Anmeldung
Registering with a driving school is the first step on the way to getting your driving licence. Here are the typical steps you need to follow to enrol in a driving school:
You can call the driving school to make an appointment for registration, or simply visit the school and ask for an appointment.
• You must present a valid ID card or passport. This is used to verify your identity and personal details. If you are from another country, a residence permit may also be required.
What do you need to obtain?
You will need to submit several documents when registering – but this does not necessarily have to happen on the first day.
The documents should be submitted within a reasonable time. Ask the driving school for a list (or download the checklist here) of the documents you need to obtain. These typically include:
Passport Photo:
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A recent passport photo is required and will later be used for your driving licence application. The photo must meet the official requirements, for example a neutral facial expression and no hat or sunglasses. The photo is usually forwarded to the driving licence authority so that it can be printed on your driving licence
Vision Test Certificate:
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You must complete a vision test to ensure that you have the required eyesight to drive a vehicle safely. The test can be carried out by an optician or an eye doctor and is required to confirm your fitness to drive. You will receive a certificate which must be submitted to the driving school. In most cases, the vision test is inexpensive and can be arranged at short notice
Medical Examination:
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If you want to obtain a truck or bus driving licence, a medical examination is required. This is usually carried out by your family doctor or an occupational health physician. The doctor will first ask about your medical history, including illnesses, operations, or medication that could affect your fitness to drive. This is followed by a physical examination, including blood pressure and pulse measurements, listening to the heart and lungs, and checking mobility, reflexes, and general physical condition.
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In addition, an eyesight examination is required to assess visual acuity, colour vision, field of vision, and depth perception. Depending on the circumstances, further tests such as blood or urine tests, an ECG, or additional examinations may also be necessary. At the end of the process, the doctor issues a medical certificate confirming your fitness to drive
First Aid Course Certificate:
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To obtain a driving licence, proof of completion of a first aid course is required. The course usually consists of nine lessons and teaches the basic principles of first aid in emergency situations.
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You can attend the course through various providers, such as the German Red Cross (DRK) or other recognised organisations. The course is usually completed within one day, and the certificate is issued immediately afterwards. If the course was completed more than two years ago, it may need to be renewed.
Process
You should receive a date and time from your driving school for your first lesson. In most cases, you will start by attending theory classes.
I have explained the theory lessons in more detail on another page in the main menu. Feel free to take a look there for more information.
Learning Materials
When you register, or in the days shortly afterwards, you will receive learning materials. The cost of these materials is usually included in the registration fee.
You will receive:
• Access to an app that helps you prepare for the theory test.
• One or more books that you can also use to study for the theory test.
Voraussetzungen
Different personal requirements apply depending on the driving licence category. These include, above all, the minimum age, health requirements and, in some cases, previously held driving licence categories.
Minimum age
There is a legally defined minimum age for each driving licence category.
Examples:
• Class AM: from age 15
• Class A1: from age 16
• Class A2: from 18 years of age
• Class B: generally from age 18
• Supervised driving Class B: from age 17
• Class C / CE (truck): usually from age 21
• Class D / DE (bus): often from age 24
Exceptions may apply under certain conditions or for specific vocational training.
Health suitability
Anyone who wants to drive a vehicle must be physically and mentally fit to do so.
This includes, among other things:
• sufficient eyesight
• Responsiveness
• Concentration
• general physical resilience
For car licenses, a standard eye test is often sufficient. Stricter medical requirements apply to truck and bus licenses.
Medical examinations
Additional examinations are required for some driving licence categories.
These often include:
• medical examination
• ophthalmological report
• Proof of medical fitness
This is especially important in the case of:
• Class C / CE
• Class D / DE
The investigations are intended to ensure that larger vehicles can be driven safely.
Prior possession of other driving licence categories
Some driving licence categories can only be obtained if another category is already held.
Examples:
• Class BE requires Class B
• Class CE requires Class C
• Class DE requires Class D
Registration is not possible without this prior ownership class.
Professional driver & basic qualification
Those who want to drive trucks or buses commercially often also need the so-called accelerated basic qualification.
This includes:
• Teaching units
• practical content
• Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) exam
It is particularly important in freight and passenger transport.
Foreign driving licenses
If you already have a driver's license from abroad, special rules may apply.
Depending on the country of origin, the following may be necessary:
• Translations
• additional documents
• theoretical or practical examinations
• Conversion of the driver's license
The specific requirements depend on the country.
Registration Made Simple
In this video we explain the most important steps for registering at a driving school.