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You’ve decided to get a driving license and you keep seeing “Class B” everywhere — in the driving school brochure, on the exam registration form, in every article about driving licenses. But what exactly is Class B? What can you drive with it? What can’t you? And what does getting one actually involve in 2026?
This article answers all of that, from the definition to the fastest route through the exam.
What Is the German Driving License Class B?
Class B is the standard car driving license in Germany and the entire EU. It authorises you to drive:
- Motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg
- Vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats (not counting the driver’s seat)
It is mutually recognised across all EU and EEA member states. A Class B license issued in Germany is equally valid in France, Poland, Spain, Italy and every other EU country.
Class B is by far the most common license in Germany: approximately 97% of all license holders have Class B.
What Can You Drive With Class B?
Clearly permitted — without restrictions:
All passenger cars up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass — this includes virtually all private vehicles: hatchbacks, saloons, estates, SUVs, convertibles. Electric vehicles are also included, as long as they don’t exceed 3,500 kg. (Note: some heavier electric SUVs approach this limit — check the vehicle registration document if unsure.)
Light vans up to 3,500 kg — e.g. VW Caddy, Mercedes Citan, smaller Ford Transit variants. Useful for private moves or trade work.
Motorhomes up to 3,500 kg — smaller campervans and conversions fall under Class B. Larger motorhomes (over 3,500 kg) require Class C1.
Light trailers up to 750 kg maximum authorised mass — no separate license needed. Classic examples: bike trailers, small boat trailer, garden trailer.
Requires extensions:
Trailer between 750 kg and 3,500 kg → Class BE
If you want to tow a heavier trailer (horse box, caravan, boat on a large trailer), you need the Class BE extension. This is a separate license with its own exam, but training is significantly shorter than for Class B.
Tow vehicle + trailer combined up to 4,250 kg → Code B96
An extension without a full new exam: with B96 you may drive combinations up to 4,250 kg total mass. Training: minimum 7 hours. No exam required — just lessons and a concluding assessment.
Vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg → Class C1
Medium-weight lorries, larger motorhomes. Separate training required.
Clearly NOT permitted with Class B:
| Vehicle type | Required class |
|---|---|
| Lorries over 7,500 kg | Class C |
| Buses (more than 8 passenger seats) | Class D |
| Motorcycles over 50cc | Class A, A2 or A1 |
| Mopeds / light motorcycles | Class AM |
| Tractors | Class T or L |
The Automatic Transmission Rule: What Is Code 78?
If you take your practical exam in an automatic transmission vehicle, you receive a Class B license with the entry Code 78. This means: you may only drive automatic vehicles. Manual gearbox vehicles are off-limits.
In Germany, most driving schools still operate manual vehicles, but automatics are becoming more common. If you know you’ll only ever drive automatics, Code 78 is no problem. If you want flexibility, learn on a manual.
Later upgrade possible: Anyone with Code 78 who later wants to drive manuals can do so via a supplementary course (minimum 7 driving sessions + assessment drive) — no full new exam needed.
Minimum Age and Requirements for Class B
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years (standard) or 17 years (BF17 accompanied driving) |
| Eye test | Mandatory — certified optician, approx. €7–12 |
| First aid course | Mandatory — 9 teaching units, approx. €25–40 |
| Residence | Official registered residence in Germany |
| Government application | Filed in person at the licensing authority |
The minimum age of 17 applies exclusively to accompanied driving (BF17) — where you may only drive with a qualified companion until your 18th birthday.
Everything about BF17 — requirements, costs, companion rules:
→ Driving License at 17: Accompanied Driving BF17 in Germany
Class B and Related License Categories
| Category | What it allows | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| B | Cars up to 3,500 kg | Standard driving school course |
| B96 | Car + trailer up to 4,250 kg combined | 7-hour add-on course, no new exam |
| BE | Car + trailer up to 3,500 kg trailer (7 t combined) | Separate license with exam |
| C1 | Vehicles 3,500–7,500 kg | Separate license with exam |
What Does Class B Cost?
Total costs for Class B in Germany typically range between €2,500 and €4,500 — depending on city, driving school and how many hours you need. The variation is large: Munich is significantly more expensive on average than a small town in eastern Germany.
The biggest single costs:
- Driving hours: €1,200–2,200 (the lion’s share)
- Driving school base fees: €300–600
- Exam fees: €22.49 (theory) + €97.57 (practical)
Detailed cost breakdown with all hidden fees and money-saving tips:
→ How Much Does a Driving License Cost in Germany 2026?
How Long Does Class B Take?
Typical total duration: 3 to 6 months. This depends heavily on how quickly you get through the theory exam and how many driving hours you need.
The biggest acceleration factor you fully control: the theory. Someone who starts with a good app immediately, practises 20–30 minutes daily and passes on the first attempt saves weeks.
Full timeline analysis with all the factors that influence overall duration:
→ How Long Does a Driving License Take in Germany? Realistic Timeline 2026
The Class B Theory Exam: What You Need to Know
The Class B theory exam consists of 30 questions on a digital tablet:
- 20 questions from the basic content (applies to all license classes)
- 10 questions from the category-specific content for Class B
Maximum 10 penalty points allowed. Key questions (marked with “2”) cost 2 penalty points on a wrong answer instead of 1.
The exam is available in 13 languages — German, English, Turkish, Arabic and more. You don’t have to take it in German.
The complete exam guide — question types, penalty point logic, video questions, how to prepare:
→ German Driving Theory Exam 2026: Complete Guide
Choosing the Right Theory App for Class B
Since the theory is the only completely self-controlled part of the license process, it’s worth choosing carefully. The key criteria: current 2026 TÜV/DEKRA catalog, video questions, spaced repetition algorithm, and realistic exam simulations.
The best two universal apps compared directly:
→ ClickClickDrive vs. Theorie24 GOLD: Which App Is Better?
Full comparison of all 9 relevant apps on the homepage.
What If I’ve Already Failed the Theory Exam?
Around 30% of candidates don’t pass on the first attempt. It’s not a disaster — but it requires understanding exactly why and fixing it before retaking.
→ Failed the German Theory Exam? Your Recovery Plan
Class B vs. Class AM (Moped): Quick Comparison
For anyone who only needs a moped license (Class AM): it’s significantly simpler, cheaper (€150–240) and faster (4–8 weeks). No practical exam — just a shorter theory exam. With Class B, you can also drive Class AM vehicles, so B includes AM automatically.
→ Moped License Germany 2026: Class AM
Class B in 60 Seconds
- Class B = standard car license, up to 3,500 kg, valid across the EU
- Costs approx. €2,500–4,500, takes 3–6 months
- Theory exam: 30 questions, max 10 penalty points, 13 languages available
- From age 17 possible with BF17 (accompanied driving)
- Single best investment: good theory app, start early, pass first time
👉 Compare the best Class B theory apps for 2026 → — Current 2026 catalog, video questions, exam simulation, all languages.
More articles for Class B learners:
- How Much Does a Driving License Cost in Germany 2026?
- How Long Does a Driving License Take in Germany?
- German Driving Theory Exam 2026: Complete Guide
- Choosing the Right Driving Theory App
- Driving License at 17: BF17
- German Driving License 2026: Step by Step
Pass safely with ClickClickDrive
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Our Conclusion & Recommendation
Pass safely with ClickClickDrive
Use the app with 4.8 stars and the official question catalog. Start your free exam simulation now.