Informations on driving license classes

With which driver's license are you allowed to drive which vehicles? Which exams are there and what else should you watch out for? We have the most important information about it!

The European Union is striving to standardize the driving license regulations in all member countries. However, complete harmonization could not be achieved even with the 3rd Driving License Directive. The driving license law in Germany, which came into force on January 19, 2013, differs in some points from EU law.

First of all, if you have taken your driver's license by January 18, 2013, you enjoy so-called grandfathering, i.e. all rights remain unchanged for the time being. In addition, new rights will be extended to old driver's licenses. However, this has a positive effect.

The advantages of the new driver license classes

Driving Licence AM

The AM driving license also includes two- and three-wheel mopeds and four-wheel light vehicles up to 45 km / h, up to 50 cc and up to 4 kW.

Driving Licence A1

From January 19, 2013, the limit on the maximum speed of 80 km / h will no longer apply to the A1 driving license class. After this date, the driving license will also extend to the new A1 class, which will then no longer contain any speed restrictions. However, the vehicle may only have 11 kW and not exceed a power to weight ratio of 0.1 kW / kg. This will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to drive 125cc scooters and light motorcycles that run faster than 80 km / h. The three-wheeled vehicles over 45 km / h, over 50 ccm and up to 15 kW can also be driven with the A1.

Driving Licence A2: Extension of the performance class

The amendment of the driving license law also brings advantages for holders of the old class A (limited): From January 19, 2013 the driving license class A (limited) and the new driving license class A2 entitle the holder to drive motorcycles up to 35 kW with a minimum power weight of 0, 2 kW / kg. This means that with just under 48 hp, the motorcycle must weigh at least 175 kilograms. Up to now, class A applied to machines with 25 kW / 34 PS and 0.16 kW / kg.

Step Regulation

The two-year tier regulation enables the A driving license (open) to be obtained at the age of 20, in contrast to direct entry only at the age of 24.

Car driver's license before April 1st, 1980 - What changes need to be observed here?

Drivers who acquired their car driver's license before April 1st, 1980 were previously allowed to drive 125 cc. From January 19, 2013, the driver's license (old 3 series) also entitles them to drive A1 motor vehicles and, if a practical driving test has been passed, also to drive A2 motorcycles. A theoretical test, however, is not necessary. This regulation also applies to drivers who have previously acquired a class 4 driving license. Here, too, if you pass the practical A2 test, bikes up to 35kW may be driven in traffic.

New regulations for theory exams

From January 19, 2013, a practical and theoretical driving test is required, which then applies to all other two-wheeler classes. For example, holders of class A1 do not need any further theoretical tests when they advance to classes A2 or A. The same applies to the holder of the A2 who wants to move up to the A class. However, the two-year period for the tier regulation must always be observed.

70-kW-Rule

Germany has not implemented the regulation of restricted throttling prescribed by the EU. Vehicles should not be throttled by more than 50% so that it is legally classified as an A2 vehicle. This means that in Germany a vehicle over 70 kW can be throttled by more than 50%. However, it should be noted that journeys with such throttled vehicles abroad can lead to severe penalties up to and including driving license revocation. So pay special attention to this. It can also be assumed that this regulation, which only applies to Germany, will have to withstand further tests by the EU. You should therefore always find out more early on.

Disadvantages of the new driver license classes:

Practical exams according to the level system (2-year period)

In Germany it was not necessary to take a new practical test when moving up from A2 to A. This is now changing. The new tiered model stipulates that a practical driving test must be completed every time you move up to the next higher class. However, if you have taken your class A driver's license before January 19, 2013, grandfathering applies and you no longer need to take the ascent test for the open A, but the 2-year deadline must be observed.

No inclusion of class A1 in the old class 3

Even the new driving license law will not bring any advantages for license holders of the old car class 3 (acquired after April 1st, 1980). It also applies here that these drivers are not allowed to move 125 cc vehicles in traffic.

In the future, tricycles will no longer be allowed with a car driver's license

If the driver's license is obtained after January 19, 2013, it will no longer be possible to drive trikes and three-wheeled scooters over 45 km / h with the car driver's license. For three-wheel scooters up to 15 kW, A1 or A2 is sufficient, stronger three-wheel scooters require a class A driving license. Car driving licenses that were obtained by January 18, 2013 continue to allow such vehicles to be driven in road traffic.

Validity of the documents - do old driver's licenses have to be exchanged?

The "old driving licenses" are valid until January 2033. Only then do they have to be exchanged for the uniform EU card in credit card format. Driving licenses issued after January 19, 2013, however, are only valid for 15 years, i.e. these license holders will have to apply for a new document as early as 2028.

When driving abroad, however, it is advisable to have the new EU driving license issued with grandfather entries in good time, as otherwise it is difficult to provide evidence on site.

	EU driving license valid in Germany since 1989	New EU driving license from January 19, 2013
AM	The new AM class includes the old classes M for vehicles up to 50 cc and class S for four-wheeled vehicles up to 50 cc / 45 km / h. This includes 50 cc vehicles, diesel or electric vehicles with a maximum of 4 kW and 45 km / h as well as three-wheel vehicles with up to 50 cc and 45 km / h. This also includes four-wheeled light vehicles with an empty weight of up to 350 kg, up to 50 cc displacement and up to 45 km / h.
Minimum age Exam Inclusion	16 years (15 years in some federal states) theoretical and practical test Class B (car driver's license) also includes AM	Light motorcycle up to 125 ccm with a maximum of 11 kW, power to weight ratio 0.1 kW / kg and tricycle up to 15 kW
A1	Light motorcycle up to 125 ccm and a maximum of 11 kW (15 PS)	No more speed limits
Exceptions	For 16- and 17-year-old drivers, a maximum design speed of 80 km/h applies
Minimum age Exam Inclusion	16 years theoretical and practical test Driving licenses that go back to the old class 3 and 4 contain A1 if they were issued before April 1st, 1980
A2	Motorbike up to a maximum of 25 kW (34 PS), Power to weight ratio 0.16 kW / kg	Motorcycles up to 35 kW (48 HP), Power to weight ratio 0.2 kW / kg
	18 years
Minimum age Exam	theoretical and practical test	Practical test after two years of driving experience with A1 or with a driver's license before April 1st, 1980, otherwise theoretical test and practical test
A (step entry)	Motorbike with unlimited power	Motorcycles with unlimited power and tricycles with more than 15 kW
Minimum age	20 years	20 years (for tricycles over 15 kW 21 years)
Condition	two years prior experience on motorcycles of the restricted class A2
Exam	No exam	Practical test after two years of driving experience with A2
A (direct entry)	Motorbike with unlimited power	Motorbike with unlimited power
Minimum age	25 years	Motorbike with unlimited power
Exam	theoretical and practical test