Choose a city and start directly with the appropriate pre-selection for driving license class B.

Class B is the most important car driving license in Germany. On this page you can find out which vehicles are permitted, what requirements apply, how long training and exams typically last and what costs you should expect. You can also compare driving schools for class B on VEHI and find suitable offers.

The quality of training and the overall costs can differ significantly between driving schools. Comparing several offers will help you find transparent prices, suitable lesson times and good support.

Class B is the driving license class for cars and light motor vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of 3,500 kg. In addition, certain trailer combinations may be driven within the framework of the statutory B rules.

It is the standard class for road traffic and is an indirect requirement in many professions. Anyone who owns Class B can cover most of the usual everyday mobility - from small cars to compact transport vehicles.

Class B is normally granted to those aged 18 and over. However, many learner drivers start their training earlier.

Important special rule:

Accompanied driving from the age of 17 (BF17): Testing is usually possible from the age of 17, then driving with a registered accompanying person until the age of 18. In practice, many people start at the age of 16.5 to 17 so that theory and practice are completed in time.

With class B you can drive the following vehicles:

• Cars with a maximum permissible mass of up to 3,500 kg
• Vehicles with a maximum of eight seats plus the driver's seat
• many light vans and motorhomes within the 3.5 t limit

Trailer regulation:

• Trailers up to 750 kg are generally possible.
• Heavier trailers are possible as long as the permissible Class B trailer rule is adhered to.
• For larger trailers, B96 or BE are relevant.

Typical requirements in Germany:

• Minimum age or BF17 constellation
• Eye test
• First aid course
• biometric photo and identification documents
• Application at the driving license office
• Registration at a driving school

The more complete the documents, the smoother the start of the training will be.

The training consists of theory lessons and practical driving training. The theory covers, among other things, right of way, danger theory, traffic signs, environmental aspects and legal principles.

In practice you will learn:

• safe vehicle operation
• Eye guidance and anticipatory driving
• Turning, merging, parking, maneuvering
• Behavior in the city, country roads and highways

Compulsory portions for special trips are stipulated by law in class B:

• 5 cross-country trips
• 4 highway trips
• 3 night trips

Additional practice hours depend on your learning progress.

Theory test The theory test is carried out digitally and tests knowledge of rules, dangerous situations and traffic behavior. Good preparation means not just memorizing questions, but understanding situations.

Practical exam In the practical test you have to show that you drive the vehicle safely and responsibly in traffic. Among other things, observation, lane selection, speed adjustment, parking maneuvers and general vehicle control are assessed.

The costs vary depending on the region, driving school and number of driving lessons required. Common cost items are:

• Basic amount of the driving school
• Learning material/app
• Practice driving lessons
• Special trips
• Fees for theory and practical exams
• If necessary, additional costs for repetitions

In many regions, realistic total costs are between 2,500 and 4,500 euros.

Important distinction:

• B: Cars up to 3,500 kg with limited trailer rule.
• B96: Extension for heavier trailers up to the B96 border.
• BE: more comprehensive trailer authorization up to 3,500 kg trailer mass.
• B197: Training with automatic test plus proof of switching competence.
• B196: 125cc extension for drivers under conditions.

Depending on your mobility needs, one of these Class B extensions may make sense.

Class B makes sense for almost everyone who wants to be independently mobile in everyday life. It covers the majority of typical journeys and forms the basis for further extensions such as B96, BE or B196.

If you want to keep an eye on costs and training quality, you should compare driving schools in a structured manner. On VEHI you will find suitable offers for class B and can make an informed decision as to which driving school best suits your path.