Driving license: All classes - overview and important information
Across the EU, the categories of the driver's license are identified by abbreviations of numbers and letters. In this article we explain to you exactly what is behind the codes.
Driving license class A: Motorcycles and Co. can be found under A, AM, A1 and A2
Driving license class A mainly includes motorcycles, but also quads, trikes and bicycles with auxiliary engines. This class also includes a total of three sub-classes: driving license class AM, driving license class A1 and driving license class A2. There are also some electric speedsters among them - you can find these and more at EFahrer.com.
- Driving license class A: You can acquire this driving license at the age of 24 at the earliest. With one exception: if you have had a class A2 driving license for two years, you can register for the exam at the age of 20. If you want to drive a quad or a trike with an engine output of over 15 kilowatts, the minimum age is 21 years. With class A you can drive all motorcycles including quads and trikes. In addition, you automatically acquire driving license subclasses A1, A2 and AM.
- Class AM: To acquire this certificate, a minimum age of 16 years is required. This class includes motorcycles, quads and trikes as well as bicycles with an auxiliary motor that do not drive faster than 45 km / h. In addition, the displacement of the engine must not exceed 50 cubic centimeters or the engine output 4 kilowatts.
- A1: This class includes the same conditions as AM and can also be acquired at the age of 16. However, you can drive motorcycles with a cubic capacity of up to 125 cubic centimeters or an engine power of less than 11 kilowatts.
- A2: A minimum age of 18 is required here. A2 driving licenses automatically include classes AM and A1. You can also use the A2 class to drive motorcycles with a nominal output of up to 35 kilowatts. However, they did so for a few years with the restriction that the ratio of power and weight is a maximum of 0.2 kW / kg.
Car driving license: B, B96, BE and BF17
Driving license class B is probably known to most. These include the subclasses B96, BE and BF.
- B: The minimum age for this car driving license is 18 years. This class entitles you to drive motor vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons. You can transport a total of eight people. From the age of 21, you can also drive three-wheel vehicles with an engine output of more than 15 kW. Driving license class B also includes class AM and L.
- B96: is an extension of the car driving license, which entitles you to carry trailers weighing more than 750 kilograms. However, the total weight must not exceed 4, 250 kilograms. Most caravans fall into this class, for example.
- BE: If you want to carry a heavier trailer, you need this license class. Here the weight of the trailer may be 3.5 tons and the total weight may not exceed 7 tons.
- BF17: This abbreviation stands for "accompanied driving from 17". You can acquire the driver's license at the age of 17, however, a registered adult person must be present for the journeys until you are 18 years old.
Driving license class C and the sub-headings CE, C1 and CE1 include trucks
Driving license class C is all about significantly larger and more powerful vehicles. If you want to drive a truck, you won't be able to avoid this driver's license. The driving license class C comprises the driving license class C1, the driving license class C1E and the driving license class CE.
- C: You can obtain a Class C driver's license from the age of 21. A class B driving license is required. After passing the test, you may drive articulated vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons. There are no restrictions upwards. As with a car, you can take a maximum of eight people, provided that the vehicle has appropriate seats. The class C driving license includes subclass C1.
- CE: It is an extension of the driving license class C. This gives you the right to carry an additional trailer weighing over 750 kilograms. This certificate automatically includes classes BE and C1E.
- C1: You can acquire this class at the age of 18 after you have obtained your car license. C1 entitles you to drive motor vehicles with a total weight of up to 7.5 tons.
- C1E: This is an addition to class C1, which entitles you to carry a trailer. The total weight must not exceed 12 tons. This driving license class includes class BE.
Driving license class D, D1, D1E and DE: passenger transport
While you can only carry eight people with category B and C licenses, there are a few more with category D driving licenses. This category includes subclasses D1, D1E and DE.
- D: You must be at least 24 years of age for this driver's license. A pre-existing driving license is also required. With class D you can transport unlimited people, for example as a bus driver. You can also carry a trailer weighing up to 750 kilograms. D includes class D1.
- DE: If the trailer should not be subject to a weight limit, you also need a DE certificate. This additional class also includes the categories D1E and BE.
- D1: You must be 21 years of age and have a Class B driving license. You can then transport a maximum of 16 people. In addition, trailers up to 750 kg can be carried.
- D1E: In order to take a heavier trailer with you, you also need this driving license class. It also includes FBE.
Driving license class L and T: For agricultural and forestry vehicles
Classes L and T mainly concern vehicles used in agriculture and forestry.
- L: The minimum age for this license category is 16 years. This includes tractors such as tractors. The maximum speed is 40 km / h without a trailer and 25 km / h with a trailer.
- T: For more powerful agricultural and forestry vehicles with a speed up to 60 km you need this certificate and must be at least 18 years old. This class also includes L and AM.
- Note: As a forklift driver you also need a driving license of class L.
More information for drivers on EFahrer.com
At EFahrer.com you will find many tests and advice on everything to do with electric cars. There is also a range calculator and an extensive map with all charging stations.