Applying for a driving licence: procedure, costs & required documents for the first-time issue of a driving licence
The first step towards getting your own driving licence begins with the licence application. Many learner drivers underestimate how important it is to apply in good time, because without an approved application you can take neither the theory nor the practical test.
In this glossary, you will find everything you need to know about getting your driving licence for the first time: requirements, procedure, costs and the documents you actually need. We, from your Driving School Frankfurt are by your side!
Applying for a driving licence: A quick summary
- You must apply for your driving licence at the competent driving licence authority
- No application, no participation in the theory test
- Processing time is usually 4–6 weeks for submissions in person, sometimes up to 8 – submitted online it is quicker
- You need, amongst other things, an eye test certificate, a first-aid certificate and a passport photo
- Registration at the driving school usually takes place before or at the same time as submitting the application
Prerequisite: Who is eligible to apply for a driving licence?
There are clear prerequisites for the initial issuance of a driving licence:
- You must have your primary residence in the competent local authority area
- The minimum age depends on the licence category (e.g. 18 years or accompanied driving from 17)
- You must be physically and mentally fit (proof of aptitude to drive motor vehicles)
In certain cases (e.g. for a lorry driving licence or for professional drivers), a medically certified expert report may also be required.
Relevant driving licence authority: Where can you apply for your driving licence?
You can apply for your driving licence at:
- the licensing authority
- the driving licence office of your city or district authority
- partly in the citizens' registration office of your independent city
- Important: The authority at your main place of residence is always responsible. Many cities already offer an online service or online services via a service portal. You can often at least book an appointment to submit your application there.
Required documents for the driving licence application
The following checklist contains all the necessary documents you need for the application for issue:
- Valid identity card or passport
- Biometric passport photo
- Vision test certificate (eye examination, no more than 2 years old)
- Certificate of attendance for the first aid course
- Name of your driving school
- application form (official authority form)
A prerequisite is often that you already have portal access.Optionally, further documentation may be required:
- Criminal record certificate (e.g. for bus licence categories)
- Medical certificate or ophthalmological report
- Driver qualification card for professional drivers
Process: Driving licence application step by step
The entire application process is clearly structured:The entire application process is clearly structured:
- Choose a driving school and register
- Submit a driving licence application to the driving licence authority
- Submit documents in full
- The authority examines the application and creates the audit assignment
- Test request to the relevant technical testing body (e.g. TÜV)
- take the theory test
- Driving lessons and practical test
- Received driving licence
ImportantThe review assignment will only be created after a successful application.
Processing time: How long does the driving licence application take?
The processing time depends on several factors:
Workload of the authority
Completeness of the documentation
Region (e.g. city vs. county council)
Average processing time: usually six to eight weeks for in-person submission, mostly significantly faster when submitted online. Good to know: If your application for examination expires because you didn't pass the theory test within a year, experience shows that a new application is processed faster – the paperwork is usually back in 3 to 5 weeks.
Following receipt of the examination order, you generally have 12 months to pass the theoretical and practical tests.
Costs and fees for the driving licence application
A fee of approximately €40 to €80 is payable for the application.
Additional costs are incurred for:
- eye test
- First-aid course
- passport photo
- Exam fees
ImportantThe driving school costs (driving lessons) are not included in these fees.
Driving school & tests: What happens after the application?
After applying to the driving licensing authority, your training at the driving school begins:Theory lessonsPreparing for the theory testPractical driving lessonsPractical testDriving competence is demonstrated through a theoretical and practical test.
Special features: Accompanied driving & HGV licence
Accompanying driving from 17
For accompanied driving from the age of 17, additional rules apply:
- Parental consent required
- Registration of an accompanying person
- An accompanying person must meet certain requirements
A prerequisite is often that you already have portal access.
HGV licence & further categories
Stricter requirements apply to the lorry driving licence or other licence categories:
- Additional medical examinations
- Possibly an expert opinion from an officially recognised assessment body
- Further evidence for professional drivers
All deadlines relating to the driving licence application at a glance
Hardly any guide combines the application deadlines into an overarching picture – yet it is precisely these that determine your schedule:
| First | What applies |
|---|---|
| eye test | must be at most when applying 2 years being old (section 12 FeV) |
| First-aid course | valid indefinitely – an old proof is sufficient |
| Processing of the application | usually when submitting in person 4–6 weeks (up to 8), submitted online faster |
| Test request (TÜV) | in administrative practice around 1 year valid |
| Theory test | only with an approved application; the theory exam may be a max. 2 years lag behind |
| Theory test passed | 12 months valid – the practical exam must be passed by then |
| After passing the exam | Driving licence collection within 2 years |
| Application expired? | Submitting a new application is usually quicker, based on experience 3 to 5 weeks |
Our guide shows how these deadlines translate into a realistic overall schedule How long does it really take to get a driving licence?
Common mistakes when applying for a driving licence
Many applicants make typical mistakes:
- Application submitted too late
- Documents incomplete
- Eye test certificate expired
- Incorrect passport photo submitted
Tip: Submit your application no earlier than six months before reaching the minimum age.
Online services & digital applications
An increasing number of authorities are offering online services:Appointment booking via service portalPartially digital application processUpload of documentsA prerequisite is often that you already have portal access.
Applying for a driving licence made easy
The initial issuance of a driving licence is the most important step on the way to getting a licence. Anyone who submits their application early, prepares all the necessary documents and knows the procedure will save time and avoid unnecessary stress.
With the right preparation, nothing stands in the way of your successful exam.
Our tip: Let your driving school guide you and start your application early.
Do you want to learn to drive and are looking for support?
Driving school Fahrplan accompanies you from your application to your test. Find out more now and get started!