Theory test passed: 18 months to pass the practical driving test

The starting point is the successful result of the theoretical driving test. Section 11(6) FSG requires you to pass the practical driving test within the following 18 months. Starting lessons or booking a test does not start this period.

Check the confirmation of your theory test result. If you are training for more than one category, make sure the category is clear. Under section 11 FSG, the theory test is taken with regard to the category sought.

The recorded date of the passed theory test is the reliable basis for planning. If the confirmation is missing or does not identify the category clearly, ask the driving school or test centre to confirm your test record.

The law requires a passed practical test within the 18-month period. Registering for a test, booking an appointment or taking the test without passing does not meet that requirement.

If you need to cancel an appointment or fail a practical test, clarify the next available date with your driving school as early as possible. The relevant question remains whether you passed the practical test before the statutory period ended.

If there have been several practical test attempts, put their dates and results in chronological order. This helps you identify whether the period is still running and which part of the test comes next.

If you have not passed the practical driving test within 18 months after passing the theory test, you must take the theory test again. Section 11(6) FSG sets out this consequence.

The provision specifically requires a new theory test. It does not say in this part of the law that all practical training must start again from the beginning. Ask your driving school and the responsible test centre whether any further training or registration steps apply before arranging another appointment.

Use the recorded test results to confirm the position before booking another practical test. This avoids discovering at the appointment that the theory test must first be repeated.

Section 11(6) FSG contains several time rules with different triggers. If either part of the driving test is failed, that part may not be repeated until twelve days have elapsed. This waiting period does not replace the 18-month period between passing theory and practical tests.

The same subsection also sets a separate 18-month ban on repeating the theory test in specified cases involving unauthorised technical aids. It applies only when the statutory conditions are met. Its trigger differs from the period in which you must pass the practical test.

When planning a retake or checking a ban, record the event that triggered the rule, the test part concerned and the date of the result separately. The number of months or days alone does not identify the applicable rule.

Keep the confirmation of your passed theory test with the records for every practical test attempt. For each appointment, note the date, the category sought and the result. This shows whether the practical test was passed within the relevant period.

If a result is missing or the records conflict, ask the driving school or test centre for written confirmation. The information should identify the test part and category concerned.

If the period is still open, arrange an available practical test date early. If it has ended, clarify before booking whether you must first repeat the theory test and which registration steps apply.