Eye Test at the Optician: Costs and Providers 2026
The official driving licence eye test costs from 6.43 euros at many providers. Compare Fielmann, Apollo and other opticians, including appointments, certificates and the difference to the free glasses eye test.
Legal Basis and the Well-Known Price of 6.43 Euros
In Germany, the driving licence eye test is strictly regulated. The basis is the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV), specifically section 12. It stipulates that applicants for a driving licence of Classes A, A1, A2, B, BE, AM, L or T must prove their visual acuity.
The former fee item 403, including VAT, led to the well-known amount of 6.43 euros. This item no longer exists today. 6.43 euros is still often quoted, but the actual price can vary depending on the provider and branch.
Important Note about the Price
A simple eye test for cars and motorcycles is often offered from 6.43 euros. If you need a test for lorries (Classes C, CE) or passenger transport (D, DE), additional requirements and prices apply.
Prices and Services of Large Optician Chains Compared
Most learner drivers choose a large optician chain, as these are often centrally located and do not require appointments. Here is an overview of the costs at the market leaders:
| Optician | Price guidance | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fielmann | from 6.43 euros* | Usually no appointment, certificate immediately. |
| Apollo Optik | from 6.43 euros* | Voucher promotions possible when buying glasses. |
| Mister Spex | Check the price* | Available in partner stores. |
| KIND | Check the price* | Modern equipment, often short waiting times. |
* Guidance only; confirm current prices, availability and promotions directly with the branch.
When Is the Eye Test at the Optician Free?
Here you need to distinguish carefully. There are two types of eye tests at the optician:
- The refraction eye test: This is used to determine your exact glasses prescription (dioptres). Many chains advertise a “free eye test”. This test, however, is not valid for the driving licence!
- The official driving licence eye test: Here Landolt rings are used to determine whether you achieve a visual acuity of 0.7. Since an official document is issued for this, which is subject to strict documentation requirements, opticians charge a fee for it.
Money-saving tip: Some opticians offer time-limited promotions or combination offers. Ask on site about the total price and make sure that an officially recognised certificate is included.
Costs at the Ophthalmologist: Why It Is More Expensive Here
Although the optician is sufficient for most driving licence classes, there are situations in which you need to see an ophthalmologist:
- Failed at the optician: If you do not achieve 0.7 visual acuity even with glasses, an ophthalmologist must prepare an extended report.
- Pre-existing conditions: For known eye diseases (such as glaucoma or cataracts), the driving licence authority can require a specialist report.
- Lorry and bus (Classes C/D): Here the simple “Landolt test” is not enough. The visual field, colour vision and contrast vision must also be tested.
The costs at the ophthalmologist are based on the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ). A simple report usually costs between 30 and 50 euros, while a complex lorry report can cost up to 100 euros.
Checklist: What to Bring to Your Appointment
To make the appointment run smoothly and avoid paying or coming twice, you should have the following things ready:
- ID card or passport: Without proof of identity, the optician cannot issue a certificate.
- Existing visual aids: Bring your current glasses or your contact lenses (including the case).
- Means of payment: Ask the provider about the price and accepted payment methods.
Online Eye Test: Can You Save the Costs?
It is tempting to simply do the eye test online on your PC or phone. As our guides show, this is excellent for preparation. You can check in advance whether you pass the 70 percent hurdle or whether you might need new glasses.
Legally, however, the following applies: A purely online test is not recognised by any driving licence authority in Germany. So you save no costs, since you still have to go to an authorised professional for the official document. See the online test as “insurance”, so that you are not surprised at the optician with the result “failed”.
How Long Is the Certificate Valid?
After the test, the certificate must be no more than two years old when you submit the application. If you miss this deadline, you need a new certificate and have to pay for the test again.
Conclusion: Low Costs for Maximum Safety
The driving licence eye test is usually a small cost item compared to driving lessons and test fees. Still, compare the price, the appointment and the certificate included, so that you do not have to come twice because of an unsuitable free test.
Read our guides to familiarise yourself with the Landolt rings. If you have problems while practising, have your visual acuity checked professionally and ask for a suitable visual aid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Costs
Why does the eye test at the optician cost 6.43 euros?
6.43 euros comes from the former fee item 403 and is still often quoted as a starting or guideline price. The item has since been abolished, so the current provider price can differ.
Do Fielmann or Apollo offer the eye test for free?
A general eye test to determine your glasses prescription can be free. For the driving licence application, however, you expressly need the official test with a recognised certificate; ask the branch about the price and promotions.
Do I have to take the eye test at the ophthalmologist?
No, for Classes A and B a test at the optician is sufficient. Only for pre-existing conditions or for lorry driving licences (Class C) is a visit to the ophthalmologist mandatory, which can then be significantly more expensive (approx. 60-100 euros).
Does the health insurance pay for the eye test?
As a rule, no, because the driving licence counts as a private pleasure. The statutory health insurance does not cover the costs of the eye test.