Driving licence at 17

Driving at 17: Greater safety through early driving experience

Young people aged between 18 and 25 are disproportionately likely to be involved in serious road accidents. A key reason for this is the lack of driving experience among new drivers. Through practical experience on the road, they learn to deal with different hazardous situations and manage them safely.

Successful pilot scheme in Lower Saxony

In 2004, Lower Saxony became the first federal state to introduce the ‘Driving Licence at 17’ pilot scheme. The results, which were presented to national and international experts in Berlin on 14 November 2005, were impressive: there were 40% fewer at-fault accidents and 60% fewer fines. These positive effects have since been confirmed.

Permanent incorporation into the Driving Licence Regulations

Due to its success, the pilot scheme was permanently incorporated into the Driving Licence Regulations on 1 January 2011. Since then, young people have been able to obtain a Class B and BE driving licence from the age of 17. This enables them to gain valuable driving experience under the supervision of an experienced driver and to be safer on the roads.

• Orientation seminar: Attendance at an orientation seminar is recommended for both the applicant and the accompanying person to ensure the best possible preparation.
• Accompanying person: The accompanying person does not need to be a parent or guardian. However, it is advantageous if parents take on this role.
• Driving licence categories: With the ‘Driving Licence at 17’ scheme, categories B and BE can be obtained. Categories AM and L are included in category B and may be driven without an accompanying driver.
• Additional costs:
  • €7.70 for the issue of the test certificate
  • Up to €10.00 for the examination of an accompanying person

Supervised driving does not, in principle, affect the driving test. All statutory time limits remain unchanged.

• Theory test: This can be taken as early as three months before reaching the minimum age of 17.
• Practical test: This can be taken one month before your 17th birthday.

Important to note: A provisional driving licence is not issued. The full driving licence is only granted upon reaching the age of 17.

The accompanying person should carry out the following tasks:

• Communication: Be available as a point of contact during and after the journey.
• Encourage independence: Allow the driver space to make their own driving decisions.
• Provide guidance: Offer occasional advice without directly interfering with driving decisions or manoeuvres.
• Answering questions: Respond to the driver’s questions and offer support.
• Route advice: Advise the driver on choosing sensible routes.
• Calming influence: Have a calming effect on the driver in stressful or conflict situations.

Important: Driving without the registered accompanying person will result in the withdrawal of the driving licence. Further information, forms and consent forms can be found at bf17.de or on the website of your local driving licence office.