What you may drive, the minimum age, the paperwork the authority asks for and how much theory and practice the law prescribes at minimum — for every class, exactly as the official licence information sheets state it.
Car
Two wheels
Trailer
Truck
Bus
Farm & forestry
B
Car
B – Car
Up to 3.5 t and 8 seats
Minimum age
18years
Theory
14double lessons
First licence
Special drives
12drives
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Cars and small trucks up to 3,500 kg permissible total mass with no more than eight seats besides the driver’s
Plus a trailer up to 750 kg — or a heavier trailer as long as the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg
Three-wheelers within Germany; over 15 kW only from age 21
Includes L and AM.
Accompanied driving from 17: exam at 17, until your 18th birthday only with a registered accompanying person.
Requirements
Minimum age
18 years · 17 years · 21 years
17: accompanied driving from 17 (BF17), or during or after professional driver training
21: for three-wheelers over 15 kW, within Germany only
Prior licence
no class required
Includes
L, AM
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
no, only an eye test
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
14 double lessons · 21 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
12 × General material2 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
First licence
special drives of 45 minutes
5ÜL
4AB
3NF
12 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
B197
Car
B197 – Car — automatic with manual proof
Exam on an automatic, licence without restriction
Code added to class B — requirements and documents as there
Minimum age
18years
Theory
14double lessons
First licence
Special drives
12drives
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Everything as class B — manual and automatic cars, in Germany and abroad
You take the exam on an automatic; the manual proof replaces the automatic-only restriction (code 78)
Without the manual proof an automatic exam stays restricted to automatic vehicles (code 78).
If you later extend to BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE on an automatic, the automatic restriction still applies to those classes.
Possible later on: apply to the authority for code 197 with proof of the manual training.
Requirements
Minimum age
18 years · 17 years
17: accompanied driving from 17 (BF17), or during or after professional driver training
Prior licence
no class required
Includes
L, AM
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
no, only an eye test
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
14 double lessons · 21 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
12 × General material2 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
First licence
special drives of 45 minutes
5ÜL
4AB
3NF
12 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
On top of the automatic training: at least 10 lessons (45 minutes each) on a manual class B car and a test drive of at least 15 minutes with the instructor inside and outside built-up areas. The school certifies this under Annex 7 — electronically too.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
B196
Car
B196 – Light motorcycle with the car licence
Code 196 — ride a 125 without an A1 exam
Minimum age
25years
Theory
4double lessons
Special drives
course
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Motorcycles, with or without sidecar, up to 125 cc and 11 kW — power-to-weight ratio at most 0.1 kW/kg
Within Germany only
You need class B for at least 5 years, must be 25 and complete the rider course; apply for the entry within one year of the course.
Code 196 does not give you class A1 — a later upgrade to A2 under the bonus rule is therefore not possible.
Requirements
Minimum age
25 years
Prior licence
Class B — held for at least 5 years
Includes
no further class
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
none — not even an eye test
Application at the authority
no application at the authority — the school certifies the course
Exam
no exam
Documents
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Theory
4 double lessons · 6 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
0 × General material4 × Class-specific material
4 units of 90 minutes each, class-specific material only.
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
At least 4 units of 90 minutes of class-specific theory — without an exam.
Practice
At least 5 units of 90 minutes of riding practice: vehicle control plus training on federal and country roads and motorways — individually, not in a group. The training motorcycle may be an automatic.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
AM
Two wheels
AM – Moped & scooter
Two-, three- and light four-wheelers up to 45 km/h
Minimum age
16years
Theory
14double lessons
First licence
Special drives
none
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Light two-wheeled vehicles of category L1e-B — scooters and mopeds up to 45 km/h
Three-wheeled mopeds of category L2e
Light four-wheeled vehicles of category L6e, such as microcars
At 15 within Germany only — from your 16th birthday abroad as well.
Requirements
Minimum age
16 years · 15 years
15: within Germany only until you turn 16
Prior licence
no class required
Includes
no further class
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
no, only an eye test
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
14 double lessons · 21 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
12 × General material2 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
Basic training — no special drives.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
A1
Two wheels
A1 – Light motorcycle
Up to 125 cc and 11 kW
Minimum age
16years
Theory
16double lessons
First licence
Special drives
12drives
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Motorcycles, with or without sidecar, up to 125 cc and at most 11 kW — the power-to-weight ratio may not exceed 0.1 kW/kg
Three-wheelers with symmetrically arranged wheels, over 50 cc or over 45 km/h, up to 15 kW
Includes class AM.
Requirements
Minimum age
16 years
Prior licence
no class required
Includes
AM
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
no, only an eye test
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
16 double lessons · 24 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
12 × General material4 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
First licence
special drives of 45 minutes
5ÜL
4AB
3NF
12 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
A2
Two wheels
A2 – Mid-range motorcycle
Up to 35 kW and 0.2 kW/kg
Minimum age
18years
Theory
16double lessons
First licence
Special drives
12drives
First licence
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Motorcycles, with or without sidecar, with at most 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio of at most 0.2 kW/kg
Not allowed: restricted machines derived from a motorcycle with more than 70 kW
Includes A1 and AM.
Anyone who obtained the restricted class A by 18 January 2013 may ride class A2 motorcycles since 19 January 2013 and, after two years, all class A vehicles — without exchanging the card.
Requirements
Minimum age
18 years
Prior licence
no class required
Includes
A1, AM
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
no, only an eye test
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
16 double lessons · 24 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
12 × General material4 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
First licence
special drives of 45 minutes
5ÜL
4AB
3NF
12 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
A
Two wheels
A – Unrestricted motorcycle
All motorcycles, any power
Minimum age
24years
Theory
16double lessons
First licence
Special drives
12drives
First licence
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Motorcycles, with or without sidecar, over 50 cc or with a design speed above 45 km/h
Three-wheelers over 15 kW and three-wheelers with symmetrically arranged wheels over 50 cc or over 45 km/h
Includes A2, A1 and AM.
Upgrade from A2 after at least two years: a practical exam only, no new theory.
Requirements
Minimum age
24 years · 21 years · 20 years
24: direct entry
21: for three-wheeled motor vehicles
20: upgrade from A2, held for at least 2 years
Prior licence
no class required
Includes
A2, A1, AM
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
no, only an eye test
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
16 double lessons · 24 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
12 × General material4 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
First licence
special drives of 45 minutes
5ÜL
4AB
3NF
12 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
Mofa
Two wheels
Mofa – Moped test certificate
Single-track bicycles with auxiliary motor up to 25 km/h
Minimum age
15years
Theory
6double lessons
Special drives
course
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Single-track bicycles with an auxiliary motor — with or without pedals — up to 25 km/h; a seat for a child under 7 may be fitted
Two-wheelers of category L1e-B and three-wheelers of categories L2e-P and L2e-U limited by design to 25 km/h
Electrically driven vehicles up to 20 km/h with two parallel wheels and a handlebar — the so-called Segways
No application at the authority: after training at the school you take a theory exam with the training certificate. A photo is needed for the test certificate.
Requirements
Minimum age
15 years · 16 years
16: when carrying a child under 7
Prior licence
no class required
Includes
no further class
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
none — not even an eye test
Application at the authority
no application at the authority — the school certifies the course
Exam
theory exam only
Documents
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Theory
6 double lessons · 9 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 × General material6 × Class-specific material
6 double lessons of moped theory in a group of up to 20 — or 6 units of the class-specific material of classes A, A2, A1 and AM.
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
The moped course starts and ends together for all participants. If it does not take place for lack of participants, you may join the theory lessons of classes A, A1, A2 or AM.
Practice
In a group (at most 4 participants) at least two double lessons of 90 minutes, individually at least one double lesson.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
B96
Trailer
B96 – Trailer — the small option
Combination over 3.5 t up to 4.25 t
Minimum age
18years
Theory
course
Special drives
course
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Class B towing vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg when the combination weighs more than 3,500 kg but at most 4,250 kg
For example a car of 2,000 kg and a trailer of 1,900 kg permissible total mass
The number of axles is not limited
A course without an exam: the school certifies your participation, the authority enters code 96 in your licence — also together with the class B application.
Requirements
Minimum age
18 years · 17 years
17: accompanied driving from 17 (BF17), or during or after professional driver training
Prior licence
Class B
Includes
no further class
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
none — not even an eye test
Application at the authority
no application at the authority — the school certifies the course
Exam
no exam
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Theory
At least 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of theory in the course. The school’s regular theory lessons can be credited within the certificate’s period.
Practice
At least 3.5 hours (210 minutes) of practical exercises off or on public roads, in groups of up to 8 with up to 4 participants per vehicle. Plus at least 1 hour (60 minutes) of driving practice in traffic for each participant individually — about half outside built-up areas, ideally including motorway.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
BE
Trailer
BE – Trailer up to 3.5 t
Car plus heavy trailer — combination up to 7 t
Minimum age
18years
Theory
none
Special drives
5drives
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Class B towing vehicle with a trailer or semi-trailer up to 3,500 kg permissible total mass
For example a 3,500 kg truck with a 3,500 kg trailer
The number of axles is not limited
Can be applied for together with class B. No theory, only a practical exam.
Requirements
Minimum age
18 years · 17 years
17: accompanied driving from 17 (BF17), or during or after professional driver training
Prior licence
Class B
Includes
no further class
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
no, only an eye test
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
practical exam only
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Theory
No theory training is prescribed for this class.
Practice
First licence
special drives of 45 minutes
3ÜL
1AB
1NF
5 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
Plus an instruction session on the training vehicle: recognising and fixing technical defects.
C1
Truck
C1 – Light truck
Over 3.5 t up to 7.5 t
Minimum age
18years
Theory
12double lessons
Extension from class B
Special drives
5drives
Validity
5years
You may drive
Vehicles over 3,500 kg up to 7,500 kg permissible total mass with at most eight seats besides the driver’s — with a trailer up to 750 kg
Also emergency, rescue and workshop vehicles, motorhomes, wheelchair-accessible vehicles or hearses of this weight class
Within Germany also buses up to 7,500 kg without passengers when only the technical condition is checked
The licence is valid for 5 years; before each renewal you repeat the examinations.
Requirements
Minimum age
18 years
Prior licence
Class B
Includes
no further class
Licence validity
5 years
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
medical examination and an ophthalmologist’s certificate
Repeat examinations
before each expiry
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
12 double lessons · 18 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
6 × General material6 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
Extension from class B — or together with B
special drives of 45 minutes
3ÜL
1AB
1NF
5 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
Plus an instruction session on the training vehicle: recognising and fixing technical defects.
C1E
Truck
C1E – Light truck with trailer
Combination up to 12 t
Minimum age
18years
Theory
none
Special drives
5drives
Extension from class C1
Validity
5years
You may drive
Class C1 towing vehicle with a trailer or semi-trailer over 750 kg — combination up to 12,000 kg
Class B towing vehicle with a trailer or semi-trailer over 3,500 kg — combination up to 12,000 kg
Within Germany also buses up to 7,500 kg without passengers for a technical check
Includes BE — and D1E if you hold D1. Can be applied for together with C1 or with B, C1 and C1E.
Requirements
Minimum age
18 years
Prior licence
Class C1
Includes
BE, D1E
Licence validity
5 years
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
medical examination and an ophthalmologist’s certificate
Repeat examinations
before each expiry
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
practical exam only
Documents
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Theory
No theory training is prescribed for this class.
Practice
Extension from class C1
special drives of 45 minutes
3ÜL
1AB
1NF
5 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
When classes are acquired together, class B is trained as for a first licence — training in the higher class only begins once the requirements for the class B exam are essentially met.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
Plus an instruction session on the training vehicle: recognising and fixing technical defects.
C
Truck
C – Truck
Over 3.5 t, no upper limit
Minimum age
21years
Theory
16double lessons
Extension from class B
Special drives
10drives
Extension from class B — or together with B
Validity
5years
You may drive
Vehicles over 3,500 kg permissible total mass with at most eight seats besides the driver’s — with a trailer up to 750 kg
Also emergency, rescue and workshop vehicles, motorhomes, wheelchair-accessible vehicles or hearses of this weight class
Within Germany also buses without passengers when only the technical condition is checked
Includes C1. Valid for 5 years, then renewal with a new examination.
Requirements
Minimum age
21 years · 18 years
18: after the initial professional driver qualification, or in training as a professional driver or transport operations specialist
Prior licence
Class B
Includes
C1
Licence validity
5 years
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
medical examination and an ophthalmologist’s certificate
Repeat examinations
every 5 years
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
16 double lessons · 24 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
6 × General material10 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
Extension from class B — or together with B
special drives of 45 minutes
5ÜL
2AB
3NF
10 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
Plus an instruction session on the training vehicle: recognising and fixing technical defects.
CE
Truck
CE – Truck with trailer
Articulated and drawbar combinations
Minimum age
21years
Theory
10double lessons
Extension from class C
Special drives
10drives
Extension from class C
Validity
5years
You may drive
Class C towing vehicle with trailers or a semi-trailer over 750 kg permissible total mass
Includes C1E, BE and T — and DE if you hold D.
Can be applied for together with C or even with B, C and CE. Valid for 5 years.
Requirements
Minimum age
21 years · 18 years
18: after the initial professional driver qualification, or in training as a professional driver or transport operations specialist
Prior licence
Class C
Includes
C1E, BE, T, DE
Licence validity
5 years
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
medical examination and an ophthalmologist’s certificate
Repeat examinations
every 5 years
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
10 double lessons · 15 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6 × General material4 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
Extension from class C
special drives of 45 minutes
5ÜL
2AB
3NF
10 × 45 min
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
When classes are acquired together, class B is trained as for a first licence — training in the higher class only begins once the requirements for the class B exam are essentially met.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
Plus an instruction session on the training vehicle: recognising and fixing technical defects.
D1
Bus
D1 – Minibus
Up to 16 passengers and 8 m long
Minimum age
21years
Theory
16double lessons
Extension from class B
Special drives
8drives
Class C held for more than 2 years
Validity
5years
You may drive
Vehicles for carrying at most 16 persons besides the driver, no longer than 8 m — with a trailer up to 750 kg
Valid for 5 years. In addition to the examinations the authority requires a certificate of conduct.
When acquired together with B, theory follows the scope of class B plus the D1 class-specific material.
Requirements
Minimum age
21 years · 18 years
18: in training as a professional driver, transport operations specialist or a comparable recognised occupation
Prior licence
Class B
Includes
no further class
Licence validity
5 years
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
medical examination and an ophthalmologist’s certificate; on first issue additionally an occupational-medicine report or a report from an officially recognised driver assessment centre
Repeat examinations
medical examination and ophthalmologist’s certificate every 5 years; on renewal beyond age 50 additionally the fitness proof required on first issue
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
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Theory
16 double lessons · 24 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
6 × General material10 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
Class C held for more than 2 years
special drives of 45 minutes
4ÜL
2AB
2NF
8 × 45 min · 6 lessons of basic training
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
When classes are acquired together, class B is trained as for a first licence — training in the higher class only begins once the requirements for the class B exam are essentially met.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
Plus an instruction session on the training vehicle: recognising and fixing technical defects.
D1E
Bus
D1E – Minibus with trailer
D1 plus trailer over 750 kg
Minimum age
21years
Theory
none
Special drives
5drives
Extension from class D1
Validity
5years
You may drive
Class D1 towing vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg permissible total mass
Includes BE. No theory of its own — when acquired together with D1 or with B, D1 and D1E their scope applies.
Requirements
Minimum age
21 years · 18 years
18: in training as a professional driver, transport operations specialist or a comparable recognised occupation
Prior licence
Class D1
Includes
BE
Licence validity
5 years
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
medical examination and an ophthalmologist’s certificate; on first issue additionally an occupational-medicine report or a report from an officially recognised driver assessment centre
Repeat examinations
medical examination and ophthalmologist’s certificate every 5 years; on renewal beyond age 50 additionally the fitness proof required on first issue
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
practical exam only
Documents
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Theory
No theory training is prescribed for this class.
Practice
Extension from class D1
special drives of 45 minutes
3ÜL
1AB
1NF
5 × 45 min · 4 lessons of basic training
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
When classes are acquired together, class B is trained as for a first licence — training in the higher class only begins once the requirements for the class B exam are essentially met.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
Plus an instruction session on the training vehicle: recognising and fixing technical defects.
D
Bus
D – Bus
More than 8 passengers
Minimum age
24years
Theory
24double lessons
Extension from class B
Special drives
15drives
Class C held for more than 2 years
Validity
5years
You may drive
Vehicles for carrying more than eight persons besides the driver — with a trailer up to 750 kg
Includes D1. Valid for 5 years; a certificate of conduct is part of the documents.
Requirements
Minimum age
24 years · 23 years · 21 years · 20 years · 18 years
23: after the accelerated initial professional driver qualification
21: after the initial or accelerated initial qualification, scheduled services up to 50 km
20: in training as a professional driver, transport operations specialist or a comparable recognised occupation
18: in training as a professional driver or transport operations specialist — scheduled services up to 50 km or journeys without passengers
Prior licence
Class B
Includes
D1
Licence validity
5 years
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
medical examination and an ophthalmologist’s certificate; on first issue additionally an occupational-medicine report or a report from an officially recognised driver assessment centre
Repeat examinations
medical examination and ophthalmologist’s certificate every 5 years; on renewal beyond age 50 additionally the fitness proof required on first issue
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
0 of 10 ready
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Theory
24 double lessons · 36 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
6 × General material18 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
Class C held for more than 2 years
special drives of 45 minutes
8ÜL
4AB
3NF
15 × 45 min · 7 lessons of basic training
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
When classes are acquired together, class B is trained as for a first licence — training in the higher class only begins once the requirements for the class B exam are essentially met.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
Plus an instruction session on the training vehicle: recognising and fixing technical defects.
DE
Bus
DE – Bus with trailer
D plus trailer over 750 kg
Minimum age
24years
Theory
none
Special drives
5drives
Extension from class D
Validity
5years
You may drive
Class D towing vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg permissible total mass
Includes D1E and BE. No theory of its own — when acquired together with D or with B, D and DE their scope applies.
Requirements
Minimum age
24 years · 23 years · 21 years · 20 years · 18 years
23: after the accelerated initial professional driver qualification
21: after the initial or accelerated initial qualification, scheduled services up to 50 km
20: in training as a professional driver, transport operations specialist or a comparable recognised occupation
18: in training as a professional driver or transport operations specialist — scheduled services up to 50 km or journeys without passengers
Prior licence
Class D
Includes
D1E, BE
Licence validity
5 years
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
medical examination and an ophthalmologist’s certificate; on first issue additionally an occupational-medicine report or a report from an officially recognised driver assessment centre
Repeat examinations
medical examination and ophthalmologist’s certificate every 5 years; on renewal beyond age 50 additionally the fitness proof required on first issue
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
practical exam only
Documents
0 of 10 ready
Tick off what you already have. The list is remembered on your device.
Theory
No theory training is prescribed for this class.
Practice
Extension from class D
special drives of 45 minutes
3ÜL
1AB
1NF
5 × 45 min · 4 lessons of basic training
Basic training first, then the special drives — they come towards the end of your practical training.
ÜLRural drive
Federal and country roads; at least one continuous drive of over 2 hours
ABMotorway drive
Motorway or dual carriageway with physically separated directions; one drive over 2 hours, ideally 1 hour with no speed limit or at least 120 km/h
NFNight drive
At dusk or in the dark, at least half on motorways, federal or country roads
When classes are acquired together, class B is trained as for a first licence — training in the higher class only begins once the requirements for the class B exam are essentially met.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
Plus an instruction session on the training vehicle: recognising and fixing technical defects.
L
Farm & forestry
L – Tractor up to 40 km/h
Agricultural and forestry vehicles
Minimum age
16years
Theory
14double lessons
First licence
Special drives
none
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Agricultural and forestry tractors up to 40 km/h — with a trailer when driven no faster than 25 km/h
Self-propelled machinery, feed mixers, forklifts and industrial trucks up to 25 km/h, with or without trailer
Theory only — no practical training is prescribed.
Requirements
Minimum age
16 years
Prior licence
no class required
Includes
no further class
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
no, only an eye test
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory exam only
Documents
0 of 7 ready
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Theory
14 double lessons · 21 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
12 × General material2 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
No practical training is prescribed.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
T
Farm & forestry
T – Tractor up to 60 km/h
Tractor for agriculture and forestry
Minimum age
16years
Theory
18double lessons
First licence
Special drives
none
Validity
unlimited
You may drive
Agricultural and forestry tractors with a design speed of up to 60 km/h, with or without trailer
Self-propelled machinery and feed mixers up to 40 km/h for agricultural or forestry purposes
Includes AM and L. At 16 up to 40 km/h, from 18 up to 60 km/h.
Requirements
Minimum age
16 years · 18 years
16: for vehicles with a design speed of up to 40 km/h
18: for vehicles with a design speed of up to 60 km/h
Prior licence
no class required
Includes
AM, L
Licence validity
unlimited
Licence card
15 years, then only the card is replaced
Medical examination
no, only an eye test
Application at the authority
at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age — in some regions also through the driving school; the authority may require you to appear in person
Exam
theory and practical exam
Documents
0 of 7 ready
Tick off what you already have. The list is remembered on your device.
Theory
18 double lessons · 27 hours of lessons
double lessons of 90 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
12 × General material6 × Class-specific material
Following the school’s training plan, at most two double lessons a day.
Practice
Basic training — no special drives.
Instructions and guidance before, during and after each driving task
Debriefing and discussion of your progress
A safety check of the vehicle under the examination guideline
Source: the official licence information sheets used by the school, as of October 2026. Minimums under the German driver training regulation — how many practice lessons you need beyond them is something you decide together with your instructor.