Fire department or helper driver's license; application for driving authorization to drive emergency vehicles

In Bavaria, members of volunteer fire departments, rescue services (aid organizations) recognized under state law, technical aid organizations and other disaster control units who (only) hold a class B driving license can, under certain conditions, be granted a driving license to drive emergency vehicles on public roads up to a maximum permissible mass of 7.5 t upon application (so-called fire department or helper's driving license).

The driving authorization is only valid for the voluntary performance of tasks by the above-mentioned organizations.

The driving authorization is valid across all organizations and throughout Germany.

If the applicant has held a category B driving license for two years, it can be obtained for emergency vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of up to 4.75 or 7.5 t - also with trailers, provided that the maximum permissible mass of the combination does not exceed 4.75 or 7.5 t.

In order to obtain this, training must be completed and a practical test passed in accordance with the regulations of the Bavarian Driving Authorization Ordinance (FBerV). Training and testing are carried out within the organizations (or across organizations) by experienced members who are authorized to train or by driving instructors.

The district administrative authority in whose district the applicant has his/her habitual residence is responsible for issuing the driving license.

In addition to the driving license, the proof of driving authorization must be carried by the authorized person during the journey and handed over to the persons authorized to monitor road traffic (in particular the police) on request.

In the event of withdrawal or renunciation of the category B driving license, the driving authorization also expires. It may not be used during a driving ban.

• Membership of and voluntary work for one of the above-mentioned organizations
• Possession of category B for at least 2 years
• Training and examination within the organization(s) in accordance with the regulations of the FBerV

It is not necessary to apply for the respective driving license before the start of the training and the test. The application can be submitted after completion of the training and the test.

• valid identity card or passport
• Original training and examination certificate
• Driver's license

• § Section 2 (10a) of the Road Traffic Act (StVG)
• § 6c Driving License Ordinance (FeV)
• Regulation on the issuing of a driving license to members of the voluntary fire departments, the rescue services recognized under state law, the technical relief organization and other disaster control units (Bavarian Driving License Regulation - FBerV)

The issue of the "small" (up to 4.75 t) or "large" (up to 7.5 t) driving authorization for emergency vehicles must be applied for with the relevant application documents at the responsible district administrative authority.

The district administrative authority checks whether the requirements for issuing the respective driving authorization have been met. The driving authorization is issued by handing over the proof of driving authorization.