Your provisional licence is about to expire — and that doesn't feel good.
Let's be honest: if you're reading this, something went wrong in the planning somewhere. The licence has been sitting there for a while, lessons never quite happened, life got in the way. It happens to more people than you'd think — and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
But the clock is ticking. And taking driving lessons with a deadline looming is far from ideal. Stress and time pressure are the worst possible travel companions when you're trying to learn to drive.
That said, there are still options — as long as your licence is still valid.
Option 1: Take your exam before the expiry date
If your 5-month practice period has already passed, you can now book your practical exam.
⚠️ To be honest: the chances of finding an available exam slot through Codrive at such short notice are very slim. Driving schools plan exams weeks in advance, and free slots are scarce. Still worth checking: look in our online calendar to see if anything is available, and put yourself on the waiting list if needed — you can choose your own coach.
What can also work in urgent cases: book directly at the exam centre through the free accompaniment system. You drive with your own supervisor — no driving school car or instructor required. Exam centres sometimes have last-minute slots available that aren't routed through driving schools. It's a slim chance, but it's there.
Option 2: Extend or switch your provisional licence
If option 1 doesn't work out, or you simply don't feel ready, there are two routes:
From M18 to M36: If you currently have an M18 (driving school track), you can switch to an M36 with a supervisor within the validity period of your M18. This lets you continue practising independently with a trusted supervisor, and gives you more time.
From M36 to M18: The reverse is also possible — but be realistic: the chance of fitting in 20 hours of driving lessons before your M36 expires is very small. This is only feasible if there is still plenty of time left.
⚠️ Important: also check whether your theory certificate is still valid. The theory exam is valid for a maximum of 3 years. If that period has passed, you will need to pass the theory exam again before you can continue.
Option 3: Accept the expiry — and restart afterwards
Sometimes the most honest choice is also the hardest: accepting that it's not going to happen right now. If your licence expires, it's not the end — but your options become more limited and the road a little longer. Read this article to find out what you can do once your provisional licence has already expired.
An honest note about rushing lessons at the last minute
We see it regularly: students who book a series of lessons in the final weeks before expiry and try to squeeze in an exam. The intention is good — the time pressure less so.
What happens unconsciously: every lesson feels like it has to count, the exam hangs over everything like a sword, and relaxed driving becomes nearly impossible. You're not the only one who feels the difference — your coach does too. And driving is best learned when your mind and body have the space to make mistakes, adjust, and grow.
That doesn't mean it never works out. But it's worth being honest: students who take lessons under pressure are statistically less likely to pass — and more likely to have a disappointing exam that further undermines their confidence.
Sometimes taking a step back — choosing option 2 or 3 — is the smartest and kindest choice you can make for yourself.
Our advice:
do something now. Not tomorrow. Check the online calendar today, call your municipality, or verify your theory expiry date. The situation is still manageable — but that window is closing.