Probationary period: which violations cause a lot of trouble for new drivers

Created: 10/22/2022, 7:55 am

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

Novice drivers initially receive their driving license for two years on a probationary basis.

If you don't pay attention during this time, you'll quickly get rid of your "rag".

The driver's license test is certainly one of the most nerve-wracking moments in young people's lives.

Failing not only costs a lot of time, but also money - especially if you fail the practical test.

But even if you only completed the compulsory lessons in the driving school, the “rag” would not be cheap.

It is hardly any consolation for most of them that the driver's license in other countries is still significantly more expensive than in Germany.

However, great caution is also required after passing the driver's license test - because the driver's license can also be lost again fairly quickly.

Because you first get it “on trial” – but what does that actually mean?

Driver's license: Which violations bring a lot of trouble during the probationary period

The probationary period is two years.

According to the ADAC, it begins with the granting of the driving license - i.e. the handing over of the driver's license.

If a temporary test certificate, which is only valid in Germany, is issued instead of the driver's license, the probationary period begins - i.e. also for accompanied driving from the age of 17.

During the two-year probationary period, new drivers should strictly follow the rules (symbol image).

© Arnulf Hettrich/Imago

Probationary license: differences between A and B violations

Trouble threatens the driver's license holders on probation, in the case of a so-called A violation or two B violations.

An A-violation is a serious violation that is usually punished with at least 60 euros and one point in Flensburg.

In addition to criminal offenses such as coercion or prohibited motor vehicle racing, according to the Driving License Ordinance (FeV), these include:

• Exceeding the maximum speed by more than 20 km/h

• Cell phone use while driving

• red light violation

• Overtaking despite overtaking ban

Probationary driving licence: There is an absolute ban on alcohol

In addition, there is an absolute ban on alcohol for novice drivers up to the age of 21 - for older license holders the zero alcohol limit applies for the two years of the probationary period.

Anyone who violates the above rules will initially have their probationary period extended from two to four years - the novice driver must also attend a so-called advanced seminar.

Especially at the beginning, it is generally advisable as a novice driver to take it easy - also so that you don't have such an embarrassing mishap as a driver license holder in Switzerland.

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Probationary driver's license: Three A violations will result in the driver's license being revoked

Extension of the probationary period and an advanced seminar are also threatened in the case of two so-called B violations – these are less serious offences.

These include, for example, worn tires or the main inspection being overdue by more than eight months.

Attending the advanced seminar is not voluntary (similar to the driving aptitude seminar, with which one can reduce a point in Flensburg): Anyone who does not attend within the set period will have their driving license revoked.

Anyone who becomes conspicuous again after the extension of the probationary period will receive a warning and a recommendation to take part in a traffic psychology consultation within two months.

A third violation (once A or twice B) will result in the driver's license being revoked.

A reissue is then possible after three months at the earliest, as the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) explains.