Applying for a category B driving licence for the first time
With a category B driving licence, you can drive motor vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of 3.5 tonnes. The motor vehicle may also not be designed for more than eight people (in addition to the driver).
With a category B driving licence, you can transport trailers weighing less than 750 kilograms. If the total mass of the vehicle combination is a maximum of 3.5 tonnes, the trailer may also weigh more than 750 kg.
The category B driving licence is issued for an unlimited period.
Responsible authority
The driving licence authority responsible for you; usually the one where you have your main place of residence.
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
- You must be in possession of a driving licence category.
- You must have your main place of residence in the Federal Republic of Germany.
- The minimum age is 18 years. You can apply to extend your driving licence at the earliest 6 months before reaching the minimum age.
Procedure
You must submit an application for a category B driving licence to the driving licence authority responsible for you.
Deadlines
The application for the initial issue of a driving licence expires if you have not passed the theory test within 12 months of receiving the test order or the practical test within 12 months of passing the theory test.
Required documents
- valid identity card or passport (with current registration certificate if applicable)
- current biometric photo (size 45x35 mm, portrait format, frontal view)
- Eye test certificate (not older than 2 years)
- Proof of participation in a first aid training course
- Details of driving school
Costs
- The fee is based on the scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt).
- If the driving licence is sent directly to your home address, an additional postage fee will be charged.
Processing time
The processing time depends on the workload of the respective driving licence authority.
Miscellaneous
You will receive your first driving licence on probation. The probationary period lasts 2 years.
Legal basis
Release note
Machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 24.06.2025