Extending Your Class B Driver's License without Repeating the Test – A Guide - Obtaining a New License B without a Test: A Guide
Expanding Your Driving Capabilities with the B96 Extension
If you already hold a Class B driver's license in Europe, you may be interested in the B96 extension. This extension allows you to drive a vehicle-trailer combination with a total weight exceeding 3,500 kg but not more than 4,250 kg, or a trailer with a permissible total weight of more than 750 kg [1].
Requirements and Process
To obtain the B96 extension, you must first possess a Class B driver's license. The minimum age for obtaining this extension is generally 18 years, though in certain accompanied or vocational training cases, it may be lower [1].
The theoretical training for the B96 extension takes approximately 2.5 hours, while the practical training consists of 3.5 hours of exercises and 1 hour of driving in real traffic [1]. No separate theory or practical test is required for the B96 extension.
Weight Restrictions for B96 Extension
| Category | Weight Limit | |------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Trailer permissible total weight | Over 750 kg | | Total vehicle combination weight | Over 3,500 kg and up to 4,250 kg |
Costs
The specific cost for obtaining the B96 extension varies, but such training courses typically range between a few hundred euros in Germany, depending on the driving school. For exact pricing, you would need to consult a local driving school, such as S.O.S. Fahrschule or XTrem Fahrschule, which offer these extensions [1][3].
Benefits of the B96 Extension
The B96 extension is a training-based add-on to a Class B license, allowing you to tow heavier trailers legally without needing a full BE license. This makes it an ideal choice if you want to tow trailers heavier than 750 kg but stay under the combined weight limit of 4,250 kg [1].
With the B96 extension, you can tow heavier loads than with a Class B license alone. For example, with a Mitsubishi Pajero, you can tow up to 1,220 kilograms more [1]. The B96 extension also allows you to operate larger mowers, tractors, and four-wheeled small vehicles like quads [1].
Notably, the B96 extension is valid throughout Europe, providing you with greater flexibility when travelling across borders [1].
[1] Source: Driving Test Success [2] Source: S.O.S. Fahrschule [3] Source: XTrem Fahrschule
- Acquiring the B96 extension for vocational training purposes might be possible at a younger age, as there are instances where the minimum age requirement is lower than 18 years.
- With the B96 extension, one can partake in vocational training activities that involve transportation and industries requiring vehicle-trailer combinations, as the extension enables the operation of larger trailers within the weight limits specified.
