Driving licence at 17 (BF17): Accompanied driving explained in full

Straight to the point: BF17 at Fahrschule FAHRPLAN – Entry requirements and registration →

Start driving a year earlier, gain an extra year’s experience before setting off on your own – accompanied driving from the age of 17 is one of the best ideas ever to come out of German driving licence legislation. Nevertheless, there are a surprising number of half-truths surrounding BF17: from the incorrect minimum age for the accompanying driver to holiday trips abroad. Here is the complete, fact-checked overview.

What BF17 is – in three sentences

In Accompanied Driving, you do the standard category B driving training (and on request BE) – only in such a way that you already pass your exams at 17. After that you may drive, but only with a registered accompanying person in the front passenger seat. Once you turn 18, the requirement is automatically lifted – and you'll already have a year of real driving experience and a year of your probationary period behind you.

The schedule: Apply at 16½, drive on your 17th birthday

BF17 is the most predictable route to a driving licence – if you make the most of the early enrolment periods:

• Registration + driving licence application at 16½ (up to 6 months prior to the minimum age is usual; the accompanying persons are also named in the application).
• Theory test at the earliest 3 months before the 17th birthday.
• Practical test at the earliest 1 month before the 17th birthday.
• Training as usual: 14 double lessons of theory, practice lessons as needed and the full 12 special journeys – BF17 doesn’t save a single hour; it’s just a waste of time.

Plan like this and you'll be holding your test certificate on your 17th birthday. You can find the complete timeline with all deadlines in the guide How long does it take to get a driving licence?

The accompanying person: Who is allowed – and who is not

This is where the most common misconception lies: The accompanying person must at least 30 years old its (not 25, as often claimed), since at least 5 years hold a category B licence and may at most 1 point have in Flensburg. You can several accompanying persons have registered – parents, grandparents, older siblings, family friends – and also add more subsequently. Important for the understanding of the role: The accompanying person is Assessor, not a reserve driving instructor. She may (and should) advise and calm, but not interfere with the driving – there are no dual pedals, and you are responsible for the driving. For the accompanying person themselves: travel sober – from 0.5 per mille or under the influence of intoxicants, she may no longer accompany them.

provisional driving licence instead of photocard driving licence

After passing the test you don't get a photocard driving licence, but a Test certificate – together with your ID it is your proof of travel. Three things you should know about it: It is valid only in Germany (The only exception: Austria recognises German BF17 drivers accompanied by an escort – but do check the current situation briefly before setting off on holiday). It applies at the very latest up to 3 months after your 18th birthday – by then you should have collected or applied for the photocard driving licence from the authority; you can find out how it works locally from the driving licence office. And: From your 18th birthday you are allowed to drive autonomously without accompaniment – you don't need to apply for anything for that.

Driving without an accompanying person: the most expensive mistake of all

However tempting it may be, driving a BF17 without a registered accompanying driver is no trivial offence: as well as a fine and a penalty point (currently 70 euros and 1 point) must the authority revoke the driving licence – that is strictly required by the law. According to that, it means: applying for reissuance, as a rule with an improvement seminar, plus a waiting period and costs. A single „shortcut alone“ can therefore cost you the licence you've just spent months working for. It is simply never worth it.

Why the BF17 is really worth it

• The security argument: Research into accompanied driving has shown the same picture for years – those who drove with supervision at 17 have fewer accidents in their first years of solo driving significantly fewer accidents as a direct entrant. A year of practical experience with an experienced co-driver is the best advanced driver training there is – and it’s free.
• The probationary period argument: Your two-year probationary period begins with the issuance – so at 17. By your 18th birthday, half of it is already done, while peers are only just starting.
• The practical bit: School route, apprenticeship, hobbies – being mobile a year earlier (with supervision) relieves the pressure on the whole family.

Tips for the year with companionship

• Take it easy at the start: The first trips on familiar routes at quiet times – that is how both sides find their roles (you drive, the passenger remains constructively silent).
• Make active use of the year: Motorway, rain, darkness, multi-storey car park – the more situations experienced with a front-seat passenger, the more confident the solo start. Exactly the situations that one would otherwise experience alone for the first time.
• Set expectations: It is best for the accompanying person to comment after the journey rather than during it – constant talking interferes and is not their job.

BF17 and insurance: The point parents need to clarify

One practical point that is often missing from many BF17 guides: Before setting off on your first accompanied journey, you should ring the car insurance of the vehicle used onto the to-do list. The 17-year-old driver generally has to notify the insurer be registered as a driver – Depending on the tariff, this will affect the premium (keyword: „youngest driver“ driver group). Anyone who fails to do this and is involved in an accident risks unpleasant discussions – or even contractual penalties – in the event of a claim. The good news is that many insurers reward participation in the BF17 scheme later on with better insurance brackets for the novice driver – Accompanied driving is recognised within the industry as a proven way of reducing risk. The terms and conditions vary depending on the provider; a brief chat before you start will clarify things and prevent the only unpleasant surprise that BF17 has to offer.

Frequently asked questions about BF17

Does the BF17 cost more than a standard driving licence?

The training costs the same - the only addition is the registration of the accompanying persons in the application (a small administrative fee, also for subsequent registrations). Compared to the gain in safety, this is the cheapest item of the entire training.

Are other people allowed to ride in the car?

Yes – the only crucial thing is that a registered accompanying driver is on board. Friends in the back seat are allowed; the accompanying person does not have to sit in the front passenger seat, although it is still usual and sensible to do so.

What happens if I’m caught speeding during the BF17 period?

The same rules apply as for all new drivers: probation period system with category A and B violations plus a zero-tolerance alcohol limit. The details are explained in our guide on probationary period.

Can I also do BF17 using the automatic setting, or B197?

Yes – BF17 can be combined with any training option, including the B197. The accompanying rule remains the same.

Conclusion: Start earlier, arrive safer

BF17 costs nothing extra, saves waiting time, halves the perceived length of the probationary period and has been proven to produce safer drivers – there’s hardly any reason not to start this way at 17, provided a suitable accompanying driver is available. You can find out how to register with us on the BF17 page.