Apply for a Driver's License Starting at Age 17
Service description
You can apply for the “Accompanied Driving” program starting at age 17 for a Class B driver’s license at the driver’s license office with jurisdiction over you.
If you participate in the “Supervised Driving Starting at Age 17” program, the minimum age for obtaining a Class B and BE (passenger car) driver’s license is lowered to 17. This means you can start driving school earlier.
After passing your driving test, you will receive a test certificate as proof of your driver’s license in Germany, which is valid for up to three months after your 18th birthday. However, until your 18th birthday, you may only drive the car when accompanied by a person named on the test certificate. The accompanying person must meet certain requirements.
Once you turn 18, you can apply to receive an EU driver's license that is valid throughout Europe.
Procedure
You must submit an application for supervised driving starting at age 17 to the driver's license authority with jurisdiction over you.
What documents are required?
Special information for the Fulda districtMinimum age: 17 years
- Application with the applicant's signature and the legal guardian's signature
- Application Form (available at the driving school or the Department of Motor Vehicles)
- Application for Supervised Driving for Drivers Age 17 and Older
- Supplementary Form for an Accompanying Person (to be completed by each accompanying person)
- Current certificate of residence for your primary residence (to be requested from your local city or municipal administration; please bring the application form mentioned above with you)
- Valid ID card / temporary ID card or valid passport or valid foreign passport / residence permit
- A valid (provisional) national ID card, valid passport, or valid foreign passport of the legal representative who has consented to the application
- A valid (provisional) national ID card, valid passport, or valid foreign passport issued to the accompanying person
- The escort's driver's license
- A recent biometric photo (35 x 45 mm) taken within the last 6 months
- Proof of First Aid Training
- Eye exam in accordance with Appendix 6, No. 1.1 of the FeV (no more than 2 years old)
- Please contact the Driver's License Office to inquire about the administrative fee.
- Declaration of Multiple Classes, if multiple classes are requested
What fees apply?
The fees are based on the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt).
What deadlines do I have to observe?
An application may be submitted no earlier than six months before the applicant turns 17.
The examination certificate is valid for no longer than three months after the individual turns 18.
Processing time
The processing time depends on the workload of the relevant driver's license authority.
Legal basis
What else should I know?
Remarks
If a BF 17 participant drives a motor vehicle without being accompanied by a specifically designated person, their driver’s license will be revoked. In addition, they will be subject to a fine, one point on their driving record, an extension of their probationary period, and a requirement to attend a refresher course.
The accompanying person must not be under the influence of alcohol (0.25 mg/l or more of breath alcohol or 0.5 per mille or more of blood alcohol) or under the influence of narcotics.
Special information for the Fulda districtSpecial Note
If you have a criminal record and/or a traffic violation on your record—for example, for driving without a license—you will also be required to submit a current certificate of good conduct (no older than 3 months). In addition, an assessment will be conducted to determine whether there are any grounds for concern regarding your fitness to drive. In such cases, you may be required to submit a medical-psychological evaluation.
If you suffer from a medical condition that impairs your ability to drive, this may also raise concerns regarding your fitness to drive. These concerns may need to be addressed by submitting the required medical evaluations before you can take the necessary tests.
Applications / Forms