How the theory exam works
30 questions, 10 error points – and one trap
Your path to the theory exam
You take the theory exam at TÜV or DEKRA on a tablet. You get 30 questions: 20 from the basic material (for all classes) and 10 class‑specific questions for class B. You may sit it at the earliest 3 months before the minimum age. Bring your ID – the licensing office sends the exam order directly to the test centre.
The exam in numbers
- 30 questions: 20 basic + 10 class B specific
- Each question is worth 2, 3, 4 or 5 error points
- 110 points are at stake in total
- Pass with a maximum of 10 error points
- Fee at TÜV/DEKRA: around €25
- A theory pass stays valid 12 months for starting the practical exam
The 5‑point trap
Two wrong 5‑point questions mean a fail – even though that is exactly 10 error points. 5‑point questions cover the biggest dangers: right of way, alcohol, children, overtaking, level crossings. Study these topics especially carefully.
When does an answer count as correct?
Counts as correct
- All correct options ticked
- No wrong option ticked
- Number questions: exactly the right value
Counts as wrong
- One correct option missed
- One wrong option ticked as well
- Wrong number, e.g. unit mixed up
Question types and languages
- Multiple choice with text, picture or video – one to all options correct
- You can watch videos up to five times
- Number questions: you type in a value
- Exam available in German or 12 foreign languages
- English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese
- Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Spanish, Turkish, Modern Standard Arabic
- The practical exam is held in German only
From learning to the exam
- Attend compulsory classes: 12 double lessons basic + 2 class B
- Apply at the licensing office: eye test, first‑aid course, photo
- Learn all topics, lock in the 5‑point questions first
- Practise mock exams until you pass reliably
- Your driving school registers you for the exam
- Exam day: bring your ID, read calmly and precisely
Remember: § 1 StVO
The most important rule comes first: constant care and mutual consideration. Nobody may be harmed, endangered, or hindered or inconvenienced more than unavoidable. When unsure about a question, ask yourself: which answer is the most careful and considerate?
Failed? No drama.
You may retake the exam – after two weeks at the earliest, and the fee is charged again. Use the time: review exactly the topics where you made mistakes. Once you pass, you have 12 months to start the practical exam – otherwise the theory pass expires.
Outlook: the 2027 reform
On 20 May 2026 the federal cabinet approved the “affordable driving licence” reform: about a third fewer exam questions, a practical exam with the EU minimum of 25 minutes, no compulsory classroom lessons, fewer special drives. It is planned for early 2027 – parliament (Bundestag and Bundesrat) must still agree. Until then, the current system applies – the one you learn here.
Learn like a pro
Learn rules, not answer patterns – exam questions may be worded differently. Short daily sessions beat a weekend marathon. Repeat questions you got wrong after one day, three days and one week.
You only got two 5‑point questions wrong, everything else right. Did you pass?
- Yes, 10 error points are just about allowed
- No, two wrong 5‑point questions always mean a fail
- Only if both questions were class‑specific
Check answer
No, two wrong 5‑point questions always mean a fail
Two wrong 5‑point questions always mean a fail – even though that is exactly 10 error points.
When is a multiple‑choice question marked as correct?
- When at least one correct option is ticked
- When all correct options and no wrong option are ticked
- When there are more correct than wrong ticks
Check answer
When all correct options and no wrong option are ticked
Only the completely correct combination counts: all correct options, no wrong one.