Can I drive a caravan with my driver’s license? How heavy can my caravan be? Which driving license category do I need for which trailer? There is often uncertainty on these and other points. We have researched for you what the new (and old) driving license law allows.
The key number B96 is the driving license for the caravan. According to the Caravan Industry Association, some 90 percent of caravans and caravan combinations in Germany can be driven with this extension. It can be used to tow 50 percent of standard caravans on the market.
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Driving license after 1999 – class B
Trailers weighing up to 750 kg may always be towed with category B. Previously, trailers weighing 750 kg or more could only be carried with a category B driving license if the total permissible mass of both vehicles together did not exceed 3.5 t and the unladen weight of the towing vehicle was greater than that of the trailer.
This regulation was simplified on 19.01.2013. Today, the following applies: The permissible total mass of the towing vehicle/caravan combination must not exceed 3.5 t. But be careful: §42 of the StVZO also regulates the ratio that must not be exceeded with regard to trailer load and towing vehicle. For example, the towed trailer load of a passenger car must not exceed the GVW of the passenger car and that of an off-road vehicle must not exceed 1.5 times the GVW of the off-road vehicle. You can find the permissible total mass of the towing vehicle and caravan in the respective vehicle documents.
Many light caravans can be towed with class B.
Overview of driving license categories for caravan and camper combinations:
| Führerscheinklasse | Fahrzeugart/ Gespann |
|---|---|
| B | PKW mit einem Anhänger bis zu 750 kg zulässigem Gesamtgewicht
ODER Gespanne mit einem zulässigen Gesamtgewicht unter 3,5 t |
| B96 | PKW mit einem Anhänger über 750 kg zulässigem Gesamtgewicht
ODER Kombination aus Fahrzeug und Anhänger mit einem Gesamtgewicht zwischen 3,5 und 4,25 t |
| BE | PKW mit Anhänger zwischen 750 kg und 3.500 kg zulässiger Gesamtmasse (Gesamtgewicht darf 7.000 kg nicht übersteigen) |
Class B96
Driving license holders who wish to drive a trailer with a maximum permissible mass of between 3.5 t and 4.25 t have the option of taking a so-called “driver training course” in accordance with B 96. This class was also introduced at the beginning of 2013. You can find out more about this class in the article on class B96. Most caravans can be towed with this class.
For this category you have to take theoretical and practical lessons at the driving school, but do not have to take an extra test.
Class BE
For even heavier trailers you need a class BE driver’s license. With this driving license, you are allowed to drive a class B towing vehicle and a caravan with a maximum permissible mass of up to 3.5 t . The trailer may not weigh more than 7.0 tons in total.
No further theory is required for category BE. However, driving lessons and a separate test are necessary.
Incidentally, the new driving license (check card) must be renewed every 15 years if it was issued after January 19, 2013. The old, red “driving licenses” as well as the new driving licenses issued between 1.1.1999 and 18.1.2013 must be exchanged by 19.1.2033 according to a phased plan that is staggered by year of birth and year of issue. All information can be found at ADAC.
Other carriages
If the maximum permissible mass of your towing vehicle is over 3.5 t (this is the case for buses, for example) and the maximum permissible mass of the trailer exceeds 750 kg, you will need another driving license category.
Ask your trusted driving school or the ADAC or TÜV for advice on these special cases.
Driving license before 1999 – class 3
With driving license category 3, all car-caravan combinations may be driven – theoretically up to 18.5 tons. With this (old) category, you are allowed to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tons. In addition, a trailer may be carried and both together may weigh up to 18.5 tons.
How much you are actually allowed to draw with your “old license” depends on several factors, such as the issuing state (FRG or former GDR), the date of issue and your age. The Baden-Württemberg Driving Instructors’ Association provides a very detailed list and explanation on its website.
But beware: the towing vehicle must of course be able to pull the weight. For example, a Skoda Yeti weighs a minimum of 1.340 tons. With class 3 I am allowed to tow a trailer with a weight of 17.16 tons. But the Yeti must not and will not pull that. Depending on the model, the maximum towing capacity is 2.1 tons. With a truck and a trailer, however, these heavy weights can certainly be towed.
Disclaimer: The above information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief and is provided without guarantee. If in doubt, please ask experts (driving school, TÜV, ADAC, road traffic office, etc.) which driving license is right for you.
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