The driving license is more than just a document – it is the key to mobility and often an important part of professional life. In Germany there are different driving license classes, each of which entitles you to drive certain types of vehicles. This comprehensive guide explains the different driving license classes, requirements, costs and important deadlines for exchanging old driving licenses.
The different driving license classes in Germany entitle you to drive different types of vehicles
Driving license classes at a glance
Depending on the type of vehicle, you need different driving license classes in Germany. Here you will find an overview of the most important classes and their permissions:
| Driving class | Permissions | Minimum age |
| B | Cars up to 3.5t, max. 8 seats + driver | 18 years (17 with accompanied driving) |
| A2 | Motorcycles up to 35 kW (48 hp) | 18 years |
| A | All motorcycles without power limit | 24 years (20 with previous ownership A2) |
| C1 | Truck 3.5t to 7.5t | 18 years |
| C | Trucks over 3.5t | 21 years |
| B96 | Car with trailer up to 4.25t total mass | 18 years |
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Driving license class B
The class B driving license is the classic car driving license and entitles you to drive motor vehicles with a permissible total mass of up to 3.5 tons. These include cars, small vans and motorhomes.
Driving training for driver class B includes theoretical and practical units
Requirements for a class B driving license
- Minimum age: 18 years (17 years for accompanied driving)
- First aid course (9 teaching units)
- Eye test
- Biometric passport photo
- Identity card or passport
- Theoretical and practical testing
Costs for class B driving license
€1,500
Average costs
Basic fee
€200-400
Driving hours (a 45-60 €)
€600-900
Exam fees
€150-200
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A2 driving license
Ideal for beginners in the world of more powerful motorcycles, the A2 driving license allows you to drive motorcycles with an engine output of up to 35 kW (48 hp) and a power-to-weight ratio of a maximum of 0.2 kW/kg.
Motorcycles up to 35 kW (48 hp) can be driven with the A2 driving license
Requirements for the A2 driver’s cab
- Minimum age: 18 years
- First aid course
- Eye test
- Biometric passport photo
- Identity card or passport
- Theoretical and practical testing
Benefits
- Entry into more powerful motorcycles at the age of 18
- Cheaper insurance premiums compared to Class A
- Promoted to Class A after 2 years (from 20 years)
- Sufficient performance for everyday life and tours
Disadvantages
- Power limit to 35 kW (48 hp)
- Not all motorcycle models available
- Upgrade necessary later for unrestricted driving
- Additional costs for later promotion to Class A
How long does the training for the A2 driving license take?
The duration of training for the A2 driving license is usually 6-8 weeks. With intensive training, the driver’s license can also be purchased in 4 weeks. The exact duration depends on your previous knowledge and the frequency of driving lessons.
Truck driving license
The truck driving license includes classes C1 and C and enables trucks of different weight classes to be driven. These driving license classes are particularly relevant for professional purposes.
The truck driving license opens up career prospects in the transport industry
Driving license class C1
Class C1 authorizes the driving of trucks with a maximum permissible mass of more than 3.5 tons up to a maximum of 7.5 tons.
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Validity: 5 years
- Requirement: Class B driving license document
- Cost: €1,800-2,500 approx
Driving license class C
With Class C you are allowed to drive trucks with a permissible total mass of more than 3.5 tons without an upper weight limit.
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Validity: 5 years
- Requirement: Class B driving license document
- Cost: 2,500-3,500 € approx
Professional driver qualification
Professional driver qualifications are also required for the commercial use of a truck driving license. This includes a basic qualification and regular further training.
C1E driving license
The class C1E driving license extends the class C1 authorization to drive trailers. With this combination you are allowed to drive vehicle combinations consisting of a class C1 towing vehicle and a trailer with a permissible total mass of more than 750 kg.
With the C1E driving license, vehicle combinations consisting of trucks and trailers may be used
Requirements for the C1E driving license
- Possession of the class C1 driving license document
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Medical examination
- Eye test
- Theoretical and practical testing
Costs for the C1E driving license
The cost of acquiring the C1E driving license document is between €800 and €1,500, depending on the number of driving hours required and the driving school. If you already have a C1 driving license, the costs are reduced accordingly.
How long does the training for the C1E driving license take?
The duration of training for the C1E driving license is usually 2-4 weeks if you already have the C1 driving license. You must complete at least 5 special trips and pass the theoretical and practical tests.
B96 driving licence
The B96 driving license is an extension of the normal car driving license (Class B) and enables you to drive vehicle combinations with a total mass between 3.5 and 4.25 tons. This is particularly practical for caravans, horse trailers or boat transport.
With the B96 driving license, larger trailers can be towed like caravans
Benefits of the B96 driving license
- No complete driving test necessary
- Only one training of 7 teaching units (no exam)
- Significantly cheaper than the BE driving license
- Quick purchase possible (often in one day)
- Ideal for recreational use (caravan, boat transport)
„The B96 driving license is the perfect solution for anyone who occasionally wants to pull heavier trailers without having to get their full BE driving license straight away.”
Thomas Müller, driving instructor
Costs for the B96 driving license
The cost of the B96 driving license is between €200 and €350. The training includes 2.5 hours of theory and 3.5 hours of practice and can often be completed in one day.
B78 driving licence
The B78 driving license is not an independent driving license document, but rather a restriction of class B. The key number 78 means that the owner is only allowed to drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. This restriction is entered if the driving test was taken with an automatic vehicle.
With the B78 driving license, only vehicles with automatic transmissions may be driven
Repeal of B78 restriction
As of 1 April 2021, there is a simplified way to remove the B78 restriction:
- At least 10 driving hours of 45 minutes with manual transmission
- No theoretical or practical exam necessary
- Certificate from the driving school of completed driving lessons
- Cost: about 500-700 € (depending on the number of driving hours)
Important note
Driving a vehicle with a manual transmission despite the B78 restriction is considered driving without a license and is punishable, the penalty may include a fine and points in Flensburg.
Driver’s license exchange
By January 19, 2033, all old driving licenses issued before January 19, 2013 must be in the new EUDriving license document exchanged become. The exchange takes place staggered according to year of birth or date of issue.
The old driving licence document (left) must be exchanged for the new EU driving licence document (right)
Deadlines for exchanging driving licenses
The year the ticket was issued applies to a driving license document with an issue date from January 1, 1999:
| Exhibition year | Exchange period |
| 1999 to 2001 | until 19 January 2026 |
| 2002 to 2004 | until 19 January 2027 |
| 2005 to 2007 | until 19 January 2028 |
| 2008 | until 19 January 2029 |
| 2009 | to 19 January 2030 |
| 2010 | to 19 January 2031 |
| 2011 | to 19 January 2032 |
| 2012 to 18.01.2013 | to 19 January 2033 |
Required documents for exchange
- Valid ID card or passport
- Current biometric passport photo
- Old driver’s license
Important to know
The exchange is purely administrative. No new examinations or medical examinations are required. The driving license itself remains unchanged.
Driving license costs
The costs for a driving license document vary depending on the driving license class, driving school, region and individual learning progress. Here you will find an overview of the average costs for different driving license classes:
The costs for a ticket consist of various components
| Driving class | Average total cost | Basic fee | Driving lessons | Exam fees |
| B (CAR) | €1,500-2,200 | €200-400 | €800-1,400 | €150-200 |
| A2 (motorcycle) | €1,200-1,800 | €200-350 | €700-1,100 | €150-200 |
| C1 (trucks up to 7.5t) | €1,800-2,500 | €300-500 | €1,200-1,600 | €200-250 |
| C (TRUCK) | €2,500-3,500 | €400-600 | €1,800-2,400 | €250-300 |
| B96 (car with trailer) | €200-350 | €100-150 | €100-200 | No exam |
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Buy a driver’s license – Warning against illegal offers
There are always offers on the Internet to “buy” a driving license without an exam. Such offers must be expressly warned about!
Purchasing a fake driving license document is a criminal offense and can have serious consequences
Legal consequences when purchasing fake tickets
- Criminal offense according to §267 StGB (falsification of documents) – up to 5 years in prison
- Driving without a license according to §21 StVG – fine or prison sentence of up to 1 year
- No insurance coverage in the event of accidents
- Lifetime liability for damage caused
- Difficulty acquiring a legal driving license in the future
The only legal way to get a driving license is through a recognized driving school and passing the prescribed exams. This is for the safety of all road users and is non-negotiable.
Driving license in international comparison
The driving license regulations differ between Germany, Austria and Switzerland in some points. Here is an overview of the most important differences:
Cabs from Germany, Austria and Switzerland differ in design and sometimes in the regulations
Germany
- Class B aged 18 and over (17 with BF17)
- Probationary period: 2 years
- Alcohol limit for novice drivers: 0.0fund
- Driving license valid for 15 years
Austria
- Driving license document class B from 18 years (17 with L17)
- Probationary period: 3 years
- Alcohol limit for novice drivers: 0.1∗
- Driving license valid for 15 years
Switzerland
- Category B from 18 years
- Probationary period: 3 years
- Alcohol limit for novice drivers: 0.1∗
- Driving license document valid indefinitely
Mutual recognition
Driving license documents from EU countries and Switzerland are mutually recognized. When moving to another country, the ticket usually has to be rewritten after 6-12 months.
Conclusion: The right driving license for your needs
Choosing the right ticket depends on your individual needs and destinations. While the Class B ticket is sufficient for most individuals, special classes of driving license such as A2, C1, C1E or B96 may be required for certain professional or leisure activities.
With the right ticket you have a variety of mobility options available to you
When planning your driving license training, pay attention to the costs, time required and long-term advantages of the respective class. Find out from several driving schools to find the best offer and plan enough time for training.
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What is a Ticket?
The term Ticket has several meanings in German. On the one hand, he describes one Public transport ticket, i.e. the ticket for bus, train or subway. Every passenger is obliged to carry a valid ticket if they use public transport. On the other hand, in some regions the term is also used as a name for the official driving license used – the document authorizing a person to drive a vehicle on the road.
Ticket as ticket
In the area of public transport, the ticket is equivalent to a ticket. He can as Single ticket, weekly ticket, monthly ticket or digital ticket present. Without a valid ticket, passengers are threatened with an „increased transport fee“. This makes the ticket an indispensable proof of the use of buses and trains and ensures fairness and order in the transport sector.
Ticket as official driving license
In addition to its importance as a ticket, the ticket also stands for the official driving license in road traffic. This document is issued by the relevant authorities after passing tests and serves as evidence that a person is able to drive a vehicle safely and responsibly.
Minimum age for the different driving license classes
In Germany and many European countries, the minimum age for different vehicle classes is clearly regulated:
- Moped (AM class): from 15 years
- Light motorcycles (A1): from 16 years
- Passenger cars (Class B): regular from 18 years old, accompanied driving possible from 17
- Mid-range motorcycles (A2): from 18 years
- Heavy motorcycles (A): from 20 years (if previously owned A2) or from 24 years directly
- Trucks (Class C): from 21 years
- Buses (Class D): from 24 years
These age limits ensure that drivers have the necessary maturity and training before they are allowed to move certain types of vehicles.
Importance in everyday life
Whether as a ticket on the train or as official proof of participation in road traffic – the ticket is a central document in everyday life. While it forms the basis for a journey in public transport, it opens up independence, mobility and flexibility in road transport.
Conclusion
The term Ticket includes both the classic bus and train ticket as well as the official driving license for motor vehicles. Both variants are required by law and are of great importance in everyday life. Particularly important are the age limits set, which ensure safety and responsibility in road transport while gradually introducing young people to vehicle management.