Driver's license 2013 – The most important changes

On January 19, 2013, the last remaining provisions of Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 20, 2006, on driving licenses (3rd EU Driving License Directive) came into force. The most important changes are listed here.

New driver's license model
The most visible change is the introduction of a new card-type driver's license, which differs from the previous model only in minor details.

Limited validity of driving licenses Since January 19, 2013, driving license
documents have been limited to 15 years of validity.
However, this limitation only applies to the driving license document itself, not to the driving license itself; it is comparable to an identity card. After 15 years, only the driving license document will need to be replaced. Regular medical examinations or other tests are not associated with the document exchange.

Old driving licenses remain valid
For people who obtained their driving license before January 19, 2013, the driving license remains valid to the same extent as before. When old driver's licenses are exchanged (possible until January 19, 2033), the driver's license classes will be converted for administrative purposes. All previously acquired authorizations to drive different vehicle classes will remain unrestricted.

Changes to driving license categories The following
significant changes will apply to driving license categories from January 19, 2013:

• The previously valid driving license classes M and S have been replaced by class AM.
• The previous definitions of driving license classes A1, A, and B have been adapted to the guidelines applicable throughout Europe.
• The new, power-limited driving license category A2 has been introduced for motorcycles with an engine power of less than 35 kW.
• For all other two-wheeled driver's license classes, a gradual access regulation will apply in the future to enable novice drivers to gradually gain experience.

Further changes since December 28, 2016, but retroactive to January 19, 2013:

• Driving license categories C1 and C1E (small trucks) are limited to five years and can only be renewed after a health check
• This applies retroactively to all new driving licenses issued since January 19, 2013. Even if the driving license still has a time limit of 50 years of age, these driving licenses lose their validity by law five years after they were issued.
• Further information on the changes is available here.

Overview of driver's license classes

Motorcycle classes (single-track vehicles and three-wheeled vehicles):

• AM, A1, A2, A

Motor vehicle (car) classes:

• B, BE, (B96 no separate driver's license class)

Truck classes:

• C1, C1E, C, CE

Bus classes (coaches):

• D1, D1E, D, DE

Self-propelled work machines, tractors in agriculture and forestry:

• L, T

Table: Comparison of driving license classes before 1999 and from 2013 onwards

National driving license categories for vehicles not covered by the directive

General information on obtaining a driver's license / driver's license test

The theory test must be passed within 12 months of being admitted to the test.
After passing the theory test, the practical test must be passed within 12 months.

The practical test must be taken at your main place of residence or at the location of your school or vocational training, studies, or place of work. Appropriate evidence must be submitted to the driver's license authority before submitting the test application.

The theory test can also be taken in the following foreign languages:

• English
• French
• Greek
• Italian
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Romanian
• Russian
• Croatian
• Spanish
• Turkish
• High Arabic

Applicants who are unable to read or write sufficiently can take the theory test with audio support via headphones.
To do so, they must submit a confirmation from a doctor or school to the driver's license authority.

The theory test may be taken at the earliest three months before reaching the minimum age, and the practical test at the earliest one month before reaching the minimum age.

When a driver's license is obtained for the first time, it is generally issued on a probationary basis for two years. Driver's license classes AM, L, and T are exempt from the probationary period.

Since novice drivers are involved in accidents at an above-average rate, they are subject to special monitoring by the legislator.

If a novice driver commits one serious or two less serious offenses (violations of traffic regulations) during the probationary period, they will be required to attend a refresher seminar for novice drivers (ASF). This requirement extends the probationary period from 2 to 4 years. The driving schools that offer such seminars in our area of responsibility will be notified of the order and given a date by the driver's license authority. In cases involving alcohol, narcotics, or other intoxicating substances, participation in a special advanced seminar must be ordered. These courses are conducted by recognized traffic psychologists. The relevant agencies will be notified of the order.

Participation in an advanced seminar for novice drivers (ASF) does not result in any points being deducted from the driver suitability register.

If the holder of a provisional driver's license does not comply with the driver's license authority's order to attend a refresher seminar within the set period, the driver's license shall be revoked.

If, after participation in an advanced seminar, the driver's license authority becomes aware of another serious offense or two further less serious offenses, a written warning will be issued and a recommendation made to participate (voluntarily) in traffic psychology counseling within two months.

If further traffic violations occur, the driver's license will be revoked. If the driver's license has been revoked, a new driver's license may be issued at the earliest three months after the revocation takes effect; the period begins when the driver's license is surrendered to the driver's license authority. 

Advanced seminar for new drivers (ASF)

• Prerequisite
  : holder of a provisional driver's license (FaP)
  - order by the driver's license authority

• Implementation
  - Group session with at least 6 to 12 participants
  - 4 sessions of 135 minutes each within 2 to 4 weeks
  - 30-minute driving test with a vehicle of the same class as the one with which the offense was committed

An advanced seminar can be completed at any driving school that has the appropriate seminar license. However, a seminar may only take place if there are at least 6 participants. Therefore, please check with your chosen driving school immediately to see whether these requirements are met so that you can prove your participation in the ordered seminar within the deadline set for you.

Traffic psychology counseling

Traffic psychology counseling takes place as an individual consultation and may be supplemented by a driving test if the counselor deems this necessary. The person concerned will receive a certificate to be presented to the driver's license authoritypsychology counseling takes place as an individual consultation and may be supplemented by a driving test if the counselor deems this necessary. The person concerned will receive a certificate to be presented to the driver's license authority. If the certificate of participation in such counseling is presented to the driver's license authority within three months of the end of the counseling, a discount of two points will be granted.