{"id":486,"date":"2026-07-31T11:34:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T09:34:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/start.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/klasse-b78\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T11:34:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T09:34:33","slug":"klasse-b78","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/klasse-b78\/","title":{"rendered":"Automatic driving licence B78"},"content":{"rendered":"
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automatic driving licence<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Automatic driving licence B78 in Frankfurt<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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You are taking the standard Category B licence, but you take the practical test in an automatic vehicle. For this, the licensing authority enters the Code number 78<\/strong> : vehicles with a clutch pedal that has to be operated are not covered by this.<\/p>

Anyone wanting to keep their options open for manual cars would do better to compare straight away with B197<\/a> and the classic Class B<\/a>. B78 or B197? The comparison in our guide<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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At a glance<\/p>
No separate class<\/td>Category B with code 78<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Practical test<\/td>in an automatic vehicle<\/td><\/tr>
Allowed<\/td>anything without a clutch pedal to operate \u2013 automatics as well as electric cars<\/td><\/tr>
Not allowed<\/td>traditional manual cars<\/td><\/tr>
With BF17<\/td>combinable<\/td><\/tr>
Can be lifted later<\/td>possible in principle<\/td><\/tr><\/table><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Request a B78 consultation<\/a>  \u00b7  Compare B78, B197 and Class B<\/a><\/p>

Bring the question of which car is going to be parked outside after getting a driving licence \u2013 almost everything is decided by that.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Which option?<\/a>What am I allowed to drive?<\/a>Process<\/a>Cancel B78<\/a>Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The decision at a glance<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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B78, B197 or a traditional Class B?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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All three lead to a category B driving licence. They differ in the test vehicle, the manual gear training and what you are allowed to drive afterwards.<\/p>

Standard category B<\/p>

Training and test in a manual car \u00b7 followed by manual and automatic vehicles \u00b7 no code restriction
For category B<\/a><\/p><\/div>

B197<\/p>

Practical test in an automatic car \u00b7 plus prescribed manual training with test drive \u00b7 thereafter manual and automatic vehicles \u00b7 driving licence code 197
To B197<\/a><\/p><\/div>

B78<\/p>

Practical test in automatic car \u00b7 no training with manual gears \u00b7 vehicles without a clutch pedal only \u00b7 code 78<\/p><\/div><\/div>

B78 might be suitable<\/strong>, if you drive an automatic or an electric car for the long term and there is no manual car around you. The B197 or the classic Class B are more suitable<\/strong>, if hire cars, company cars or car-sharing vehicles may come into play or you want to keep manual cars open to you. No option is fundamentally better \u2013 what matters is what you are likely to drive after your licence.<\/p>

BF17 is not a gearbox variant and can be combined with all three configurations.<\/p>

Two typical scenarios: if you have an automatic car at home and nothing else, B78 is a sensible choice. On the other hand, if you book a hire car whilst on holiday or are likely to be given a company car, the B197 offers greater flexibility \u2013 the fleets are mixed, and the restriction also applies abroad.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Vehicles<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What you\u2019re allowed to drive with a B78 licence<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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B78 is no separate driving licence category<\/strong>, but category B with code 78. Its wording in the regulations is: \u201cOnly vehicles with automatic transmission\u201d. It appears in column 12 of your photocard driving licence.<\/p>

The clutch pedal alone is decisive<\/strong> \u2013 neither the propulsion nor the transmission type. If you have to operate a clutch pedal when moving off, stopping or changing gear, the vehicle is legally classified as a manual car for licence purposes.<\/p>

Allowed<\/p>

automatic vehicles of category B \u00b7 electric cars without a clutch pedal \u2013 this applies to practically all models common today \u00b7 hybrids without a clutch pedal<\/p><\/div>

Not allowed<\/p>

traditional manual cars with a clutch pedal \u00b7 mild hybrids with manual transmission<\/p><\/div><\/div>

The restriction also applies to short distances and borrowed vehicles<\/strong>. Within the EU and the EEA, code 78 is also recognised as an automatic transmission restriction. When driving in other countries, you must additionally check whether and under what conditions your German driving licence is recognised there.<\/p>

In Germany, with code 78 entered, you may not drive any vehicle on public roads that requires you to operate a clutch pedal<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What speaks in favour of it<\/p>

Clutching and gear shifting are eliminated \u2013 more attention remains for the traffic. No stalling, and pulling away on hills is easier with many automatic vehicles. Ideal if an automatic or electric vehicle is planned anyway.<\/p><\/div>

What speaks against it<\/p>

Traditional manual cars are off-limits \u2013 including rented ones and even for short distances. Hire cars, company cars and second-hand car offers still feature manuals. A later lifting of the restriction is possible, but costs extra time and a trip to the authorities.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

The training itself is no disadvantage.<\/strong> Theory, special training drives, test duration, test standard and probationary period are identical to category B. The examiner applies no different standard.<\/p>

With category B, categories AM and L<\/strong> are also included; they are subject to their own vehicle and usage limits. BE<\/strong> is a separate driving licence category and is not automatically included \u2013 more about BE<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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In five steps<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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This is how the training programme works<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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1<\/div>

Get advice and register<\/p>

Drop in to any of our branches \u2013 no appointment needed. We first clarify which option suits you and prepare the application to the authority together.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

2<\/div>

Theory and practice begin<\/p>

The theory corresponds to a standard B licence \u2013 the gearbox does not change this. The practical training takes place in the automatic car.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

3<\/div>

Theory test<\/p>

Following the lessons, the free pre-test and official authorisation.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

4<\/div>

Special training drives and test preparation<\/p>

Country roads, motorway and night drives \u2013 to the same extent as for category B, also in the automatic car.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

5<\/div>

Practical test and certification<\/p>

You will sit the test in an automatic car. You will then be awarded a Class B licence with licence code 78.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Detailed information on how theory lessons, compulsory lessons and exams are organised can be found on the page for Class B<\/a>. Here we only cover what is different about the automatic option.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Not final<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Have B78 lifted later<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The restriction can be deleted later. To do so, Section 17a(2) of the Driving Licence Ordinance (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung) expressly provides for two ways<\/strong> \u2013 and you can still start years later.<\/p>

Option 1 \u00b7 Manual gear training at the driving school<\/p>

At least ten driving lessons, each lasting 45 minutes<\/strong> in a manual car, plus a Test drive of at least 15 minutes<\/strong> in built-up areas and out of town. No new theory test, no new practical test. The driving school issues a certificate, and the driving licence office then enters the Code 197<\/strong> .<\/p>

Deadline:<\/strong> The entry must be made within one year of completing the manual gear training.<\/p><\/div>

Option 2 \u00b7 Practical test in a manual car<\/p>

A practical test with an officially recognised examiner. No new theory test, and no prescribed training here \u2013 you take as many practice lessons as you need. Code 197 is not entered; code 78 is simply dropped. The one-year deadline does not apply to this route.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

This does not happen automatically<\/strong> \u2013 You apply for it at the driving licence office, which will amend the entry and issue you with a new card-style driving licence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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We also provide the manual gear training for people who didn\u2019t get their driving licence with us. Ten lessons are the legal minimum \u2013 we\u2019ll discuss beforehand how many make sense for you. Enquire about manual gear training<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Three special cases<\/p>

Restriction imposed for health reasons:<\/strong> In that case, the driving school certificate is not sufficient. You will need to clarify the procedure with the driving licence authority.<\/p>

Other classes:<\/strong> Who BE<\/a> or holds or is planning a lorry category should clarify the automatic transmission question separately for that category.<\/p>

BF17:<\/strong> BF17 governs age and the requirement for an accompanying driver, whilst B78 governs the gearbox. The two can be combined. Until the driver\u2019s 18th birthday, the requirement for an accompanying driver and the automatic gearbox restriction then apply simultaneously \u2013 More about BF17<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Why FAHRPLAN<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why FAHRPLAN<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u00b7 Personal consultation on the variant<\/strong> \u2013 Before you enrol, we\u2019ll help you decide whether B78, B197 or the traditional Class B best suits your daily routine<\/p>

\u00b7 automatic and manual vehicles<\/strong> in the vehicle fleet \u2013 also for the later manual gear training<\/p>

\u00b7 Theory lessons (in German) from Monday to Friday<\/strong> - you can join whenever you like<\/p>

\u00b7 Four locations in Frankfurt<\/strong> \u2013 you freely choose where you register and practise<\/p>

\u00b7 Structured exam preparation<\/strong> with a free mock test before the theory test<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Frequently asked questions about B78<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat does code 78 mean?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\u201cOnly vehicles with automatic transmission\u201d. It appears in column 12 of your driving licence and restricts category B to vehicles without a clutch pedal.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan I drive an electric car with a B78 licence?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Yes, provided the vehicle does not have a clutch pedal \u2013 this applies to practically all electric cars common today. According to the Driving Licence Ordinance, the decisive factor is solely the clutch pedal, not the propulsion system.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAm I allowed to drive hybrid vehicles?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

It all comes down to the clutch pedal. Conventional full and plug-in hybrids do not have one and are permitted. A mild hybrid with manual transmission, on the other hand, is a manual car.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is the difference between B78 and B197?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

At B197<\/a> at least ten gear-shifting lessons and a test drive are added to that. This allows you to drive manual cars within category B and<\/em> and automatic vehicles. With B78 this proof of manual training is not required \u2013 so the restriction to automatic vehicles remains.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan I have B78 cancelled at a later date?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Yes, and you can start doing that years later \u2013 either via ten hours of manual instruction including a test drive at a driving school, or via a practical test in a manual car. However, there is a deadline for the driving school route: code number 197 must be entered within one year of completing the manual training. This option is not available if the restriction was entered for health reasons.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDo I need a new test for this?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Not via the driving school \u2013 neither theory nor practice. Only if you choose the examination route do you take a practical test; in that case, the requirement for formal training is waived.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan I combine BF17 with B78?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Yes. BF17<\/a> regulates age and supervision; B78 governs the gearbox. During the supervised phase, both restrictions apply simultaneously.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Next step<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Which option suits your everyday life?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pop into one of our four branches without an appointment. We\u2019ll have a look together at which vehicle you\u2019ll be driving in future and whether you can rule out manual cars \u2013 and we\u2019ll compare the B78, B197 and the classic Category B with you. Under 18? Then there\u2019s also BF17<\/a> a topic.<\/p>

Request a B78 consultation<\/a>  \u00b7  Secure your place online<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-486","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=486"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/486\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fahrschule-fahrplan.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=486"}],"curies":[{"name":"WP","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}