Driver's License: Probationary
Service description
When a driver's license is issued for the first time, it is granted on a probationary basis for a period of two years. When a driver's license issued abroad is transferred, the time since its issuance is counted toward the probationary period.
Procedure
If the driver’s license holder commits violations of traffic laws during the probationary period, the driver’s license authority will take the following measures—even if the probationary period has since expired:
In the event of one serious violation or two less serious violations, the driver will be required to attend a refresher course. In the event of a repeat offense, the holder of a provisional driver’s license will receive a written warning and be advised to attend traffic psychology counseling within two months.
If, after the two-month period has expired, the driver commits one additional serious violation or two additional less serious violations during the probationary period, the driver’s license will be revoked. The same applies if the driver fails to attend the mandated refresher course within the specified time limit.In addition to the measures mentioned, the probationary period will be extended by two more years.
Participants in advanced seminars are expected to develop a more risk-aware attitude toward road traffic and to behave safely and considerately on the road through their involvement in group discussions and participation in a driving test. An individual seminar may be authorized by the ordering authority only in exceptional cases.
The purpose of traffic psychology counseling is to encourage the driver’s license holder to recognize deficiencies in their attitude toward road traffic and in their safe driving behavior, and to develop a willingness to address these deficiencies. The counseling session takes the form of a one-on-one interview. It may be supplemented by a driving test if the counselor deems it necessary. The counselor should identify the causes of the shortcomings and suggest ways to address them. The results of the counseling are intended solely for the individual concerned and must be disclosed only to that person. However, the individual receives a certificate of participation to submit to the driver’s license authority.
What fees apply?
The amount of the fee is determined in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt).
What deadlines do I have to observe?
If a driver's license has been revoked, a new license may be issued no sooner than three months after the original license has been surrendered.
Legal basis
- Sections 2a, 2b, and 24c of the Road Traffic Act (StVG)
- Sections 32–39 and 35 of the FeV, in conjunction with Appendix 12
What else should I know?
Any person who, while in the probationary period as a driver of a motor vehicle on public roads, consumes alcoholic beverages or begins driving while under the influence of such beverages commits an administrative offense.