Driving license class B96: requirements, costs and vehicles

Driving license class B96: Trailer extension to class B for heavier trailers. Requirements, training duration, application limits and costs at a glance.

Find driving schools for class B96 by city

Choose a city and start directly with the appropriate pre-selection for driving license class B96.

Find driving schools for driving license class B96

With B96, driving schools differ in terms of the scope of training, practical portion and trailer vehicles. A comparison will help you find a school with realistic training, clear prices and suitable scheduling.

What is driving license class B96?

B96 is an extension to class B for heavier trailers. It is entered as a key number and is based on mandatory training.

Key features:

  • based on existing Class B
  • Extension for heavier combinations within the legally defined framework
  • Training model instead of a classic additional exam like at BE

B96 is therefore particularly intended for drivers who occasionally or seasonally drive larger trailers.

When can you get a class B96 driving license?

B96 requires class B. Once you have Class B, you can complete the expansion. Many drivers only make a decision when they have a specific need, for example before their first caravan holiday or during regular transport trips.

Since demand increases seasonally, early planning is worthwhile. In many regions, B96 appointments are quickly booked up before the holidays.

Which vehicles can you drive with a class B96 driving license?

With B96 you are allowed to drive teams that go beyond the standard Class B frame but are within the B96 limits. The permissible total masses of the towing vehicle and trailer are decisive.

Typical examples:

  • Cars with larger caravans
  • SUV with horse trailer
  • Family vehicle with heavier leisure trailer
  • lightweight transport solutions with increased trailer mass

If you want to drive even larger trailers or permanently heavy combinations, you should check BE.

Requirements for driving license class B96

Typical requirements:

  • existing class B
  • Registration at a driving school with B96 training
  • Complete participation in the prescribed training content
  • official registration of the extension

The focus is on proven training, not on acquiring a completely new basic class.

Training for driving license class B96

The B96 training combines theory and practice. Typical content:

  • legal weight limits
  • Load distribution and driving stability
  • correct coupling and uncoupling
  • Maneuvering and reversing
  • Braking, cornering and anticipatory driving with a trailer

A good course not only teaches rules, but also trains you in real situations that are relevant to safety in everyday life with a team.

Test for driving license class B96

Theory test With B96 there is no classic additional theory test as with the first acquisition. Theoretical content is taught and checked during the training.

Practical exam Even an independent practical additional test like in BE is not the typical core of B96. The decisive factor is the completed training with documented practical competence within the intended framework.

How much does class B96 driving license cost?

The costs are often lower than those of BE, but vary by region and driving school.

Typical cost points:

  • Training package (theory + practice)
  • Use of towing vehicle and trailer
  • Administrative and registration costs
  • if necessary, additional dates

A rough guideline is often 400 to 900 euros.

Difference to other driving license classes

Important distinction:

  • B: Standard rule for lighter teams.
  • B96: Extension for heavier combinations in the B96 frame.
  • BE: more comprehensive trailer authorization with independent practical test.

If your combination is regularly just above the B limits, B96 is often the economical intermediate step.

Conclusion: For whom is driving license class B96 useful?

B96 is ideal for drivers with Class B who need more reserve in their trailers without immediately going the full BE route. The extension is practical, comparatively compact and covers many real leisure and transport cases.

On VEHI you can compare driving schools for class B96 and choose the offer that suits your operational profile and your safety requirements.

Before making a decision, we recommend a quick combination check of the vehicle documents: If your planned combination is consistently at the upper limits or frequently moves heavy loads, BE can be the more robust solution in the long term. However, for occasional trailer trips that can be planned, the B96 often remains the most economical and organisationally quicker route.

Is B96 a separate driving license?

No, B96 is an extension to class B with a key number entry.

Is B96 enough for my caravan?

This depends on the permissible total mass of your vehicle. You should check these carefully in advance.

When is BE better instead of B96?

For permanently heavy trailers and greater clearance requirements, BE is often the better long-term solution.

Why should I compare B96 driving schools?

Training quality, vehicle equipment and price structure differ noticeably.

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