Motor vehicles - excluding motor vehicles of categories AM, A1, A2 and A with a maximum permissible mass of not more than 3,500 kg, which are designed and constructed to transport not more than eight people other than the driver. Also with a trailer with a permissible total mass of not more than 750 kg or with a trailer with a permissible total mass of over 750 kg, provided that the permissible total mass of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg.

The new training concept for the Class B driving license

After driving school training, you are allowed to drive vehicles with a manual transmission, although part of the driving training and the driving test were completed on an easy-to-drive automatic vehicle. This is now possible with the new driving license class B197!

Training on an automatic vehicle

Motor vehicles - excluding motor vehicles of categories AM, A1, A2 and A with a maximum permissible mass of not more than 3,500 kg, which are designed and constructed to transport not more than eight people other than the driver.

Also with a trailer with a permissible total mass of not more than 750 kg or with a trailer with a permissible total mass of over 750 kg, provided that the permissible total mass of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg.

Motor vehicle with driving license class B with a trailer over 750 kg GVW. The GVW of the combination is limited to a maximum of 4,250 kg.

Motor vehicles with driving license class B and trailers over 750 kg and up to 3,500 kg GVW

The following applies to all AM vehicles:

• bbH 45 km/h

• Displacement - combustion engine max. 50 cm³

Motorcycles (also with sidecars) displacement max. 125 cm³, engine power max. 11 kW; Power/empty mass ratio max. 0.1 kW/kg.

Since the beginning of 2020, it has been possible in Germany to obtain a Class B car driving license to drive light motorcycles (displacement 125 cm³, nominal power 11 kW, power-to-weight ratio max. 0.1 kW/kg) by taking part in special driver training ) to expand.

The authorization is proven by entering the key number 196 for class B and is only valid in Germany. Travel abroad is not possible.

Motorcycles (including those with sidecars) with an engine power of not more than 35 kW, for which the power to weight ratio does not exceed 0.2 kW/kg, which are not derived from a motorcycle with an engine power of more than 70 kW.

Motorcycles (including those with sidecars) with a displacement of more than 50 cm³ or with a maximum speed of more than 45 km/h due to their design.

Three-wheeled motor vehicles with an output of more than 15 kW and three-wheeled motor vehicles with symmetrically arranged wheels and a displacement of more than 50 cm³ for internal combustion engines or a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h and with an output of more than 15 kW.

The small truck driving licence

Motor vehicles – excluding vehicles of categories AM, A1, A2, A, D1 and D – with a permissible total mass of more than 3,500 kg but not more than 7,500 kg, designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight persons in addition to the driver (also with trailers up to 750 kg permissible total mass).

Combinations of a category C1 vehicle and a trailer with a permissible maximum mass exceeding 750 kg, provided the permissible maximum mass of the combination does not exceed 12,000 kg. Also included are combinations of a category B vehicle and a trailer with a permissible maximum mass exceeding 3,500 kg, provided the combination does not exceed 12,000 kg.

The full truck driving license

Motor vehicles – excluding vehicles of categories AM, A1, A2, A, D1 and D – with a permissible total mass exceeding 3,500 kg, designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight persons in addition to the driver (also with trailers up to 750 kg permissible total mass).

Driving licence for articulated lorries and semi-trailer trucks

Combinations of a category C towing vehicle and a trailer or semi-trailer with a permissible total mass exceeding 750 kg.

The small bus driving license

Motor vehicles – excluding vehicles of categories AM, A1, A2 and A – designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than 16 persons in addition to the driver and whose length does not exceed 8 m (also with trailers up to 750 kg permissible total mass).

Typical vehicles are minibuses, for example used for school transport, club trips, or as shuttles. The driver's license is valid for five years and can then be renewed.

Minibus with trailer

Combinations of a towing vehicle of class D1 and a trailer with a permissible total mass of more than 750 kg.

This allows you to drive, for example, a minibus with a luggage or bicycle trailer. The prerequisite is a Class D1 license; a theory test is not required.

The bus driver's license

Motor vehicles designed and constructed to carry more than eight persons in addition to the driver (also with trailers up to 750 kg maximum permissible mass).

This license allows you to drive regular buses, coaches, and articulated buses. Those who transport passengers commercially also need professional driver qualifications. The license is valid for five years and can then be renewed.

Bus with trailer

Combinations of a towing vehicle of class D and a trailer with a permissible total mass of more than 750 kg.

This allows you to drive, for example, a coach with a luggage trailer. A Class D license is required; a theory test is not necessary.

The tractor driving license

Tractors with a maximum design speed of no more than 60 km/h and self-propelled agricultural or forestry machinery or self-propelled feed mixers with a maximum design speed of no more than 40 km/h, which are designed and used for agricultural or forestry purposes (each also with trailers).