Class B — Manual / automatic
- Vehicles
- Cars and light vans up to 3,500 kg, max. 8 seats excluding the driver
- Transmission
- Manual and automatic — take the test in a manual car unless you want an automatic restriction
- Trailer
- Up to 750 kg is always allowed. Over 750 kg only if car + trailer stay within 3,500 kg
- Minimum age
- 18 years (17 with BF17)
- Probation
- 2 years — extended to 4 years after serious violations
- Validity
- Recognized throughout the EU
Class B197 — Automatic test
- Test
- Practical test in an automatic car — full driving entitlement included
- Upgrade
- At least 10 manual lessons plus a short in-car check
- Benefit
- Less stressful test with no restriction on later vehicles
- Minimum age
- 18 years (17 with BF17)
- Probation
- 2 years — extended to 4 years after serious violations
- Validity
- EU-wide like a standard class B licence
Class BF17 — Licence from age 16 1/2
- Registration
- Possible from age 16 1/2
- Test
- From age 17 — class B passenger cars
- Driving
- Only with a registered accompanying person until your 18th birthday
- Accompanying person
- At least 30 years old, class B for 5 years, max. 1 point in Flensburg
- Benefit
- Gain experience early, insurance can be cheaper later
Class BE & B96 — Trailer licence
- BE - Allows
- Cars with heavy trailers above 750 kg
- BE - Weight
- Tow vehicle + trailer up to 7,000 kg gross weight
- BE - Test
- Practical test with a car-and-trailer combination
- B96 - Allows
- Combinations up to 4,250 kg — no practical test required
- B96 - Training
- Only practical and theory training required
- Ideal for
- Camping, leisure trips or transporting larger loads
Registration & pre-registration — Step 01 / 08
Pre-register online in 5 minutes — we get back to you within one business day.
What happens when I register with the driving school?
You fill in a short online form and we call you back within one business day. At the first appointment we go through your licence class, your preferred pace, the next documents and how you want to structure theory and practice.
The registration fee covers the contract setup, access to the learning app, theory lessons and ongoing support from our team. If you are switching from another driving school, we can usually continue from your current training status.
What you need for registration
- Minimum age: class B from 17 1/2, BF17 from 16 1/2
- For minors: signature and consent from a parent or legal guardian
- ID card or passport for your first in-person appointment
- Biometric passport photo, if available
- For BF17: data for the accompanying person or persons
How long does registration take?
The online pre-registration takes about 5 minutes. The first visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, and in many cases you can start theory lessons in the same week.
Frequently asked questions
How much does registration cost? At the start you pay the base registration fee. Lessons, special drives and test fees are billed later according to what you actually need.
Can I switch from another driving school? Yes. Bring your training record from your current school and we continue from there instead of starting from zero.
Do I already need the authority application? No. We help you prepare the authority file step by step once the first documents are ready.
Tip from Fahrschule S.U.V.
Bring clear questions to the first appointment — for example class B vs. B197, your preferred start date or any schedule constraints.
First-aid course & eye test — Step 02 / 08
Mandatory basics: first-aid course plus an eye test before the authority application.
What happens in the first-aid course and eye test?
Before we can submit your file, you need a valid first-aid certificate and an eye test. The first-aid course covers emergency basics such as CPR, stable side position and behaviour at an accident scene.
The eye test is usually done by an optician and takes only a few minutes. If you need glasses or contact lenses, that will later be noted in your licence.
What you need for step 2
- ID card or passport
- Appointment with a certified first-aid provider
- Appointment with an optician or ophthalmologist
- Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you already use them
How long does it take?
The first-aid course is usually completed in one day. The eye test often takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I take the first-aid course? We can recommend providers in and around Düsseldorf. Many students do the course on a Saturday.
How much does the eye test cost? At most opticians it is a small fee and usually finished quickly.
What if I do not pass the eye test? Then you usually repeat it with the correct glasses or lenses. The licence will then include the appropriate code.
Tip from Fahrschule S.U.V.
Try to complete step 2 early so nothing delays your authority application later.
Authority application — Step 03 / 08
You file the application with the authority — you bring the documents and we guide you through the whole process.
What happens with the authority application?
Once the key documents are available, you file the application with the driving licence authority — we explain exactly which forms and documents you need. This step is required before any official theory or practical test can be booked.
You mainly need the biometric photo, first-aid certificate, eye test and your ID. For minors and BF17 there are additional signatures and companion details.
Documents for the application
- Current biometric passport photo
- First-aid certificate
- Eye test certificate
- ID card or passport
- For minors and BF17: all required signatures and companion information
How long does the authority application take?
In Düsseldorf, approval often takes around 4 to 6 weeks. During that time you can already attend theory lessons and continue preparing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I already start lessons before the approval comes through? Yes. You can attend theory and usually start practical planning before the authority has finished the file.
How much does the authority application cost? The fee is paid separately to the city or authority and is not part of the driving school registration fee.
What happens if I move? Tell us early. Depending on the new address, the file may need to be transferred to another authority.
Tip from Fahrschule S.U.V.
Photo, eye test and first-aid certificate are the usual bottlenecks — if those are ready early, step 3 becomes much easier.
Theory lessons — Step 04 / 08
12 mandatory basic double lessons plus 2 class-specific ones — on site with us, planned in a weekly schedule.
What happens in theory lessons?
Theory covers the rules you need in traffic: signs, right of way, speed, distance, hazard awareness and class-B-specific content. For a first class B licence you need 12 basic double lessons plus 2 class-specific double lessons.
At Fahrschule S.U.V. the lessons run on a fixed weekly schedule, so you can choose dates that fit school, work or your private routine. The learning app runs alongside the lessons and helps you repeat the official questions at home.
Requirements for theory lessons
- Signed training contract
- Access to the learning app
- 12 mandatory basic double lessons
- 2 class-specific double lessons for class B
- If you already hold another class, fewer basic lessons may be required
How long do theory lessons take?
Depending on how often you attend, many students finish this step in about 4 to 8 weeks. Around school holidays it can take longer, so starting early helps.
Frequently asked questions
How many theory lessons do I need? For a first class B licence: 12 basic double lessons plus 2 class-specific ones, so 14 double lessons in total.
Can I do theory lessons online? No — theory lessons take place in person at the school. The learning app with all official exam questions is included for practice at home.
What happens during school holidays? Regular theory schedules may be reduced during NRW school holidays, so it is best to plan around them.
When can I take the theory test? Only after all required lessons are complete and the authority has approved your file.
Tip from Fahrschule S.U.V.
Short daily app sessions of 15 to 20 minutes work better than cramming everything right before the test.
Theory test — Step 05 / 08
30 questions on a tablet at TÜV. For class B you may score up to 10 fault points.
What is tested in the theory exam?
You answer 30 questions on a tablet: basic material plus class-B-specific questions. The result is shown directly after the test, and if you pass we can move forward with the next steps.
We usually register students only when they are consistently strong in the learning app, because that gives the best chance of passing on the first try.
Requirements for the theory test
- Authority approval is available
- All mandatory theory lessons completed
- ID card or passport on the test day
- Theory test fee paid
- Minimum age reached for your case
How long does the theory test take?
The test itself can take up to 45 minutes, but many prepared students finish earlier. Plan around 1.5 hours for the whole appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are there? For class B there are 30 questions in total with a maximum of 10 fault points.
Can I take the test in another language? Yes, several languages are available. We register your preferred language with the exam booking.
What happens if I fail? There is a waiting period before the retake, and the exam fee is charged again for the new attempt.
How long is a passed theory test valid? You normally need to pass the practical test within 12 months.
Tip from Fahrschule S.U.V.
Before the exam, practice calmly and read every question all the way through — avoid rushing the small words that change the meaning.
Practical lessons — Step 06 / 08
Regular driving lessons plus 12 mandatory special drives — your pace depends on your progress.
What happens during practical lessons?
You begin with the basics and then move into city traffic, country roads, motorway driving and manoeuvres. Besides normal lessons, class B also includes 12 mandatory special drives: country road, motorway and night driving.
There is no fixed legal number of standard practice lessons. Your instructor decides with you when you are truly ready for the practical test.
Requirements for practical lessons
- Authority approval is available
- Passed theory test for the later special drives
- ID card with you
- Glasses or contact lenses if required
- Shoes that are safe for the pedals
How long does this phase take?
With regular lessons, many students need around 3 to 6 months from their first drive to practical test readiness. Intensive courses can shorten that considerably.
Frequently asked questions
How many practical lessons do I need? That depends on the student. The only fixed legal minimum is the 12 special drives.
What are special drives? They are the mandatory country-road, motorway and night lessons that every class B student must complete.
Manual or B197? With B197 you test in an automatic car but still need extra manual practice so the licence remains unrestricted.
When will I notice progress? Usually after the first basics, city traffic and manoeuvres start feeling much more natural within the next block of lessons.
Tip from Fahrschule S.U.V.
Two steady lesson slots per week are often more effective than long gaps between appointments.
Practical test — Step 07 / 08
A real 55-minute test (at least 30 minutes of pure driving) with the examiner. We prepare you for the route, manoeuvres and pressure.
What is checked in the practical test?
The examiner checks vehicle control, observation, right of way, lane discipline, speed choice and at least basic manoeuvres such as parking or emergency braking. You drive together with your instructor and the examiner.
Small mistakes do not automatically fail you. The decisive issue is whether there is a serious safety-relevant error.
Requirements for the practical test
- Passed theory test is still valid
- All 12 special drives documented
- Your instructor confirms you are test-ready
- ID card on the test day
- For BF17: companion data is correctly confirmed
How long does the practical test take?
The test lasts 55 minutes (at least 30 minutes of pure driving). Including preparation, the vehicle check and the result discussion, the full appointment is usually around 1.5 hours.
Frequently asked questions
When do I fail the practical test? A serious safety error such as running a red light, ignoring right of way or instructor intervention can lead to an immediate fail.
What happens if I fail? You normally wait, train the weak points and then book a new test with a new exam fee.
Which manoeuvres can come up? Typical tasks are parking, turning around, starting on a hill or an emergency stop.
How high is the first-time fail rate? That varies, but good preparation and honest feedback from your instructor make a huge difference.
Tip from Fahrschule S.U.V.
Arrive rested, eat something light and give yourself enough time before the appointment so you do not start in stress mode.
Receive your licence — Step 08 / 08
Passed. Temporary certificate first, card licence later — and then you are ready to drive.
What happens after I pass?
After the practical test you usually receive a temporary certificate straight away. That lets you drive immediately while the card licence is being produced.
The final licence card is normally collected later from the responsible authority. Your probation period starts immediately with the licence being granted.
What you need after passing
- Temporary certificate from the examiner
- ID card for collecting the final card licence
- Appointment with the authority if required
- For BF17: an entered companion for every drive before turning 18
- Awareness of the 2-year probation period
How long until I have the card in hand?
The card licence often arrives within 2 to 4 weeks. With BF17, the companion rule still applies until your 18th birthday even though the probation period already runs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive alone immediately after passing? Yes, as soon as you have the temporary certificate in your hand. With BF17 the companion rule still applies.
When does the probation period begin? It begins when the licence is granted, not only when the plastic card arrives.
How long does the final card take? Usually around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the authority.
What does BF17 mean after passing? Until you turn 18, you may only drive with an officially entered accompanying person.
Tip from Fahrschule S.U.V.
The first weeks after the test are the most sensitive. Start with calm, familiar routes and give yourself time to build routine.
