Driving Beyond the Standard: Unlock More with Class B Driver's License Extension and B96
Renewed License Class B: Procedure Skips Out on Examination Entirely - Obtaining a New License B Without a Test: Guidelines Explained
Article by Gernot Kramper
Duration: Approx. 2 Minutes
The Class B driver's license now gives you the freedom to cruise all passenger cars without restrictions on horsepower or speed. However, there's a catch: weight constraints are in play. Namely, you can only handle vehicles with a maximum weight of 3.5 tons.
What's in the Class B Offer?
While the old Class 3 license can't keep up with B, it still grants you driving privileges beyond just cars:
- Transport eight passengers, including the driver, or
- Operate small motor vehicles with a maximum speed of 45 km/h (regardless of whether they are gasoline or electric-powered) or
- Navigate three-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles with two tires on the same axle or
- Manage four-wheeled small vehicles like quads or
- Handle tractors (up to 40 km/h) or large mowers (up to 25 km/h)
The Downside: Trailers
When it comes to trailers, the situation leaves you stuck. Unless the combination of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kilograms, you're out of luck. For example, with vans or agricultural vehicles, you'll rapidly deplete the available weight for the trailer. In private use, caravans, horse or boat trailers will exceed the limit with Class B.
The Solution: B96 Without a Test
The silver lining lies in the B96 extension. Many people are unaware of this option and might think of a federal highway when they spot the abbreviation "B96." However, B96 is an expansion of Class B. The main benefit? No test is required; you only need to attend a driving school with both theoretical and practical segments, which can usually be completed in a day. The costs range from 300 to 500 euros according to ADAC. B96 is valid across Europe, and you can now tow heavier trailers (over 750 kilograms). However, the total weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer must not surpass 4,250 kilograms. For instance, with an SUV like the Mercedes ML, you're left with approximately 1,450 kilograms for the trailer. With a VW Tiguan all-wheel drive, you can handle a two-ton trailer. The last example? A Mitsubishi Pajero already has a permissible weight of 3,030 kilograms—with Class B, you're limited to a 750-kilogram trailer. With the extension, you can tow up to 1,220 kilograms.
The next step could be the BE class, but it includes a practical exam with additional costs and the risk of failure. Also, you must undergo at least five driving lessons, and the estimated cost is around 1,000 euros. With an BE license, you can drive trailers up to 3.5 tons, with a combined weight limit of 7 tons for the trailer and towing vehicle. Before starting the training, make sure to get plenty of practice driving trailers within Class B restrictions. While you can obtain a Class B license without prior trailer driving experience, it's highly recommended to have practical experience with trailers for B96 or BE.
Some crucial aspects to remember:
- B96 allows you to tow heavier trailers (over 750kg) when the total weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer does not exceed 4,250kg.
- B96 is a European Union category valid across member states.
- Always check the specific regulations in the countries you plan to drive to ensure compliance with local requirements, as minor differences may exist.
- In light of the Community policy and financial considerations, one could explore vocational training programs in the transportation industry to enhance driving skills, such as those offered with the B96 extension for towing heavier trailers.
- To ensure maximum utility of the Class B driver's license, particularly for vocational purposes like transportation, it's advisable to include vocational training in areas like finance management, to effectively handle the potential expenses associated with the extension and trailer operations.
