When a driver's license is acquired for the first time, it is issued for a probationaryperiod of two years. The probationary period lasts from the date of issue. If a driving license is issued to the holder of a driving license issued abroad, the time since the license was obtained is counted towards the probationary period.

The probationary driving license was introduced to counteract the risk of danger for novice drivers. The aim is to achieve safer and more considerate driving behavior; in particular, risk awareness is to be promoted and hazard recognition improved.