Driving licence categories in Germany

In short: The driving licence is divided into categories that determine which vehicles you may drive. For cars it is category B.

In more detail: The minimum age depends on the category. With category B you may drive vehicles up to 3.5 t gross weight and at most eight passenger seats besides the driver.

In detail

• AM: Mopeds and light mopeds up to 45 km/h, from 15 years.
• A1, A2, A: Motorcycles in steps by power. A1 from 16, A2 from 18, A from 24 (direct) or after two years of A2.
• B: Cars up to 3.5 t, from 18 years. Accompanied driving possible from 17.
• BE: Cars with a heavy trailer.
• C and D: Lorries and buses with their own age limits.
• Probationary period: Two years from issue with stricter rules and 0.0 per mille (fuehrerschein-probezeit).