How long do I have to get the endorsement entered?

At most one year – and that is until registration, not until application. Since the City of Frankfurt states an average of five weeks for processing, you should submit the application well in advance.

Driving licence extension

B196 in Frankfurt – riding a 125cc bike with a car driving licence

Are you at least 25 years old and have held a Class B licence for five years? If so, after completing a training course of at least nine sessions in Germany, you’ll be allowed to ride light motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cm³ – without having to take a driving test. The B196 is not a separate driving licence, but an endorsement on your Class B licence.

You don't have a category B licence yet? Then your path leads there first: Category B driving licence for cars in Frankfurt – You can't have B196 entered until five years after it was issued.

At a glance

B196 at a glance

Minimum age25 yearswhen entering the key number

previous ownership5 yearsCategory B, held continuously up to the endorsement

Training9 unitsat least 4 theory sessions and 5 practical sessions, each lasting 90 minutes

ExamNoneneither a theory test nor a practical driving test

Authorisation125ccup to 125 cm³, a maximum of 11 kW and 0.1 kW per kilogramme

Validitydomestic onlyThe key number is generally only valid in Germany

Price€750B196 package for the legal minimum scope: 4 theory and 5 practical sessions, vehicle and certificate

Registrationauthorityyou are only allowed to drive once the code 196 has been entered

Important: The driving school’s certificate of attendance alone does not entitle you to drive. You may only start driving once the driving licence authority has entered code 196 on your driving licence.

Decision-making guide

Is the B196 right for you?

B196 is right for you if…

you at least 25 and have held a Class B licence for at least five years
you mainly 125cc motorbikes and scooters would like to drive
you mainly in Germany are on the move
you do not want to take a regular motorcycle test
you don’t care about a simplified promotion to A2 or A at a later date

A1 or licence class A can make more sense if...

you regularly abroad would like to drive
see you later more powerful machines want to switch
you want a regular motorcycle driving licence category
you are at least 24 and the unrestricted category A can obtain directly
the 125cc is only the beginning for you

Which option works out best for you depends on what you plan to drive over the next few years. We will go through it with you during the consultation – without trying to talk you into anything.

The comparison

B196, A1 or category A?

On your mobile, you can swipe the table sideways.

	B196	Class A1	Class A
What is this?	code for existing category B	standard driving licence category	unrestricted open motorcycle class
Minimum age	25	16	24 direct-hire entry
previous ownership	Category B for at least 5 years	nobody	nobody
Exam	no driving test	theory and practical test	theory and practical test
Vehicles	Light motorcycles up to 125 cc, 11 kW, 0.1 kW/kg	the same vehicles as a separate category	all motorcycles with no power limit
Abroad	basically only Germany	standard driving licence categories in accordance with the applicable foreign regulations
Later ascent	no simplified progressive access	Progressive access to A2 after two years	not necessary

We've left out the A2 licence here because it's rarely the right route for the B196 target group aged 25 and over – from 24 the unrestricted Class A directly possible. Everything for the Class A2 is covered on its own page.

Authorisation

What are you allowed to ride with B196?

With the entered code number 196, you are allowed to ride motorcycles in Germany – including with a sidecar – provided they remain within the statutory power limits. Three values are decisive, all of which must be met at the same time:

at most 125 cubic centimetres engine capacity
at most 11 kW Engine power
a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0,1 kW/kg

A vehicle that crosses one of these boundaries is not covered – not even if it is colloquially sold as a 125cc.

Three-wheeled motor vehicles are not included in the B196 extension. You don't need those anyway: domestically you are already allowed to drive them with your category B licence – though for an engine power of more than 15 kW only from the age of 21.

Electric light motorcycles can also be covered by the B196 licence. The details entered in the vehicle documents are decisive maximum continuous rated power of 11 kW or less, the power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.1 kW/kg and the vehicle class – not the marketing name „electric 125cc equivalent“. Bring the paperwork to the consultation and we'll take a look together.

Prerequisites

You must meet these requirements

At least 25 years old – what is decisive is the date on which the code number is entered, not the start of the training.
Category B for at least five years – calculated from the date of issue on your driving licence.
Successful completion of the driver training course – at least nine units, four of which are theory and five of which are practical.
Endorsement by the driving licence authority – how that works is explained below.

According to the currently published procedural information, for the entry of the code number 196 no new eye test and no new first aid certificate demanded.

In two cases you should have the driver licensing authority clarify in advance which periods of possession they will recognise:

your category B licence was revoked at some point in the meantime
your previous licence is from abroad or was exchanged – the City of Frankfurt only counts the five years for an EU or EEA driving licence

Process

This is how your B196 rider training works

Check prerequisites

Age, length of time you've held a category B licence and your intended use. We'll also clarify whether B196 is really the right route for you or if a regular motorcycle licence would be better.

Register your interest without obligation

You can pre-register online with no obligation. You complete the binding registration in person at one of our Frankfurt branches – for the initial consultation and registration, a valid ID document is all that is required for now.

Four theory sessions

At least four class-specific theory sessions of 90 minutes each – no standard basic instruction, but content specifically for riding light motorcycles. We will give you the next dates when you register.

Five practical sessions

At least five practical sessions of 90 minutes each, individually trained – so you won't be riding in a group. The meeting point is Frankfurt-Kalbach, and the ride will be on the Honda CB125. The content includes vehicle control, braking, cornering, gaze control and riding in traffic.

Successful participation

The nine units are the statutory minimum scope, no guarantee. We will issue the certificate once you have completed the training and shown in practice that you operate the vehicle safely – our participants generally manage this within the minimum duration.

Registration at the driving licence office

With the certificate, you have the code number 196 entered. Exactly how this works in Frankfurt – address, documents, fee, duration – is explained further down in the authorities section.

Price

How much does B196 cost at FAHRPLAN?

B196 licence package€750for the statutory minimum scope: four theory and five practical lessons of 90 minutes each, the training motorcycle and the certificate of attendance

Unlike a car driving licence, the scope is legally fixed here – which is why we offer a fixed package price for the statutory minimum scope.

Not included in the driving school fee are the fee of the driving licence office – in Frankfurt currently up to €61.40 – and usually a biometric photograph for the new photocard driving licence. The details are in the authority section further down.

You can find all other motorcycle prices on the Pricing page.

authority

How the code 196 gets onto your driving licence

The driving school provides the training and issues the certificate, but the driver licensing office has to enter the code number. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office. That is a separate step that you handle yourself.

Certificate received

Following the successful training, you will receive from us the certificate of participation pursuant to Annex 7b of the Driving Licence Ordinance.

Apply for registration

You apply for the registration at the driving licence authority responsible for your place of residence – according to current information from the city of Frankfurt by attending in person. Bring with you: identity card or passport (if applicable together with a registration certificate), your category B driving licence, a current biometric passport photo according to the applicable regulations and the certificate of attendance. Anyone who has a paper driving licence issued elsewhere also needs a copy of their driving record card.

Received new driving licence - then drive

You will receive a new photocard driving licence; your previous one must be surrendered in exchange. The administrative fee is currently up to €61.40. As soon as code 196 is entered, you may drive – not before.

Keeping an eye on the deadline: Between the completion of the driver training and the Registration can be left for at most a year – not until the application, but until the registration itself. The City of Frankfurt quotes an average processing time for five weeks. Therefore, plan the application in good time, not just shortly before the end of the year.

It is best to check directly with the driving licence office shortly beforehand to see what documents are required in individual cases, as this changes occasionally. We will go through the application with you together at the registration meeting anyway.

Abroad

Is B196 valid abroad?

No. The German code 196 generally only entitles the holder to drive the corresponding motorcycles domestically. This is not a matter of individual neighbouring countries, but applies generally: it is a national regulation that other states are not obliged to recognise.

Anyone wanting to ride a 125cc motorbike on holiday or while travelling needs a regular driving licence category – namely the Class A1 or a higher motorcycle class. That is the deciding argument for many, and we bring it up ourselves during consultations.

What counts is the law of today. European changes are discussed time and time again – but they only apply when they actually come into force. More background in B196 guide.

More later?

Can I switch to A1, A2 or A later?

Yes – but not as an ascent. That's a distinction many people overlook:

B196 is no driving licence category, but an extension of your category B licence.
Therefore, she counts not as prior licence holding of category A1.
The simplified tiered progression – from A1 to A2, and A2 to A, in each case with only a practical test – is thereby available to you not open.
You can, of course, acquire a regular motorcycle licence at any time. In that case, the complete process involving training and testing applies.

The driving experience from the B196 training helps you personally – but it cannot be credited towards it. If you suspect that you will want more later, it is worth taking a look at the Class A1 or straight to the Class A.The decision support tool for this can be found in the guide. B196 or A1.

probationary period

Does B196 start a new probationary period?

No. The entering of code number 196 is not a new driving licence, but rather an extension of the existing category B. It therefore does not trigger a new probationary period.

Regardless of B196, the general alcohol and THC limits as well as all other traffic regulations naturally apply – on a motorcycle just as much as in a car.

Equipment

Safely equipped for practical sessions

For the practical sessions you will need complete, suitable motorcycle protective clothing. Without appropriate gear, no driving lessons take place with us – even if there is no test for B196.

motorcycle helmet – tailored and ECE-approved
Motorcycle gloves – genuine motorcycle gloves, no work or winter gloves
Motorcycle jacket with protectors
Suitable motorcycle trousers
Motorcycle boots or sturdy footwear with ankle support
Back protector, unless it is in the jacket

Individual parts can be borrowed depending on size and availability. Please clarify this with us before your first practical session. If you continue to ride regularly after that, getting your own equipment is worthwhile for reasons of fit and getting used to it. Read more in the guide: Protective clothing for the motorcycle licence.

Organisation

This is how your B196 training with FAHRPLAN is organised

Advice and registrationIn all four Frankfurt branches: Heddernheim, Dornbusch, Bockenheim and Sachsenhausen. Without an appointment, during opening hours.

TheoryFour class-specific sessions of 90 minutes each. We will give you the next dates upon registration.

PracticeFive individual sessions, meeting point Frankfurt-Kalbach near the TÜV – there is significantly less traffic there than in the city.

MachineHonda CB125 – the same model on which our A1 pupils are also trained.

Contact personMoussa Benayad, motorcycle riding instructor and responsible manager.

LanguagesThe training is available in German and English.

How quickly you can complete the training depends on the upcoming theory dates, your scheduling flexibility, the season, the weather and the current workload at the practical training center. During the consultation, we will give you a specific idea of what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

In a nutshell

Is B196 a separate motorcycle licence?

No. B196 is not a separate driving licence category, but rather code 196, which is added to your existing category B licence. It is often referred to colloquially as the „B196 licence“ – but your driving licence will still show category B, supplemented by the code.

What requirements do I need to meet?

You must be at least 25 years old and have held a category B licence for at least five years. Both requirements must be met at the time of registration. In addition, you must have successfully completed the mandatory driver training.

Which motorcycles am I allowed to ride with this?

Motorcycles with an engine displacement not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres, a maximum power output of 11 kW and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg – also with sidecar. All three limits must be complied with. Three-wheeled motor vehicles are not included in the B196 extension – though you can drive that domestically with your category B licence anyway, and only from the age of 21 for anything over 15 kW. For electric vehicles, engine displacement doesn't apply; there, the continuous rated power and power-to-weight ratio from the vehicle registration documents count.

Is there really no exam?

That's right, there is no driving test for B196 – neither theoretical nor practical. However, that doesn't mean there are no requirements: you have to show in the practical sessions that you can safely operate the vehicle.

Are four theory and five practical sessions always enough?

These are the legal minimums – and in practice they are sufficient for us. Important to know: you don't get the certificate just for being there; you demonstrate in the practical sessions that you drive the vehicle safely.

Can I ride off straight after the last riding lesson?

No. After the training you will get the certificate of attendance, but you are only allowed to drive once the driving licence office has entered the code number 196 in your driving licence.

How long do I have to make the entry?

At most one year – specifically until the Registration, not until the application. Since the city of Frankfurt states an average processing time of five weeks, you should submit the application well in advance.

Is B196 valid abroad?

No. Code 196 generally only authorises driving in Germany. Anyone wanting to ride a 125cc motorbike abroad needs a regular driving licence category such as A1.

Can I switch to A1, A2 or A later?

There is no direct or simplified upgrade from B196 to a motorcycle category – B196 does not count as prior ownership. However, you can acquire a regular category at any time; in that case, the full path involving training and a test applies.

Does B196 start a new probationary period?

No. The endorsement is not a new driving licence, but an extension of category B – it does not trigger a new probationary period.

Key takeaways

The most important points in five sentences

B196 is not a separate driving licence, but an endorsement on your category B licence – from 25 years of age and after five years of holding a category B licence.
Instead of a test, you complete driver training of at least nine modules – and must show that you drive safely.
You are not allowed to drive until the driving licence authority has entered the code number; you have a maximum of one year to do this.
The entitlement applies only in Germany and does not grant progression to A1, A2 or A.
At FAHRPLAN the training costs €750 – training is conducted individually, on the Honda CB125, starting from the Kalbach meeting point.

Still unsure?

Does B196 fit in with your plans?

We check your age, previous licence history and intended use with you and tell you honestly whether B196, category A1 or the open category A is better for you.