Get your car driver's license with Happy Driving
Your path to mobility starts here
Whether a classic car driver's license, automatic or accompanied driving - here you will find all the information you need about the different types of car driver's licenses.
Class B
The category B driving license is the standard or basic driving license for cars up to 3.5 tons. It includes permission to tow trailers up to 750 kg (as long as the maximum permissible mass of 3.5 tons is not exceeded), as well as to drive quads, trikes and scooters. The training is carried out with a car that has a classic manual gearbox.
Theory lessons
The theoretical training for category B consists of:
- 12 double hours of basic material for first-time acquisition
- 6 double hours of basic material for extension
- 2 double hours of additional material
Practical lessons
The practical training for class B consists of:
- Basic training in accordance with the learner driver training regulations
- 5 overland driving lessons
- 4 driving hours on the highway
- 3 driving hours in the dark
Class B197 (automatic + gearshift)
Flexible on the road: with this driving license variant, you combine the advantages of automatic driving with the unrestricted right to drive manual vehicles. You receive all classes and rights of the classic B driving license - without any restrictions. You can complete parts of the training and the test in an automatic vehicle. In view of the fact that more than half of all new cars - and around 70% of mid-range cars and above - are now equipped with automatic transmissions, you will be right on trend.
- Driving lessons and test for automatic vehicles possible
- Key number 197: Drive manual car after test drive
- No restrictions for manual or automatic vehicles
- Can be purchased from the age of 18
- Even from 17 years with accompanied driving
The key number B197 allows the driving of vehicles with manual and automatic transmission, even if the practical test was carried out on an automatic vehicle. This requires 10 driving lessons with a manual gearbox and a 15-minute driving skills test with the driving instructor.
Class B78 (automatic)
The class B78 driving license allows you to drive vehicles with automatic transmission - including most e-cars. An ideal choice for anyone who wants to avoid the stress of shifting gears and concentrate fully on the traffic - or who already wants to drive electrically.
- Direct purchase
- No vehicles with manual transmission!
- Also includes the AM and L classes
- Can be purchased from the age of 18
- Even from the age of 17 with accompanied driving
- No time limit on the period of possession
The training is basically the same as for category B. You will take your practical test on a car with automatic transmission, but after successfully completing it you will only be authorized to drive automatic vehicles;
Class B17 (accompanied driving)
With the "accompanied driving from 17" model - BF17 for short - you have the opportunity to gain driving experience before your 18th birthday - legally and safely. You are not alone on the road: an experienced accompanying person sits by your side on every journey. Although they do not intervene in the driving process, they will be at your side with tips, experience and a watchful eye. This will help you gain confidence on the road and learn to master typical everyday situations with confidence.
You can start with BF17 if you:
- are at least 16.5 years old
- have the consent of your legal guardian
- apply for a category B or BE driving license
Once you have passed the test, you will receive a test certificate that allows you to drive from your 17th birthday - but only if you are accompanied.
The accompanying person must be entered on the test certificate and meet the following criteria:
- At least 30 years old
- have held a valid category B driving license for at least 5 years
- No more than 1 point on the driving license register (at the time of application)
Why BF17 makes sense:
The presence of the accompanying person often makes young novice drivers more relaxed and attentive. They receive direct feedback and valuable tips without the pressure of a driving school situation. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents in the early days and ensures a safe start to their own mobility.
Class BE
Extends your driving options with trailers up to 3,500 kg. Ideal for transporting heavy loads or towing caravans.
Theory lessons
No additional theoretical training and examination
Practical lessons
The practical lessons for class BE consist of:
- Basic training in accordance with the learner driver training regulations
- 3 overland driving lessons
- 1 freeway driving lesson
- 1 driving lesson in the dark
