Question 1

What does a Class B driving licence cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Realistically, total costs in 2026 are usually between €2,500 and €4,500 — more in metropolitan areas and with many lessons. Driving lessons make up the largest share. Because driving schools price freely and the number of lessons needed varies widely, there is no fixed price. Our calculator estimates your personal cost from the base fee, practice lessons, special drives, fees and extras.

Question 2

Why are driving lessons the biggest cost block?

Accepted Answer

Each 45-minute lesson costs roughly €40 to €90 depending on region and school, and special drives cost even more. Since most learners need 25 to 40 practice lessons plus the 12 mandatory special drives, this quickly adds up to €2,000 or more. Those who need fewer lessons save the most — which is why good theory and practical preparation pays off.

Question 3

What are special drives and how many are mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Special drives are legally required training drives for Class B: five overland drives, four motorway drives and three night or dusk drives — twelve in total. You must complete them before you can take the practical test, and they are usually somewhat more expensive than regular lessons. These twelve are the only mandatory minimum for driving hours — all other practice lessons depend on your ability.

Question 4

What does it cost if I fail the test?

Accepted Answer

Each retake means paying the relevant exam fee again — around €25 for the theory test and about €130 for the practical (plus the school's TÜV/DEKRA presentation charge). Usually a few extra preparation lessons are added, which quickly amounts to €100 to €300 per retake. In our calculator you can set the number of exam attempts and see the effect immediately.

Question 5

What extra costs arise besides the driving school?

Accepted Answer

Besides the driving school you need an eye test (about €7), a first-aid course (around €40), a biometric passport photo (about €15) and the licence application at the authority (about €40 to €45). Learning material or a theory app is often added. Individually these are small amounts, but together they quickly reach €120 or more — these extras are shown separately in the calculator.

Question 6

Can I save money on the driving licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in several ways. Compare multiple driving schools and their price structures, prepare the theory thoroughly with an app, arrive rested and go regularly, and avoid long breaks that make repeat lessons necessary. The biggest lever is keeping the number of lessons low — every lesson saved is €40 to €90. You'll find concrete tips in our guide.

Question 7

How do licence classes differ in cost?

Accepted Answer

This calculator is designed for Class B (cars), the most common and, for many, the first class. Extensions such as B96 (heavier trailers) or BE (trailers over 750 kg) require additional training and cost. The automatic variant B197 allows taking the test in an automatic while keeping manual entitlement and is now widespread. Motorcycle classes (AM, A1, A2, A) follow their own rules. Our licence-classes guide gives an overview.

Question 8

Are the prices in the calculator binding?

Accepted Answer

No. All values are regional average and reference figures for 2026 and serve only as orientation. Driving schools price freely, and the number of lessons you personally need cannot be determined exactly in advance. The result is a non-binding estimate. Reliable numbers only come from a concrete quote from your local driving school.

Guide: Driver's License Cost Calculator

What Does a Driver's Licence Cost in 2026? All Costs at a Glance

How Many Driving Lessons Do You Really Need?

Saving on Driver's Licence Costs: 10 Legal Tips

Driving Licence Classes Explained (B, BE, B197, B96, AM, A1 …)

Failed the Driving Test — What Now? Costs & Retaking

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