The Practical Driving Test: Tips and Common Questions

28. September 2026 von Beyhan

The Complete Guide to the Practical Driving Test

Are you ready to conquer the roads on your own? Whether you’re a beginner behind the wheel or an aspiring biker – the practical driving test is your gateway to independence. In this guide you’ll find precise information and helpful tips for the exams for classes B, A1, A2 and A.

Practical Test for Class B Licences

The Class B driving test shows more than just your ability to drive – it’s a test of your responsibility in road traffic. During a roughly 45-minute drive, you demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You won’t just steer the vehicle in various situations, but also show that you can react to the flow of traffic.

Here are some of the key elements of the test you should prepare for:

Vehicle control: Convince the examiner that you’re familiar with the controls and can drive the car safely in traffic. This includes knowledge of the car’s road safety, checking the oil level and tyre pressure, and understanding the warning lights.
Road driving: In this part of the test, you show how you interpret traffic signs, observe right-of-way rules, and react to different traffic situations. It’s important to stay calm and drive with foresight.
Manoeuvres: This is where your practical skills are put to the test. You’ll need to master standard tasks such as parking, turning around, and starting on a hill. The examiner decides which type of parking (e.g. reverse or parallel parking) will be carried out. These manoeuvres show your control over the vehicle and your ability to react appropriately in different driving situations.

General Exam Preparation for All Classes

Checklist: The evening before the test, check all the necessary documents. This includes your ID card, your vision aid if required, and the training certificate from your driving school.
Well rested: Avoid alcohol and heavy meals the night before. A restful night and a nutritious breakfast in the morning will help you start the test focused and well rested.
Arriving on time: Plan enough time to be at the meeting point ahead of the start of the test. This way you can have one more relaxed chat with your driving instructor and mentally prepare for the upcoming test.

Procedure and Key Test Elements

Briefing: Before you start, the examiner will explain the test procedure to you, what they expect of you, and how they’ll give you instructions. The examiner usually sits behind you to have a good view of you and the road. Your driving instructor sits next to you.

Technical questions & safety check: Either at the beginning or the end of the test, you’ll be asked to carry out a safety check. This involves checking important functions of the vehicle, such as the oil level, tyre pressure, and whether the warning lights are working.

Test route: The test drive goes through areas you’re already familiar with, including parking, city driving and motorway driving – all areas where you’ve gained experience during your driving lessons.

Focus areas of the test: The examiner watches closely how you hold the steering wheel, how confidently you pull away and change gear, whether your speed is appropriate, and how attentively you observe traffic. Also important are compliance with traffic rules, keeping the correct distance, and your behaviour at intersections and in other complex traffic situations.

Test elements

Parking: A parking exercise is mandatory – whether it’s reverse, parallel or angle parking is decided by the examiner.
City driving: The test includes a section of city driving, where you must show how you handle complex traffic situations.
Rural and motorway driving: Drives outside built-up areas and on the motorway are also part of the test, to demonstrate your ability to adapt to different speeds and traffic flows.
Further manoeuvres: You’ll also carry out tasks such as reverse parking, turning around, and braking with maximum deceleration. Each of these tasks may be repeated once if it doesn’t succeed on the first attempt.

Practical Test for Class A1 Licences – The Start of Your Motorcycling Journey

The A1 licence test is your entry into the world of motorcycles. Here you show that you can safely ride a light motorcycle in traffic. Examiners pay particular attention to whether you maintain full control of your bike in every situation, including at low speeds and under difficult conditions.

Basic manoeuvres: You’ll carry out a series of exercises designed to test your dexterity and skill in handling the motorcycle. These tasks include riding a slalom, performing precise braking manoeuvres, and overcoming obstacles – all essential to demonstrate your mastery of the vehicle.
Road driving: In real road traffic, you’re assessed on how you react to traffic, other road users, and potential hazards. Here you can show that you can apply what you’ve learned and act safely in traffic.
Safety gear: Appropriate protective gear is non-negotiable. It’s a crucial factor for your safety and a must for the test. Make sure you’re properly equipped from head to toe to protect yourself.

Exam tips

Know your motorcycle: It’s essential that you thoroughly know the motorcycle you’ll be taking your test on. Spend time familiarising yourself with every aspect of the bike – from operating it to how it responds in different riding situations.
Intensive training: Dedicate yourself intensively to the basic manoeuvres. They should be so deeply ingrained in your memory that you can perform them smoothly and precisely even under the pressure of the test.
Stay focused: Don’t let nervousness or small mistakes throw you off. A test is not just a demonstration of skill, but also a test of your mental strength and your ability to handle pressure.

Practical Test for A2 and Upgrading to A – More Power, More Responsibility

If you’re ready to move up from class A1 to A2, or take the direct route to class A after two years of experience, a demanding practical test awaits you. This test is meant to prove that you’re up to the challenge of bigger and more powerful motorcycles.

Getting used to the power: It’s essential that you get to grips with your bike’s increased power and practise how to react in various situations, especially in emergencies.
Control over powerful bikes: Your test will focus on whether you’re able to safely master your motorcycle in all situations – a skill that becomes even more important with more powerful machines.
Safety comes first: No matter how much power your motorcycle has, the top priority is always safety. Show in the test that, despite the increased power, you don’t lose sight of safety aspects and ride responsibly.

Practical Test for Direct Entry to Class A – For Aspiring Motorcycle Professionals

Direct entry into class A requires comprehensive mastery of heavy motorcycles. The test will push your skills to the limit while also examining your sense of responsibility on the road.

Master the power: Mastering a powerful motorcycle demands respect and well-developed skill. It’s important that you understand your bike’s responses and power, and make them second nature through intensive training.
Varied challenges: The test covers a wide range of driving situations and manoeuvres, meant to show that you’re prepared for any road condition. Your adaptability and skills will be put to the test.
Take responsibility: Safety and considered riding are the key to success. Your ability to demonstrate a mature and thoughtful riding style is assessed, to see whether you’re ready for independence on the road.

Basic Manoeuvres for Motorcycle Classes A1, A2 and A

The practical tests for motorcycle licences consist of a series of basic manoeuvres that demonstrate your skill in handling a two-wheeler.

For classes A1 and A2 these tasks focus on:

Riding a slalom: Precision is required here, as you show your manoeuvring ability at walking pace.
Braking manoeuvres: Effective and safe braking, to demonstrate your reaction ability and control during sudden stops.
Evasive exercises: Prove your agility and quick reaction by skilfully avoiding obstacles without losing your balance.

In class A further demanding tasks are added, requiring a higher degree of skill and safe mastery of the motorcycle. These include:

Advanced slalom exercises: At higher speed and on larger motorcycles, you must prove your ability to manoeuvre in an agile and safe way.
Complex braking and evasive combinations: Show that you’re able to safely control your motorcycle even in demanding and unexpected traffic situations.

Each of these tasks is an important part of the test and must be approached with care and concentration, to convince the examiners of your competence as a motorcyclist.

Key Test Elements for A1, A2 and A

The practical motorcycle test examines your ability to navigate safely and confidently on two wheels. Here are the key elements you should prepare for:

City driving:

Responsiveness: Prove your ability to ride confidently and safely amid city traffic.
Situational awareness: Show that you can react appropriately to unforeseen events.

Practice area:

Slalom at walking pace: Perfect your manoeuvring ability by demonstrating balance and fine control while riding a slalom.
High-deceleration braking: Prove that you’re able to bring your motorcycle to a stop quickly and under control when it matters.
Evasive manoeuvres with and without prior braking: Show your agility through skilful evasive manoeuvres – with and without braking beforehand.

Additional tasks:

Task selection: The examiner selects additional tasks such as a long slalom, stop-and-go, or riding in a circle. Each task requires precision and a deep understanding of motorcycle control.

Rural and motorway driving:

Adaptability: Demonstrate how you adapt your riding style to the higher speeds on rural roads and motorways.
Safe distance and overtaking manoeuvres: Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and carry out overtaking manoeuvres correctly and safely.

Overall you should master six basic manoeuvres, with the number reduced to four for staged access. The test lasts about 60 minutes in total, with the actual riding time on the road around 30 minutes. Examiners place great importance on you safely mastering the motorcycle in all traffic situations and reacting appropriately to unexpected events.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Driving Licence

Whichever licence class you choose, the right preparation makes the difference. Focus on what you’ve learned, and don’t let small mistakes discourage you. With the right attitude and self-confidence, you’ll successfully master your practical test.

Are you ready to start the engine and take the first step towards your driving licence? We’re here for you! Our driving school offers you tailored support that’s precisely matched to your learning style. From your very first driving lesson to a successful practical test, we’re by your side with advice, hands-on help, and personal support. Let’s develop your driving skills together and get you ready to hit the road safely and confidently.

FAQ

What documents do I need to bring to the practical test?

Your ID card or passport, and if applicable, your vision aid and your current driving licence. Check with your driving school whether you need to bring your training certificate and the exam fee yourself.

How long does the practical driving test take?

The length of the practical test varies depending on the licence class. For class B, the test time is usually around 45 minutes, including the vehicle check and the drive. For the motorcycle classes, the test takes about 60 minutes, with the actual riding time around 30 minutes. Allow some extra time before the test to collect yourself and discuss any last questions with your driving instructor.

How many mistakes am I allowed to make during the practical test?

Don’t panic! Small mistakes during the test are normal and don’t immediately lead to failure. The examiner looks at how you drive overall. What matters is how you react to it. Stay calm and keep driving with focus. It’s often possible to make up for a mistake through safe and thoughtful driving for the rest of the test. But be careful: a major mistake that requires the driving instructor to intervene usually means you won’t pass.

How many times can I repeat an exercise during the test?

This can vary, but generally you have the option of repeating each basic manoeuvre once. You fail if you still don’t meet the required standard on the second attempt, or if you make a serious mistake that requires immediate intervention by the driving instructor or examiner.

What should I do right before the practical test?

Relax, eat something, and make sure you have all the necessary documents with you. Arrive at the test location early so you can prepare calmly. If possible, avoid coffee or stimulants before the test, as these can cause additional nervousness in stressful situations.

How can I get my nervousness under control before the test?

Good preparation is the best remedy for nervousness. Trust your abilities and remember that your driving instructor registered you for the test because they believe you’re ready. You can also use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises.

Am I allowed to ask questions during the test?

Yes, if you don’t understand an instruction, you’re allowed to and should ask. It’s better to ask for clarification than to do something wrong because you’re unsure.

How many times am I allowed to retake the practical test if I don’t pass?

There’s no limit to the number of retakes. However, it’s advisable to discuss with your driving instructor what went wrong the first time and, if necessary, take further practice lessons before scheduling a new test date.