Driving licence categories
Category B driving licence in Frankfurt
The car driving licence – and the road to get there, honestly explained. What you are allowed to drive, how training works, how long it takes and what you should watch out for. No official jargon, no promises nobody can keep.
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For the initial consultation and registration, you can drop in without an appointment; initially, a valid identity document is sufficient.
Decision-making guide
Class B, B197 or B78 – and what does BF17 have to do with it?
These terms cause the most confusion – yet the difference is quickly explained. Class B, B197 and B78 all lead to the Category B driving entitlement. They differ in what vehicle you take the practical test in and which vehicles you are allowed to drive afterwards. BF17 is something else: not a separate class, but the option to start a year earlier – and can be combined with all three variants.
| Class B | B197 | B78 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is this? | Training and test in a manual car | Testing on automatic, manual gear changing is additionally demonstrated | Test in an automatic car, without proof of manual driving competence |
| At what age? | Standard: 18 and over · with BF17: 17 and over | Standard: 18 and over · with BF17: 17 and over | Standard: 18 and over · with BF17: 17 and over |
| test vehicle | Control van | Automatic | Automatic |
| Will you be allowed to drive a manual car after that? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Is there a restriction on the driving licence? | No | Code 197 – no automatic transmission restriction within category B | Code 78 – only vehicles without a clutch pedal |
| Additionally required | – | at least 10 driving lessons of 45 minutes each in a manual car, as well as a test drive of at least 15 minutes | – |
| Who is it suitable for? | If you want to learn from the very beginning in a manual car and also take your practical driving test in it | If clutching and gear changing stress you out in the test, but you still want to keep your options open for manual transmission | If you want to drive exclusively automatic vehicles or corresponding electric cars for the foreseeable future |
BF17 can be combined with all three variants. It regulates the minimum age and accompanying driving requirements – not the transmission entitlement.
The automatic-only driving licence is called B78. Anyone who is tested in an automatic vehicle and does not provide proof of competence in manual shifting remains restricted to vehicles without a clutch pedal within category B. In B197 it is different: manual training is added, and afterwards you are allowed to drive both.
You don’t have to decide straight away. Many people only realise during their first few driving lessons whether manual transmission is right for them. Just let us know when you enrol. The option you choose can often still be adjusted during your training – please speak to us as early as possible so that we can make the necessary changes to the car, your manual driving lessons and your test schedule.
Class B driving licence explained simply
Category B is what most people mean when they say “car driving licence”: motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass at most eight seats except for the driver's seat. Included are the classes AM (mopeds up to 45 km/h) and L (slow tractors).
Two-wheelers over 45 km/h are not included. Anyone who is at least 25 years old and has held a category B licence for five years can, after nine training sessions, use the Code B196 upgrade to a 125cc motorcycle – without a driving test.
In terms of driving licence law, category B also includes Trailer up to 750 kg permissible maximum mass. For a trailer over 750 kg, the sum of the permissible maximum masses of the towing vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3.500 kg amount to.
If the combination is over 3,500 kg, but not over 4,250 kg, the Code 96 suffice. Class BE allows a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg behind a category B towing vehicle; other categories may be required for even heavier trailers.
Regardless of the driving entitlement, the technical limitations of the specific towing vehicle and the trailer must be observed.
What counts is the permissible total mass, not the actual weight. A van that weighs 2.8 tonnes empty but is rated for 4.2 tonnes is one you may not drive – not even when empty. The figure is shown in the vehicle registration document under F.1.
Step by step
This is how your training works
Register and prepare your application
Brief consultation, registration and preparation of the driving licence application.
Theory and practice begin
Both can run in parallel. Driving lessons will start as soon as a suitable slot becomes available.
Theory test
Once the course has been completed, the pre-test has been passed and the examination brief has been received.
Special training drives and preparation
We plan the twelve special training drives and the final preparations to suit your level of training.
Practical test
In the training car you know. With BF17, you first receive the test certificate.
Theory
Theory, practice and exams
When you obtain your first driving licence, this includes twelve double lessons on the core curriculum and two double lessons of class-specific subject matter for Category B as well. If you already hold a driving licence in another category, the core course is reduced to six double lessons. We cover two topics per evening – the schedule is set out in the Theory timetable.
Theory and practice can run in parallel. So you don’t have to finish the theory course before your first driving lesson.
The theory test. For a first licence you get 30 questions and may collect no more than ten error points. Beforehand you take a mock test with us – we only enter you for the real thing once that is solid. The theory test you have passed is valid for twelve months.
Practical training
Your practical training consists of two parts: the Practice sessions, the number of which is not prescribed by anyone, and the twelve special training drives, which are laid down by law.
5 cross-country drives
45 minutes each
4 motorway journeys
45 minutes each
3 night-time journeys
at dusk or in the dark
No law dictates how many practice lessons you need – that varies for everyone. Your driving instructor will give you an honest estimate after the first few lessons.
The practical test
The practical test lasts 55 minutes, of which at least 30 minutes of driving time. You, your driving instructor and the examiner will be in the car. You’ll be driving in the car you’re used to using for your lessons.
The test assesses your ability to operate the vehicle safely, your awareness of traffic, your driving skills and three basic driving exercises. Minor moments of hesitation do not automatically mean you fail – what matters is that you drive safely and in accordance with the rules.
And what if it doesn't work out? Then you carry on practising and sit the test again. There’s usually a gap of at least two weeks between attempts. You should discuss with your driving instructor how many hours of practice would be advisable in the run-up to the next attempt.
Before starting
Documents, costs and timetable
To Register with us at first a valid identity document and your questions are sufficient. You only need everything else for the application to the authority, and you can start with that in parallel.
The eye test must be at most two years old when applying – you get this done at the optician. An already completed recognised First-aid course basically never expires; keep the certificate.
The driving licence application
You submit the application to the driving licence office – we will fill it out together with you when you register. Submit it as early as possible, because you are only admitted to the theory test once the administrative procedure is complete. In the meantime you can already be practising.
The City of Frankfurt now also offers an online route for a first application. Which documents you need in detail is set out on our page Documents and paperwork.
An honest calculation
Costs and duration
“How much does a driving licence cost?” is one of the most important questions before signing up. A serious total, however, can only be estimated once your individual need for driving lessons is known.what the costs consist of and what you can influence yourself.
- Basic fee for registration
- Learning material and access to the learning app
- Practice sessions tailored to your needs
- The twelve special training drives
- Presentation for the theory test and the practical test
- Official fees and documents
The total cost depends primarily on the number of practice sessions required and any resits. The current individual prices can be found on the Pricing page; how the total costs are made up is explained on the page How much does a driving licence cost.
How long it takes
The duration depends on your learning progress, regular driving lessons, the authority's administrative process, and available test dates. You can complete the theory training with us in seven days of lessons from Monday to Friday – the practical training remains individual.
The probationary period
The probationary period generally lasts two years and begins with the issue of the driving licence – in the case of BF17, this starts with the test certificate. Special rules regarding alcohol and cannabis apply to new drivers during their probationary period and to anyone under the age of 21.
Serious or repeated offences can lead to an advanced training seminar (Aufbauseminar) and an extension of the probationary period, among other things. ASF page.
Your driving school
Why FAHRPLAN
With FAHRPLAN, you can plan your theory and practical training across four locations in Frankfurt.
- Theory lessons from Monday to Friday – you can join whenever it suits you.
- Four locations in Frankfurt – you freely choose where you register and practise.
- Manual and automatic – Both are available: for the classic B, B197 or B78.
- Structured exam preparation – A preliminary test before the theory exam, and targeted driving sessions before the practical test.
- Experience in Frankfurt traffic – you practise where you will drive later.
Training takes place in real traffic from the very first lesson – right where you will be driving later on. Your driving instructor will tell you straight where you stand and what you still need to work on.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about Category B
The questions we are asked most frequently during consultations – and the answers we would also give across the counter.
How long does it realistically take to get my driving licence?
There is no honest one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your learning progress, on regular driving appointments, on the authority's procedure and on the next free test date. The theory part you can complete with us in seven days of lessons.
How many driving lessons do I need?
No law prescribes it, and nobody can seriously predict it. The only fixed number is the twelve special training drives. How many practice lessons come on top depends on how often you drive and how quickly you feel confident. We give you an honest estimate during the consultation and tell you openly where you stand during your training.
Can I start immediately or do I have to wait for the official notification?
You can start the theory lessons right away. Practical training may also begin before the administrative procedure is completed, as soon as a suitable driving appointment is available. Only for Theory test you may only begin once the examination order has been issued – which is why it is best to submit the application right at the start.
Do I have to attend all 14 theory topics even if I already have another driving licence?
No. Anyone who already holds another licence category does not have to attend the entire basic theory course again – in that case, the scope is reduced. How much is required in your case will be sorted out when you register, as it depends on which category you hold and when you obtained it.
How long is the passed theory test valid?
Passing the theory test is valid for twelve months. Within this time, the practical test must be passed, otherwise you have to retake the theory test.
What happens if I fail the practical driving test?
Then you keep practising. A retake is generally possible after two weeks at the earliest; during this time, you take as many driving lessons as you need. When the new appointment can be arranged depends on how busy the test centre is. There is no three-month ban, and the number of attempts is not limited.
What is the difference between B197 and code 78?
For both options, the practical test can take place in an automatic vehicle. For B197 Additionally, you demonstrate your competence in driving manual vehicles through the mandatory manual training and the test drive – this allows you to drive both manual and automatic vehicles within category B. With B78 the driving licence remains restricted to automatic vehicles in Category B. For more information, see the pages on B197 and to the Automatic driving licence B78.
Can I change driving schools – what happens to my lessons?
You can switch at any time. Your documented theory lessons and the special training drives you have already completed still count. For the driving lessons your new instructor looks at where you stand – that is not a step backwards but the basis for an honest assessment. Everything else on the page about Change of driving school.
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Get personal advice
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.