German Driving Theory Test in English: Complete Guide 2026
GetMyLappen Team – 10/05/2026
German Driving Theory Test in English: Complete Guide 2026
Germany allows you to take the official driving theory test (Theorieprüfung) in 13 languages — including English. If German is not your first language, sitting the exam in English can significantly improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.
What Is the German Driving Theory Test?
The Theorieprüfung is the written exam you must pass before taking your practical driving test in Germany. It is administered by the TÜV or DEKRA examination centres and is based on the official question catalogue published by the Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (Federal Highway Research Institute).
Key facts about the exam:
- 30 questions per exam (20 basic questions + 10 class-specific questions for Class B)
- Maximum 10 penalty points before failing
- Questions use a multiple-choice format — some have one correct answer, others have multiple
- Time limit: 45 minutes (30 minutes for the basic section, 15 for the additional section)
Who Can Take the Test in English?
Any applicant registered at a German driving school (Fahrschule) can request to take the theory exam in one of the 13 official languages. You do not need to be a native English speaker — you simply ask your driving school to register your exam in English.
Officially supported languages include: German, English, Turkish, Arabic, Polish, Romanian, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Croatian, Greek, and Hungarian.
How Many Questions Are There?
The official question catalogue (Fragenkatalog) contains around 1,000 questions across all categories. For Class B (standard car licence), you will only see a randomised selection of 30 questions drawn from:
| Section | Questions in Exam | Max Penalty Points |
|---|---|---|
| Basic theory (Grundstoff) | 20 | 6 |
| Class B additional (Zusatzstoff) | 10 | 4 |
| Total | 30 | 10 |
If you accumulate more than 10 penalty points, you fail. Different questions carry different point values (0, 2, 3, or 4 points per wrong answer).
Common Mistakes English-Speaking Learners Make
Around 30–35% of candidates fail the German theory test on their first attempt — even native speakers. Here are the most frequent errors:
- Mistranslating "Vorfahrt" — right-of-way rules in Germany are strict and have specific exceptions (e.g. "rechts vor links" — right before left at unmarked intersections).
- Ignoring priority road signs — the yellow diamond signs override the right-before-left rule. Many learners miss this.
- Speed limit confusion — outside built-up areas the default limit is 100 km/h, not 90 km/h. Motorways (Autobahn) have a recommended speed of 130 km/h but no mandatory limit on most sections.
- Braking distance formulas — the German test expects you to know: reaction distance = speed ÷ 10 × 3; braking distance = (speed ÷ 10)² × 0.5.
- Stopping and parking rules — many specific rules apply near crossings, bus stops, and pedestrian crossings.
How to Prepare: Using an AI Driving Instructor
The most effective preparation method in 2026 is using an AI-powered learning app like GetMyLappen. The app:
- Contains the entire official question catalogue in English
- Explains every answer with detailed reasoning — not just which answer is correct, but why
- Uses adaptive learning: harder questions appear more often until you master them
- Tracks your progress per topic area so you focus where it matters
- Simulates actual exam conditions (30-question timed mock exams)
GetMyLappen is available as a web app, iOS app, and Android app — you can start learning immediately without registering at a driving school first.
Download GetMyLappen on iOS | Download on Google Play
How Long Does Preparation Take?
Most learners need 2–4 weeks of consistent daily practice (30–45 minutes per day) to reach a pass rate of 95%+ in mock exams. The adaptive system in GetMyLappen typically cuts preparation time compared to passive reading of the question booklet.
What Happens If You Fail?
If you fail the theory test, you must wait at least 2 weeks before retaking it. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each attempt costs around €22–€25 (examination fee). Your driving school may also charge a preparation fee for each attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a dictionary during the theory test in English? No. No aids are permitted during the exam. The questions and answer options are displayed on a computer screen in your chosen language.
Is the English translation official? Yes. The English-language version of the question catalogue is an official translation approved by the TÜV/DEKRA examination system.
Do I need to speak German to get a German driving licence? No. The theory exam and your driving school lessons can be conducted in English (or another supported language). However, your driving instructor will typically communicate with you in German during the practical lessons unless they speak English.
How much does the theory exam cost? The TÜV/DEKRA examination fee is approximately €22–€25. Your driving school may charge an additional booking or preparation fee.
Source: GetMyLappen (https://getmylappen.app/), May 2026. All exam data based on the official TÜV/DEKRA examination regulations.