Expand Your Horizons: Towing More with Your Class B Driver's License - Ditch the Test with B96 Extension
Obtaining an Extension for Class B License Without Re-Testing: A Guide - Obtaining a New License B sans test: Guidelines Explained
Written by: Gernot KramperEstimated Reading Time: 2 Min
Driving a passenger car with a Class B license is prevalent nowadays, but what about when it comes to heavy-duty towing? Let's explore how you can extend your towing capabilities without having to face another test.
What Class B License Allows
While a Class 3 license of yesteryears lacks flair, a Class B license lets you do more than just drive cars. You can chauffeur eight passengers besides the driver. You're also allowed to operate small motorized vehicles that don't surpass 45 km/h and have other restrictions. This set-up works for electric city rollers as well. Other vehicles you can drive include three-wheeled vehicles like certain motorcycles or quadbikes, some tractors, or even large mowing machines.
Challenge: The Trailer
The issue with Class B lies in trailers. Combining a vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3500 kilograms. In many situations, this leaves little weight for the trailer, especially for trade and agricultural uses. In private, you may exceed the limit with caravans, horse, or boat trailers. With a Class B license, you can tow vehicles with a permissible total weight (zGM) of up to 3500 kilograms with a trailer with a zGM of up to 750 kilograms. Yet, if the total weight of the combination is under 3500 kilograms, the trailer can be heavier.
Solution: B96 Extension - No Test Needed!
Many are unaware of the B96 extension, often associating it with a federal road. However, it is an extension of Class B. The biggest advantage? Absolutely no test is required. You just need to attend a driving school for a theoretical and practical part that can be completed in a day. According to ADAC, the costs are pretty reasonable, varying between 300 and 500 euros. B96 is recognized across Europe, allowing you to tow a heavier trailer. However, the combined weight of the towing vehicle and trailer should not exceed 4250 kilograms. For instance, with an SUV like the Mercedes ML, the vehicle's permissible weight is 2800 kilograms, allowing 1450 real kilograms for the trailer. With a VW Tiguan AWD, the permissible weight is 2250 kilograms, permitting you to tow two tons. Lastly, a Mitsubishi Pajero already weighs 3030 kilograms, giving you 750 kilograms left for the trailer with a Class B license. With the extension, you have at least 1220 kilograms.
Next Steps: BE Class vs. B96 Experience
The next step would be the BE class, but this brings practical exams into play, with their associated costs and risk of failure. Additionally, at least five driving lessons are required. You should account for around 1000 euros, assuming all goes well. If you qualify, you can tow trailers up to 3.5 tons, but the combination of trailer and towing vehicle should not exceed seven tons. Before embarking on BE training, it's recommended to practice towing within the Class B limits. You can secure a Class B license without ever having towed a trailer before. However, a better understanding of towing is crucial for B96 or BE.
Caution: Ensure you are following your nation or local transportation authority guidelines for the latest information.
Sources: ADAC 1, ADAC 2
- Driver's Permits
- Traffic Laws
- Vehicles
In light of Gernot Kramper's exploration of towing capabilities with a Class B license, it's worth considering additional vocational training for heavy-duty towing. A B96 extension, for instance, allows for extended towing capacities without requiring another test. This extension, when coupled with vocational training, could potentially be beneficial within the industry, particularly in transportation, such as the automotive sector. Financially, attending a driving school for the theoretical and practical part of the B96 extension could cost between 300 and 500 euros. Moreover, understanding community policy regarding such extensions and vocational training is crucial, ensuring compliance with local transportation authorities.
