Committing an offence during the probationary period (Probezeit): mandatory courses

Traffic offences during the probation period (Probezeit): what to expect – compulsory courses and legal consequences in detail

The probation period (Probezeit) is one of the most sensitive phases in the life of a new driver in Germany. It lasts two years from the date you obtain your driving licence for the first time and is treated as a genuine test phase for your behaviour on the road – not just a formal step.

But what happens if you commit a traffic offence during this period?
Are the penalties tougher? Are there additional consequences?
The short answer is: yes – and very clearly so.

An offence during the probation period does not only mean a fine or a point in Flensburg. It can also lead to:

compulsory participation in an advanced seminar (Aufbauseminar / Nachschulung),
extension of the probation period from two to four years,
and, in the case of repeated serious offences, even to the withdrawal of your driving licence.

Which offences are relevant in the probation period?

Offences during the Probezeit are generally divided into two categories:

A-offences (A-Verstöße) – serious offences, for example:

significant speeding (e.g. more than 21 km/h above the limit),
running a red light,
driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
causing an accident due to gross negligence or particularly dangerous behaviour.

B-offences (B-Verstöße) – less serious but still relevant offences, such as:

driving a vehicle without a valid technical inspection (TÜV),
failing to secure children properly in child seats,
using a mobile phone while driving.

Already one A-offence or two B-offences during the probation period are regarded as a critical situation for your driving licence.

What happens if you commit a serious offence in the Probezeit?

According to the guidelines of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), committing a serious offence typically leads to:

extension of the probation period from two to four years,
obligatory participation in an advanced seminar (Aufbauseminar) for novice drivers,
an official letter from the driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) informing you of the measures.

In other words, the authorities clearly signal that your driving behaviour is problematic and must be corrected.

What is an Aufbauseminar (Nachschulung)?

The Aufbauseminar, also known as “Nachschulung”, is a special training course for novice drivers who have committed relevant offences during the probation period. Its purpose is to:

analyse the incorrect behaviour,
raise awareness of risks and consequences,
promote safer and more responsible driving.

Key facts about the seminar:

Duration: 4 sessions, each around 135 minutes, usually spread across about two weeks,
Attendance: 100 % compulsory – in practice, absence is not tolerated,
Cost: usually between €300 and €500, depending on region and provider,
Provider: certified driving schools (Fahrschulen) authorised to run these seminars.

Failing to attend the seminar within the given deadline generally results in the immediate withdrawal of your driving licence.

What happens after the first serious offence?

If you commit your first serious A-offence (or two B-offences) during the probation period, the consequences are usually:

the probation period is extended to 4 years,
you are ordered to attend an Aufbauseminar within a specified time frame,
after successfully completing the course, you may continue driving – but under closer scrutiny.

If you then commit a second serious offence during the extended probation period, you will normally receive:

a formal written warning from the authority,
often combined with a recommendation to seek voluntary traffic-psychological counselling.

A third serious offence is usually the breaking point:

your driving licence will be withdrawn,
you can only apply for a new licence after a waiting period,
and in many cases only after passing a medical-psychological examination (MPU), proving your fitness to drive.

What about minor offences that are not recorded?

Some minor administrative offences – such as small parking tickets that are not entered into the central register – have no direct impact on your probation status.

However, if authorities identify a pattern of careless behaviour, such as repeated warnings and fines, they may view your overall driving attitude more critically and take additional steps if necessary.

Real-life cases: how do police and authorities respond?

A 2024 study by the German Road Safety Council (DVR) showed that around 72 % of serious offences during the probation period were related to excessive speed, followed by reckless driving and mobile phone use at the wheel.

In a widely discussed case in Hamburg, a young driver lost his licence after committing two serious A-offences within ten months, despite having already completed an Aufbauseminar after the first offence.
The licensing authority classified him as “currently unfit to drive a motor vehicle” and ordered the withdrawal of his licence.

Conclusion

The probation period is not just a learning phase, but a legally defined test of your reliability as a driver.

Offences in this period are not treated as trivial matters. They can lead to:

compulsory corrective seminars (Aufbauseminar / Nachschulung),
extension of your Probezeit from two to four years,
formal warnings,
and, in the event of repeated serious offences, to revocation of your driving licence.

The message is clear:
Responsible driving during the probation period is an investment in your long-term mobility.
Carelessness, on the other hand, can cost you far more than a simple fine – it can cost you your licence entirely.

The authors and editorial team behind this article aim to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors may still occur or certain details may be incomplete or not fully verified. Therefore, please regard the contents of this article as an initial point of reference and always consult the relevant authorities for binding and up-to-date legal information.