Maximizing Your Class B Driver's License - Extend Your Car-Towing Capabilities Without Testing Up
- By Gernot Kramper
- ± - 2 Min
Prolonging Your Class B Driver's License: A Guide on Avoiding Retesting - Obtain a renewed License B without the need for a test: Guidelines provided
A Class B driver's license gives you the freedom to operate a variety of vehicles, from passenger cars to tractor mowers. But when it comes to towing, it can leave you in a bind. The combined weight of the vehicle and trailer can't exceed 3500 kg, which limits your options, especially with caravans, horse trailers, or boat trailers.
What Your Class B License Covers
Your Class B license outperforms the old Class 3, as it allows you to drive more than just passenger cars. You can operate light motorcycles with a maximum speed of 45 km/h, three-wheeled vehicles, and even large mowers. However, when it comes to trailers, the situation gets tricky.
The Trailer Conundrum
The Class B license comes with restrictions on trailer weight. The combination of the vehicle and the trailer should not exceed 3500 kg. For example, with a van, there might not be much weight left for the trailer in trades or agriculture. In private use, you'll likely exceed the limit with caravans, horse, or boat trailers. With Class B, you can tow motor vehicles up to 3500 kg with a trailer up to 750 kg. To overcome this limitation, you might think of the "light truck" plus trailer operation - C1 plus C1E. But the costs and the effort could be high, especially if you have no desire to drive a truck.
The B96 Extension - Drive Beyond the Limit
The solution: the B96 extension. Many people might mistakenly associate the abbreviation B96 with a federal road. However, it is an extension of Class B. The advantage: it doesn't require a test. A driving school is sufficient. The training consists of a theoretical and a practical part, which can be completed in a single day. According to the ADAC, the costs range from 300 to 500 euros. B96 is recognized throughout Europe, and now the trailer can weigh more than 750 kg. However, the combined weight of the towing vehicle and trailer should not exceed 4250 kg.
For instance, with an SUV like the Mercedes ML, the vehicle's permissible weight is 2800 kg, leaving 1450 kg for the trailer. With a VW Tiguan with all-wheel drive, the permissible weight is 2250 kg, allowing 2 tons to be towed. The last example: A Mitsubishi Pajero is already at 3030 kg - with Class B, only 750 kg can be towed. But with the extension, it's at least 1220 kg.
The Next Steps - BE Class or More Practice
The next step would be the BE class, but you'll face practical exams, additional costs, and the risk of failure. The BE requires at least five driving lessons, and it can cost around 1000 euros. If you prefer some extra practice before diving into the BE, consider the basic B96 extension. With B96, you can drive trailers with a MAM exceeding 750 kg, up to a maximum combined weight of 4250 kg (3.5 tons). To gain more experience, practice driving with a trailer within the limits of Class B before opting for the B96 or BE extension—by all means, enjoy the ride!
Sources: ADAC 1, ADAC 2
- Driver's License
- Automotive
- Trailer Towing
(Enrichment data not included to maintain a concise and coherent article)
- In case you're interested in expanding your vocational skills, it's worth considering vocational training for trailer towing that aligns with the community policy for safe driving.
- While enjoying outdoor activities like sports, be mindful of the weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, especially when using trailers for transporting equipment.
