In Germany, the Driving Fitness Seminar (Fahreignungsseminar – FES) is not automatically imposed simply because you reach three points in the driving record.
1–3 points
No FES is required.
With 1 to 5 points, you may voluntarily reduce one point by attending an FES once every five years (bfriends-fahrschule.de, punkte-flensburg.de).
For example, if you have 3 points, you can choose an FES and one point will be removed after completing it.
4–5 points
You receive an official warning notice (Ermahnung) from the driving licence authority.
The option to take an FES to reduce a point is mentioned.
However, it is not mandatory—it remains optional (sicher-am-steuer.de).
6–7 points
You reach the formal warning stage (Verwarnung).
Improvement is strongly recommended, but an FES will not remove any points at this level (academy-fahrschule-grimm.de).
The seminar is available up to 7 points, but it does not reduce points once you are at this stage.
8 points or more
Your driving licence is automatically revoked (§ 4 StVG).
No FES is available to prevent this.
Table summary
| Points balance | Is FES required? | Does it reduce one point? |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Not mandatory, optional | Yes (once every 5 years) |
| 4–5 | Not mandatory, but officially mentioned | Yes (once every 5 years) |
| 6–7 | Not mandatory, recommendation only | No |
| ≥ 8 | No option – licence is revoked directly | No |
Conclusion:
3 points or fewer? FES is available as an option, not an obligation.
4–5 points? You receive an official notice that may encourage taking the seminar to avoid escalation.
6–7 points? FES no longer removes points, but it can still help driving behaviour.
8+ points? Licence revocation—no rescue through FES.
— The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, mistakes or unconfirmed details may occur. Please treat this as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.
