In order to be allowed to train learner drivers as an independent driving instructor or have them trained by employed driving instructors, a driving school permit is required in addition to the corresponding driving instructor permit. In order to operate branches of a driving school as the owner of a driving school, a branch permit is also required (see related topics).

The driving school permit is issued on application for driving school license classes A, BE, CE and DE. The district administrative authority where the driving school is based is responsible.

The driving school license class BE entitles - corresponding to the driving instructor license - to training in the driving license classes B, BE and L. The driving school license for class A entitles to training in the driving license classes AM, A1, A2 and A. The driving instructor license class CE entitles to training in the driving license classes C1, C1E, C, CE and T. The driving instructor license class DE entitles to training in the driving license classes D1, D1E, D and DE.

The driving school license is issued if

• the applicant has reached the age of 25 and there are no facts that make him/her appear unreliable to run a driving school,
• there are no facts that justify the assumption that the applicant cannot fulfill the obligations under Section 29 of the Driving Instructor Act,
• the applicant holds a driving instructor's license for the category for which he/she is applying for a driving school license,
• the applicant has worked full-time as a driving instructor for at least two years as part of an employment relationship with the holder of a driving instructor's license,
• the applicant has successfully completed a course of at least 70 teaching units of 45 minutes on driving school business management,
• the applicant has the required classroom, the required teaching materials and the teaching vehicles intended for driving training in the relevant driving license category.

Holders of a driving instructor's license issued in another country that entitles them to independently train learner drivers in that country, or a certificate issued in another country that entitles them to independently train learner drivers, do not have to meet the professional qualification requirements listed under points 3 to 5 above. If the other requirements are met, the driving instructor license for the requested driving license category will be issued if the requirements for issuing a driving instructor license for the driving instructor license category corresponding to his/her driving instructor license category or certificate of competence in accordance with the Driving Instructors Act and the legal ordinances issued on the basis of this Act are met.

• Application for a driving school license
  In the application for a driving school license, the applicant must provide the name and address of the driving school and indicate the driving school license class for which the driving school license is to be issued in accordance with Section 17 (2) of the Driving Instructors Act.
• Officially certified copy or photocopy of the driving instructor's license
• Documents on the activity as a driving instructor according to § 18 para. 1 no. 4 Driving Instructors Act
• Certificate from the provider of a driving school management course in accordance with Section 18 (1) No. 5 of the Driving Instructors Act confirming successful participation in the course
• Declaration as to whether a driving school license has already been issued and by which authority
• Scaled plan of the classrooms with details of their equipment
• Declaration that the prescribed teaching materials are available
• List of the number and type of training vehicles
• Certificate of good conduct within the meaning of Section 30a (1) No. 1 of the Federal Central Register Act in accordance with Section 30 (5) of the Federal Central Register Act, which must not be older than three months
• Extract from the Central Trade Register not older than three months
• Confirmation from the competent tax authority that the tax obligations have been fulfilled
  If the applicant is a legal entity or partnership or holds a certificate of competence from another country (see requirements), other / additional documents may be required. In this case, please contact your licensing authority for more information.

Fees and expenses are charged in accordance with the German Road Traffic Fee Regulations (GebOSt).