B196 Licence Germany: Ride a 125cc motorcycle with a car licence

If you already hold a category B licence and have always thought you would enjoy riding a motorcycle, there is good news. German law lets you obtain code 196 – known as the B196 licence Germany extension – which entitles you to ride certain motorcycles, at a lower cost and without taking a practical or theory exam.

B196 Extension: Ride a motorcycle with a class B

Do you have a car driving licence and have you always wanted to ride a motorcycle? Then the 125cc motorcycle licence via the B196 regulation is exactly what you need. The legislation allows you to ride certain motorcycles without having to take a new exam – provided you meet all the necessary criteria.

Requirements for the B196 licence Germany extension

To qualify for the B196 extension, you need to meet two simple conditions:

• A minimum age of 25
• At least 5 years holding a category B licence

If you meet these criteria, you can start training for category A1 straight away – motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and up to 11 kW.

How to get the B196 extension

The procedure is straightforward and goes through an approved driving school. You complete:

• 4 theory lessons, to familiarise you with the rules that apply specifically to motorcycles.
  To go deeper on your own, you can work through our official TÜV / DEKRA motorcycle theory questions.
• At least 5 riding sessions, including both exercises on a training area and rides out on the road.

At the end of the training your instructor confirms that you are ready, and the authorities extend your right to drive to category A1 motorcycles – with no additional exam.