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

Volunteer members of the volunteer fire department, rescue services and other civil protection units with a category B driving license can obtain a driving license for emergency vehicles up to a maximum permissible mass of 7.5 t.

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Procedure details

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) have 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 driving license).

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

The driving license is valid for all organizations and throughout Germany.

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

To obtain the license, you must complete a training course and pass a practical test 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 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 class 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 class B for at least 2 years
  • Training and examination within the organization(s) in accordance with the regulations of the FBerV

  • The following documents are usually required:
    • Valid identity card or passport
    • Original training and examination certificate
    • Driver's license

The issue of the "small" (up to 4.75 t) or the "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.

around 25-30 EUR

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.

Administrative court action
Status: 08.12.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern, für Sport und Integration
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