Which trailers can you use with a B driving licence?

Do you have a category B driving license and are considering towing a trailer? Then this information is for you. Trailer regulations are clear, but they’re often written in a convoluted way. Here we explain everything in detail — no fluff, no confusion.

The B license and its limits: what can you tow without getting into trouble?

The category B driving license, the most common among private drivers, allows you to drive vehicles with a Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM) of up to 3,500 kg. You can also tow a light trailer, such as one for a motorbike, as long as its MAM does not exceed 750 kg.

So far, so good. But beware: the combined total of the vehicle and the trailer must not exceed 4,250 kg. In other words, if your vehicle weighs close to 3,500 kg, your trailer must be the lightest on the market. Not a kilo more.

In summary:

• Vehicle up to 3,500 kg MAM.
• Light trailer up to 750 kg MAM.
• Total combination: maximum 4,250 kg.

If you go over any of these limits, your B license no longer covers you. You’ll need something else.

What is the B-96 license and what does it allow you to do?

This is where the B-96 license comes into play — an extension of the B license that gives you more flexibility. With it, you can tow trailers with a MAM of more than 750 kg, as long as the total combination does not exceed 4,250 kg. For example, if your car weighs 2,900 kg, you could tow a trailer of up to 1,350 kg.

The best part is that no theory test is required, but you do have to pass two practical tests:

Closed circuit:

• Parallel parking (on flat ground or slope).
• Hitching and unhitching the trailer, ensuring it is properly immobilized.

Urban driving:

• This is where you prove you can handle traffic lights, pedestrians, and roundabouts — drama-free and bump-free.

Once you pass both tests, the B-96 is yours.

What if I want to tow even heavier loads? Welcome to the B+E license

The B+E license is the option for those who need to tow seriously heavy trailers, exceeding 4,250 kg in total. But be careful: neither the towing vehicle nor the trailer can individually exceed 3,500 kg.

In this case, a theory test is required, with 20 specific questions about trailer driving. You’re allowed only two mistakes.

Additionally, the practical tests are more demanding. Again, there are two parts:

Closed circuit:

• Reverse driving on a curve and in a straight line.

• Coupling and uncoupling.

• Safe parking for loading and unloading.

Public roads:

• Driving in real traffic, where you must demonstrate skill and control.

Choose wisely and drive safely

Towing a trailer is not just about hooking it up and hitting the gas. It depends on the weight, the type of trailer, and most importantly, the license you hold. If you're going to carry more than what the B license allows, don’t risk it: go for the B-96 or B+E. You’ll avoid fines — and bigger problems.