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Provisional licenceGermany

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Germany. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Germany

86. Provisional licence

A provisional licence allows a learner driver to practise driving on public roads before obtaining a full driving licence. The conditions vary between countries and may determine whether the learner must be accompanied by an approved supervisor, which vehicles may be driven, where and when driving is permitted and how long the licence remains valid. A provisional licence is normally subject to stricter rules than a full licence and is intended specifically for learning and gaining practical driving experience.

Provisional licence
Hummer H2 driving-school vehicle. (Kempten, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Alofok • CC BY
What is a provisional driving licence?

The meaning depends on the jurisdiction. In Great Britain and Flanders, a provisional licence can authorise learning under specified conditions. In the Australian Capital Territory, a provisional licence follows the learner stage and assessment. It is not a universal synonym for a learner licence.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flanders, obtaining a category B driving licence; learner provisional licences

🔗 accesscanberra.act.gov.au • ACT Government, obtaining a provisional driver licence; post-learner stage

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, driving lessons and learning to drive; GB learner rules

Can you drive alone with a provisional licence?

Check the jurisdiction, licence stage and its conditions. In Flanders, some provisional licences require a registered supervisor, while another option permits independent practice after approved training. In Great Britain, car learners must follow the supervision rules. Other countries may use provisional for a later licensing stage.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flanders, obtaining a category B driving licence; learner provisional licences

🔗 accesscanberra.act.gov.au • ACT Government, obtaining a provisional driver licence; post-learner stage

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, driving lessons and learning to drive; GB learner rules

How long is a provisional licence valid?

There is no universal validity period or renewal procedure. Check the issuing authority’s rules for the particular licence. For example, Flanders distinguishes 18-month and 36-month provisional learner licences; another jurisdiction may use provisional for a different stage altogether.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flanders, obtaining a category B driving licence; learner provisional licences

🔗 accesscanberra.act.gov.au • ACT Government, obtaining a provisional driver licence; post-learner stage

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, driving lessons and learning to drive; GB learner rules

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