The Probezeit is a two-year probationary period that starts when you get your first German driving licence. If you commit one serious offence (category A) or two less serious ones (category B) during that time, you must attend an improvement course (Aufbauseminar) and your probation is extended to four years. The rules are in § 2a of the Road Traffic Act (StVG).
During probation – and for all drivers under 21 – there is also a strict zero-alcohol rule. Because ignoring right of way is one of the most common A offences, solid junction skills matter more than ever in these two years.
A and B offences
- A (serious): red-light violation, ignoring right of way, speeding by 21 km/h or more, tailgating, illegal overtaking, using a phone while driving, alcohol or drugs, leaving the scene of an accident.
- B (less serious): for example driving with bald tyres or summer tyres in winter conditions, or other technical defects.
- One A offence is enough to trigger measures; B offences count in pairs.
- Only offences recorded in the Flensburg register count – fines below €60 are not recorded.
What happens after an offence
- 1First time: mandatory improvement course and probation extended to four years.
- 2Second time: written warning and a recommendation to attend a traffic-psychology consultation within two months.
- 3Third time: the licence is revoked.
- 4Skipping the ordered course also leads to the licence being revoked.
Zero alcohol
Under § 24c StVG, drivers in their probationary period and all drivers under 21 may not drive with any alcohol in their blood. A breach costs €250 and 1 point and counts as an A offence with all its consequences.
Special cases
- Accompanied driving from 17 (BF17): the probation starts when you receive your test certificate at 17.
- Adding a new licence class during probation does not start a new probation period, but offences in any class count.
- Licences from abroad: if you have held a foreign licence for more than two years, the authority usually does not apply a new probation period – it decides case by case.
Avoid the most common probation traps
- 1
Practise priority
52 junction scenarios in 3D until each rule is automatic.
- 2
Train traffic lights
Stop at the line in the driving simulator.
- 3
Track progress
See which topics still need work.
Free to download on iPhone & iPad
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Probezeit in Germany?
Two years from your first licence; four years after an A offence or two B offences.
Is ignoring right of way an A offence?
Yes. It is one of the serious offences that trigger the improvement course during probation.
Can I drink any alcohol during the Probezeit?
No. The limit is 0.0 per mille. A breach costs €250 and 1 point.
Does the Probezeit apply if I exchange a foreign licence?
If you have held your foreign licence for more than two years, usually not. The licensing authority decides in each case.
How can I avoid right-of-way mistakes as a new driver in Germany?
Practise German junctions, for example with Fahrschule 3D: Vorfahrt üben for iPhone, which works in English: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6794609450