The driving examination consists of a theoretical and a practical part. An officially accredited expert or examiner for the motor vehicle traffic of the TÜV (MOT) or DEKRA is responsible for both parts of the exam. Examinations that were not passed can be repeated. The practical exam may only ensue once the theoretical part has been passed.
In the theoretical exam, a questionnaire is used (class B: 30 question, mainly multiple choice) to check the required knowledge of the learner driver. The exam is passed if the error limit prescribed in the examination guideline is nor exceeded. The theoretical exam language is principally German. Foreign citizens whose German language skills are not sufficient can also be tested in their language. In some of the federal states the exam must be taken on a PC.
The practical exam consists of a test drive including basic driving tasks. The basic driving tasks described in the examination guideline (handling and manoeuvring tasks) should show that the learner driver can safely operate the vehicle and has the driving skills to control it. The test drive should especially show that the learner driver has the ability to safely control the vehicle and can adapt his driving style to the respective traffic conditions. The test drive takes place in the local urban area as well as on country roads and freeways or similar roads. The practical exam is passed once the basic driving tasks have been carried out without mistakes and the test drive was without any major hitches or accumulation of other mistakes. The duration of the class B test driver is at least 45 minutes. 5-10 minutes of this time is spent on the basic driving tasks (manoeuvring, parking), approx. 15 minutes on driving in the urban area, the rest of the time is spend on the open road.