Driving licence at 17: optimising insurance and avoiding cost traps
24.06.25
12
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A driving licence at 17 is a popular start to mobile freedom. But how does accompanied driving affect insurance, and what pitfalls should you watch out for? This article shows you how to set the right course from the outset.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Always notify your motor insurer of your participation in accompanied driving (BF17) before your first drive, to ensure cover is in place and to take advantage of possible premium discounts.
Participation in BF17 can significantly reduce the cost of your first car insurance policy after your 18th birthday, as many insurers offer more favourable no-claims bonus classes.
Please ensure that all accompanying persons meet the legal requirements and are officially registered, otherwise severe penalties may apply.
Quick Facts: The most important information about insurance for a driving licence at 17
Accompanied driving from 17 (BF17) is an opportunity for young drivers to gain practical experience. Participation must be reported to the motor insurance provider, usually before the first drive. Many insurers increase the premium only slightly, or not at all, during the BF17 phase. BF17 participants often benefit from more favourable classifications for their first policy. The cost of the driving licence itself is around €1,400 to €2,300, plus a small fee for the BF17 certificate. Without notifying the insurer of the BF17 driver, cover may be jeopardised.
Practical section: BF17 and the impact on your insurance policy
As soon as a young driver takes part in accompanied driving, the group of drivers covered for the vehicle being used changes. The insurer must be informed immediately, ideally before the 17-year-old’s first drive. Some insurers, such as CosmosDirekt, allow new drivers to gain driving experience without paying a premium. Other providers charge a moderate surcharge; Allianz, for example, adjusts the premium. The good news is that a special BF17 policy is usually not necessary. The existing policy is adjusted. The costs for a driving licence at 17 are comparable to those of a regular driving licence; only small fees are incurred for the examination certificate and the registration of accompanying persons, often between ten and 50 euros. Comprehensive car insurance is essential here. Failure to report this can lead to considerable problems in the event of a claim, up to and including loss of insurance cover. Transparency towards the insurer is therefore paramount.
The advantages of BF17 often only become clearly apparent later:
More favourable classification in no-claims bonus classes (SF classes) when taking out their first own insurance policy.
Reduced accident risk, which insurers view positively; studies show up to 20 per cent fewer accidents.
Some insurers offer special discounts for former BF17 participants.
The driving experience gained leads to greater safety and routine on the road.
These positive aspects make accompanied driving a worthwhile investment in safety and future insurance costs. The transition to your own motor vehicle liability insurance is often made easier as a result.
Expert depth: legal framework and design tips
Legally speaking, the 17-year-old driver is the responsible driver of the vehicle, not the accompanying person. The accompanying person acts as an adviser and must meet certain requirements: at least 30 years old, in uninterrupted possession of a Class B driving licence for five years, and with no more than one penalty point in Flensburg. For the accompanying person, an alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille applies while driving. Our expert tip: Have all potential accompanying persons entered directly when submitting the application so you can remain flexible. The number is not limited. A breach of the conditions of accompanied driving, such as driving without an entered accompanying person, has serious consequences: withdrawal of the driving licence, a fine (often €70), one point in Flensburg and an extension of the probationary period. As a rule, the test certificate is only valid in Germany and Austria. Also consider insurance cover for young drivers that goes beyond the basic cover. When taking out their first policy after their 18th birthday, former BF17 participants should обязательно indicate their participation in order to benefit from possible discounts. Many insurers then classify them more favourably, for example directly in no-claims class ½ or even no-claims class 1, instead of no-claims class 0.
Costs at a glance: How much do a driving licence at 17 and the insurance cost?
The pure training costs for a driving licence at 17 differ hardly at all from those for a driving licence at 18 and, depending on region and driving school, are between 1,400 and 2,300 euros. In addition, there are fees for issuing the test certificate (around eight to ten euros) and for checking each accompanying driver (often around ten euros per person). Insurance costs during the BF17 phase depend on the provider. Some insurers such as CosmosDirekt or Concordia include BF17 drivers in their parents' policy with no extra charge or only a small surcharge. Others, such as Allianz or HUK-COBURG, charge an extra premium, but this is usually moderate. In the long term, BF17 often pays off, as the first policy taken out in your own name becomes cheaper. A Finanztip sample showed potential savings of around 20 per cent. It is advisable to compare the cheapest car insurance policies. The choice of vehicle also plays a role; typical first cars for new drivers with a high insurance class can be more expensive.
Here is a sample cost overview for a driving licence at 17 (BF17):
Base fee driving school: 200 - 400 euros
Cost per driving lesson (number varies): 45 - 70 euros
Special lessons (twelve mandatory hours): 500 - 700 euros
Learning materials: 50 - 80 euros
Registration for the theory test: 50 - 70 euros
Registration for the practical test: 150 - 250 euros
Fees for TÜV/DEKRA (theory and practical): approx. 120 - 150 euros
BF17 application and test certificate: 40 - 60 euros (varies considerably)
Fee per accompanying driver: 5 - 15 euros
These costs are estimates and can vary greatly by region and individually. An early comparison of driving school prices and insurance offers is therefore recommended.
After the 18th birthday: the transition to your own insurance
When you turn 18, the accompanied driving phase ends, and the test certificate must be exchanged for an EU photocard driving licence within three months. From this point on, young adults are responsible for their own insurance cover when they drive their own car. Participation in BF17 often has a positive effect here: many insurers offer better ratings in the no-claims bonus class (SF class). Instead of starting in the expensive SF class 0 (often over 100 per cent premium rate), former BF17 participants can, for example, start in SF ½ (approx. 70-85 per cent) or even SF 1 (approx. 50-60 per cent). It is important to actively inform the insurer about participation in BF17. One way to save costs is to transfer no-claims discounts from parents or grandparents, although usually only as many years can be transferred as the young driver has held a driving licence. The option of insuring your first car as a second car through your parents can also bring financial benefits. Find out about your individual options at nextsure; we will be happy to advise you on your motor third-party liability insurance.
Accident risk and statistics: Why BF17 is worthwhile
Statistics demonstrate the success of supervised driving. Young drivers who have taken part in BF17 cause significantly fewer accidents and commit fewer traffic offences than novice drivers who start driving on their own at 18. Studies indicate an accident risk that is around 20 per cent lower. In 2020, 15,960 young people aged 15 to 17 were injured in road traffic accidents in Germany. Supervised driving has been proven to help reduce these figures. ADAC accident research shows that 18- to 24-year-olds are disproportionately involved in single-vehicle accidents, often due to overconfidence and a lack of experience. Driving with an experienced accompanying person helps to assess risks better and develop a feel for critical traffic situations. This early awareness is an important building block for long-term safe participation in road traffic. The German Road Safety Association highlights that BF17 and the alcohol ban for novice drivers have made a significant contribution to reducing accident figures among young drivers. Good motor insurance for your child provides additional protection.
A common mistake is failing to notify the insurer of the BF17 driver in good time, or not notifying them at all, for the vehicle being used. In the worst case, this can cost you your insurance cover. Another point is the assumption that every insurer automatically covers BF17 drivers without adjusting the premium; this is not always the case, so it is essential to ask. Many also forget to actively declare BF17 participation when taking out their first own policy, thereby missing out on discounts. Do not underestimate the importance of correctly registering all accompanying drivers. Only officially registered persons are allowed to accompany. Another pitfall can be the choice of the first car you own: vehicles with high insurance classes or a lot of horsepower are often more expensive to insure for novice drivers. Find out about costs for learner driver insurance. Careful planning and communication with the insurer helps to avoid these mistakes and ensures a smooth start.
Checklist for avoiding mistakes:
Notify the insurer of BF17 participation immediately (before the first drive).
Have all accompanying drivers officially registered.
Check the conditions for accompanying drivers (age, licence held, points).
Actively mention BF17 participation when taking out your first own policy.
Check the insurance terms and any possible surcharges for BF17 carefully.
Note the validity of the test certificate abroad (usually only Austria).
Strictly observe the rules for the probationary period and the zero-alcohol limit.
Your next step: Personalised advice for optimal protection
Driving licence at 17 is an important step, and the right insurance is a crucial companion. At nextsure, we understand the specific needs of young drivers and their families. We help you keep track of regulations and tariffs and find the best solution for your situation. An individual analysis of your needs ensures that you are optimally and cost-effectively insured from the outset. Use our expertise to avoid pitfalls and benefit from all the advantages of accompanied driving. We support you in setting the course for a safe and worry-free mobile future. Bear in mind that a good car insurance from your parents can be a solid foundation. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on accompanied driving, which provides detailed information on this topic.
FAQ
How does getting your driving licence at 17 affect your no-claims bonus class?
Participation in accompanied driving often leads to a better classification in the no-claims discount class (e.g. SF ½ or SF 1 instead of SF 0) for the first policy in your own name after your 18th birthday.
What requirements must an accompanying person meet for BF17?
An accompanying person must be at least 30 years old, have held a category B driving licence continuously for at least five years, and may have a maximum of one point in the driving aptitude register in Flensburg.
Is special insurance necessary for a driving licence at 17?
No, in general no special BF17 insurance is required. The underage driver is included in the existing motor insurance policy for the vehicle being used (usually the parents’). This must be reported to the insurer.
What happens if you drive without a registered accompanying person?
Driving without an accompanying person listed on the test certificate constitutes a serious offence. The consequences are the revocation of the driving licence, a fine (often €70), one penalty point in Flensburg and an order to attend a remedial training course, as well as an extension of the probationary period.
Can I drive abroad with the BF17 test certificate?
The German BF17 test certificate is generally only recognised in Austria. For driving in other countries, it is usually not valid.
How many accompanying persons can be registered?
The number of accompanying persons is not limited. Any number of people can be entered, provided they meet the requirements. A small fee is charged for each entry.
