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Yes — you can take the German driving theory test in English. The exam is officially available in 13 languages, and English is one of them. It’s the same full exam, the same questions, the same scoring system — just in English.
This guide is written specifically for English speakers in Germany: expats, international students, people who’ve recently relocated, or anyone whose German isn’t strong enough for a high-stakes exam.
The Short Answer for Expats
You don’t need German for the theory test. Here’s what you do need:
- Register with a driving school — they handle your TÜV/DEKRA exam registration
- Tell your driving school you want to take the exam in English — they note this on your registration
- Study in English — use an app that supports English fully (not just the menus)
- Show up and select English on the tablet — you choose your language at the start of the exam
That’s it. No special approval needed. No extra cost. No second-class exam.
Is the English Exam the Same as the German One?
Yes. Identical.
- Same 30 questions
- Same penalty point scoring system (maximum 10 penalty points)
- Same video questions
- Same pass/fail threshold
- Same TÜV/DEKRA official question catalog — just translated
The exam fee is also identical: €22.49 regardless of language.
The translations use official TÜV/DEKRA terminology — which is consistent and used by all licensed apps. Study in English with a quality app and you’ll recognise every question format on exam day.
Which Apps Support English Fully?
This is where it matters. “English support” means different things to different apps:
| App | English Questions | English Interface | English Video Questions | English Explanations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClickClickDrive | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full |
| Theorie24 GOLD | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full |
| ADAC App | ❌ German only | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| iTheorie | ❌ German only | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| FahrAPP / Fahren Lernen | ✅ (via school) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
The bottom line: For English speakers, only ClickClickDrive and Theorie24 GOLD are fully suitable as independent (non-school-linked) apps. Both include the complete English TÜV/DEKRA catalog — not just translated menus, but every question, explanation, and video question in English.
ClickClickDrive in English
ClickClickDrive is free to start, no account required. Set the app to English in the first screen and the entire experience — questions, answers, explanations, video questions — is in English. The interface adapts fully.
Theorie24 GOLD in English
Theorie24 GOLD costs €9.99 as a one-time payment. It has the best offline mode of any app tested — useful for studying on public transport without a reliable connection. Full English support throughout.
The Golden Rule: Study in the Language You’ll Take the Exam In
This sounds obvious but it’s the most common mistake English-speaking expats make. They study in German — because the driving school materials are in German, because they want to improve their German, because the instructor uses German — and then take the exam in English.
The official English translations of technical terms are specific. “Right of way” doesn’t always translate back to German in a way that matches what you studied. “Penalty points” vs “Strafpunkte.” “Built-up area” vs “Innerorts.” Minor differences — but in a 45-minute exam under stress, those differences cost penalty points.
Rule: Study in the language you’ll take the exam in. If you’ll take it in English, study in English. Full stop.
How to Tell Your Driving School
Simply say at registration: “I’d like to take the theory exam in English.”
That’s it — no paperwork, no special request form. The driving school notes the language preference on your TÜV/DEKRA registration. In cities with large expat populations (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart), this is a completely routine request.
If your driving school hasn’t done this before: Some smaller schools in less international areas occasionally seem uncertain. You can confirm directly with TÜV or DEKRA in your city that English exams are available. They always are — it’s a national standard.
What Do the English Exam Questions Look Like?
The structure is identical to the German exam:
Basic content (20 questions): Traffic signs, right of way (Rechts-vor-Links), stopping distances, lighting, alcohol and drug rules, first aid. These apply to all license categories.
Category-specific content (10 questions for Class B): Car technology, environmental driving, fuel efficiency. These are specific to the car license.
Video questions (3–5 within the 30): Short animated traffic scenarios. You watch a clip and must choose the correct response. These are fully available in English in both ClickClickDrive and Theorie24 GOLD.
Sample question style (English):
“You are driving at 50 km/h in a built-up area. What is your approximate stopping distance on a dry road?”
a) 12.5 metres
b) 25 metres
c) 37.5 metres
The formula is: braking distance = (speed ÷ 10)² and reaction distance = (speed ÷ 10) × 3. So at 50 km/h: reaction = 15m, braking = 25m, total stopping = 40m. (Answer: none of the above — this is a simplified illustrative example.)
The point is the language is clear, consistent, and matches exactly what you practise in the app.
Do You Need German for the Rest of the License Process?
Theory exam: No. Entirely in English if you choose.
Practical exam: Yes — you’ll need to understand basic driving commands in German. The examiner will say things like “links abbiegen” (turn left), “rechts ran fahren” (pull over to the right), “bitte parken” (please park). Your driving school will prepare you for this vocabulary. It’s not extensive — perhaps 20–30 commands.
Driving lessons: Depends on your instructor. In major cities you can easily find English-speaking driving instructors (search “Fahrschule English” + your city). In smaller towns it’s harder. The theory lessons in driving school are also typically in German — but with a good English app, you can work through everything in English at home.
Foreign Driving Licences and English Speakers
If you already have a driving licence from another country:
EU/EEA licence: Valid in Germany, can be exchanged without an exam. No theory test needed.
UK licence (post-Brexit): Currently treated as a third-country licence. You can drive for 6 months after establishing residence, then must exchange. The exchange typically requires theory and practical exams.
US, Canadian, Australian licence: Allowed for 6 months after establishing residence. Exchange requires theory + practical exam. No theory lessons required if you already hold a valid licence from your home country — but you must still pass the exams.
All other countries: 6-month rule applies. Check with your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde for specifics.
For the complete foreigner/expat guide: Getting Your Driving Licence in Germany as a Foreigner
Practical Tips for English-Speaking Exam Candidates
Book your exam with enough lead time. In high-demand cities like Berlin and Munich, TÜV/DEKRA exam slots can be 4–6 weeks out. Don’t start serious study and then wait weeks for a slot.
Confirm English availability at your specific test centre. All centres offer English — but it’s worth confirming with your driving school that the test centre they use has English available on the day of your exam.
Use the readiness indicator. Both ClickClickDrive and Theorie24 GOLD have an exam readiness indicator. Don’t book your exam until it shows green — this indicator is statistically calibrated, not just decorative.
Do at least 10 full practice exams before the real one. The 30-question, 45-minute format under time pressure feels different from casual studying. Practice exams in English let you get comfortable with the pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the German driving theory test in English? Yes. English is one of 13 official exam languages. The exam is identical to the German version — same questions, same scoring, same pass criteria.
Is the English driving theory test harder than the German one? No. It’s the same exam. The questions are official TÜV/DEKRA translations and the content is identical.
Which app is best for English speakers in Germany? ClickClickDrive and Theorie24 GOLD both offer complete English support — questions, explanations, video questions, and interface. Both use official TÜV/DEKRA English terminology.
Do I need to speak German to get a driving licence in Germany? For the theory exam, no. For the practical exam, you need to understand basic driving commands in German (approximately 20–30 terms). Driving lessons can often be taken in English in major cities.
How do I request an English theory exam? Tell your driving school at registration that you want the exam in English. They note it on your TÜV/DEKRA application. No special form or approval needed.
Further reading:
- Getting Your Driving Licence in Germany as a Foreigner
- Best Driving Theory App Germany 2026
- German Driving Theory Exam 2026: The Complete Guide
- Free Driving Theory App Germany 2026
- Compare all 9 apps →
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Pass safely with ClickClickDrive
Use the app with 4.8 stars and the official question catalog. Start your free exam simulation now.