German Driving Licence Category BE (2025 Update)
Introduction
Category BE is the natural extension of a Class B licence for anyone who wants to tow heavy trailers or caravans exceeding 750 kg. It allows you to tow a trailer with a permitted gross mass of up to 3.5 tonnes using a Class B vehicle, so that the permitted combination weight (car + trailer) can reach up to 7 tonnes (Bußgeldkatalog, tuev-nord.de). Demand has increased, especially among owners of horse trailers and residential caravans, particularly after stricter weight enforcement and the growing accuracy of mobile police weighing in Germany.
What does BE allow?
| Category | Permitted trailer weight | Permitted gross combination weight* |
|---|---|---|
| B | ≤ 750 kg, or > 750 kg provided the combination does not exceed 3.5 t | ≤ 3.5 t |
| B96 | > 750 kg | 3.5 – 4.25 t |
| BE | 750 kg – 3.5 t | ≤ 7 t |
* The permitted gross mass (zulässige Gesamtmasse) of the vehicle and trailer combined (Bußgeldkatalog).
When do you need BE?
– When towing a horse trailer, boat trailer, or caravan above 750 kg and the total combination exceeds 3.5 t.
– When you exceed the B96 limit (4.25 t), or when you want to travel within the EU without the training-related limitations associated with B96.
Eligibility requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 (or 17 under accompanied driving BF17) (tuev-nord.de) |
| Base licence | A valid Class B, or passing the B practical test in parallel |
| Eye test + first-aid course | Must be valid (no advanced medical exam required) |
| Biometric photo + authority fees | €40 – €80 depending on the federal state |
Driving school training
There is no theory course and no theory exam; only the practical part is required (Bußgeldkatalog).
| Lesson type | Minimum (45 minutes per lesson) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Practice drives (Übungsfahrten) | Set by the instructor based on your skill | commonly 3 – 6 lessons |
| Mandatory special drives (Sonderfahrten) | 3 rural + 1 motorway + 1 night | legally mandatory (Bußgeldkatalog) |
If you take BE in parallel with B, the special drives must be doubled (5 / 4 / 3). Many schools therefore recommend doing them separately to reduce costs.
Practical test
Duration: 45 minutes (fahrschule-keilack.de)
Contents:
– Safety check of the trailer (lights, brakes, load).
– Correctly coupling and uncoupling the trailer.
– Mandatory manoeuvres (straight or angled reversing, side parking).
– Driving in town and out of town with lane changes and longer braking-distance awareness.
One serious mistake (such as unsafe coupling or a collision while reversing) results in immediate failure.
Expected costs (2025)
| Item | Range (€) |
|---|---|
| Driving school registration/base fee | 350 – 550 |
| Practical lesson | 60 – 90 × number of lessons |
| Sonderfahrten (5 lessons) | 300 – 450 |
| Practical test fee (TÜV/DEKRA) | 70 – 100 |
| Eye test + first aid + photos | 30 – 60 |
| Approx. total | 750 – 1,400 |
State and city matter a lot: prices in the south (for example Munich) are about 15% higher than in northern states.
Validity and updates
Category BE has no time limit; only the physical card is replaced after 15 years for administrative updating (tuev-nord.de).
BE is also expected to be included automatically in the digital driving licence, which is planned to be introduced gradually up to 2030 as part of the European Digital Identity Wallet (Bußgeldkatalog).
Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | What happens | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Unbalanced load distribution | Trailer sway and unstable tracking | Put 60% of the load in front of the axle and secure it with tight straps |
| Forgetting shoulder check (Schulterblick) before changing lanes | Serious fault and immediate fail | Make the shoulder check a fixed habit |
| Too much speed on downhill sections | Brake stress and unstable masses | Use a lower gear and brake early in a controlled way |
| Wrong electrical/safety connections | Rear lights fail or emergency separation risk | Follow the order: hitch lock → electrical plug → safety cable |
Tips to pass on the first attempt
– Practise empty, then loaded; weight changes braking and cornering behaviour.
– Know your limits: the official maximum speed for a combination over 3.5 t is 80 km/h (up to 100 km/h with a TÜV-approved trailer certificate).
– Practise reversing using mirrors only; extended mirrors (Aufsatzspiegel) are essential for many caravans.
– Check the trailer plate’s weight limits before every trip; police often use portable weighing stations at major city exits.
Conclusion
The BE licence gives you the freedom to tow boats, horses, or a mobile home without worrying about overweight violations. With five mandatory special drives, a short practical test, and reasonable costs, you can legally and safely handle a combination of up to 7 tonnes under high European safety standards. Train well, calculate weights precisely, and enjoy safe travel on German and European roads.
Editorial note
The authors and editors strive to provide accurate information through thorough research and by consulting multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be unconfirmed. Please treat the content as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for verified details.
