Apply for a driver's license from 17

You can submit an application for accompanied driving from the age of 17 for a category B driving license to the driving license authority responsible for you.

You can submit an application for accompanied driving from the age of 17 for a category B driving license to the driving license authority responsible for you.

If you take part in "accompanied driving from 17", the minimum age for obtaining a category B and BE (passenger car) driving license is reduced to 17. The driving school training can be started earlier.

After successfully passing the driving test, you will receive a test certificate as proof of your driving license in Germany, which is valid for a maximum of three months after reaching the age of 18. However, you may only drive a car until your 18th birthday if accompanied by a person named on the test certificate. The accompanying person must meet certain requirements

Once you have reached the age of 18, you can apply for an EU driving license valid throughout Europe.

Contact the driving license authority in the place where you have your main residence.

• Documents for applicants:
  • Official proof of place and date of birth (e.g. identity card or passport), current registration certificate if applicable
  • A current biometric photo (size 45x35mm, portrait format, frontal view). Information and examples can be found in the photo sample table (Bundesdruckerei)
  • Proof of first aid training
  • Eye test certificate or certificate or expert opinion from an ophthalmologist, not older than two years at the time of application
  • Declaration of consent from the parent or legal guardian
• Documents for accompanying persons:
  • Application form for each accompanying person
  • Valid identity card or passport
  • Copy of valid driver's license

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: Yes

Online services available: Yes

For applicants:

• Minimum age 17 years
• Ordinary residence in the Federal Republic of Germany

For accompanying persons:

• Completion of the 30th year of age
• have held a valid category B driving license or a corresponding German, EU/EEA or Swiss driving license for at least five years
• no more than 1 point on the driving aptitude register at the time of application.

• Appeal
• Further information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in your respective notification
• Appeal to the administrative court

You must submit an application for accompanied driving from the age of 17 to the driving license authority responsible for you.

An application may be submitted at the earliest six months before the age of 17.

The examination certificate is valid for a maximum of three months after the age of 18.

The processing time depends on the workload of the responsible driving license authority.

The fees are based on the scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt).

If a BF 17 participant drives a motor vehicle without being accompanied by a named person, the driving license must be revoked. In addition, there is a fine, a point in the driving aptitude register, an extension of the probationary period and an order to attend an advanced training seminar.

The accompanying person must not be under the influence of alcohol (0.25 mg/l or more breath alcohol or 0.5 per mille or more blood alcohol) or under the influence of narcotics.