Expanding a Driver's License to Include an Additional Class
Service description
Do you already hold a driver's license and would like to add another license (class) to it?
As a general rule, the provisions governing the initial issuance of a driver's license also apply to the renewal of a driver's license.
Exceptions apply to:
- Upgrading from Class A1 to Class A2 and from Class A2 to Class A:
If you have held a Class A1 or Class A2 license for two years, you need to take only one practical test in each case (upgrade). - Upgrading from Class B to Class BE, from Class C1 to Class C1E, from Class D to Class DE, and from Class D1 to Class D1E:
In each case, only one practical test is required.
Special information for the Fulda districtYou should apply for a driver’s license extension if you already hold a driver’s license and wish to add a new class. You can obtain the necessary application forms either from us or from driving schools in the Fulda district. The general requirements for obtaining a driver’s license are:
- Permanent residence in the Federal Republic of Germany
- No prior ownership of the class applied for
- Meeting the legally required minimum age
- Upgrading from Class A1 to Class A2 and from Class A2 to Class A:
Procedure
You must submit the appropriate application to extend your driver's license to the driver's license authority with jurisdiction over you.
Competent Authority
The driving license authorities are responsible for this matter.
Prerequisites
You must submit an application for a driver's license or an extension of your driver's license.
Please contact the driver's license office in the town where you have your primary residence.
Special information for the Fulda districtLegally required minimum age
- For Class AM: 15 years
- For classes A1, L, and T: 16 years old
- For Class A2: 18 years old
- For Class A: 24 years of age, or 21 years of age for three-wheeled vehicles with a power output of more than 15 kW
- For Class B and BE licenses: 18 years of age, or 17 years of age for accompanied driving starting at age 17
- For categories C1 and C1E: 18 years of age
- For Classes C and CE: 21 years or 18 years after obtaining the initial qualification, or as part of vocational training as a professional driver, a transportation operations specialist, or in a comparable vocational training program
- For Classes D1 and D1E: 21 years or 18 years, respectively, after obtaining the initial qualification or as part of vocational training as a professional driver, transportation operations specialist, or a comparable vocational training program
- For Classes D and DE, 24 years or 23, 21, 20, or 18 years after obtaining the basic qualification, as part of vocational training as a professional driver or a comparable vocational training program; see Section 10(1)(No.) of the Driver’s License Regulation (FeV)
The minimum age for driving Class C vehicles is 18 years, and for Class D vehicles, 21 years, in the case of emergency vehicles belonging to the fire department, police, emergency medical services recognized under state law, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief, and other civil defense units, provided that these vehicles are used for emergency response trips or practice drives ordered by a supervisor, as well as for training activities, and vehicles that are taken to commercial vehicle repair shops for repair or maintenance purposes and are subjected to road tests there on the instructions of a supervisor (proof required).
What documents are required?
Special information for the Fulda districtThe following documents are required:
- a recent biometric photo taken within the last 6 months
- Driver's license application with confirmation from the Residents' Registration Office of your local city or municipal administration, issued no more than 3 months ago
- A valid ID card, passport, passport substitute, or—for foreign documents—a passport with a residence
permit. For minor applicants, a valid ID card, passport, passport substitute, or—for foreign documents—a passport with a residence permit. - Proof of First Aid Training
- Name and Address of the Driving School
To extend your driver's license to include classes AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, L, and T, you will also need
- Eye exam certificate in accordance with Appendix 6, No. 1.1 of the FeV (not older than 2 years)
To extend your driver's license to include Classes C1, C1E, C, and CE, you will also need
- Certificate of a Medical Examination in Accordance with Annex 5, No. 1 of the Driver’s License Regulation (FeV)
- Ophthalmological examination report in accordance with Annex 6, No. 2.1 or 2.2 of the Driver's License Regulation (FeV)
To extend your driver's license to include Classes D1, D1E, and DE, you will also need
- Certificate of a Medical Examination in Accordance with Annex 5, No. 1 of the Driver’s License Regulation (FeV)
- Certificate of a medical examination pursuant to Annex 5, No. 2 of the Driver’s License Regulation (FeV) regarding physical fitness
- Ophthalmological examination report in accordance with Annex 6, No. 2.1 or 2.2 of the Driver's License Regulation (FeV)
- A current certificate of good conduct, issued within the last 3 months
You must always bring the original, complete set of documents.
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)
(Fee No. 302.3 of the Schedule to § 1 of the GebOSt)
- Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt)
Legal basis
Special information for the Fulda districtDriver's License Regulation (FeV), Road Traffic Act (StVG), Road Traffic Fee Schedule (GebOST)
Special 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.
With regard to the issuance of a driver’s license as part of training for the occupations “professional driver,” “transportation operations specialist,” or a comparable vocational training program, special provisions apply regarding the minimum age; however, the basic requirement is possession of a Class B driver’s license. You can request further information on this by phone.
Applications / Forms