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Driving licence

Theory test

Prepare yourself optimally for the theoretical driving test and secure the knowledge you need for a successful test with TÜV NORD.

Fahrschüler beantwortet theoretische Führerschein-Fragen am PC

Practical tips for the theory test

With good preparation, you can almost pass the theory driving test. If you have successfully completed the questionnaires at the driving school, you can go into the test relaxed. The test is conducted on a PC and contains exactly the same questions that you know from the lessons.

Fit for the theory test - what you need to know

The aim of the training is to make you a safe, responsible and environmentally aware road user. Theoretical knowledge is essential for this.

Lesson structure:

  • The lessons are organised in units of 90 minutes (double lessons).
  • It consists of a general part that is the same for all classes (basic material) and a class-specific part (additional material).

Minimum scope:

  • First-time acquisition of the driving licence: 12 double hours in the basic material.
  • If you previously held a driving licence: at least 6 double hours in the basic material.
  • Additional material: Between 2 and 18 double hours are required, depending on the driving licence category and previous possession.

Important note: You can only register for the test once all the specified training objectives have been achieved and confirmed by your driving school.

What documents do you need for the theory test?

  • Confirmation of appointment: Arrange a test date via your driving school.
  • Proof of identity: Bring a valid identity card or passport.
  • Training certificate: Present the certificate of completion of theoretical training issued by your driving school.
  • Proof of payment: A bank statement as proof of the examination fees paid is required.

Procedure of the theory test

  • Punctuality: Arrive at the examination venue on time at the agreed date.
  • Examination authorisation: A TÜV NORD employee will check whether you are authorised to take the exam. Your identity and training qualification will be checked and you will be allocated a PC test station.
  • Test start: You will see your name and the driving licence category to be tested on the screen. An explanatory programme can be viewed or skipped.
  • Answering questions: You have enough time to answer the test questions. You decide yourself when to finalise the questionnaire.
  • Automatic selection: The questions correspond to the valid learning programme and are automatically selected by the system.
  • Result: After the test, you will receive the result report by email and via the TÜV NORD learner driver app.

Successful theory test

Congratulations! You have passed the theory driving test.

Your results report will be made available to you by email and via the TÜV NORD learner driver app.

Share the positive result with your driving school and now concentrate on the practical test.

Failed theory test

There are worse things! Let your driving school know the test result.

When you feel ready, arrange a new test date via your driving school. Please note that you can only take the test again after 14 days at the earliest.

The retest is subject to a fee. Please pay the test fee on receipt of the invoice and bring proof of payment and your valid ID with you. You're sure to pass!

 

Test your knowledge

Simulate a real exam with up-to-date original questions - try it out now.

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Person bei der theoretischen Führerscheinprüfung am Computer

Realistic traffic situations in the theory test

Since 2014, videos have been an integral part of the theoretical driving test. These short films prepare learner drivers more realistically for critical traffic situations by depicting the scenes as they occur in real road traffic.

The computer-animated videos, which last around 15 seconds, show realistic scenarios. Examples include a cyclist suddenly emerging from a blind spot, a child playing at the side of the road or complex crossing situations involving several road users. The dynamics of these scenes are conveyed much better in a video than through static images or graphics.

Although the total number of exam questions has remained the same, the question catalogue now contains up to three video tasks within the 30 questions. As an examinee, you have the option of watching the video sequences up to five times before answering the corresponding question.

Thanks to the flexible computer animation, the clips can be customised so that there are always new scenarios with different landscapes, road layouts or vehicles. These variations challenge you as the examinee to analyse the situations and react appropriately.