The driving licence test is a sovereign task that TÜV Saarland carries out with its officially recognised experts and examiners. They accompany driving licence applicants through both the theoretical and practical tests on their way to obtaining their driving licence.
The TÜV Saarland test centres stand for quality and competence – a reliable partner in all matters relating to driving licences.
Anyone wishing to drive a motor vehicle on public roads requires a driving licence in accordance with Section 2 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG). This is issued for various categories and is evidenced by the driving licence.
The driving licence is a key step towards greater mobility, which significantly improves both quality of life and opportunities on the labour market. With an extended job search radius and new career opportunities, the driving licence also becomes an integrative measure for people starting out in Germany.
The local driving licence authority of the city or district administration is responsible for issuing, transferring and all other matters relating to driving licences. In addition to issuing driving licences, international driving licences are also issued there. It is always necessary to appear in person, as enquiries cannot usually be dealt with by telephone for data protection reasons. The regulations for transferring foreign driving licences vary and are checked individually.
Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) and from the relevant authorities.
The technical inspection centres of TÜV Saarland are subject to the supervisory authority of Saarland. Statutory qualifications ensure that the officially recognised experts have sound specialist knowledge. A degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering or electrical engineering is a prerequisite, followed by several months of training and a subsequent examination before the competent authority.
Regular further training and quality assurance measures ensure that the experts carry out their tasks competently and independently.
The following evidence must be provided before applying for a driving licence:
There are additional requirements for categories C1, C, D1, D and trailer category E:
After the application and registration at the driving school, the theoretical and practical driving training follows. After successful training, the driving licence test can be taken.
To apply for a driving licence, the following documents must be submitted to the relevant driving licence authority:
In addition, the following certificates are required for categories C1, C, D1, D and the associated trailer categories:
After successful application and registration, the theoretical and practical driving school training can be completed. After completing the training, you will take the relevant driving licence tests.
Anyone who moves their normal place of residence to Germany as the holder of a foreign driving licence is subject to German driving licence law. This applies if the residence is in Germany for at least 185 days per year. The nationality of the licence holder is irrelevant, the only decisive factor is the place of residence.
The recognition and transfer of foreign driving licences varies depending on the country of origin:
Holders of a driving licence from a third country may continue to drive in Germany for up to six months from the time they take up residence in Germany. After that, the driving licence loses its validity and a driving licence issued in Germany is required.
The requirements for the issue of a German driving licence depend on the state in which the original driving licence was obtained.
A foreign driving licence does not entitle the holder to drive in Germany if:
Driving a vehicle with an unrecognised or expired foreign driving licence is punishable as driving without a licence.
| Paragraph | Designation |
| § 7 FeV | Ordinary residence in Germany |
| § 10 FeV | Minimum age |
| § 16 FeV | Theoretical examination |
| § 17 FeV | Practical examination |
| § 28 FeV | Recognition of driving licences from member states of the European Union or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area |
| § 29 FeV | Foreign driving licences |
| § 30 FeV | Issuing a driving licence to holders of a driving licence from a member state of the European Union or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area |
| § 31 FeV | Issuing a driving licence to holders of a driving licence from a state outside the Agreement on the European Economic Area |
| Annex 5 FeV | Aptitude tests for applicants and holders of categories C, C1, D, D1 and the associated trailer categories E as well as the passenger transport licence |
| Annex 6 FeV | Visual requirements |
| Annex 11 FeV | List of countries for the special provisions for holders of a foreign driving licence |
| Motorbikes | Car + trailer | Car + trailer | Passenger car + trailer | Tractors & work machines |
| Class AM | Class B | Class C1 | Class D1 | Class L |
| Class A | Class BE/96 | Class C | Class D | Class T |
| Class A1 | Class CE | Class D1E | ||
| Class A2 | Class C1E | Class DE |
The complete descriptions of the driving licence categories can be found in the Ordinance on the Admission of Persons to Road Traffic (FeV), §6 Classification of driving licence categories.
The opinion of customers is important to TÜV Saarland. Feedback on a service provided or praise can be communicated in various ways. This applies to concerns relating to invoices, services, test results or the behaviour of employees.
Feedback can be submitted in the following ways:
The receipt of a complaint is confirmed in writing by TÜV Saarland. In order to avoid conflicts of interest in the processing of complaints or appeals, decisions are made exclusively by independent personnel.
After analysing and processing an objection or complaint, the responsible body will issue a statement. This contains the reasons for the decision or, if necessary, a revision of the decision. Further measures are initiated depending on the situation.
Once processing has been completed, the customer receives a final response.