All Classes Driving license classes
The designation of driver’s license categories according to the A, B, C, D scheme is standardized in the European Union.
The German number system has therefore been abandoned, but special national classes and restrictions are still permitted in every EU country.
A
Power bikes
Classes AM, A1, A2 and A
B
passenger vehicle
Classes B (also on automatic), BE, B96, B196, B197
C
truck
Classes C1 (small truck), C1E (with trailer), C (truck) and CE (with trailer)
D
BUS
Classes D1 (small bus), D1E (with trailer), D (bus) and DE (with trailer)
L
–
(like agriculture) for tractors up to 40 km/h
MOFA
–
here is no such thing as a “moped driver’s license”, this is merely a test certificate
class A
AM
A1
A2
A
Two-wheeled mopeds and bicycles with auxiliary motor
- Construction-related maximum speed max. 45 km/h
- Internal combustion engine: Displacement max. 50 cm³
- Electric motor: Rated continuous power max. 4 kW
Three-wheeled mopeds
- Construction-related maximum speed max. 45 km/h
- Spark ignition engine: cylinder capacity max. 50 cm³
- Other combustion engines: Useful power max. 4 kW
- Electric motor: Rated continuous power max. 4 kW
Four-wheeled light motor vehicles
- Construction-related maximum speed max. 45 km/h
- Spark ignition engine: cylinder capacity max. 50 cm³
- Other combustion engines: Useful power max. 4 kW
- Electric motor: Rated continuous power max. 4 kW
- Empty mass (without the mass of the batteries) max. 350 kg
Age: 16 years
Compulsory theory lessons
| Class-specific material | 2 |
| Base material | 12 |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
Basic training - no special trips
Class AM also entitles the holder to drive
Mopeds with a maximum design speed of no more than 50 km/h, provided they were first put on the road before January 1, 2002
Mopeds under former GDR law (50 cm³, maximum design speed 60 km/h) that were first put on the road before March 1, 1992
Class A motorcycles (light motorcycles)
- Internal combustion engine: Displacement no longer 125 cm³
- Rated power of no more than 11 kW
- Ratio of power to empty mass: max. 0.1 kW/kg
Three-wheeled motor vehicles
- Displacement with more than 50 cm³
- Construction-related maximum speed of more than 45 km/h
- With an output of up to 15 kW
Age: 16 years
Compulsory theory lessons
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another class |
| Base material | 12 | 6 |
| Class-specific material4 | 4 |
Compulsory practice hours
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another class |
| Overland | 5 | 5 |
| Freeway | 4 | 4 |
| Night | 3 | 3 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class A1 also entitles the holder to drive
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of no more than 50 cm³ and a maximum design speed of more than 40 km/h, if they were first put on the road by 31.12.1983.
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of no more than 125 cm³ and a rated power of no more than 11 kW, if they were first put on the road by 18.01.2013.
"Medium-weight" motorcycles (two-wheelers, also with sidecar)
- Displacement of more than 50 cm³
- Construction-related maximum speed of more than 45 km/h
- Power: max. 35 kW
- Ratio of power to empty mass: max. 0.2 kW/kg
Age: 18 years
Compulsory theory lessons
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another category, except A1 | With previous possession of category A1 for less than two years | With previous possession of category A1 for more than two years |
| Basic material | 12 | 6 | 6 | No compulsory lessons |
| Class-specific material4 | 4 | 4 | No compulsory lessons |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
| | Without previous possession of another class | Mit Vorbesitz einer anderen Klasse, ausgenommen A1 | With previous possession of category A1 for less than two years | With previous possession of category A1 for more than two years |
| Overland | 5 | 3 | 3 | No mandatory lessons |
| Freeway | 4 | 4 | 2 | No mandatory lessons |
| Nacht | 3 | 3 | 1 | No mandatory lessons |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
"Heavy" motorcycles (two-wheelers, also with sidecar)
- Displacement of more than 50 cm³
- Construction-related maximum speed of more than 45 km/h
- Three-wheeled motor vehicles
- Motor output of more than 15 kW
Age: 24 years or 20 years after at least two years of previous possession of category A2
Compulsory theory lessons
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another category, except A1 or A2 | With previous possession of category A1 | With previous possession of category A2 for less than two years | With previous possession of category A2 for at least two years |
| Base material | 12 | 6 | 6 | 6 | No compulsory lessons |
| Class-specific material | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | No compulsory lessons |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another category, except A1 or A2 | With previous possession of category A1 | With previous possession of category A2 for less than two years | With previous possession of category A2 for at least two years |
| Overland | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | No compulsory lessons |
| Freeway | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | No compulsory lessons |
| Night | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | No compulsory lessons |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
class B
B
BE
B96
B196
B197
Motor vehicles - except motor vehicles of categories AM, A1, A2 and A - with a maximum authorized mass of not more than 3,500 kg, which are designed and constructed for the carriage of not more than eight persons in addition to the driver.
Trailers may be carried provided that:
- The maximum permissible mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg or
- The maximum permissible mass of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg
Age: 18 years or 17 years for accompanied driving (B17
Compulsory theory lessons
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another class |
| Base material | 12 | 6 |
| Class-specific material | 2 | 2 |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another class |
| Overland | 5 | 5 |
| Freeway | 4 | 4 |
| Night | 3 | 3 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Combination of a category B motor vehicle (car or light truck) and trailer with a maximum permissible mass of more than 750 kg and a maximum permissible mass of the combination of more than 3,500 kg.
The maximum permissible mass of the trailer is limited to 3,500 kg
Required previous possession: Class B
Age: 18 years or 17 years for accompanied driving
Compulsory theory lessons
No theoretical training required
Compulsory practice hours
| Overland | 3 |
| Freeway | 1 |
| Night | 1 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Combination of motor vehicles of category B (passenger car or light truck) and trailer with a maximum authorized mass of more than 750 kg and a maximum authorized mass of the combination of more than 3,500 kg but not more than 4,250 kg.
Required previous possession: Class B
Theoretical and practical training
Age: 18 years or 17 years for accompanied driving
Compulsory theory lessons
2.5 hours á 60 minutes
Compulsory practice hours
Practical exercises: 3.5 hours of 60 minutes each.
Driving in real traffic: 1 hour of 60 minutes each.
Motorcycles (also with sidecar) with a cubic capacity of up to 125 cm3, an engine power of not more than 11 kW, where the ratio of power to weight does not exceed 0.1 kW/kg.
Minimum age: 25
Scope of application: inside Germany
Period of validity: without Time limit
Previous ownership required: Yes, At least 5 years class B
The training consists of two parts:
Theoretical training material: 4 Lessons of 90 minutes each (class-specific lessons class A1, A2, A)
Practical exercise material: 5 Instruction units of 90 minutes each (consisting of the topics vehicle control basic driving tasks) and out-of-town driving (interurban & highway driving)
as of 01.04.2021
Training and testing on automatic without automatic restriction, i.e. for you:
At least 10 hours of practice must be completed on a manual transmission vehicle during the training. The rest you drive with an automatic transmission.
More relaxed training and testing
- you can focus your full attention on driving
- No more constant shifting and clutching
Motor vehicles - except motor vehicles of categories AM, A1, A2 and A - with a maximum authorized mass of not more than 3,500 kg, which are designed and constructed for the carriage of not more than eight persons in addition to the driver.
Trailers may be carried provided that:
- The maximum permissible mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg or
- The maximum permissible mass of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg
Age: 18 years or 17 years for accompanied driving B17
Compulsory theory lessons
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another class |
| Base material | 12 | 6 |
| Class-specific material | 2 | 2 |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another class |
| Overland | 5 | 5 |
| Freeway | 4 | 4 |
| Night | 3 | 3 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 min.)
class C
C1
C1E
C
CE
Motor vehicles - except motor vehicles of categories AM, A1, A2 and A - with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3,500 kg but not more than 7,500 kg, which are designed and constructed for the carriage of not more than eight persons in addition to the driver.
Trailers with a permissible total mass of no more than 750 kg may be carried.
Required previous possession: Class B
Other:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driving license: 15 years
Period of validity of the driving license: 5 years
Age: 18 years
Compulsory theory lessons
| | Without previous possession of category B | Without previous possession of category D |
| Base material | 6 | 6 |
| Class-specific material | 6 | 2 |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
| Overland | 3 |
| Freeway | 1 |
| Night | 1 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Combinations of category C motor vehicles and trailers with a maximum authorized mass of more than 750 kg
Required previous possession: Class C
Other:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver's license: 15 years
Age: 21 years or 18 years if the applicant is being trained as a professional driver or driving specialist or has completed such training.
Compulsory theory lessons
| | With previous possession of category C |
| Base material | 6 |
| Class-specific material | 4 |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
| | With previous possession of class C | When classes C and CE are obtained in a combined training course | ||
| Solo | Combination (with trailer) | Total | ||
| Overland | 5 | 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Freeway | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Night | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
"Heavy goods vehicles": motor vehicles - with the exception of motor vehicles in categories AM, A1, A2 and A - with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3,500 kg, which are designed and constructed to carry no more than eight persons in addition to the driver.
Trailers with a permissible total mass of no more than 750 kg may be carried.
Required previous possession: Class B
Other:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver's license: 15 years
Period of validity of the driving license: 5 years
Age: 21 years or 18 years if the applicant is being trained as a professional driver or driving specialist or has completed such training.
Compulsory theory lessons
| | With previous possession of class B | With previous possession of class C1 or D1 | With previous possession of class D |
| Basic material | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Class-specific material | 10 | 4 | 2 |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
| | With previous possession of class B | With previous possession of class C1 |
| Overland | 5 | 3 |
| Freeway | 2 | 1 |
| Night | 3 | 1 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Combinations of category C motor vehicles and trailers with a maximum authorized mass of more than 750 kg
Required previous possession: Class C
Other:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver's license: 15 years
Age: 21 years or 18 years if the applicant is being trained as a professional driver or driving specialist or has completed such training.
Compulsory theory lessons
| | With previous possession of class C |
| Basic material | 6 |
| Class-specific material | 4 |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
| | With previous possession of class C | When classes C and CE are obtained in a combined training course | ||
| Solo | Combination (with trailer) | total | ||
| Overland | 5 | 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Freeway | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Night | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Klasse D
D1
D1E
D
DE
"Small buses": motor vehicles - except motor vehicles of categories AM, A1, A2 and A - which are designed and constructed to carry more than 8 but not more than 16 persons in addition to the driver and which are not longer than 8 meters.
Trailers with a permissible total mass of no more than 750 kg may be carried.
Required previous possession: Class B
Other:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver's license: 15 years
Period of validity of the driving license: 5 years
Age: 21 years or 18 years if the applicant is being trained as a professional driver or driving specialist or has completed such training.
Compulsory theory lessons
| | With previous possession of category B | With previous possession of category D |
| Base material | 6 | 6 |
| Class-specific material | 6 | 2 |
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
| | For previous possession of category B or C1, less than two years | If you have previously held category B or C1 for more than two years | For previous possession of category C, less than two years | For previous possession of category C, more than two years |
| Basic training | 41 | 16 | 8 | 6 |
| Overland | 19 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Freeway | 12 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Night | 7 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Combination of motor vehicles of category D1 and trailers with a maximum permissible mass of more than 750 kg. No persons may be transported on the trailer.
Erforderlicher Vorbesitz: Klasse DE
Other:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver's license: 15 years
Period of validity of the driving license: 5 years
Age: 21 years or 18 years if the applicant is being trained as a professional driver or driving specialist or has completed such training.
Compulsory theory lessons
No theoretical training required
Compulsory practice hours
| Basic training4 | |
| Overland | 3 |
| Freeway | 1 |
| Night | 1 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
"Large buses": motor vehicles - with the exception of motor vehicles in categories AM, A1, A2 and A - which are designed and constructed to carry more than eight persons in addition to the driver.
Trailers with a maximum permissible mass of no more than 750 kg may be carried.
Required previous possession: Class B
Other:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver's license: 15 years
Period of validity of the driving license: 5 years
Age:
- 24 years
- 23 years after accelerated basic qualification
- 21 years after basic qualification (comprehensive IHK examination); after accelerated basic qualification, then limited to regular services up to 50 kilometers in length
- 20 years during or after completion of vocational training as a professional driver or driver specialist
- 18 years during or after completion of vocational training as a professional driver or driving specialist, limited to regular services up to 50 kilometers in length
Notice:
If the minimum age of 24 is not met, a medical-psychological examination is required. In this case, the driver's license may only be used for journeys in Germany and only within the scope of vocational training. The restriction does not apply if the holder of the driving license is 24 years old or has completed vocational training.
Compulsory theory lessons
| | Bei Vorbesitz der Klasse B | Bei Vorbesitz der Klasse C oder D1 | Bei Vorbesitz der Klasse C1 |
| Grundstoff | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Klassenspezifischer Stoff | 18 | 8 | 12 |
(Doppelstunden zu je 90 Minuten)
Pflichtstunden Praxis
| | For previous possession of category B or C1, less than two years | If you have previously held category B or C1 for more than two years | For previous possession of category C, less than two years | For previous possession of category C, more than two years | With previous possession of category D1 |
| Basic training | 45 | 33 | 14 | 7 | 20 |
| Overland | 22 | 12 | 16 | 8 | 5 |
| Freeway | 14 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 5 |
| Night | 8 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 5 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Combinations of motor vehicles of category D1 and trailers with a maximum permissible mass of more than 750 kg. No persons may be transported on the trailer.
Required previous possession: Class D
Other:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver's license: 15 years
Period of validity of the driving license: 5 years
Age:
- 24 years
- 23 years after accelerated basic qualification
- 21 years after basic qualification (comprehensive IHK examination); after accelerated basic qualification, then limited to regular services up to 50 kilometers in length
- 20 years during or after completion of vocational training as a professional driver or driver specialist
- 18 years during or after completion of vocational training as a professional driver or driving specialist, limited to regular services up to 50 kilometers in length
Notice:
If the minimum age of 24 is not met, a medical-psychological examination is required. In this case, the driver's license may only be used for journeys in Germany and only within the scope of vocational training. The restriction does not apply if the holder of the driving license is 24 years old or has completed vocational training.
Compulsory theory lessons
No theoretical training required
Pflichtstunden Praxis
| Basic training | 4 |
| Overland | 3 |
| Freeway | 1 |
| Night | 1 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class L
L
Tractors with a maximum design speed of up to 40 km/h, provided they are designed for agricultural or forestry purposes and are used for such purposes.
When towing trailers, they may not be driven faster than 25 km/h.
Selbstfahrende Arbeitsmaschinen, selbstfahrende Futtermischwagen und Flurförderzeuge (Gabelstapler) mit einer bauartbedingten Höchstgeschwindigkeit bis max. 25 km/h, auch mit Anhänger.
Age: 16 years
Compulsory theory lessons
No theoretical training required
Compulsory practice hours
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another class |
| Base material | 12 | 6 |
| Class-specific material | 2 | 2 |
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class T
T
Agricultural tractors with a maximum design speed of over 40 km/h up to a maximum of 60 km/h
Self-propelled machinery and self-propelled feed mixers, each with a maximum design speed of 40 km/h
Condition: All vehicle types must be designed for use for agricultural or forestry purposes and be used for such purposes.
Age: 16 years up to 40 km/h or 18 years up to 60 km/h
Compulsory theory lessons
| | Without previous possession of another class | With previous possession of another class |
| Base material | 12 | 6 |
| Class-specific material | 6 | 6 |
Compulsory practice hours
Basic training and exam preparation - no special trips
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
MOFA
MOFA
Single-track, single-seater bicycles with auxiliary motor - also without pedal cranks.
Maximum design speed max. 25 km/h
Special seats for children under 7 years of age may be fitted.
Age: 15 years
Compulsory theory lessons
| Base material | 6 |
| Class-specific material | - |
Compulsory practice hours
| For individual training | at least 90 min. |
| For group training | at least 180 min. |
(Group training not on public roads)
Class AM
Category AM also entitles the holder to drive
Mopeds with a maximum design speed of no more than 50 km/h, provided they were first put on the road before January 1, 2002
Mopeds according to former GDR law (50 cm³, maximum design speed 60 km/h) that were first put on the road before March 1, 1992
Two-wheeled mopeds and bicycles with auxiliary motor
- Construction-related maximum speed max. 45 km/h
- Internal combustion engine: Displacement max. 50 cm³
- Electric motor: Rated continuous power max. 4 kW
Three-wheeled mopeds
- Construction-related maximum speed max. 45 km/h
- Spark ignition engine: cylinder capacity max. 50 cm³
- Other combustion engines: Useful power max. 4 kW
- Electric motor: Rated continuous power max. 4 kW
Four-wheeled light motor vehicles
- Construction-related maximum speed max. 45 km/h
- Spark ignition engine: cylinder capacity max. 50 cm³
- Other combustion engines: Useful power max. 4 kW
- Electric motor: Rated continuous power max. 4 kW
- Empty mass (without the mass of the batteries) max. 350 kg
Age: 16 years
Compulsory theory lessons
Base material: 2
Class-specific material: 2
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
Basic training – no special trips
Klasse A1
Class A1 also entitles the holder to drive
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of no more than 50 cm³ and a maximum design speed of more than 40 km/h, if they were first put on the road by 31.12.1983.
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of no more than 125 cm³ and a rated power of no more than 11 kW, if they were first put on the road by 18.01.2013.
Class A motorcycles (light motorcycles)
- Internal combustion engine: Displacement no longer 125 cm³
- Rated power of no more than 11 kW
- Ratio of power to empty mass: max. 0.1 kW/kg
Three-wheeled motor vehicles
- Displacement with more than 50 cm³
- Construction-related maximum speed of more than 45 km/h
- With an output of up to 15 kW
Age: 16 years
Compulsory theory lessons
Without previous possession of another class
Base material: 12
Klassenspezifischer Stoff: 4
With previous possession of another class
Base material: 6
Class-specific material: 4
Compulsory practice hours
Without previous possession of another class
Overland: 5
Freeway: 4
Night: 3
With previous possession of another class
Overland: 5
Freeway: 4
Night: 3
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class A2
“Medium-weight” motorcycles (two-wheelers, also with sidecar)
- Displacement of more than 50 cm³
- Construction-related maximum speed of more than 45 km/h
- Power: max. 35 kW
- Ratio of power to empty mass: max. 0.2 kW/kg
Age: 18 years
Mandatory theory lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
-
Basic material: 12 lessons
-
Class-specific material: 4 lessons
With prior possession of another license class (except A1):
-
Basic material: 6 lessons
-
Class-specific material: 4 lessons
With prior possession of class A1 for less than two years:
-
Basic material: 6 lessons
-
Class-specific material: 4 lessons
With prior possession of class A1 for more than two years:
-
No mandatory lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Mandatory practical lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
-
Country roads: 5 lessons
-
Motorway: 4 lessons
-
Night driving: 3 lessons
With prior possession of another license class (except A1):
-
Country roads: 3 lessons
-
Motorway: 4 lessons
-
Night driving: 3 lessons
With prior possession of class A1 for less than two years:
-
Country roads: 3 lessons
-
Motorway: 2 lessons
-
Night driving: 1 lesson
With prior possession of class A1 for more than two years:
-
No mandatory lessons
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class A
“Heavy” motorcycles (two-wheel vehicles, also with sidecar)
-
Engine capacity of more than 50 cm³
-
Design-based maximum speed of more than 45 km/h
Three-wheeled motor vehicles:
-
Engine power of more than 15 kW
Age: 24 years, or 20 years after at least two years of holding a Class A2 license
Mandatory theory lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
-
Basic material: 12 lessons
-
Class-specific material: 4 lessons
With prior possession of another license class (except A1 or A2):
-
Basic material: 6 lessons
-
Class-specific material: 4 lessons
With prior possession of Class A1:
-
Basic material: 6 lessons
-
Class-specific material: 4 lessons
With prior possession of Class A2 for less than two years:
-
Basic material: 6 lessons
-
Class-specific material: 5 lessons
With prior possession of Class A2 for at least two years:
-
No mandatory lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Mandatory practical lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
-
Country roads: 5 lessons
-
Motorway: 4 lessons
-
Night driving: 3 lessons
With prior possession of another license class (except A1 or A2):
-
Country roads: 5 lessons
-
Motorway: 4 lessons
-
Night driving: 3 lessons
With prior possession of Class A1:
-
Country roads: 3 lessons
-
Motorway: 2 lessons
-
Night driving: 1 lesson
With prior possession of Class A2 for less than two years:
-
Country roads: 3 lessons
-
Motorway: 2 lessons
-
Night driving: 1 lesson
With prior possession of Class A2 for at least two years:
-
No mandatory lessons
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class B
Motor vehicles – except vehicles of classes AM, A1, A2, and A – with a permissible total mass of no more than 3,500 kg, designed and built to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
Trailers may be towed if:
• The permissible total mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg, or
• The permissible total mass of the vehicle-trailer combination does not exceed 3,500 kg.
Age: 18 years, or 17 years when participating in accompanied driving (B17)
Mandatory theory lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 12 lessons
• Class-specific material: 2 lessons
With prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 2 lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Pflichtstunden Praxis
Mandatory practical lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
With prior possession of another license class:
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class BE
Mandatory practical lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
With prior possession of another license class:
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
Mandatory practical lessons
• Country roads: 3 lessons
• Motorway: 1 lesson
• Night driving: 1 lesson
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class B96
Combination of motor vehicles in category B (passenger car or light truck) and a trailer with a permissible total mass of more than 750 kg, where the total permissible mass of the combination exceeds 3,500 kg but does not exceed 4,250 kg.
Required previous license: Class B
Theoretical and practical training
Age: 18 years, or 17 years when participating in accompanied driving
Mandatory theory lessons:
• 2.5 hours of 60 minutes each
Mandatory practical lessons:
• Practical exercises: 3.5 hours of 60 minutes each
• Driving in real traffic: 1 hour of 60 minutes
Class B196
Motorcycles (also with sidecar) with an engine capacity of up to 125 cm³, an engine power not exceeding 11 kW, and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg.
Minimum age: 25 years
Scope of application: within Germany
Validity period: unlimited
Previous license required: YES, at least 5 years with Class B
The training consists of two parts:
Theoretical training content: 4 lessons of 90 minutes each (class-specific instruction for Class A1, A2, A)
Practical training content: 5 lessons of 90 minutes each (including vehicle control, basic driving tasks, and driving outside built-up areas such as country and motorway driving)
Class B197
From 01.04.2021
Training and testing on automatic vehicles without an automatic transmission restriction, meaning:
At least 10 practice hours during the training must be completed on a manual transmission vehicle.
The remaining lessons can be completed with an automatic transmission.
More relaxed training and examination:
• You can fully concentrate on driving
• No constant shifting or clutch operation required
Motor vehicles – except vehicles of classes AM, A1, A2, and A – with a permissible total mass of no more than 3,500 kg, designed and built to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
Trailers may be towed if:
• The permissible total mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg, or
• The permissible total mass of the vehicle-trailer combination does not exceed 3,500 kg.
Age: 18 years, or 17 years when participating in accompanied driving (B17)
Mandatory theory lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 12 lessons
• Class-specific material: 2 lessons
With prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 2 lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Mandatory practical lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
With prior possession of another license class:
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
(Special trips: duration at least 45 min.)
Class C1
Motor vehicles – except vehicles of classes AM, A1, A2, and A – with a permissible total mass of more than 3,500 kg but not more than 7,500 kg, designed and built to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
Trailers with a permissible total mass of no more than 750 kg may be towed.
Required previous license: Class B
Additional information:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver’s license document: 15 years
Validity of the driving authorization: 5 years
Age: 18 years
Mandatory theory lessons
Without prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 6 lessons
With prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 2 lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Mandatory practical lessons
• Country roads: 3 lessons
• Motorway: 1 lesson
• Night driving: 1 lesson
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class C1E
Combination of motor vehicles in category C1 and trailers with a permissible total mass of more than 750 kg.
Combination of motor vehicles in category B and trailers with a permissible total mass greater than 3,500 kg.
The permissible total mass of the combination must not exceed 12,000 kg!
Required previous license: Class C1
Additional information:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver’s license document: 15 years
Validity of the driving authorization: 5 years
Age: 18 years
Mandatory theory lessons:
• No theoretical training required
Mandatory practical lessons
With prior possession of Class C1:
• Country roads: 1 lesson
• Night driving: 1 lesson
When Class C1 and C1E are obtained in a combined training course:
Solo (without trailer):
• Country roads: 1 lesson
• Night driving: 0 lessons
With trailer (combination):
• Country roads: 3 lessons
• Night driving: 2 lessons
Total:
• Country roads: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 2 lessons
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class C
“Heavy trucks”: Motor vehicles – except vehicles of classes AM, A1, A2, and A – with a permissible total mass of more than 3,500 kg, designed and built to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
Trailers with a permissible total mass of no more than 750 kg may be towed.
Required previous license: Class B
Additional information:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver’s license document: 15 years
Validity of the driving authorization: 5 years
Age: 21 years, or 18 years if the applicant is undergoing or has completed training as a professional driver or transport service specialist.
Mandatory theory lessons
With prior possession of Class B:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 10 lessons
With prior possession of Class C1 or B1:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 4 lessons
With prior possession of Class D:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 2 lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
With prior possession of Class B:
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 2 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
With prior possession of Class C1:
• Country roads: 3 lessons
• Motorway: 1 lesson
• Night driving: 1 lesson
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class CE
Combinations of motor vehicles in category C and trailers with a permissible total mass of more than 750 kg.
Required previous license: Class C
Additional information:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver’s license document: 15 years
Age: 21 years, or 18 years if the applicant is undergoing or has completed training as a professional driver or transport service specialist.
Mandatory theory lessons
With prior possession of Class C:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 4 lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Mandatory practical lessons
With prior possession of Class C:
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 2 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
When Class C and CE are obtained in a combined training course:
Solo (without trailer):
• Country roads: 2 lessons
• Motorway: 1 lesson
• Night driving: 0 lessons
With trailer (combination):
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 2 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
Total:
• Country roads: 8 lessons
• Motorway: 3 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class D
“Small buses”: Motor vehicles – except vehicles of classes AM, A1, A2, and A – designed and built to carry more than 8 but not more than 16 passengers in addition to the driver, and not longer than 8 meters.
Trailers with a permissible total mass of no more than 750 kg may be towed.
Required previous license: Class B
Additional information:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver’s license document: 15 years
Validity of the driving authorization: 5 years
Age: 21 years, or 18 years if the applicant is undergoing or has completed training as a professional driver or transport service specialist.
Compulsory theory lessons
With prior possession of Class B:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 6 lessons
With prior possession of Class D:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 2 lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Mandatory practical lessons
With prior possession of Class B or C1, less than two years:
• Basic training: 41 lessons
• Country roads: 19 lessons
• Motorway: 12 lessons
• Night driving: 7 lessons
With prior possession of Class B or C1, more than two years:
• Basic training: 16 lessons
• Country roads: 8 lessons
• Motorway: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 4 lessons
With prior possession of Class C, less than two years:
• Basic training: 8 lessons
• Country roads: 8 lessons
• Motorway: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 4 lessons
With prior possession of Class C, more than two years:
• Basic training: 6 lessons
• Country roads: 4 lessons
• Motorway: 2 lessons
• Night driving: 2 lessons
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class D1E
Combination of motor vehicles in category D1 and trailers with a permissible total mass of more than 750 kg. No passengers are allowed on the trailer.
Required previous license: Class DE
Additional information:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver’s license document: 15 years
Validity of the driving authorization: 5 years
Age: 21 years, or 18 years if the applicant is undergoing or has completed training as a professional driver or transport service specialist.
Mandatory theory lessons
No theoretical training required
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Mandatory practical lessons
• Basic training: 4 lessons
• Country roads: 3 lessons
• Motorway: 1 lesson
• Night driving: 1 lesson
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class D
“Large buses”: Motor vehicles – except vehicles of classes AM, A1, A2, and A – designed and built to carry more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
Trailers with a permissible total mass of no more than 750 kg may be towed.
Required previous license: Class B
Additional information:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver’s license document: 15 years
Validity of the driving authorization: 5 years
Age:
• 24 years
• 23 years after accelerated basic qualification
• 21 years after completed basic qualification (extensive IHK exam); after accelerated basic qualification, limited to line traffic up to 50 km route length
• 20 years during or after completion of professional training as a professional driver or transport service specialist
• 18 years during or after completion of professional training as a professional driver or transport service specialist, limited to line traffic up to 50 km route length
Note:
Except for the minimum age of 24 years, a medical-psychological examination is required. In this case, the license may only be used for driving in Germany and only within the framework of professional training. The restriction is lifted when the license holder reaches 24 years of age or has completed the professional training.
Mandatory theory lessons
With prior possession of Class B:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 18 lessons
With prior possession of Class C and D1:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 8 lessons
With prior possession of Class C1:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 12 lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Mandatory practical lessons
With prior possession of Class B or C1, less than two years:
• Basic training: 45 lessons
• Country roads: 22 lessons
• Motorway: 14 lessons
• Night driving: 8 lessons
With prior possession of Class B or C1, more than two years:
• Basic training: 33 lessons
• Country roads: 12 lessons
• Motorway: 8 lessons
• Night driving: 5 lessons
With prior possession of Class C, less than two years:
• Basic training: 14 lessons
• Country roads: 16 lessons
• Motorway: 8 lessons
• Night driving: 6 lessons
With prior possession of Class C, more than two years:
• Basic training: 7 lessons
• Country roads: 8 lessons
• Motorway: 4 lessons
• Night driving: 3 lessons
With prior possession of Class D1:
• Basic training: 20 lessons
• Country roads: 5 lessons
• Motorway: 5 lessons
• Night driving: 5 lessons
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class DE
Combinations of motor vehicles in category D1 and trailers with a permissible total mass of more than 750 kg. No passengers are allowed on the trailer.
Required previous license: Class D
Additional information:
Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG)
Validity of the driver’s license document: 15 years
Validity of the driving authorization: 5 years
Age:
• 24 years
• 23 years after accelerated basic qualification
• 21 years after completed basic qualification (extensive IHK exam); after accelerated basic qualification, limited to line traffic up to 50 km route length
• 20 years during or after completion of professional training as a professional driver or transport service specialist
• 18 years during or after completion of professional training as a professional driver or transport service specialist, limited to line traffic up to 50 km route length
Note:
Except for the minimum age of 24 years, a medical-psychological examination is required. In this case, the license may only be used for driving in Germany and only within the framework of professional training. The restriction is lifted when the license holder reaches 24 years of age or has completed the professional training.
Mandatory theory lessons:
• No theoretical training required
(Doppelstunden zu je 90 Minuten)
Mandatory practical lessons
• Basic training: 4 lessons
• Country roads: 3 lessons
• Motorway: 1 lesson
• Night driving: 1 lesson
(Special trips: duration at least 45 minutes)
Class T
Agricultural tractors with a design-based maximum speed over 40 km/h up to a maximum of 60 km/h
Self-propelled work machines and self-propelled feed mixers, each with a design-based maximum speed of up to 40 km/h
Condition: All vehicle types must be designed for agricultural or forestry use and used for such purposes.
Age: 16 years for vehicles up to 40 km/h, or 18 years for vehicles up to 60 km/h
Without prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 12 lessons
• Class-specific material: 6 lessons
With prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 6 lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
Basic training and exam preparation – no special trips
Class L
Tractors with a design-based maximum speed of up to 40 km/h, provided they are designed for agricultural or forestry use and used for such purposes.
When towing trailers, the speed must not exceed 25 km/h.
Self-propelled work machines, self-propelled feed mixers, and industrial trucks (forklifts) with a design-based maximum speed of up to 25 km/h, including when towing a trailer.
Age: 16 years
Without prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 12 lessons
• Class-specific material: 2 lessons
With prior possession of another license class:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: 2 lessons
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Compulsory practice hours
Basic training – no special trips
MOFA
Single-track, single-seat bicycles with auxiliary motor – also without pedals.
Design-based maximum speed: 25 km/h
Special seats for carrying children under 7 years may be installed.
Age: 15 years
Mandatory theory lessons:
• Basic material: 6 lessons
• Class-specific material: –
(Double lessons of 90 minutes each)
Mandatory practical lessons:
• Individual training: at least 90 minutes
• Group training: at least 180 minutes
(Group training not on public roads)
(double lessons of 90 minutes each)
