Guide · Probationary period
Probationary driving period for novice drivers in Germany
Rules, offences & what happens if you get caught speeding
The probationary period for a driving licence is a particularly important phase for many novice drivers. During this time, stricter road traffic rules apply and violations can quickly have serious consequences.
Whether you have just passed your driving test and are in your probationary period, or want to find out in advance what happens if you get caught speeding during your probationary period: here you will find all the answers explained simply.
Probationary period for a driving licence: In brief
- The probationary period lasts for two years and begins with the issuance of the driving licence
- In the event of violations, the probationary period is extended by two years to a total of 4 years
- One serious traffic violation (A-offence) or two less serious traffic violations (B-offences) will lead to an improvement seminar.
- The strict zero tolerance drink-driving rule applies to novice drivers
- Repeated offences may lead to the revocation of the driving licence
How long is the probationary period for a driving licence?
The probationary period for a driving licence in Germany is generally two years.
Important: The probationary period begins with the issuance of the driving licence and not already with the test.
- The probationary period lasts two years (two-year probationary period)
- It applies to novice drivers of almost all categories (car, motorcycle, lorry, bus); the only exceptions are AM, L and T
- With accompanied driving from 17, the probationary period already starts at 17
This means that your probationary period starts earlier if you get your driving licence at 17.
Does the probationary period extend in the event of an offence?
Yes, and that is one of the most important points.
The extension of the probationary period follows a clear system:
- one serious traffic offence (A-Verstoß) or two less serious traffic offences (B-Verstöße)
- ➜ Probationary period is extended by two years
- ➜ a total of 4 years
It is also said: Two B-offences count as one A-offence.
So the probationary period is always extended whenever you break important traffic rules.
Category A violation and Category B violation: Differences simply explained
Not every breach has the same impact on the probationary period. There are two categories:
Serious category A traffic offence
A major traffic violation is considered serious, for example:
- running a red light
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- 21 km/h or more over the speed limit
- Drink-driving
Even a single category A offence leads to the probationary period being extended.
minor traffic violation
A minor traffic violation is less severe:
- MOT overdue by more than eight months
- Defective tyres
- Load not secured
Two less serious offences have the same effect as a major offence.
Caught speeding during the probationary period: what happens now?
If you are caught speeding during your probationary period, it depends on the extent of the speeding violation:
- Under 21 km/h: mostly no probationary measures
- From 21 km/h over the limit: serious driving offence
That means:
- Extension of the probationary period
- Participation in an advanced seminar
- Fine and potentially points
Important: Even minor offences can add up.
Speed camera, red light, phone: the consequences at a glance
| Offence during the probationary period | Category | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 km/h over the limit (car or motorcycle without trailer) | No entry in the driving aptitude register (Flensburg) | Warning fine or fine, no probation measure |
| 21 km/h or more over the limit, inside and outside built-up areas | Serious category A traffic offence | Driver improvement seminar (Aufbauseminar), probationary period extended by 2 years, plus a fine and at least one point |
| Running a red light | Serious category A traffic offence | Driver improvement seminar (Aufbauseminar), probationary period extended by 2 years, plus a fine and at least one point |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | Serious category A traffic offence | Driver improvement seminar (Aufbauseminar), probationary period extended by 2 years, plus a fine and at least one point |
| Alcohol or drugs at the wheel | Serious category A traffic offence | Special driver improvement seminar, probationary period extended by 2 years, plus a fine or criminal penalty and at least one point; for a criminal offence such as drink-driving, usually withdrawal of the driving licence |
| Two less serious offences | Two B offences | Together treated like an A offence: driver improvement seminar, probationary period extended by 2 years |
The legal basis is § 2a of the German Road Traffic Act (StVG) and Annex 12 of the Driving Licence Regulations (FeV). If an offence counts, the driving licence authority orders the seminar and sets you a deadline. If you let it pass, your driving licence is withdrawn.
Improvement course for novice drivers: procedure and obligation
The improvement course is the first measure in the event of offences.
When do you have to take part?
- In the event of a serious traffic violation
- Or two category B offences
Process:
- Several driving school lessons
- observation run
- Discussion of traffic behaviour
Important: If you do not take part within the deadline, your driving licence will be revoked. Taking part in an advanced training seminar (Aufbauseminar) is therefore compulsory.
Advanced seminar in Frankfurt: If you are ordered to attend an improvement seminar (ASF), you can complete it directly at our driving school – you can find all information, dates and prices on our seminar page aufbauseminar-frankfurt.de.
The standard driver improvement seminar at Fahrschule FAHRPLAN in Frankfurt-Bockenheim costs €449 in total: four sessions of 135 minutes each and an observation drive, with no final exam. Free places and next dates: Enquire about the seminar in Frankfurt
Zero tolerance: drink driving for novice drivers
The following applies to novice drivers
Zero-tolerance drink-driving limit
That means:
- Zero tolerance for drink-driving during the probationary period
- infringement = category A infringement
Consequences
- fine
- Points
- Extension of the probationary period
- Remedial driving course
This rule also applies to drivers under the age of 21.
After an alcohol or drug offence during the probationary period, the authority assigns you to a special driver improvement seminar (§ 36 FeV). It is run by officially recognised seminar leaders with psychological training, not by driving schools. The standard driver improvement seminar for new drivers, on the other hand, you can take directly with us in Bockenheim.
System of measures: What happens in the event of multiple offences?
The driving licence authority operates a tiered system:
Level 1
- Remedial driving course
- Extension of the probationary period
Stage 2
- Warning
- Recommendation for traffic psychology counselling
Stage 3
- Driving licence revoked
Anyone who commits multiple offences during their probationary period risks having their driving licence revoked entirely.
Revocation of the driving licence during the probationary period
You risk having your driving licence withdrawn:
- In the event of repeated A-breaches
- If you have not attended a remedial driving course
- In the case of serious criminal offences
After a Driving licence disqualification A new driving licence can often only be issued subject to an additional assessment or an MPU.
End of the probationary period: What happens next?
If you have completed the probationary period without any offences:
- The probationary period ends automatically
- No application is required
- The normal rules of the road apply
Good news: After that, there will be no further probationary measures.
Avoiding common mistakes during the probationary period
Many new drivers make similar mistakes:
- Underestimating speed
- Using a mobile phone whilst driving
- “Underestimating” alcohol
- Not taking the rules of the road seriously
In addition, we can also help you with issues such as Driving licence renewal, Conversion of foreign driving licences as well as other questions concerning driving licences and official formalities.
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Conclusion: Safely passing the driving test probation period
The probationary period for a driving licence isn't there to make your life difficult; it serves your safety. Anyone who knows the rules and sticks to them has nothing to fear. With the right behaviour, you can easily get through the probationary period without any extension, without a remedial course and without stress.
You want to get safely through your probation period or start your driving licence? Fahrschule FAHRPLAN in Frankfurt accompanies you from day one to confident driving experience.
How the probationary period fits into the overall process is shown This is how you get your driving licence.