Driver's License: Minimum Age - Exceptions

Service description
The minimum age for obtaining a driver’s license in classes A2, B, BE, C1, and C1E is generally 18 years. A driver’s license in classes A1, AM, L, and T can be obtained as early as age 16.

Detailed information on the applicable minimum age requirements for each driver's license class is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.

A driver’s license may be issued before you reach the applicable minimum age only if there are exceptional circumstances in your case that differ significantly from the situation of your peers and waiting until you reach the minimum age would constitute an unreasonable hardship for you.
- Requirements for a Driver's License and Validity Period
  (Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure)
Procedure
If you wish to obtain a driver’s license before reaching the minimum age, you must submit an application for an exemption. To help it make its decision, the driver’s license authority may require you to submit a medical-psychological evaluation to determine your fitness to drive.
What fees apply?
The fee is determined in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt).
- Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt)
Legal basis
- § 10 Driver's License Regulation (FeV)
- § 74 FeV: Exceptions
- Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt)
  (Fee No. 302.3 of the Schedule to § 1 of the GebOSt)

Responsible departments