Your licence.
Your questions.

You can call us, visit our office or pre-register online without obligation. We'll discuss your preferred category and the right starting point. You sign your training contract in person at our office. Online pre-registration alone does not create a contract.

Our office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 16:30 to 19:00. Go to pre-registration

Bring a valid identity card or passport and your driving licence if you already have one. If you are under 18, we also need your legal guardians' consent. You can also bring any documents you already have, such as an eye test or first aid certificate.

You don't need to have all the official application documents ready before discussing your start with us.

Once registered, you can join our ongoing theory lessons at any time. They take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 19:00 to 20:30. We arrange driving lessons with you individually.

You can submit the official application at the earliest six months before reaching the minimum age for your category. For BF17, that is at 16½. More about theory lessons

Yes. If you are a minor, your legal guardians must consent to the training contract. The required declarations of consent are also important for the licence application. The easiest approach is to clarify together at registration who needs to sign.

Yes, combined training is possible if you meet the requirements for each category. We coordinate theory, driving lessons and applications. You do not have to attend the same basic theory lessons twice just because you are training for two categories.

For B and BE, you must hold category B by the time BE is issued. We discuss the process and combined costs with you personally.

Generally, yes. Theory and driving lessons at the driving school can take place while your application is being processed. To take the test, however, you need a valid test authorisation, the required training and all other prerequisites.

Submit your application as early as possible so that you don't finish preparing but still have to wait for permission to take the test.

Yes. You can also join us from Schwaikheim, Leutenbach, Waiblingen, Backnang, Stuttgart or elsewhere. Your application is generally handled by the driver licensing authority responsible for your main place of residence.

If you live further away from the training location, we first clarify whether the authority needs to approve your chosen test location.

Apply to the driver licensing authority responsible for your main place of residence. For Winnenden, this is the Rems-Murr district licensing office. Depending on the application process, you can submit online or through the relevant local office.

We help you with the training details and explain the next steps. Registering at EkoDrive does not replace the official application.

In the Rems-Murr district, online applications are available for first licences, BF17 and additional categories, among other cases. The relevant application shows which documents and identification you need. Before applying in person, check whether you need an appointment.

If you live in a different district, its application procedures apply. We can help you identify the responsible office.

For a standard first licence in category B, A1, A2 or A, you generally need:

• a valid identity card or passport, with proof of residence if required,
• a recent biometric passport photo,
• an eye test no more than two years old when you apply,
• a recognised first aid certificate,
• the application with your driving school and desired licence category.

For minors and BF17, additional consent declarations and details of accompanying persons are required. The authority may request further documents in individual cases.

To add a category, you normally need your identity document, existing licence, a biometric photo and a current eye test. A first aid qualification already recognised does not automatically have to be repeated. Check whether the authority already has proof of it.

B96 and B196 have a separate procedure involving a training certificate. Tell us at registration which categories and restriction or entitlement codes you already hold.

For B, BE and motorcycle categories, the eye test must be no more than two years old when you apply. You can get one at a recognised testing centre, including many opticians.

If you need glasses or contact lenses, take them with you. If corrective lenses are entered as a licence condition, you must also wear them during lessons, the test and when driving afterwards.

Yes. Our partner MSG Medical Service Germany, Nico Weinand, offers first aid training, eye tests and biometric passport photos on our premises. Whether the course takes place at our driving school (Karl-Krämer-Straße 29, 71364 Winnenden) depends on participant numbers. Alternatively, it may take place in Fellbach or Waiblingen. MSG organises the course and confirms the final venue.

When you book the first aid course through EkoDrive, the eye test and biometric passport photos are included free. The provider currently quotes €65 per person for the complete package. Course hours are 09:00–16:30.

View dates and book a first aid course with MSG ↗ (opens the provider's website in a new tab).

Price information as of 28 October 2026. The prices and conditions shown by the provider for your chosen date apply. Information about the external booking link is in our privacy policy.

A recognised first aid training certificate is generally valid indefinitely. The current driving licence course comprises at least nine 45-minute teaching units.

An older certificate covering only 'lebensrettende Sofortmaßnahmen' (immediate lifesaving measures) is not automatically equivalent. If you have one of these or your certificate is missing, clarify recognition with the authority before booking another course.

You need a recent biometric passport photo. Whether you need a print or an image file depends on how you apply. Check the requirements of your licence application before having your photo taken.

Photo rules for identity cards and passports do not automatically apply to driving licences.

Processing time depends on the authority, its workload and whether your documents are complete. We therefore cannot promise a fixed number of weeks.

An important prerequisite is met once the authority has sent the test authorisation to the testing organisation. You also need to have completed the required training, be ready for the test and have an available appointment. We'll discuss with you when you are ready. For theory tests from 1 January 2027, you book your appointment yourself in the TÜV SÜD Drivers Club. Before doing so, you must complete all legally required theory lessons and we must confirm completion of your theory training. We continue to arrange your practical test. More about booking from 2027.

Three important deadlines apply to the usual test procedures:

• Theory: You must pass within twelve months of the testing organisation receiving the test authorisation.
• Practical after theory: You then have twelve months to pass the practical test.
• Practical test only: For example, BE or the simplified motorcycle upgrade requires you to pass within twelve months of receipt of the test authorisation.

The dates on your test authorisation are what matter, not simply the date you registered at the driving school. Contact us early if a deadline is approaching; an extension is not automatic.

Tell the licensing authority and us your new address as early as possible. If a different district becomes responsible, your file may need transferring or your test authorisation amending.

Moving home does not automatically invalidate your completed training. However, a new address or driving school does not automatically restart existing test deadlines either.

• B with a manual test: You take the practical test in a manual car and can then drive both manual and automatic cars.
• B197: You take the practical test in an automatic car and demonstrate your manual driving skills during training. Your category B then also allows you to drive both manual and automatic cars.
• B78: You take the test in an automatic car without that manual driving assessment. Your category B is then restricted to automatic cars.

The right option also depends on whether you intend to obtain additional categories later. More about automatic training and B197

You complete at least ten 45-minute lessons in a manual car. In a subsequent drive of at least 15 minutes with your instructor, you demonstrate that you can change gears and drive safely in and outside built-up areas.

This is not an additional TÜV test. You take the normal practical driving test in an automatic car. The ten manual lessons form part of your practical training; they do not mean that ten lessons in total will be enough.

Yes. For category B, B197 is not an automatic-only restriction. In countries that recognise your German licence, it generally allows you to drive a manual category B car too.

Rental cars are also subject to the rental company's terms, such as minimum age and how long you have held a licence.

Accompanied driving allows you to obtain category B at 17. You can apply at the earliest at 16½ years old. The theory test may take place no earlier than three months before your 17th birthday, and the practical test no earlier than one month before.

You may start driving no earlier than 17, once your licence has been issued, and only with a registered accompanying person until you turn 18. The same lead times apply before your 18th birthday for the regular category B licence.

Your accompanying person must be at least 30 years old, have held category B continuously for at least five years and have no more than one point in the German driving fitness register when you apply.

The person must be registered by name as an accompanying person. Several people can be registered, and they do not have to be your parents. Specific alcohol and drug rules also apply to accompanying persons during the drive.

If B is your first licence, you need twelve double lessons of basic theory and two double lessons of B-specific theory. Each double lesson lasts 90 minutes.

If you already have a driving entitlement and are adding B, basic theory is generally reduced to six double lessons; the two B-specific double lessons remain. The learning app helps you practise but does not replace the compulsory lessons.

There is no fixed statutory minimum number of standard driving lessons. You practise until you can drive safely and independently.

Regular category B training also requires twelve special driving lessons of 45 minutes each: five on rural roads, four on motorways and three at dusk or in darkness. These twelve lessons do not constitute the whole practical course.

An automatic-only restriction does not disappear simply through more driving experience. For category B, manual training with a competence assessment and a subsequent licence amendment may be an option under the prescribed conditions. Alternatively, a practical test in a manual car may be necessary or advisable.

Bring your licence. Together, we'll check which route fits your licence entry. Special requirements apply to restrictions imposed for medical reasons.

• A1 from 16: Motorcycles up to 125 cc, no more than 11 kW and no more than 0.1 kW per kilogram.
• A2 from 18: Motorcycles up to 35 kW and no more than 0.2 kW per kilogram. The motorcycle must not be derived from a model with more than 70 kW.
• A: Motorcycles without a power limit. Direct access from 24, or from 20 after holding A2 for at least two years and passing the upgrade test.

There is also category A with code 80 from age 21 and the B196 extension. Motorcycle overview

Yes. To add A1, A2 or A to B through the regular route, you generally need six double lessons of basic theory and four double lessons of motorcycle-specific theory. Without an existing driving entitlement, you need twelve basic double lessons plus four category-specific ones.

Each double lesson lasts 90 minutes. Motorcycle-specific theory is arranged individually, usually on Saturdays. Different rules apply to the simplified staged upgrade after at least two years.

If you have held A1 for at least two years, you can upgrade to A2 from age 18 by taking a practical test. With A2 held for at least two years, you can upgrade to A from age 20 by taking a practical test.

No new theory test or further theory lessons are required for this route. There is no fixed mandatory number of standard or special driving lessons either. We prepare you for the practical test according to your skills.

The upgrade is not automatic. You must apply to add the category and pass the practical test. B196 does not count as category A1 for this purpose.

Yes. Even for the simplified upgrade, you apply to add the category through your licensing authority. The practical test cannot take place without the correct test authorisation.

The upgrade test can be taken no earlier than one month before the two-year holding period ends. The new category is issued only when both the required holding period and minimum age have been reached. We plan the preparation and appointment with you.

With this route, you take the practical test on a category A motorcycle from age 21. Until your 24th birthday, you may only ride two-wheeled motorcycles within category A2 limits.

At 24, this restriction ends without another test. A80 is therefore an alternative to the normal staged upgrade from A2 to A. The training required depends on the categories you already hold.

For B196, you must be at least 25 years old and have held category B for at least five years. Training comprises at least four theory and five practical units, each lasting 90 minutes.

After successful training and the code being entered on your licence, you may ride motorcycles up to 125 cc, 11 kW and 0.1 kW per kilogram in Germany. No TÜV test is required. Additional training may be needed if you have not yet reached a safe level of control.

No. The training certificate alone is not enough. The authority must first enter B196 on your licence. No more than one year may pass between completing the training and having the code entered.

B196 is valid only in Germany. It is not a standalone category A1 licence and therefore does not allow the simplified upgrade from A1 to A2.

For a standard first licence in category A1, A2 or A, you need twelve special lessons of 45 minutes each: five on rural roads, four on motorways and three at dusk or in darkness. Standard practice lessons are added according to your progress.

Different rules may apply when adding categories. No fixed number of special lessons is prescribed for the simplified A1 → A2 or A2 → A upgrade after at least two years. We therefore first clarify what you already hold.

You need a properly fitting motorcycle helmet, motorcycle gloves, a close-fitting motorcycle jacket, a back protector, motorcycle trousers and motorcycle boots with adequate ankle protection. The back protector may be integrated into the jacket.

Discuss your equipment with us before your first lesson. We'll also check which training motorcycle suits your height and handling needs. Ordinary jeans and trainers do not replace protective clothing.

With a category B towing vehicle, you can tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg. The combination may then have a total maximum authorised mass of up to 4,250 kg.

If the trailer's maximum authorised mass exceeds 750 kg, the combined maximum authorised masses of car and trailer must not exceed 3,500 kg.

The technical limits of both car and trailer must also be observed, such as towing capacity and nose weight. Reducing the load does not replace the required licence category.

• B96: For a category B towing vehicle and a trailer over 750 kg where the combined maximum authorised masses exceed 3,500 kg but do not exceed 4,250 kg. You complete training without a driving licence test.
• BE: For a category B towing vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg. A practical test is required. In principle, the combination can reach up to 7,000 kg.

The specific vehicle's technical limits always apply as well. Bring the vehicle details so we can identify the right option. More about B96 and BE

In the German registration certificate Part I, field F.2 shows the maximum authorised mass in Germany, for both the car and the trailer. These figures determine the required licence category.

On the car's document, O.1 and O.2 state the permitted braked and unbraked towing capacities. Nose weight, any specified gross train weight and other conditions must also be met. Ideally, bring both registration certificates.

BE requires five special driving lessons of 45 minutes each: three on rural roads, one on a motorway and one at dusk or in darkness.

Standard practice lessons are added according to your needs. You learn safe coupling and uncoupling, checks, manoeuvring and driving the combination, among other skills. There is no fixed minimum number of standard lessons.

Adding BE to B requires no additional theory lessons or theory test. You do need practical training, the appropriate application and a practical test.

Alongside driving in traffic, this covers handling the car and trailer safely. We practise the necessary checks and basic manoeuvres with you.

B96 comprises at least seven hours: 2½ hours of theory, 3½ hours of practical exercises and one hour of driving on public roads per participant. There is no theory or practical driving licence test.

After successful training, you receive a certificate to apply for code 96 to be entered on your licence. You may drive the relevant combinations only after the authority has entered the code.

Yes, and you should discuss this before starting BE training. B197 allows you to drive manual category B cars, but it does not automatically replace a practical test passed in a manual vehicle for every additional category.

If you take the BE test in an automatic vehicle, your BE licence may be restricted to automatics. We will check your existing licence categories with you to see whether taking the BE test in a manual vehicle makes sense.

For theory tests taking place on or before 31 December 2026, we book the appointment for you.

For theory tests from 1 January 2027, you book your own appointment through the TÜV SÜD Drivers Club. We will no longer be able to book these tests for you as your driving school. Available appointments can be booked there from 4 January 2027.

Before we can confirm completion of your theoretical training, you must have attended all the theory lessons required by law. You must also have achieved the training objectives. Only after our confirmation can you select and book your theory test appointment yourself.

Go to TÜV SÜD Drivers Club

We will continue to organise your practical test. How to register for the Drivers Club.

All about theory tests from 2027 ↗

Once TÜV SÜD has received your test authorisation, you will receive an invitation to register by email or post. Use the personal access details in that invitation and register in good time. You can register before we confirm completion of your training. To book a test appointment, you must first have attended all the theory lessons required by law, and we must have confirmed completion of your theoretical training.

If you have not received your invitation or anything is unclear, contact us. TÜV SÜD registration and login information

For test arrangements from 1 January 2027, we can only view your theory test results and book your practical test once you have added Fahrschule EkoDrive and granted us access to organise your further tests.

Please check your assigned driving school and access permission even if you are already registered. How we handle the test data you share.

We arrange your driving lessons with you personally. Tell us when you are available around school, vocational training, work or family commitments so we can find suitable times.

Regular driving helps you build on what you have learnt. How often lessons are possible and useful depends on your schedule, your progress and our available appointments.

Contact us directly as early as possible. Cancellation deadlines and any charges are governed by your training agreement. Sending a message shortly before the lesson starts does not automatically mean that it will be cancelled free of charge.

If you are ill or something comes up at short notice, it is best to call so we receive your cancellation in time. 01590 1442221

This depends on your progress, regular driving lessons, your own theory preparation and the availability of appointments with the licensing authority and test organisation. A fixed duration or total number of lessons cannot be reliably promised in advance.

If you have a target date in mind, tell us early. We will plan a realistic schedule together and discuss what you can prepare yourself.

Talk to us openly about it. We explain exercises calmly and increase the level of difficulty step by step. You do not have to know everything at your very first driving lesson.

Before the test, we talk through what to expect and practise typical situations. What matters is that you can drive safely. A little nervousness is normal.

We can also support you during your training in English and Turkish. Please speak to us before registering so we can arrange suitable support and lesson times with you.

In addition to German, the theory test is offered in a specified range of other languages, including English. The correct language must be selected when registering for the test. The practical test is generally conducted in German; we practise the important driving instructions with you.

You can retake the test. A retake is usually possible after a minimum of two weeks. The actual date also depends on available test slots and your preparation.

We discuss what you found difficult and help you prepare specifically for those areas. You will need to pay the test fees and the driving school's test attendance fee again; additional driving lessons may also be needed. Keep an eye on the validity periods of your test authorisation as well.

You also book your own theory test retakes from 1 January 2027 through the TÜV SÜD Drivers Club. More about booking appointments. We will continue to arrange a new practical test appointment for you.

Bring a valid identity card or passport. If you already hold a driving licence, bring that too. You must also bring any glasses or contact lenses you are required to wear, and full protective clothing for a motorcycle test.

Follow the document requirements and payment information from your test organisation, and check the time and location in your appointment confirmation. We will discuss the meeting point and procedure for your practical test with you personally. Allow plenty of time for your journey.

Only once your driving entitlement has actually been granted and you have received your driving licence or a valid temporary document for this purpose. A result slip or test report alone is not enough. You must also have reached the minimum age.

With BF17, you may only drive with a registered accompanying person until you turn 18. A temporary document may also be valid only in Germany and for a limited period.

When you first obtain a driving licence, the probationary period generally lasts two years and begins when the driving entitlement is granted. For BF17, this means it starts when it is granted at 17. Categories AM, L and T do not trigger a probationary period on their own.

If you already have A1, obtaining a category B licence later does not normally start a new probationary period. Any existing probationary period continues. It may be extended following certain traffic offences.

Yes. Bring records of your training so far and information about your current application or test authorisation. Training you have already completed and can document does not automatically have to be repeated in full.

We discuss your current progress, further costs and the changes required with the licensing authority or test organisation. More about changing driving schools

That depends on the issuing country, the licence category and where you live. Valid EU/EEA licences are generally recognised. Licences from other countries often need to be converted; after establishing normal residence in Germany, the right to drive generally remains valid for another six months.

Which tests are required depends on your licence and the applicable recognition rules. Applying for a conversion does not automatically extend your right to drive. We help you prepare. More about licence conversion

The total cost mainly depends on your licence category, the number of practice lessons you need and the number of test attempts. You can find our basic fee, driving lesson prices, special driving lessons and test attendance fees on our prices page.

Use the price calculator to explore different examples. The preset number of practice lessons is only an assumption for the calculation, not a promise of how many you will actually need. We provide individual quotes for progressive motorcycle licence upgrades.

Fees charged by the test organisation and driving licence authority are payable separately. There may also be costs for the first aid course, eyesight test and passport photo. If you book the first aid course through EkoDrive, the eyesight test and biometric passport photos are included free of charge. More about the first aid offer. For motorcycle training, budget for suitable protective clothing.

These expenses are not automatically included in the total shown by our driving school price calculator. Our current driving school services and information are listed on the prices page.

We discuss payment methods and when individual services are payable with you at registration. Your training agreement and the relevant invoices are binding.

If you have specific payment preferences, please discuss them with us before signing the contract. Instalments or financing are not agreed automatically.

Our learning app is optional and is not included in the basic fee. The regular price is €80. It lets you practise flexibly, and we can take your progress into account when preparing you for the test.

The app does not replace the required theory lessons. Check our offers page to find out whether a current promotion applies to you.

Under our joint registration offer, two new learners who complete a binding registration by 30 November 2026 each receive their own learning app free of charge, provided the promotion's conditions are met.

Under our referral reward offer, current learners receive one regular 45-minute driving lesson per successful referral, up to a maximum of two. Former learners receive €50 per successful referral, up to €100 in total, by bank transfer or in cash against a receipt.

These offers cannot be combined. A non-binding online pre-registration alone is not sufficient. Full conditions are listed on the offers page.