Theorieprüfung (theory exam)
Also known as: Theory driving exam · Theoretical exam
The Theorieprüfung is the German computer-based knowledge exam taken before the practical exam. Klasse B: 30 questions, max. 10 error points (fail at 11), about 45 minutes.
The German theory exam is sat on a computer at TÜV or DEKRA. For Klasse B the exam consists of:
- 30 questions, each weighted at 1 to 5 error points depending on the question,
- Pass mark: at most 10 error points, with the additional rule that no two 5-point questions may both be wrong,
- Duration: about 45 minutes,
- Available in several languages including German, English, Turkish, Russian, French, Italian, and others.
The Theorieprüfung is a precondition for booking the practical exam. Candidates who fail must wait a blocking period — typically two weeks — before retaking it.
Theory failure rates have climbed in recent years: across 2024, the Klasse B theory exam ran clearly above 35 percent first-attempt failure. Drivers cited in research include language hurdles in the multi-language test, denser question banks since the curriculum reform, and shorter, less-supervised study cycles.
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