Overview of driving licence categories in Germany: Which category for which vehicle?

Here at Fahrschule Fahrplan in Frankfurt, we know full well that the wide range of driving licence categories in Germany can seem confusing at first glance. Whether you want to drive your first car, or a Motorcycle licence planning to or wanting to drive a HGV professionally – it is important to know the appropriate driving licence. In this post, we explain which licence category is needed for which vehicle, which trailers you are allowed to tow and which special rules apply to each category. This ensures you are optimally prepared and avoid costly mistakes when applying for your driving licence.

In a nutshell

There are 16 driving licence categories, divided into cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses and special categories.
Category B driving licence is the standard driving permit for cars and light trailers.
Motorcycles require categories AM, A1, A2 and A, depending on power output and engine capacity.
For HGVs and buses, the classes C1, C, D1 and D are relevant, with corresponding trailer options.
Special classes such as L and T apply specifically to agricultural and forestry vehicles.

Overview of driving licence categories in Germany

The driving licence categories in Germany are clearly regulated to ensure road safety and provide legal guidance for every driver. Each licence category defines precisely which vehicles you are allowed to drive, what the permissible total mass is, and whether you are permitted to tow a trailer. Having the correct licence category is crucial, particularly in the case of combinations of cars or lorries with trailers.

Anyone who already has an old driving licence must know the differences between the old and new categories. For example, the old category 3 today permits the driving of vehicles of the Category B, Be, C1 and C1E (for licences issued before 1 April 1980, this also includes Class A1 125cc light motorcycles, licence code 79.05), depending on the authorised gross vehicle weight and trailer weight. EU harmonisation ensures that your German driving licence is valid in all EU countries, which is particularly relevant when travelling abroad. In addition, digital driving licences are increasingly being issued, allowing you to provide proof of your driving licence electronically.

Motorcycle licences: AM, A1, A2 and A

For anyone who wants to get out and about on two wheels, there are motorbike licences. They vary considerably in terms of engine capacity, power and minimum age.

AM

Light mopeds or light motor scooters up to a maximum of 45 km/h. Permitted nationwide from the age of 15. Ideal for young people who want to gain their first driving experience.

A1

Motorcycles up to 125 cc, maximum power 11 kW, power-to-weight ratio ≤0.1 kW/kg, minimum age 16. Perfect for beginners who want to move on to larger motorcycles later.

A2

Mid-range motorcycles up to 35 kW, power-to-weight ratio ≤0.2 kW/kg, minimum age 18. Anyone who holds the A2 driving licence can apply for category A after two years at the age of 20 (tiered access system).

A

Unrestricted motorcycles, minimum age 20–24 years, depending on the tiered licensing system.Practical tips: Anyone who already holds a Class B driving licence can, with the national extension B196, ride light motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cm³ without having to take a test – the requirements are that you must be at least 25 years old, have held a Class B driving licence for at least 5 years and have completed a training course comprising at least 9 sessions of 90 minutes each; this authorisation is valid only in Germany. It is crucial for motorcyclists to be aware of the type-approved maximum speed and the power-to-weight ratio. This will help you avoid problems during checks and ensure you stay safe on the road.

Category B and extensions for trailers

A Class B driving licence is the standard licence for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. A Class B driving licence entitles the holder to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg and a maximum of nine seats, including the driver. A trailer weighing up to 750 kg may be towed without any problems.

Extensions are available for heavier trailers:

B96

Combinations up to 4,250 kg maximum authorised mass, no additional test required, training necessary.

Be

Vehicle combinations weighing over 750 kg require a practical test. Anyone who frequently tows caravans or uses trailers for work should be aware of the differences between categories B, B96 and BE. The Class B towing vehicle is also important, as it forms the basis for the combination with a trailer. Complying with the maximum authorised mass of over 3,500 kg and holding a valid driving licence are crucial to avoiding fines or insurance issues.

At Fahrschule Fahrplan, you can obtain not only a Class B driving licence, but also driving licences for the following classes: B197 and BF17 sign up. You can register very easily online or in person at your Driving School Frankfurt:

The reference number B96: the „small trailer licence“ without an exam

Between the category B licence and the BE trailer licence, there is an often overlooked intermediate step: B96. This code extends Class B to include vehicle combinations with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg, where the authorised maximum mass of the combination over 3,500 and up to 4,250 kg is – the typical scenario for caravans and horsebox combinations. What makes it special is that for the B96 there is no examination, but only a one-day driver training course lasting at least 7 hours (theory, practical exercises and a drive in real traffic). If even that is not sufficient – for example, in the case of heavy trailers weighing up to 3,500 kg – the next step is to obtain a BE licence, which requires a practical test (there is no theory test for the BE licence). The complete decision-making guide with sample calculations: B96 or BE?

Don’t confuse this with: B96 (trailer) has nothing to do with B196 (125cc motorcycle licence upgrade – explained in detail in the Topics covered on our motorbike website) or B197 (Automatic with manual shifting capability – our guide: B197 or circuit?) to do – the similar numbers regularly cause confusion.

Lorries and buses driving licences: Category C and Category D

Anyone wishing to drive larger vehicles needs categories C1, C, D1 and D, in some cases with trailer authorisation:

Class C1: Lorries weighing between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg.
Category C1ECategory C1 vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg.
Class CHGVs over 3,500 kg.
Category CEC vehicles with a heavy trailer.

The following applies to buses:

D1Minibuses up to 16 passengers, maximum 8 m in length.
D1ED1 with trailer.
DBuses for more than eight people.
Germany: D with trailer.

Medical examinations, eye tests and, for professional use, additional qualifications such as a driver qualification card are required for these licence categories. The minimum age is usually 21, or 18 in certain cases, depending on national regulations. Anyone driving a bus or lorry professionally must also observe the authorised maximum mass and trailer regulations.

Special categories for agriculture and forestry: L and T

For agricultural and forestry vehicles, there are the national categories L and T.

LTractors up to 40 km/h, self-propelled work machinery up to 25 km/h. Approved for agricultural and forestry purposes.
TTractors up to 60 km/h, self-propelled working machines up to 40 km/h, also restricted to specific purposes.

Especially in rural regions or at businesses that use tractors or self-propelled work machines, the correct driving licence is crucial. With category L or T you are only allowed to drive vehicles of the corresponding design and speed, which increases road safety.

Any questions?

Key driving licence categories at a glance

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Practical tips for choosing the right category of driving licence

When deciding on a driving licence category, you should consider the following points:

✓
Future planningWhat vehicles do you want to drive in the long term? A car is enough for most people, but anyone who wants to drive lorries or buses later on should acquire the appropriate driving licence early on.
✓
Trailer: Anyone towing a caravan or boat trailer should be aware of the differences between categories B, B96 and BE.
✓
Professional use: Additional tests and qualifications are required for the commercial driving of lorries or buses.
✓
Age and tiered system: For motorbikes, the progressive licensing system (A1 → A2 → A) is key.
✓
Old driving licences: Check which old categories you hold and which new categories they cover.

Here at Fahrschule Fahrplan, we’re happy to offer you personalised advice to ensure you obtain the right driving licence for your vehicles and stay safe on the road. Simply get in touch with us here or come to your Preferred branch in Frankfurt and get some advice in person!

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Conclusion: The different categories of driving licence

Choosing the right driving licence category is crucial for your safety and compliance with legal requirements. Whether it is a car, motorcycle, lorry or agricultural tractor, every driving licence has clear rules regarding maximum authorised mass, trailers and minimum age.

Key points summarised:

- - - - ✓
        Category B for cars and light trailers.
      - ✓
        Motorcycles: AM, A1, A2, A.
      - ✓
        Lorries: C1, C1E, C, CE; buses: D1, D1E, D, DE.
      - ✓
        Special classes L and T for agricultural and forestry vehicles.
      - ✓
        Exchange old driving licences for new categories in good time.
- ✓
  Please note the minimum age, trailer regulations and grading systems.

With this overview, you’ll be well prepared to apply for the right driving licence. We’ll help you with any questions you may have about driving licences, licence categories and vehicles, so that you always know exactly which driving licence category is right for you and which one you can obtain directly from our driving school, Fahrplan, in Frankfurt!

Driving licence categories in Germany