Category B with code 197

B197 Driving Licence in Frankfurt

You learn and take your test in a automatic car – and afterwards you are still allowed to drive Control van drive.

In addition to normal training, this involves manual transmission training at the driving school: at least ten driving lessons in a manual car and, at the end, a drive in which your driving instructor determines that you can change gears safely. Afterwards, your driving licence will show category B with the Code 197 – without any restriction to automatic.

At a glance

You take the practical test on Automatic
At least ten manual driving lessons 45 minutes each
Final drive of at least 15 minutes – built-up areas and outside built-up areas
No additional test at TÜV or DEKRA
After that, you drive Manual and automatic within Class B
With BF17 combinable

What B197 means

B197 is not a separate driving licence category

B197 is the standard Class B. The 197 is just a key code that appears next to class B on your driving licence. It records that you took the test in an automatic car and have additionally completed manual-gearbox training.

The difference from an automatic-only driving licence is crucial: there the licence carries the Code number 78 in the driving licence, and that is a real restriction – you are then only allowed to drive automatics. The 197 doesn't restrict you. It just documents how you did your training.

For everyday driving, this means: Within category B, you drive both manual and automatic vehicles. If you are planning to get a trailer, lorry or bus licence later on, you should also be familiar with the special requirements for these categories – they are further down this page.

The Three Ways

Class B, B197 or B78 – which one’s right for you?

All three routes lead to a category B licence. They differ in what you are tested on and what you are allowed to drive afterwards.

Standard category B

test vehicle: Control van
Manual gearbox training: Part of the normal training
Additional evidence: none
Drive afterwards: Manual and automatic
In the driving licence: no code number

Typically for: Anyone who is confident with a manual gearbox, has a manual car available or later wants to drive lorries or buses professionally.

B197

test vehicle: Automatic
Manual gearbox training: at least ten hours of 45 minutes each
Additional evidence: A drive of at least 15 minutes with the driving school – no TÜV test
Drive afterwards: Manual and automatic
In the driving licence: Code 197 (no restriction)

Typically for: Those who prefer to take the test in an automatic car, but don't want to commit to driving only automatics.

B78 – automatic only

test vehicle: Automatic
Manual gearbox training: None
Additional evidence: none
Drive afterwards: automatic only
In the driving licence: Code 78 (real restriction)

Typically for: Anyone who knows for sure that they will only ever drive an automatic.

More on the individual routes: Class B · Automatic B78 · BF17 · Class Finder

How it works

In five steps to code 197

Theory and first driving lessons

The theory lessons are the same as for any Category B licence. For the practical part, you start on the automatic vehicle.

Ten hours in a manual car

At least ten driving lessons of 45 minutes each in a manual car. We will schedule them to suit your learning progress – not all in one go.

The final drive

It is in addition to the ten hours: at least 15 minutes with your driving instructor, in built-up areas and outside built-up areas. He then confirms to you in writing that you are changing gear safely.

Special training drives and test readiness

You will complete your twelve special training drives with us in the automatic vehicle – just as you will take your test.

Practical test in an automatic car

You take the test in the familiar automatic vehicle. Afterwards, code 197 is entered.

Important to know: Ten manual driving lessons are the legal Lower limit, no guaranteed end. If ten hours aren't enough, you add more – your driving instructor only completes the training when you've really got the hang of it. The drive is not an official test: if your gear-changing skills are not yet sufficient, you practise further and carry it out again later. The driving school will only issue the certificate once you are safely in control of the manual vehicle.

Your scope

Scope of training and special training drives with B197

Part of your training is legally prescribed, the rest is determined by your own pace.

14 theory topics. Twelve core topics and two that apply only to cars. When each topic is covered is stated in the Theory timetable. I'm Intensive course you have them together on seven evenings.

Twelve special training drives – exactly as many as for any Category B licence. Five cross-country journeys, four on the motorway and three after dark, each lasting 45 minutes. The B197 doesn’t change this: the figure is the same for both automatic and manual transmission. With us, you’ll be driving an automatic – in other words, the same car you’ll be tested in.

At least ten manual driving lessons plus the final drive. It is in addition to the special training drives and does not replace them.

Your practice sessions. How many you need until you are ready for the test varies for everyone – there is no set requirement and no meaningful average figure. During the consultation, we will assess this honestly together instead of giving you a desired number.

The decision

Who B197 is suitable for – and who it’s not really suitable for

B197 is a good fit if …

you'd rather take the test in an automatic
you still don't want to commit to automatic
what kind of car you'll drive later is still open
you’re planning to take the BF17 with an automatic car
you occasionally want to drive or hire a manual car

Classic Class B makes more sense if …

you deliberately want to learn in a manual car and take your test in one
a manual car is ready at home for practising
See you later trailer, lorry or bus are planning – more on that below

B78 is sufficient if …

you know for sure that you will only ever drive automatics
you deliberately give up the entitlement to drive manual cars

The restriction can be lifted later – but that will cost time again.

Know beforehand

If you want to drive trailers, lorries or buses later on

The most important practical difference compared to a Category B test taken in a manual vehicle concerns the later acquisition of further driving licence categories. That is why it is here and not in the small print.

Whoever has their Class B in a manual car Anyone who has passed the manual gearbox test does not need to take it again for subsequent categories. The law explicitly lists these: BE (trailer), C1, C1E, C and CE (lorries), as well as D1, D1E, D and DE (buses). The law expressly makes this exemption conditional on the Class B licence having been obtained on a manual-change vehicle – and this is not the case with the B197.

In practice, this means: If you later take a trailer, lorry or bus driving licence, you must take the practical test in a manual vehicle. If you do not do this, the automatic restriction will be recorded for this new category. Your category B licence itself remains unaffected.

Legal basis: Section 17a paragraph 1 sentence 2 of the Driving Licence Ordinance.

For everything you do with a car, a B197 licence is equivalent to a standard Category B licence. However, if you’re planning a career driving lorries or buses, please get in touch with us first – then we can work out together which option is the most cost-effective for you.

Cost

How much does B197 cost?

The base fee is the same as for any category B licence. On top of that come your driving lessons, the twelve special training drives, and the fees for taking the theory and practical tests.

What is specific to B197 is the minimum of ten manual gearbox lessons. Automatic and manual lessons can cost different amounts – the current rates are on the Pricing page.

It’s not possible to say in general terms whether B197 will ultimately work out more expensive or cheaper than the traditional route: it depends on how many hours of practice you need. If you want to know what to expect, you can find the relevant information on the page How much does a driving licence cost – or ask us directly.

With us

B197 at FAHRPLAN in Frankfurt

Automatics and manuals in the vehicle fleet

Both are ready – you don't need to change driving schools for the manual lessons.

Four locations in Frankfurt

Bockenheim, Dornbusch, Heddernheim and Sachsenhausen – you’re free to choose where you start.

Theory from Monday to Friday

Fixed evening appointments, plus the intensive course on seven evenings.

Pre-decision consultation

We’ll go through with you whether the B, B197 or B78 suits your plans.

Experience in Frankfurt traffic

Test routes, rush hour, motorway interchanges – we practise where you will be driving later.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions about B197

Is B197 a separate driving licence class?

No. You will receive the normal Class B licence. The 197 is just a code on the driving licence that indicates you passed your test in an automatic vehicle and also received training in a manual.

Can I really drive a manual car with B197?

Yes, without restriction. Unlike with a pure automatic licence, there is no restriction on your licence. Within Class B, you can drive both manual and automatic vehicles equally.

How many mandatory special training drives do I need for B197?

Exactly as with any Class B: twelve – five on rural roads, four on motorways, three in darkness. B197 changes nothing about that. With us, you'll drive them in an automatic vehicle. The ten manual driving lessons are in addition to that.

Are ten manual driving lessons always enough?

Ten lessons are the legal minimum, not a guaranteed finish line. If you need more confidence at the wheel, you add more. Your instructor only signs off the manual gearbox training once it really sticks.

Is the final drive a test at TÜV?

No. It takes place with your own instructor, lasts at least 15 minutes and covers both built-up areas and country roads. Afterwards the driving school confirms in writing that you can handle a manual car safely. As this is not an official test at TÜV or DEKRA, no official test fee is charged – the driving school's standard rates apply for the driving time itself.

What happens if it's not enough the first time?

Then training simply continues, and you repeat the drive at a later date. What matters is not a deadline, but that you can safely handle the manual vehicle in the end – only then will the certificate be issued.

Can I combine B197 with BF17?

Yes, that can be combined – the rules for accompanied driving and those for automatic-only training concern different things and don't get in each other's way. Everything about the procedure can be found on our BF17 page.

I already have an automatic driving licence with code 78 – can I switch?

Yes. You take the ten manual driving lessons and the final drive afterwards, then the restriction can be lifted – without a new test at TÜV. The time limit matters: the code must be entered within one year of completing the training.

Does B197 also apply abroad?

Yes. Code 197 does not restrict your category B licence to automatic vehicles. Therefore, you are also permitted to drive category B vehicles with manual or automatic transmission abroad. The 197 merely documents the type of training you received – it is not an automatic restriction like code 78.

What do I need to consider if I want to drive a lorry or bus later on?

Then you have to take the practical test for this category in a manual vehicle, otherwise the automatic transmission restriction will be entered there. Anyone who previously took their Category B test on a manual car doesn't have this requirement. Speak to us before you decide.

Free and without obligation

Let us advise you – at your driving school in Frankfurt

We'll call you back and discuss everything further – or you can just come by directly. Whether you sign up is entirely up to you.