Rock Your Road Trips with the B96 Extension!
Potential Extension for Class B Driver's Licence Without Re-testing Needed - Obtaining a Fresh License B Without the Necessity of a Test: A Guide
By Gernot Kramper- - 2 Min
Driving a Class B vehicle means you've got the keys to drive all passenger cars, allowing you to embrace the open road without any speed or horsepower restrictions. But there's a catch – weight limitations loom, especially when it comes to towing. Here's where the magic of B96 comes in!
Unleash the Power of Class B
Class B gives you the freedom to drive more than just regular cars. You can drive eight passengers, handle light motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and even operate tractors. But when it comes to trailers, you might hit a roadblock.
The Hitch: Trailers and Class B
You can only haul trailers which don't exceed 3500 kilograms. This can be a challenge, especially for those in the trades, agriculture, or private individuals using caravans, horse, or boat trailers. With Class B, you can tow motor vehicles weighing up to 3500 kilograms, but only with trailers weighing up to 750 kilograms.
The B96 Solution
Enter the B96 extension – a little-known secret to the Class B world. While it may sound like a highway code, B96 is an extension of the Class B license. The cherry on top? There's no test required!
You'll only need to complete a training program that takes roughly a day. It consists of both theory and practical lessons. According to ADAC, the costs are reasonable, ranging from 300 to 500 euros. The B96 extension is valid across Europe, and you can tow heavier trailers now! However, the total weight of the vehicle and trailer still cannot exceed 4250 kilograms.
For instance, with an SUV like Mercedes ML, the vehicle's permissible weight is 2800 kg, leaving 1450 kg for the trailer. With a VW Tiguan, the permissible weight is 2250 kg, allowing for two tons of trailer weight. Lastly, a Mitsubishi Pajero is already at 3030 kg, but with the B96 extension, you can have at least 1220 kg for the trailer.
Stepping up to BE class would be the next option, requiring extensive practical training, passing a test, and a higher cost (around 1000 euros). With a BE license, you can tow trailers up to 3.5 tons, and the combined weight of the trailer and towing vehicle may not exceed seven tons.
Before you dive into training, practice towing within Class B limits. Remember, you can obtain a Class B license without any towing experience, but it's best to have some practical skills for B96 or BE licenses [ADAC 1][ADAC 2].
Still Curious? Here's Some Additional Info
The B96 extension training is a comprehensive 7-hour program, encompassing off-road and on-road driving sessions. The aim is to teach you how to safely tow a heavier trailer [1].
The B96 extension allows you to tow trailers with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of over 750 kg, provided the total combined weight of the vehicle and trailer does not surpass 4250 kg. For example, if your vehicle weighs 2900 kg, you can tow a trailer of up to 1350 kg under the B96 extension [2].
Unlike other towing licenses, such as the B+E license, the B96 does not require a theory test. It does, however, necessitate passing two practical tests: a closed circuit test and an urban driving test [2].
So, gear up, hit the road, and enjoy the flexibility of the B96 extension!
Sources: ADAC 1, ADAC 2
- Transportation
- Road Travel
- Driver's License
- The B96 extension, offered as an addition to the Class B license, is valuable for industries that require heavy-duty trailers, such as automotive, agriculture, and trades, as it allows for the towing of trailers beyond the 750 kg limit, up to 4250 kg in total weight, facilitating finance-friendly vocational training.
- With the B96 extension, individuals can embark on improved road trips, also opening up opportunities in the transportation sector, as they can now tow vehicles and trailers that were previously out of reach, providing a crucial boost to their vocational training capabilities under the Class B license.
