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Provisional licenceGermany

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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?

A provisional driving licence allows a learner driver to practise driving under specified conditions before obtaining a full driving licence.

Can you drive alone with a provisional licence?

This depends on the type of provisional licence and local rules. Some licences require an approved supervisor, while others allow the learner to practise alone after completing specified training.

How long is a provisional licence valid?

The validity period varies between countries and licence types. If it expires before the learner passes the practical exam, additional conditions may apply before another provisional licence can be obtained.

Can you drive abroad with a provisional licence?

Often not. A provisional licence may be valid only in the country that issued it. Learners should check the applicable rules before attempting to drive abroad.

Are there restrictions on when a learner may drive?

Yes, in some countries. Provisional licences may include restrictions on night driving, passengers, trailers, vehicle types or certain roads.

Do you need to display a learner sign?

Many countries require a learner vehicle to display an L plate or another learner-driver sign. The design and conditions vary by country.

1 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ...