16.08.2026
Getting your driving licence isn’t the finish line — it’s the start of a probationary period known in Germany as Probezeit. Special rules apply during this time, and violations can lead to far more serious consequences than for experienced drivers. Here’s what you need to know to get through this stage smoothly.
What Probezeit is and how long it lasts
Probezeit is a two-year probationary period that begins the moment a driver receives their first licence. It applies to all new drivers regardless of age and covers all categories obtained for the first time.
Categories of violations during the probationary period
- A-Verstöße (serious violations) — significant speeding, running a red light, drink-driving, and other major traffic offences
- B-Verstöße (minor violations) — such as improper parking or minor technical infractions
One category-A violation, or two category-B violations, within the probationary period automatically triggers the consequences set out by the system.
What happens if a violation occurs during Probezeit
- First serious violation — a mandatory advanced training seminar (Aufbauseminar) is ordered, which must be completed at the driver’s own expense
- Repeat violation — the probationary period is extended by another two years, and the driver receives a written warning
- Third violation — the licence can be revoked entirely, requiring the exams to be retaken to get it back
In addition, every violation is recorded in the general points system (the Flensburg Punktesystem), which runs in parallel and tracks violations throughout a driver’s entire driving history.
Alkoholverbot: zero tolerance for alcohol
During the probationary period, as well as for all drivers under 21, there is an absolute ban on consuming alcohol before driving — regardless of the general blood alcohol limit that applies to experienced drivers.
Practical tips for new drivers
Avoid rushing on the road. A significant share of category-A violations are directly linked to speeding.
Plan your route in advance. Unfamiliar roads increase the risk of sudden manoeuvres.
Don’t drive while tired. Fatigue impairs concentration almost as much as alcohol does.
Remember the zero-tolerance rule — even a single glass of wine the night before can be risky if you’re driving the next morning.
What happens after successfully completing Probezeit
If a new driver commits no serious violations within two years, the probationary period ends automatically, and the licence transitions to regular status, free of the restrictions typical of Probezeit. This doesn’t mean points already recorded in the Flensburg system disappear — they continue to count under the general rules that apply to all drivers.
The probationary period is not a mere formality — it’s a real mechanism that encourages responsible behaviour on the road during the first years of driving. At in7days driving school, we don’t just prepare students for the exam — we also explain how to feel safe and confident on the road in the first months after getting a licence.
