Germans granted permission to operate additional motor vehicles under class B
In Germany, holding a Class B driver's license opens up a range of driving opportunities, from standard passenger cars to certain motorcycles and vehicle combinations. However, many drivers may not be aware that it's possible to extend this license without undergoing a formal test in certain circumstances.
With a Class B license, you can drive vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (gross vehicle weight) of up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg). This includes passenger cars, as well as vehicles within this weight limit, including trailers, as long as the total weight stays within legal limits.
Interestingly, the license also allows you to drive motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to approximately 125 cc without requiring a separate motorcycle license. These motorcycles are often referred to as 3-wheelers or light motorcycles.
However, when it comes to extending or upgrading the privileges of a Class B license, formal testing or training is usually required. There is an exception to this rule for certain license holders from specific countries with reciprocal agreements, such as many US states, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, South Korea, Israel, and others. In such cases, it's possible to exchange a foreign license for a German Class B license without needing to take any tests.
Beyond these reciprocal exchanges, if you wish to upgrade or extend your Class B license to drive heavier vehicles or different classes, you will need to undergo the necessary training and pass the relevant theoretical or practical tests.
Two notable extensions to the Class B license in Germany are B96 and B196. The B96 extension allows you to drive vehicle combinations with a total weight of up to 4,250 kg, while the B196 extension enables car drivers to drive motorcycles of class A1 in Germany.
The B196 extension, however, does not apply to motorcycles with engine displacements exceeding 125 cubic centimeters or power exceeding 11 kW. For the B196 extension, a training course with at least nine lessons is required, and the Class B driver's license must have been held for at least five years. The cost for the B96 training course usually ranges between 300 and 500 euros.
It's important to note that these extensions are currently exclusive to Germany and may not be valid in other countries. Moreover, while these extensions can provide new mobility options without much effort, they are not well-known to many drivers in Germany, primarily due to a lack of communication about them in everyday life.
For those interested in leisure activities like camping or motorcycling, these extensions can make a noticeable difference in everyday situations. They are particularly useful in the leisure sector, such as for camping enthusiasts or motorcycle lovers. However, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and regulations associated with each extension before attempting to drive under them.
A Class B license in Germany not only allows you to drive a variety of vehicles within certain weight limits, but also provides opportunities for extensions that cater to specific lifestyles, such as the B196 extension, enabling car drivers to engage in outdoor-living activities like motorcycling without needing a separate license. Moreover, holders of foreign licenses with reciprocal agreements can exchange their licenses for a German Class B license, extending their home-and-garden related transport options.
