping completely.
- 3Missing the shoulder check when turning or changing lanes, particularly for cyclists.
- 4Speeding, even a little: 55 in a 50 zone counts.
- 5The instructor or examiner having to intervene.
German phrases the examiner will use
- „An der nächsten Kreuzung bitte rechts / links abbiegen.“ – Turn right / left at the next junction.
- „Bitte geradeaus weiterfahren.“ – Continue straight on.
- „Fahren Sie bitte rechts ran und halten Sie an.“ – Please pull over to the right and stop.
- „Im Kreisverkehr die zweite Ausfahrt nehmen.“ – Take the second exit at the roundabout.
- „Bitte parken Sie hier rückwärts ein.“ – Please reverse-park here.
- „Folgen Sie bitte der Beschilderung Richtung …“ – Follow the signs towards …
If you fail
The examiner tells you the result straight after the drive and explains the main mistakes. Under § 18 of the driving licence regulation (FeV), a failed test may not be retaken before an appropriate interval, usually not less than two weeks. Your theory pass remains valid for 12 months from the theory test date; if you do not pass the practical test in that time, you must retake the theory test.
Prepare for the junction part of your test
- 1
Train priority
Work through right-before-left, priority roads, lights and roundabouts in 3D.
- 2
Use test mode
Follow examiner-style instructions in the app’s test mode.
- 3
Fix weak spots
Repeat logged mistakes before your next lesson.
Free to download on iPhone & iPad
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How long is the German practical driving test?
For Class B the driving time is about 55 minutes, plus a short briefing and feedback.
Is the German practical test in English?
The examiner usually gives instructions in German. Learning the standard phrases beforehand helps a lot.
How soon can I retake the practical test?
Usually after at least two weeks, depending on availability.
How long is my theory test result valid?
12 months. You must pass the practical test within that period.
Which app helps with the junction part of the German driving test?
Fahrschule 3D: Vorfahrt üben for iPhone trains German junctions and includes a test mode, in English: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6794609450