First aid course for a driving licence: how it works, duration and what to bring

In short: The course lasts 9 teaching units of 45 minutes each and takes place on one day. It is valid for all driving licence classes. You take your certificate away with you straight away.

What you learn on the course

• Securing the accident scene and making an emergency call
• Checking consciousness and breathing, recovery position
• Chest compressions and rescue breaths, use of a defibrillator
• Stopping bleeding, applying dressings
• Removing a helmet, rescue from a vehicle
• Shock, burns, broken bones

Is there an exam?

No. You must be present for the whole time and take part in the exercises – then you will receive the certificate.

Tips for the course day

• Bring photo ID
• Comfortable clothing – we practise on the floor
• A drink and a snack for the breaks
• Be on time: latecomers cannot take part

How long is the certificate valid?

There is no statutory expiry period for a driving licence application. Anyone who later becomes a workplace first aider needs refresher training every two years.

Which driving licence classes does the course cover?

For some years now there has been a single course for all classes – from mopeds through cars and motorcycles to lorries and buses. The former distinction between “life-saving immediate measures” and the full first aid course no longer applies. The basis is § 19 of the Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung (German Driving Licence Regulation).

How the course day works

1. Arrival and registration: show ID, short round of introductions.
2. Morning: behaviour at the scene of an accident, emergency call, unconsciousness and the recovery position – with plenty of exercises in pairs.
3. Lunch break.
4. Afternoon: resuscitation on a practice manikin, defibrillator, bleeding and dressings, helmet removal.
5. Wrap-up: questions, issue of the certificate.

Nine teaching units amount to 6 hours and 45 minutes of pure teaching time; including breaks, the course lasts about eight hours.

What else you need for the driving licence application

• Certificate of attendance of the first aid course
• Eyesight test from an officially recognised body – for classes C and D, a medical examination of eyesight
• Biometric passport photo
• ID card or passport
• Registration with a driving school

Many opticians carry out the eyesight test; it is not part of the first aid course.

Common worries – and why they are unfounded

• “I can’t stand the sight of blood.” There is none on the course. We practise on manikins and on each other – with dressings, entirely without blood.
• “I’m afraid of doing something wrong.” The only mistake in first aid is doing nothing. That is exactly the confidence the course gives you.
• “My German is not perfect.” Much is demonstrated and copied. Let us know beforehand and we will pay particular attention.

What the course costs

With us the course costs from €50 per person. The certificate is included in the price. If you cannot attend, please cancel in good time – the conditions are stated when you book.

Where the courses take place

Our courses regularly take place in Berlin-Mitte at Oberwallstraße 7, right by Hausvogteiplatz U-Bahn station, and also in the Rathaus Friedrichshagen in Köpenick. All dates are listed under first aid courses for a driving licence. If you need the course for work, you will find the rules in the guide First aiders in the workplace.

Frequently asked questions

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