Auto & Mobility
Classic car insurance
driving licence with 17 insurance
Driving licence at 17: Optimise insurance and avoid cost traps
The driving licence at 17 is a popular start into mobile freedom. But how does accompanied driving affect insurance and what pitfalls should be considered? This article shows you how to set the right course from the very beginning.
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The topic in brief and concise terms
Always report participation in accompanied driving (BF17) to your car insurance before the first journey to ensure coverage and take advantage of potential premium benefits.
Participating in BF17 can significantly reduce the cost of your first car insurance after your 18th birthday, as many insurers offer cheaper no-claims classes.
Ensure that all accompanying persons meet the legal requirements and are officially registered, or there may be substantial penalties.
Quick Facts: Important Information about the Driving Licence with Insurance at 17
Accompanied driving from the age of 17 (BF17) is an opportunity for young drivers to gain practical experience. Participation must be reported to the car insurance, usually before the first drive. Many insurers increase the premium moderately or not at all during the BF17 phase. Participants in BF17 often benefit from more favourable classifications for their first own policy. The costs for the driving licence itself are around 1,400 to 2,300 Euros, plus minor fees for the BF17 certificate. Without reporting the BF17 driver to the insurance, the coverage may be jeopardised.
Practical Part: BF17 and its impact on your insurance policy
Once a teenager participates in accompanied driving, the group of drivers using the vehicle changes. This must be reported to the insurer immediately, ideally before the 17-year-old's first drive. Some insurers, like CosmosDirekt, allow novice drivers to gain driving experience without additional fees. Other providers charge a moderate surcharge; Allianz, for instance, adjusts the premium. The good news is that a special BF17 insurance is usually not necessary. The existing policy is adjusted. The costs for the driving licence at 17 are comparable to those of a regular driving licence, with only minor fees for the test certificate and the registration of accompanying persons, often between ten and 50 euros. Comprehensive car insurance is essential here. Failure to report can lead to significant problems in the event of a claim, even to the loss of insurance cover. Therefore, transparency with the insurer is of utmost importance.
The benefits of BF17 often become clearly apparent later:
More favourable classification in no-claims discount classes (SF classes) for the first own insurance.
Reduced accident risk, which insurers view positively; studies show up to 20 percent fewer accidents.
Some insurers offer special discounts for former BF17 participants.
The driving experience gained leads to more safety and routine in road traffic.
These positive aspects make accompanied driving a worthwhile investment in safety and future insurance costs. The transition to one’s own motor liability insurance is often made easier as a result.
Expert Depth: Legal Frameworks and Design Tips
Legally, the 17-year-old driver is the responsible vehicle operator, not the accompanying person. The accompanying person acts as an advisor and must meet certain criteria: at least 30 years old, holding a Class B driving licence uninterrupted for five years, and having no more than one point in Flensburg. During the journey, the accompanying person must adhere to an alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille. Our expert tip: Have all potential accompanying persons entered directly on the application to remain flexible. The number is not limited. Breaching the conditions of accompanied driving, such as driving without a registered accompanying person, carries serious consequences: revocation of the driving licence, a fine (often 70 euros), a point in Flensburg, and an extension of the probationary period. The driving certificate is usually valid only in Germany and Austria. Also consider getting insurance coverage for young drivers that goes beyond basic coverage. When taking out their first own policy after their 18th birthday, former BF17 participants should definitely mention their participation to benefit from potential discounts. Many insurers then classify them more favourably, for example, straight into SF-Class ½ or even SF-Class 1, rather than SF-Class 0.
Keeping an Eye on Costs: What Does a Driver's License at 17 and the Insurance Cost?
The actual cost of driving lessons for a licence at 17 is hardly different from those for a licence at 18, ranging between 1,400 and 2,300 euros depending on the region and driving school. Added to this are fees for issuing the test certificate (about eight to ten euros) and checking each accompanying person (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 the parental policy at no extra cost or with only a small surcharge. Others, like Allianz or HUK-COBURG, charge an extra fee, which is usually modest. In the long term, BF17 often pays off, as the first own insurance becomes cheaper. A Finanztip sample showed potential savings of around 20 percent. It is advisable to compare the cheapest car insurance options. The choice of vehicle is also important; typical beginner cars with a high type class can be more expensive.
Here is an example cost overview for the licence at 17 (BF17):
Basic fee for driving school: 200 - 400 euros
Cost per driving lesson (variable number): 45 - 70 euros
Special driving lessons (twelve compulsory hours): 500 - 700 euros
Learning materials: 50 - 80 euros
Presentation for the theoretical test: 50 - 70 euros
Presentation for the practical test: 150 - 250 euros
Fees for TÜV/DEKRA (theory and practical): approx. 120 - 150 euros
Application for BF17 and test certificate: 40 - 60 euros (varies widely)
Fee per accompanying person: 5 - 15 euros
These costs are estimates and can vary significantly regionally and individually. It is therefore advisable to compare driving school prices and insurance offers early on.
Accident Risk and Statistics: Why BF17 is Worthwhile
Statistics confirm the success of accompanied driving. Young drivers who participated in BF17 cause significantly fewer accidents and commit fewer traffic offenses than novice drivers who start driving alone at the age of 18. Studies indicate about a 20 percent lower accident risk. In 2020, 15,960 teenagers aged 15 to 17 were involved in road accidents in Germany. Accompanied driving has been proven to help reduce these numbers. ADAC accident research shows that 18 to 24-year-olds are disproportionately involved in solo accidents, often due to overconfidence and lack of experience. Driving with an experienced accompanying person helps better assess risks and develop a sense for critical traffic situations. This early awareness is an important building block for long-term safe participation in traffic. The Deutsche Verkehrswacht emphasizes that BF17 and the alcohol ban for novice drivers have significantly contributed to reducing the accident numbers of young drivers. A good car insurance for the child provides additional protection.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them with insurance for a driving licence at 17
A common mistake is the late or missing notification of the BF17 driver to the insurance of the vehicle used. In the worst-case scenario, this can cost the insurance cover. Another point is the assumption that every insurer automatically covers BF17 drivers without adjusting contributions; this is not always the case, so an enquiry is essential. Many also forget to actively state participation in the BF17 when taking out their first insurance policy, resulting in lost discounts. Do not underestimate the importance of correctly registering all accompanying persons. Only officially registered persons are allowed to accompany. Another potential pitfall can be the choice of the first own car: vehicles with high insurance groups or a lot of horsepower can often be more expensive to insure for beginner drivers. Find out about insurance costs for novice drivers. Careful planning and communication with the insurer help avoid these mistakes and ensure a smooth start.
Checklist to avoid mistakes:
Notify the insurer of BF17 participation immediately (before the first drive).
Have all accompanying persons officially registered.
Check conditions for accompanying persons (age, driving licence, points).
Actively point out BF17 participation when taking out the first own policy.
Thoroughly review insurance conditions and possible surcharges for BF17.
Note the validity area of the test certificate abroad (usually only Austria).
Strictly adhere to probationary period rules and the zero alcohol limit.
Your next step: Personalised advice for optimal protection
The driver's license at 17 is an important step, and having the right insurance is a crucial companion. At nextsure, we understand the specific requirements of young drivers and their families. We help you keep track of regulations and rates to find the best solution for your situation. An individual analysis of your needs ensures you are optimally and cost-effectively insured right from the start. Use our expertise to avoid pitfalls and benefit from all the advantages of accompanied driving. We support you in laying the foundations for a safe and worry-free mobile future. Remember, a good car insurance policy from your parents can be a solid foundation. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive concrete optimization suggestions.
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on assisted driving, providing detailed information on this topic.
FAQ
How does having a driving licence at 17 affect the no-claims bonus class?
Participating in accompanied driving often leads to a better classification in the no-claims bonus class (e.g., SF ½ or SF 1 instead of SF 0) when you take out your first own insurance policy 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 Class B driving licence for at least five uninterrupted years, and have a maximum of one point on the driving suitability register in Flensburg.
Is special insurance necessary for driving at 17?
No, normally no special BF17 insurance is required. The underage driver is added to the existing motor vehicle insurance of the vehicle 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 registered on the test certificate is a serious offence. The consequences are the revocation of the driving licence, a fine (often 70 euros), a point in Flensburg, the requirement to attend an advanced seminar, and 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. It is often not valid for driving in other countries.
How many accompanying persons can be registered?
The number of accompanying persons is unlimited. An unlimited number of persons can be registered, provided they meet the requirements. There are small fees for each registration.
