Loan for your driving licence: with small instalments towards new mobility
17.05.2025
9
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The cost of a driving licence can quickly add up to several thousand euros. A driving licence loan with small instalments can make this financial burden more manageable. We show you how to find the right finance and what you need to look out for.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The costs of a Class B driving licence in Germany are usually between 2,500 and 4,500 euros.
An instalment loan with fixed interest rates and terms offers the greatest planning certainty for financing.
In addition to a regular income, a good SCHUFA score (above 95 per cent) is crucial for loan approval.
Cost analysis: How much a Category B driving licence really costs
The total cost of a car driving licence (Class B) in Germany is typically between €2,500 and €4,500 on average. This sum is made up of several items that vary depending on the driving school and region. The basic fee alone is often between €350 and €565.
The biggest cost factor is driving lessons, the number of which depends on the individual’s learning progress. In addition to the twelve legally required special lessons (rural roads, motorway, night driving), there are numerous practice lessons. A single driving lesson costs between €55 and €77.
There are also external fees, which are often overlooked. For the theory test, you should expect to pay around €25, and for the practical test around €130. A first-aid course, eye test and the application fee charged by the authorities add another €100 to €150. A precise budget calculation helps keep track of everything. This cost structure makes it clear why solid financial planning is essential.
Financing options: The instalment loan as a flexible solution
To cover the costs, a standard instalment loan is often the best choice. Unlike financing offers from driving schools, which may include higher interest rates or processing fees, a bank loan offers greater transparency. You receive the agreed amount and repay it in fixed monthly instalments.
An example calculation makes this clear: with a loan amount of EUR 3,000 and a term of 36 months, the monthly burden is manageable. The key advantage is planning certainty through fixed interest rates and instalments. With an online calculator, you can adjust the instalment to suit your budget. The following options are available:
Standard instalment loan: Fixed term, fixed interest rate, no restriction on use.
Flexible credit line: Credit line that can be drawn on flexibly; interest is charged only on the amount used.
Financing through the driving school: Convenient, but often associated with higher costs than an independent loan.
Small loan: For amounts up to EUR 3,000, often with simplified approval conditions.
The choice of the right model depends on your financial situation and the amount you need.
Loan requirements: Paving the way for approval
Banks check several criteria before granting a loan to assess the risk of default. A regular income is one of the most important prerequisites. For young applicants without a permanent job, this can be an obstacle. A guarantor, for example a parent, can significantly increase the chances of approval here.
Another key factor is a positive SCHUFA report. A base score of over 95 per cent signals good creditworthiness. Negative entries can make granting a loan more difficult, but not impossible. The basic requirements for a loan application are:
Legal age (at least 18 years old)
Permanent residence in Germany
German bank account for disbursement
Proof of regular income (salary, training allowance)
Sufficient creditworthiness (credit rating)
For trainees or students, there are often special terms, as can also be found with car finance for students. Careful preparation of the documents significantly speeds up the process.
Expert tips: How to secure the best terms
When comparing loan offers, you should not only look at the monthly instalment. The annual percentage rate is the decisive figure, as unlike the nominal interest rate it already includes most additional loan costs. A low effective interest rate means a lower overall burden over the term.
Our expert tip: When reviewing the loan agreement, look for the option of free overpayments. This allows you to repay the loan more quickly if you come into money unexpectedly, and save interest. The option to skip an instalment also offers financial flexibility in the event of unforeseen expenses. A loan with a long term does reduce the instalment, but increases the overall costs.
You also have a statutory right of withdrawal as a consumer. You can withdraw from a loan agreement within 14 days of signing without giving any reason. This gives you additional security if you find a better offer shortly after signing.
Digital to the goal: The easy way to a driving licence loan
Applying for a loan is now entirely possible digitally. After comparing various offers and selecting the right loan, you complete the application online. Identity verification is carried out conveniently via a video identification process from home in just a few minutes.
The contract conclusion also takes place digitally, usually by means of a qualified electronic signature. This eliminates the postal route, and the entire process is significantly sped up. Once all documents have been successfully checked, the loan amount is often paid into your account within just two to three working days. An online loan with instant approval further reduces the waiting time.
This efficiency ensures that you have the financial resources for your driving licence quickly. This allows you to focus entirely on your driving lessons and begin your journey to mobile independence without financial worries.
Request your individual risk analysis now
Taking out a loan to finance your driving licence with small instalments is an important step that should be carefully considered. Our experts support you in analysing your financial situation and finding the right cover. Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete recommendations for improvement tailored to your needs.
More useful links
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on driving licences in Germany.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides comprehensive information on transport and traffic.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides data and analyses on income, consumption, living conditions, wealth and debt.
Deutsche Bundesbank publishes statistics on interest rates and yields for consumer credit to private households.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers an official overview of the various driving licence classes.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides a publication on traffic accidents involving 18- to 24-year-olds.
Driving Instructors Association Germany provides information and resources on driving instruction.
FAQ
What loan term makes sense for a driving licence loan?
A common term for a driving licence loan is between 24 and 48 months. A shorter term means higher instalments, but lower overall costs. A longer term reduces the monthly burden, but makes the loan more expensive overall.
What is the difference between the nominal interest rate and the effective interest rate?
The nominal interest rate (or nominal rate) refers to the pure interest costs for the loan. The effective annual percentage rate also includes most ancillary costs such as processing fees and is therefore the more meaningful figure for comparing loan offers.
Can I repay a loan for my driving licence early?
Yes, early repayment is generally possible. Check the contract for an agreement on fee-free special repayments. Otherwise, the bank may charge an early repayment penalty, which is legally capped at a maximum of one per cent of the amount repaid early.
Does a guarantor improve my chances of getting credit?
Yes, considerably. A guarantor with good creditworthiness, for example a parent, provides the bank with additional security and increases the likelihood of a loan being approved, especially for young applicants with low or irregular income.
How quickly is an online loan disbursed?
Once all documents have been submitted and checked and identification has been completed via video identification, the loan amount is usually transferred to your account within two to three working days.
What happens if I can’t pay an instalment?
If you cannot pay an instalment, contact your bank immediately. Many loan agreements offer the option of an instalment pause. Otherwise, reminder fees and a negative SCHUFA entry may result.
