Lesson 4: Probation Period (Probezeit) & Accompanied Driving (BF17)
Probation period under StVG § 2a: two years, extension to four years upon remedial training (Aufbauseminar) — and complete BF17 rules under FeV § 48a: accompanying person requirements (at least 30 years old, 5 years holding Class B, max. 1 penalty point), 0.5‰ alcohol limit for supervisors, test certificate, and domestic restriction.
1. The Probationary Period (StVG § 2a)
- Upon first-time acquisition of a driving license, it is granted on probation (auf Probe) — the probationary period lasts two years from the date of issue (StVG § 2a para. 1).
- Extension to 4 years total: If an advanced remedial seminar (Aufbauseminar) is ordered due to one serious or two less serious traffic violations, probation extends by two years (StVG § 2a para. 2, para. 2a).
- License classes AM, L, and T are exempt from probation (FeV § 32).
- During probation: the standard 0.5‰ limit does not apply; strict zero-alcohol limit applies to novice drivers under 21 and anyone on probation (StVG § 24c) — a violation is simultaneously a probation offense.
2. Accompanied Driving from Age 17 - BF17 (FeV § 48a)
- Principle: Class B/BE is granted at age 17 — with the condition that driving is only permitted accompanied by a specifically designated person (FeV § 48a para. 2). The restriction automatically drops on your 18th birthday.
- Valid only domestically: The BF17 test certificate only authorizes driving within Germany (stipulation under FeV § 10 para. 1).
- Test certificate: Until three months after your 18th birthday, it serves as domestic proof of your driving entitlement; from your 18th birthday onward, the regular driving license card is issued upon request (FeV § 48a para. 3 and 7).
3. Requirements for the Accompanying Supervisor (FeV § 48a para. 5)
- Must have reached at least 30 years of age.
- Must have held a valid Class B driving license continuously for at least five years (or an equivalent German, EU/EEA, or Swiss driving permit).
- Must have no more than one penalty point in the driving fitness register (FAER in Flensburg) at the time of license application.
4. Alcohol and Drug Limits for the Accompanying Person (FeV § 48a para. 6)
- The supervisor must not accompany if they have 0.25 mg/l or more alcohol in breath or 0.5 per mille or more in blood — or an amount of alcohol leading to such levels.
- Likewise not under the influence of drugs (including 3.5 ng/ml THC or more) or other intoxicating substances. In short: whoever accompanies must stay completely sober — even without sitting at the steering wheel.
5. Practical Tips
- Register parents or relatives as accompanying supervisors before the driving license authority issues the test certificate — nomination must be filed directly with the authority.
- Deliberately practice challenging traffic situations during the accompanied period (highways, night driving, busy city traffic) — gaining real-world driving experience before your 18th birthday is the biggest advantage of the BF17 rule.