How much does a driving licence cost in Berlin? The full breakdown for 2026

Where these numbers come from

Fahrwahl compares driving school prices in Berlin. We collected the published price lists of Berlin driving schools: 468 schools in our database, 202 of them with class B prices (as of October 2026). All lesson prices are converted to 45 minutes, so you can compare them fairly. We use the median (the middle value), because a few very cheap promotions or very expensive schools would distort an average.

Official fees come from service.berlin.de (licensing authority), the TÜV/DEKRA fee lists and ADAC.

Driving school prices in Berlin (class B)

What the items mean:

• Registration fee: one-time fee, usually covers theory classes and administration.
• Special drives (Sonderfahrten): 12 mandatory drives for class B, each 45 minutes: 5 on rural roads, 4 on the Autobahn, 3 in the dark. Most schools charge a bit more than for a normal lesson.
• Presentation fee (Vorstellung): what the school charges for taking you to the test, on top of the TÜV/DEKRA fee. Only 17 schools list a separate fee for the theory test, most include it or do not charge one.

For an automatic-only licence (code 78), prices are similar: median lesson €57.94, registration €222.50 (72 schools with data).

Official fees and extras

The test fees are set nationally, so they are the same at TÜV Rheinland and DEKRA, the two test organisations in Berlin. The licensing fee of €45.90 is the Berlin fee listed on service.berlin.de in October 2026.

Example: total cost with 25, 35 or 45 lessons

Based on Berlin median prices (Fahrwahl data, October 2026) and the official fees above. "Lessons" means normal 45-minute lessons, the 12 special drives come on top.

How many lessons will you need? Nobody can tell you before your first lesson. There is no legal minimum for normal lessons. People who have driven before (for example abroad or on private ground) often need fewer, complete beginners in Berlin city traffic often need more. A good school tells you after a few lessons where you stand.

Hidden costs: what makes it more expensive

• Failing a test. A failed practical test costs about €130 at TÜV/DEKRA again, plus the school's presentation fee again (median €170), plus usually a few extra lessons. That is easily €400 or more. A failed theory test costs about €25 again, plus a presentation fee if your school charges one. In Berlin, failure rates are high: in 2023, 52% of class B theory tests and 42% of practical tests were failed (TÜV-Verband data).
• Cancelled lessons. Many schools charge the full price if you cancel less than 24 or 48 hours before. Read the contract.
• Price increases during training. Ask whether prices are fixed for the duration of your contract.
• Learning material. Some schools include the app, others charge up to €109.
• Long breaks. If you stop for weeks, you will need lessons to get back to your level.

Prices by district

Lesson prices are quite similar across Berlin. Median price of a 45-minute lesson by district (Fahrwahl data, October 2026):

The difference between districts is small (a few euros per lesson). The difference between individual schools is much bigger: from €33.75 to €77.99 per lesson. That is why comparing schools pays off more than choosing a "cheap district".

Converting a foreign licence: much cheaper

If you already have a licence from abroad, you probably do not need the full training:

• EU/EEA licence: no cost, it stays valid. Optional exchange: €37.50.
• Anlage 11 country (for example UK, Japan, Canada, many US states): conversion usually without tests, €37.50 plus translation if needed (€65 to €85 at ADAC). Total ca. €50 to €130.
• Other countries: theory and practical test, but no mandatory lessons or special drives. With a few lessons, the total is usually around €1,000 to €1,300.

Details in our guide to converting a foreign licence in Berlin.

How to save money

1. Compare the total, not the lesson price. Add registration fee, special drives and presentation fee. Compare prices on Fahrwahl.
2. Learn theory properly. A failed theory test costs time and money. Use the official questions in an app, available in English (see our theory test guide).
3. Drive regularly. Two or three lessons a week is usually more efficient than one lesson every two weeks.
4. Do the eye test at an optician. Many do it for free.
5. Book the test only when you are ready. Your instructor should say you are ready, not your wallet.
6. Sign up through Fahrwahl. It is free and you get a €25 welcome bonus from Fahrwahl.

FAQ