Financing your driving licence

For many young people the driving licence is their first big financial investment – and one of the most expensive.

Cost overview in Germany 2025 (class B):

• Driving school basic fee: €300–600
• Driving lessons (regular, approx. 30–40): €60–80/hour = €1,800–3,200
• Special lessons (12 mandatory): €70–90/hour = €840–1,080
• Theory test: ~€25
• Practical test: ~€130
• Eye test + first aid: ~€50
• Passport photos + application: ~€50
• Total: ~€3,000–4,500 (if you fail: +€800–1,500)

Regional differences:

• Bavaria/Baden-Württemberg: the most expensive (~€4,000–5,000)
• Eastern Germany: the cheapest (~€2,500–3,500)
• City vs. countryside: cities often 30–50% more expensive

Financing options:

• Driving school instalments: many offer 3–6 instalments (often interest-free)
• Driving licence loan: from 3–5% interest, term 12–24 months
• Parent loan: agree privately, interest-free
• Save systematically: €200/month for 18 months = €3,600

Saving tips:

• Compare driving schools: price differences of up to 50% in the same city!
• Intensive course: 2–4 weeks, often cheaper than months of lessons
• Accompanied driving from 17: start earlier = fewer lessons later
• Online theory: saves travel and sometimes costs