Guide · Apply for a driving licence
Applying for a driving licence: procedure, costs & required documents for the first-time issue of a driving licence
Where do you apply for your driving licence, what documents do you need and what deadlines apply?
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 guide, 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. Fahrschule FAHRPLAN in Frankfurt is happy to help you with your application.
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 6–8 weeks
- In a hurry? As a service, we can give you the fast-track application form if it makes sense in your case – your paperwork is then often ready after around three weeks, with no extra fees from the authority. The only difference: you won’t be handed your driving licence straight after passing your test; instead, you collect it from the driving licence office.
- 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
The complete list of documents. To pre-register for FAHRPLAN.
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)
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:
- 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 issues the test order
- Test request to the relevant technical testing body (e.g. TÜV)
- take the theory test
- Driving lessons and practical test
- Received driving licence
Important: The test order (Prüfauftrag) is only created after the application has been submitted successfully.
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. Good to know: if your testing order expires after twelve months without a passed theory test, experience shows that a new application is processed faster – the paperwork is usually back in 3 to 5 weeks.
From receipt of the testing order, you have 12 months for the theory test. Once you have passed the theory test, you have a further 12 months for the practical test (§ 22 Abs. 5 FeV).
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
Important: The 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 lessons
- Preparing for the theory test
- Practical driving lessons
- Practical test
Driving 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
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:
| Deadline | 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 6–8 weeks |
| Test request (TÜV) | 12 months for the theory test, then 12 months from passing the theory test for the practical test (§ 22 Abs. 5 FeV) |
| Theory test | only with an approved application; the theory exam may be a max. 2 years ago |
| 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
Online services & digital applications
An increasing number of authorities are offering online services:
- Appointment booking via service portal
- Partially digital application process
- Upload of documents
A prerequisite is often that you already have portal access.
Read more
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.
Do you want to learn to drive and are looking for support?
Fahrschule FAHRPLAN supports you from your application to your test.
How the application fits into the entire training process is shown on the page This is how you get your driving licence.