Expand Your Horizons: Maximizing Class B Driver's License Without a Test
- Written by Gernot Kramper's Doppelgänger
- 2 Min
Obtaining a Class B License Exemption: Skip the Test Required for Acquiring a Driver's License - Multiple Class B Licenses Granted Without Testing
The Class B driver's license is the standard these days, letting you command any passenger vehicle you yearn for, without restrictions on horsepower or speed - but there's a catch when it comes to weight. Commuter cars can't carry more than 3.5 tons.
What Can Class B Do For You?
While the old Class 3 license is history, it still lets you drive more than just cars - for instance, you can ferry eight souls, including the driver, and run light motorcycles that top out at 45 km/h. Don't forget three-wheeled vehicles, like motorbikes with two tires on a single axle, or small four-wheeled toys like quads. And here's the shocker - you can pilot tractors up to 40 km/h or monstrous combine harvesters at 25 km/h!
The Setback: Trailer Troubles
However, things get tricky when trailers are in the equation. Combining your vehicle with a trailer shouldn't exceed 3500 kilograms - a limit many towing vehicles can quickly reach. For example, professional industries like construction, vehicle transport, or agriculture often struggle with this burden. In private life, you'll sail past the limit with caravan, horse, or boat trailers, too. But here's the good news: with Class B, you're able to drive motor vehicles with a gross mass (zGM) of up to 3500 kilograms, towing a trailer with a zGM of up to 750 kilograms. If the total weight doesn't go above 3500 kilograms, the trailer can be heavier.
Serious Upgrade: The B96 Extension
Now for the big reveal: the B96 extension. Not many people are aware of this loophole. Most would think it's for federal highways. But, in reality, B96 is actually an extension of Class B. The main advantage is you don't need a test—just a few hours at a driving school, which costs around 300 to 500 euros. With B96, you can tow heavier trailers across Europe. Still, ensure the combined weight of your towing vehicle and trailer doesn't exceed 4250 kilograms. You can hack nearly two tons with an SUV like the Mercedes ML or three tons with an all-wheel-drive VW Tiguan. But remember: a Mitsubishi Pajero's already at its weight limit - so with B96, you'll have more room for the trailer (minimum 1220 kilograms).
Considering the BE class might be your next stop, but beware the practical test, significant costs, and the chance of failure. You're expected to invest around 1000 euros for BE training, and it allows you to tow trailers up to 3.5 tonnes with a combined load of seven tonnes. Before embarking on BE training, practice driving with a trailer alongside Class B restrictions. While you can snag Class B without any towing experience, B96 or BE demands more practice.
Sources: ADAC 1, ADAC 2
- Driver's License
- Traffic Law
- Vehicle
Insights:
For those looking to pull more substantial loads, it is essential to know that the U.S. operates under a slightly different system called Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs). In the United States, a Class B CDL allows driving single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more and towing lighter trailers. To tow significantly heavier trailers with a Class B CDL, additional endorsements or certifications might be required, depending on the state regulations. These additional endorsements offer various benefits: more job opportunities, increased earning potential, and compliance with laws and regulations. Further information can be obtained by contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent.
- In the realm of vocational training, one could consider enrolling in a course focused on towing vehicles and operating heavy trailers, as mastering the B96 extension of Class B driver's license provides the advantage of towing heavier trailers across Europe without the need for a test, yet ensuring compliance with weight limits.
- To cater to the unique demands of the various industries such as construction, vehicle transport, or agriculture where heavy trailers are often required, one might consider exploring vocational training in relation to finance, as understanding the financial implications of owning and operating such vehicles can help in making informed decisions, enabling them to maximize their returns and stay within industry regulations. Furthermore, considering the significance of transportation infrastructure, particularly in the automotive industry, the implementation of efficient transportation policies at a community level could also be a matter of interest, ensuring smooth transportation of goods while maintaining safety standards.
