Accompanied driving at age 17: how it works

At 17, holders of a valid A1 or B1 licence can apply for authorisation, take the required course and practise with a designated accompanying driver.

Accompanied driving lets a 17-year-old with a valid A1 or B1 licence practise for Category B after UMC authorisation and at least ten hours of practical lessons.

Who can take part

Accompanied driving is for someone who has turned 17 and already holds a valid A1 or B1 licence that has not expired or been suspended. It allows them to practise in a car before taking the Category B test, with an authorised accompanying driver and under specific rules. It is not the same as the standard provisional licence and does not allow driving without the required conditions.

The authorisation expires when you turn 18 or, if earlier, when your existing licence expires. If your A1 or B1 licence expires first, renew it and request any duplicate authorisation according to MIT instructions. Check the final date on the document and do not continue driving after it expires.

Three steps to get authorised

Submit an application to the Civil Motorisation Office, signed by a parent or legal guardian and the minor, with the stated payments. Then attend a preparatory course at a driving school or driver training centre. It includes at least ten hours of actual driving, recorded in a logbook. Submit the certificate and required documents to the UMC to receive your authorisation.

At the end, name the designated accompanying drivers and submit the required logbook pages. Do not start accompanied driving just because you booked or completed the course: wait for the authorisation to be issued and check that the names are correct. Keep the certificate, authorisation and confirmation of each step.

How practice works

You may use only vehicles and methods allowed by law, without a trailer and within the applicable limits. The required sign and accompanying driver are essential. Build up gradually: choose roads and times that suit the young driver’s ability, then increase the difficulty without creating dangerous situations.

The initial course includes specific requirements for practice on motorways, extra-urban roads and at night. The accompanying driver does not replace the course or a professional instructor where formal training is required. If you are unsure about signs or permitted passengers, check the decree and ask the driving school before setting off.

Moving on to Category B

Accompanied driving does not give you a Category B licence. Once you turn 18, you must follow the standard procedure, apply and pass the required tests. The hours in the accompanied-driving programme give you experience, but do not confuse them with any mandatory Category B lessons: check the current MIT requirements and your certified logbook.

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