Category B driving licence: What you’re allowed to drive with it and what changes are coming in 2027
By Rachel · 4 min read
Automatically translated from German. · Read original
A Category B driving licence allows you to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 t and specifies which trailers and special-purpose vehicles you are legally permitted to use.
Key facts at a glance
- Maximum authorised gross weight: 3.5 t (Field F.1, Registration Certificate Part I) – Source: Auto‑Motor‑und‑Sport
- Maximum number of seats including the driver: 9 (8 passengers) – Source: Auto-Motor-und-Sport
- Standard trailers up to 750 kg; BE extension up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight – Source: Auto‑Motor‑und‑Sport
- The 2027 reform promises savings of up to €1,000 on training costs – Source: Berliner Zeitung
- The B96, BE, B196 and B197 extensions increase the weight limits or vehicle categories – Source: Auto-Motor-und-Sport
Which vehicles are you allowed to drive with a Class B driving licence?
With a Category B driving licence, you may drive any motor vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 t, regardless of body type.
This includes saloons, estate cars, people carriers, SUVs and light commercial vehicles. The seating limit is nine people (including the driver). You can find the exact figures in field F.1 of the vehicle registration certificate.
| Vehicle type | Max. permissible gross weight | Max. number of seats |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars (saloon, estate, SUV) | 3.5 t | 9 |
| Light goods vehicle / van | 3.5 t | 9 |
| Minibus (up to 9 seats) | 3.5 t | 9 |
In addition, Category B includes Categories AM and L, meaning that light mopeds (up to 50 cc, max. 45 km/h) and tractors (max. 40 km/h) may also be driven, according to Auto-Motor-und-Sport.
How do trailer regulations and the B96/BE extensions work?
A trailer weighing up to 750 kg may be towed with a Class B driving licence without the need for an additional test.
If the permissible total weight of the trailer exceeds 750 kg, the combined permissible total mass of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3.5 t. Anyone wishing to drive heavier combinations can obtain the B96 extension (towing capacity up to 4.25 t) or the BE extension (trailer up to 3.5 t, total towing capacity up to 7 t). According to *Auto-Motor-und-Sport*, the BE licence requires five compulsory driving lessons and a test.
What additional rights do the B196 and B197 extensions confer?
With the B196 extension (from the age of 25, with 5 years’ Class B licence), you are permitted to ride Class A1 motorcycles (up to 125 cm³, max. 11 kW).
The B197 extension (following 10 additional driving lessons in a manual car) allows you to drive manual cars if you originally passed your test in automatic mode.
Both extensions require only a short training course at a driving school and a certificate, which is then registered with the driving licence authority, according to Auto-Motor-und-Sport.
What changes will the planned 2027 driving licence reform bring for Category B?
From the start of 2027, training for Category B is set to become more affordable and flexible.
Theory lessons can be completed entirely digitally via an app, thereby eliminating the need for face-to-face sessions. The question bank will be reduced by a third, although questions on road safety will remain. There will no longer be a mandatory minimum number of special driving sessions (country roads, motorways, night-time); driving instructors will decide on the necessary number in future.
“Up to 1,000 euros less for a driving licence: Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger has cited this figure for the first time in relation to the planned reform.”
— Steffen Bilger, Federal Minister of Transport (Berliner Zeitung)
In addition, learner drivers will be allowed to practise on public roads with their parents or other close relatives, provided they have passed the theory test. The practical test will be shortened to 25 minutes, which complies with the EU minimum requirement.
How much can learner drivers save as a result of the reform?
The Transport Minister cites a potential saving of up to €1,000 per driving licence.
The current average cost is around €3,400 (as of 2026). A saving of €1,000 corresponds to a reduction of around 29 per cent. You can use our percentage calculator to work out the exact percentage saving for your individual situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum weight of a trailer I am permitted to tow with a Category B licence?
A trailer weighing up to 750 kg may be towed without an additional test; heavier trailers are only permitted with a B96 or BE licence.
Can I ride a three-wheeled scooter with a Category B licence?
Yes, provided the vehicle has a front-axle track width of at least 46 cm, is fitted with a foot brake and has a maximum power output of no more than 15 kW – a helmet is compulsory.
How much does the B196 extension cost?
The cost comprises driving school lessons (at least 9 lessons) and an administrative fee payable to the driving licence authority; exact prices vary by region.
When will the 2027 driving licence reform come into force?
The draft bill has been before the Bundestag since October 2026; an exact start date for early 2027 has not yet been confirmed.
How long will the practical test take after the reform?
The actual driving time will be reduced to 25 minutes, although the total duration of the test session will continue to be determined by the relevant regulations.
All information is provided without guarantee. Prices as per the brochure; regional variations may apply.
Sources: Auto Motor und Sport · Berliner Zeitung. As at 22 October 2026.