Age limits for a class B driving licence and supervised practice

The age limit for a class B driving licence is 18 for the practical test itself, but the journey there starts as early as 15 and 16. Many people believe you have to wait until you turn 18 before you can touch the wheel, but that is not true. With the right planning, you can get plenty of practice well before the test, leaving you much better prepared for both the theory test and the practical exam.

This article gives you a complete overview of the age limits that apply at each stage of the process, from the basic traffic course to the final practical test.

Table of contents

• The key age limits
• From age 15: basic traffic course
• From age 16: supervised practice
• From age 18: the practical test and licence
• Common questions about age

The key age limits

The table below shows the main stages and the earliest point at which you can start each one. The dates relate to completed years, in other words your birthday.

Even though you can start early, 18 remains the absolute limit for being issued a class B licence. In other words, you cannot drive alone on the road before that day.

From age 15: basic traffic course

The first formal step is the basic traffic course. You can start this course at the earliest in the year you turn 15, and it is a legally required starting point for all further training. The course gives you a basic understanding of traffic, risk and first aid, and part of it covers night driving.

Once you have completed the course, you receive proof that gives you the right to start practising. Read more about what the course contains in our overview of the basic traffic course and about the individual parts in the article on stage 1 of the basic traffic course .

Note: If you are over 25, separate rules apply – you are then exempt from several parts of the course. See basic traffic course over 25 .

From age 16: supervised practice

From the day you turn 16 you can begin supervised practice. The condition is that you have completed the basic traffic course (with possible exceptions for the oldest learners) and that you drive together with an approved companion. Among other things, the companion must:

1. Be at least 25 years old.
2. Have held a class B licence continuously for the past five years.
3. Sit in the passenger seat and supervise the driving.

You must always carry the proof of the basic traffic course when practising. You can find the details in the article on proof for supervised practice and in our review of the rules for supervised practice .

It is smart to start early. The more practice you get before the test, the safer you become. Statistics show that young drivers are over-represented in accidents during their first years – something we look at more closely in the article on risk factors for young people in traffic .

From age 18: the practical test and licence

To obtain a class B driving licence you must be at least 18. The practical test can therefore be taken at the earliest on your 18th birthday.

The theory test, however, can be taken somewhat earlier. Many choose to sit it well before their birthday so that the theoretical part is out of the way when the practical test comes around. Passing the theory test is a requirement before you are allowed to sit the practical exam.

To keep track of the order, we recommend our step-by-step guide on how to get a class B licence and the article on the whole practical test step by step .

After you have received the licence, a probationary period with stricter rules applies. Read about the waiting period, probation and penalty points in the article on waiting period, probation and points .

Common questions about age

• Can I take the theory test before I turn 18? Yes, you can sit the theory test some time before your 18th birthday, but you cannot take the practical test until you have actually turned 18.
• Do I need the basic traffic course to practise? Yes, unless you are over 25, in which case more lenient requirements apply.
• Can I practise without a companion? No, all private practice must take place with an approved companion in the car.
• How early should I start? Begin with the basic course around age 15 so that you can practise a lot from the age of 16.

When you are ready to test your knowledge, you can take a free theory test and practise in the Eteo app, so you are well prepared for the theory test when the day comes.