Veer Beyond the Shackles of Class B: Taking Your Traction to the Next Level with the B96 Extension
- by Gernot Kramper
- 2 Min
Expanded Permit for Class B Driver's License: Exemption from Re-Examination - Obtaining a Fresh License B Without the Need for a Test: Guidelines Explained
The standard Class B driver's license, a coveted badge in our modern world, grants the permission to operate all sorts of passenger vehicles, sans restrictions on horsepower or speed, but with weight limitations. At 3.5 tons, that's your limit.
Stepping Up your Game: The Perks of Class B
While Class 3 from the past can't compete with the versatility of Class B, it allows you to drive more than just passenger vehicles: think driving eight people, including the driver, or operating small motorcycles with a top speed of 45 km/h. Plus, you can drive three-wheelers, motorcycles with two tires on one axle, four-wheeled small vehicles like quads, and even handle tractors (up to 40 km/h) and large mowers (up to 25 km/h).
The Snag: The Trailer
It's disheartening when it comes to trailers.
The combined total weight of the vehicle with the trailer should not surpass 3500 kilograms. So, when you need a towing vehicle like a van in trade, there's little room left for the trailer. The same applies to agriculture. In a personal context, you'll exceed the limit with caravans, horse or boat trailers [1]. With Class B, you can drive motor vehicles with a permissible total weight (zGM) of up to 3500 kilograms with a trailer zGM of up to 750 kilograms. If the total mass of the combination doesn't surpass 3500 kilograms, the trailer can weigh more [1].
Beating the Odds: B96 Extension
You might consider going for the class for "light trucks" plus trailer operation - namely, C1 plus C1E. Nevertheless, the costs and effort can be exorbitant, especially if you have no intention of driving a truck.
The solution? The B96 extension. Many overlook this option, thinking of a federal road when they see B96. Yet, it's an addition to Class B. The advantage? No test required - only theoretical and practical training at a driving school. You could complete this training in a single day. According to the ADAC, the costs range from 300 to 500 euros [1]. B96 is valid throughout Europe, and now, the trailer can exceed 750 kilograms. However, the total weight of the towing vehicle and trailer must not exceed 4250 kilograms. For instance, consider an SUV like the Mercedes ML with a permissible weight of 2800 kilograms - there's 1450 kilograms left for the trailer [2]. With a VW Tiguan with all-wheel drive, a 2250 kg weight limit leaves two tons for the trailer. The final example? A Mitsubishi Pajero at 3030 kilograms - with Class B, only 750 kilograms remains for the trailer, but with the extension, there are at least 1220 kilograms available [2].
The next stage would likely be the BE class - but it requires a practical exam, added expenses, and the possibility of failure. Plus, five driving lessons are needed. And you should anticipate costs around 1000 euros. If everything goes according to plan. With BE, trailers up to 3.5 tonnes can be driven. The combined weight of the trailer and towing vehicle may not exceed seven tonnes [1]. Whether you prefer the basic B96 extension or the larger BE, it's suggested to practice towing extensively before beginning your training, within the limits permitted by Class B. By the way, you can obtain Class B without ever having driven a trailer. However, a bit more practical experience is advisable for B96 or BE [1].
Sources: ADAC 1, ADAC 2
- Driver's License
- Traffic Law
- Vehicle
Understanding B96 Extension: The European Perspective
This B96 extension is an addendum to the customary Class B driving license, allowing the holder to tow heavier trailers than is normally permitted with a Class B license alone.
Key necessities to qualify:
- Base Level: Already hold a Class B driver's license.
- Age requirements: Minimum 18 years old in most instances, with some exceptions for those involved in accompanying driving or vocational training for professional driving, those individuals must be 17 years old with restrictions on usage until reaching the age of 18.
- Training:
- Completion of theoretical lessons (approximately 150 minutes or 2.5 hours).
- Practical training consisting of approximately 210 minutes (3.5 hours) of exercises and a real-world driving hour.
Evaluations: None required for the B96 extension following completion of training.
These conditions are consistent across European nations; however, some minor national variations may be present. For instance, in Germany, the process is standard as previously mentioned [1].
Trailer Limitations with B96 Extension
The B96 extension permits you to drive:
- A tow vehicle (Class B vehicle) when teamed with a trailer where:
- The panel's permissible maximum weight exceeds 750 kg or
- The total combined permissible weight of the vehicle and trailer is more than 3500 kg but not more than 4250 kg.
In consequence, you can tow heavier trailers than the standard Class B license, which normally restricts trailers to 750 kg or a total combined weight of 3500 kg. However, the overall combined weight is restricted to 4250 kg with the B96 addition [1].
For more details, you can refer to training, weight limits, and information from German driving schools [2].
Synopsis
| Aspect | Description ||------------------|---------------------------------------|| Base Level | Hold a Class B license || Minimum Age | Mostly 18 years old, some exceptions || Training | Approx. 150 minutes theory + 60 minutes exercises + 1 hour driving || Examinations | No tests for B96 extension || Trailer Weight Limits| Trailer >750 kg or vehicle+trailer up to 4250 kg |
The extension offers a transitional step between the standard Class B license and the full BE license, which allows even heavier trailers.
References
- [1] B96 extension: training, weight limits, info from German driving school.
- [2] Specific details were obtained with implicit access to driving school data, referenced anonymously.
The Community policy could be modified to include the B96 extension in its vocational training programs, allowing individuals to acquire the necessary skills for transporting heavier trailers.
In the finance sector, the cost of obtaining the B96 extension is relatively affordable, ranging from 300 to 500 euros, when compared to the expensive and time-consuming process of acquiring the Class C1 plus C1E license for operating light trucks and trailers.
Moreover, in the automotive industry, the B96 extension could enable various professionals, such as farmers, forestry workers, or delivery drivers, to operate heavier trailers, thereby enhancing their capability for vocational tasks.
