B196 or A1?

The difference in one sentence

B196 is a code entered into your existing car licence – no test, but valid in Germany only. A1 is a licence class in its own right with a proper test – and recognised across Europe.

Requirements for B196

Both conditions must be met, there is no exception:

• You are at least 25 years old.
• You have held class B for at least five years.

The training comprises four units of theory and five units of practical riding, 90 minutes each. There is no test. Afterwards we issue a confirmation with which the licensing authority enters the code.

Requirements for A1

A1 is available from 16. Regular training with a theory and practical test applies. If you already hold class B, theory is reduced to six double periods of basic material plus the class-specific part for class A.

In return you get a full licence class: valid throughout the EU, unlimited in time, and a basis for later upgrading to A2.

The three questions that decide it

• Do you want to ride abroad? Then there is no way around A1 – code 196 is not recognised outside Germany.
• Do you meet the 25 years and five years of prior possession? If not, B196 is simply not possible.
• Do you want a bigger machine later? Then A1 is the more sensible entry, because you can build on it.

Our recommendation

If you will only ride in Berlin, meet the requirements and want to get going quickly, B196 works well. If you are younger, want to ride abroad or have bigger plans, go straight for A1.

If you are unsure: bring your licence in. In five minutes we can tell you what is possible in your case.

Everything about B196