Safe Start For Novice Drivers In Traffic
Safe Start For Novice Drivers In Traffic

Video: Safe Start For Novice Drivers In Traffic

Video: Safe Start For Novice Drivers In Traffic
Video: Improving road safety for young and novice drivers 2024, March
Anonim

You don't have to be 18 years old = to drive a car after passing the test. This is possible from the age of 17 as part of accompanied driving.

For many, getting a driver's license is also the beginning of a new phase of life that is characterized by independence and new mobility. The regulation of accompanied driving from 17 years of age (BF17) shows that the age of 18 years is not the most decisive factor.

This not only has an impact on the participation of young people in traffic, but above all on the accident rate. The Autogazette reported in 2010 about the imminent arrival of the BF17, meanwhile the same has already been successfully established.

Young drivers as a risk group

Studies show that young drivers in particular represent a risk group in traffic and are very often involved in accidents - at least 17 percent. An exception to this, however, are those who get their driver's license as a result of the BF17. For them, the statistics show almost a third less traffic hazard than for novice drivers at the age of 18, according to the ADAC.

One factor in this is the lack of experience behind the wheel, which many novice drivers naturally have. However, if you acquire your driver's license with accompanied driving, you can collect enough within one year. Experts recommend registering for a driver's license at the age of 16.5 so that you can practice driving with a companion for a whole year after reaching your 17th birthday.

The traffic project, which gives young people a place behind the steering wheel at the age of 17, comes from a pilot test in Lower Saxony, which was adopted nationwide in 2011. The concept is simple: as soon as a companion, who has to meet certain specified regulations, is with the drive in the car, the young person is allowed to drive himself and benefits from the experience of the passenger.

This not only increases your own safety, but also that of all traffic. Even then, the first test results were convincing, according to Verivox, the results of the model test said that a total of 22.8 percent fewer traffic violations and 28.5 percent fewer accidents were caused during the trial period than was the case with the novice drivers in the control group. Accordingly, Lower Saxony implemented accompanied driving on March 1, 2006, after which all other federal states gradually followed.

Requirements for BF17

With eight points, the rag is due
With eight points, the rag is due

Anyone who has completed the normal driver training for a class B driving license, i.e. for a car, and who has taken the practical test can register for accompanied driving. He can start this at the age of 16.5. As soon as both the theoretical and the practical test in the driving school have been passed, a so-called test certificate is issued, which, together with the identity card, serves as a driving license. That means it has to be carried with you every time you drive.

As soon as the young person has completed their 18th birthday, they have to switch from the B17 driving license to the normal EU driving license. This means that the novice driver is also entitled to drive alone. In order for the switch from the B17 to the standard driver's license to work correctly and without delay, the vehicle driver should be aware that the test certificate for the B17 is only valid up to three months after the 18th birthday. Then it is considered to have expired and no longer entitles you to drive a vehicle.

Criteria for the accompanying person

The most important difference between driving with the BF17 and the normal driving license is the mandatory presence of an accompanying person in the vehicle. This must meet certain conditions in order to actually be allowed to be present in the vehicle as support. Among other things, this includes that she is at least 30 years old, has had a driver's license for five years and is not allowed to have more than one point in the register of fitness to drive in Flensburg.

The rule is that the accompanying person should act as a helper and should not intervene directly in the novice driver's driving. Advice and support are the measure of all things and the main task. Because the young driver has already completed the driving school, which means that he knows the rules and behavior in road traffic in theory, but the experience is simply missing. This should be brought in by the accompanying person.

The escort's driving license must be a driver's license, but it can come from other EU countries, the EEA or Switzerland. It is important that this document must be with them every time the novice driver drives. Whether an accompanying person is even suitable for this function is checked by the responsible driving license authority when applying for BF17 and entered in the application. In principle, there is no limit to the number of people who can be entered, but a fee must be paid for each entry.

Traffic violations punished in probationary period

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The fact is that accompanied driving means that accidents and traffic violations are less common. But if they happen, it naturally has an impact on the probationary period, which lasts two years after the driver's license has been issued. The authority differentiates between A and B violations, the former including serious incidents such as: drunkenness in traffic, escape from an accident, illegal car races. The so-called B violations are less serious in comparison: cell phone at the wheel, overtaking in the no-overtaking zone, speeding exceeding 20 km / h, red light violations.

Anyone who has ever committed a Category A offense must attend an advanced seminar. In addition, the trial period is extended to a total of 4 years. If another violation of the road traffic regulations occurs during this time, the young driver receives a warning before he loses his driver's license and is banned for three months if he violates the third rule. More precise details on the violations and consequences can be found in the catalog of fines.

Pay attention to the insurance with the BF17

Most new drivers have to drive their parents 'or grandparents' cars before they even have a car. It is important to note that the insurance company is informed in good time about participation in the BF17. Then she can change the policy so that a claim is also properly covered.

Many insurance providers have corresponding clauses in the contracts that the driver must be older than 17 years. If there is an accident and the driver is younger, the insurance company can refuse to cover the damage.

BF17 also possible abroad?

The BF17 model has proven itself in Germany, but it is also common practice in some other countries, for example in France, Canada and in some states of the USA. However, it is a misconception that someone who has a German test certificate for BF17 can also drive it abroad. This is not recognized as a valid driving license, the only exception is the neighboring country Austria. There is a similar training model for young license holders, which is why the two countries have agreed to mutually recognize the BF17 certificates.

Rules of conduct for escort drivers

Anyone who remembers their own beginnings behind the wheel knows what an exciting time this is. That is why the escort driver has a special role to play with the BF17. The legal provisions are one thing, but the companion should also be clear about a few things when it comes to behavior and support.

- The most important rule of conduct is to be sure to be a role model for the novice driver. This is why it is important to only drive with seat belts and to refrain from using the mobile phone when driving your own vehicle. In addition, the driver should also adhere to the speed limits and be aware that young people orientate themselves on their behavior.

- Anyone who decides to be a companion at the BF17 does not have to accept any financial expense, but invest time. At the same time, the patience should be great enough and also enable the young person's wishes to be met. Some destinations or routes may not be part of the usual routes, but they may be those that the young driver will later have to drive alone. That is why it is important to see the accompanying trips as an investment in the future road safety of a young person. Appropriate praise and easily corrective tips in the event of mistakes also help and build the self-confidence of the new driver.

- But sometimes it also makes sense to give the driver the opportunity to correct his driving error himself. It is also important that he is given a feeling of security and that there is a generally positive mood. The young driver should not have the feeling of being constantly taught or not allowed to make mistakes. Only when there is a pleasant atmosphere can a stress-free feeling be developed that, sooner or later, will bring driving safety. After all, all accompanying drivers should be aware that they, too, needed time to cope with all the demands and challenges in road traffic. Above all, however, it takes a long time and a lot of experience to be able to correctly and competently assess all conditions and risks. As an accompanying driver, it is important to convey this to the novice driver.

- If you want to give feedback, you should pay attention to the quality. Moderate criticism should be given, particularly in the case of inappropriate driving behavior, such as insufficient safety distance or too high speed. Maybe it makes sense to cope with the overwhelming demands of the driver by taking a short break. This relieves the youngsters and prevents them from getting used to driving the wrong way. A conversation after driving makes sense, especially with new drivers. The feedback can help you to better assess your own actions and to learn from them for future situations. Praise and constructive criticism are the best options here. In order to bring variety to the accompanying trips, the conditions should also be changed from time to time: At dusk or in the dark, rain, snow,Fog.

They represent a special challenge that has to be trained anyway and can be mastered much more safely and better when accompanied. Apart from that, the experience of how a driver behaves in such situations brings with it a lot of know-how for later experiences under similar conditions. In cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Deutsche Verkehrswacht has launched the information portal bf17.de, on which other important tips are given and questions about accompanied driving are answered. (AG)

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