Driving licence at 17: accompanied driving (BF17) explained

Behind the wheel a year earlier while gaining supervised experience: accompanied driving from 17 is popular – and demonstrably lowers the accident risk. Here are the requirements, rules and costs.

FDFine Driving Driving School·Updated: July 2026·Reading time approx. 5 min
Contents

What is BF17?

"BF17" stands for accompanied driving from 17. You take the completely normal Class B (or BE) licence, but until your 18th birthday you may only drive accompanied by a registered person. The goal: gather driving experience under safe conditions before you're on the road alone.

Requirements for young drivers

  • Registration at the driving school possible from 16.5 (six months before your 17th birthday).
  • Consent of your legal guardians is required.
  • Theory and practical training just like the regular Class B licence.
  • After passing, you first receive an exam certificate listing your accompanying persons.

Requirements for the accompanying person

The accompanying person is not a driving instructor but an experienced passenger. They must:

CriterionRequirement
Minimum age30 years
Class B licence heldfor at least 5 years continuously
Points in Flensburgno more than 1 point
Registrationnamed on the exam certificate

You can register several accompanying persons (e.g. both parents). Important: during the drive they must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (limit 0.5‰) and must not take the wheel themselves – they provide advice and reassurance.

Rules while driving

  • Driving only with a registered accompanying person until your 18th birthday.
  • As a novice driver – like everyone under 21 – a 0.0‰ alcohol limit applies.
  • The probationary period (2 years) applies as with any licence.
Caution: driving without an accompanying person risks a fine, an extension of the probationary period to four years, and attendance at a paid advanced seminar.

Costs & benefits

BF17 is barely more expensive than the regular licence: only around €60 to €90 in extra costs (the BF17 application plus checking the accompanying persons). In return you get real benefits:

  • More safety: accompanied novice drivers have statistically far fewer accidents.
  • Insurance discount: many car insurers reward BF17 with lower premiums.
  • A year's head start in driving experience before you drive alone.

Start as early as 16.5

Reserve your spot early – at Fine Driving in Munich, in German or English, with flexible dates and a modern online theory app.

Reserve your spotTo the car licence

FAQ

Do I get a "real" licence at 17?
You first receive an exam certificate that is valid in Germany. On your 18th birthday you get the regular licence and may drive alone.
Does BF17 apply abroad?
The exam certificate is valid in Germany. Abroad, different rules may apply – always check before travelling.
Can the accompanying person be changed?
Yes, accompanying persons can be added or changed later. Just get in touch.
→ Car licence costs in Munich → Passing the theory test → To the car licence page

This article is for general information. The applicable regulations (incl. FeV) are decisive. As of July 2026.

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