Add a class to your driving licence

Führerscheinstelle (driving licence office) · Extension of the driving licence under § 15 FeV

In person

An extension of the driving licence is the grant of an additional class to an existing driving licence – for example from B to BE, from B to C, or from A2 to A. Legally, this is neither a renewal nor an exchange, but an independent grant for the new class: the driving licence authority checks fitness to drive, minimum age and prior possession again, and then issues a new card driving licence on which all classes are entered together. The relevant provisions are § 15 of the Driving Licence Ordinance (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung, FeV) for training and testing, § 6 FeV for the scope of the classes, § 10 FeV for the minimum age, and § 23 FeV for the time limit on the lorry and bus classes.

The administrative fee consists of two items of the Fee Schedule for Measures in Road Traffic (Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr, GebOSt): €5.10 for reviewing the application under Nr. 201, and €35.70 for the initial issue, extension or renewal of a driving licence under Nr. 202.1 – together €40.80. What your authority actually charges can be higher: the Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten in Berlin states €45.10, and the city of Brandenburg an der Havel €43.90 plus €0.80 for a driving licence on probation. The examination fees, by contrast, are uniform nationwide: €24.99 gross for the theory test, and, depending on the class, €129.83 to €195.76 gross for the practical test.

This page explains which documents the driving licence authority requires, when § 15 Abs. 3 FeV saves you the theory test and training, and when a licence code (Schlüsselzahl) – 96, 196 or 197 – is cheaper than a whole new class. Related procedures: First driving licence application, Accompanied driving from 17, Conversion of a foreign driving licence.

Last updated8 October 2026

Legal basis§ 15 FeV · §§ 6, 10, 23 FeV · Annexes 5, 7, 7a, 7b FeV

Fee basisGebOSt Nr. 201, 202.1 & 216 · Examination fees Nr. 402

VerificationChecked against gesetze-im-internet.de

Written and reviewed byAndrés Sánchez Botta

Independent information site: We are not the Führerscheinstelle, not an authority and not a fee-based advice service — we do not submit applications on your behalf. All information comes from official sources and is explained here in plain terms; the competent body is always authoritative. Examination and entry fees under the GebOSt are uniform nationwide; the specific administrative fee, appointment booking and means of payment are set by each driving licence authority itself. Medical examinations are not an official fee but private medical services under the Fee Schedule for Doctors (Gebührenordnung für Ärzte, GOÄ). All information is provided without guarantee. We are neither lawyers nor tax consultants: we document administrative procedures and check the information against the official source — this is information, not legal or tax advice.

At a glance

Administrative fee

from €40.80 (actual €43.90–€45.10)

Theory test

€24.99 gross, uniform nationwide

Practical test

€129.83–€195.76 depending on class

Medical examination

Mandatory for C1 to DE (Annex 5 FeV)

Code 96 / 196 / 197

€28.60 entry, no test

Legal basis

§ 15 FeV · GebOSt Nr. 201, 202.1, 216

Classes, minimum age and examination requirements

Class	Minimum age (§ 10 FeV)	Tests required for the extension
AM (mopeds)	15 years – only within Germany until the 16th birthday	Theory + practical
A1 (light motorcycles up to 125 cm³)	16 years	Theory + practical
A2	18 years	Practical test only, if A1 held for at least 2 years (§ 15 Abs. 3 FeV)
A	24 years – or 20 years after holding A2 for at least 2 years	Practical test only, if A2 held for at least 2 years (§ 15 Abs. 3 FeV)
B / BE	18 years – 17 years with accompanied driving	BE: practical test only
C1 / C1E	18 years	Theory + practical, examinations under Annex 5 FeV
C / CE	21 years – 18 years only with professional driver qualification	Theory + practical, examinations under Annex 5 FeV
D1 / D1E	21 years	Theory + practical, plus a psychological performance assessment
D / DE	24 years – 21 or 20 years only with professional driver qualification	Theory + practical, plus a psychological performance assessment
T / L (agriculture and forestry)	16 years	Theory + practical
Code 96 (combination up to 4,250 kg)	Same as class B	No test – training under Annex 7a FeV
Code 196 (125 cm³ with class B)	25 years and class B held for at least 5 years	No test – training under Annex 7b FeV

Required documents

Identity card (Personalausweis) or passport with registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) – originals

The driving licence authority must establish your identity and place of residence, because only the authority of your ordinary place of residence is responsible. Bring a valid identity document in the original; if you identify yourself with a foreign passport, you must also submit a current registration certificate from the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office). If your identity card has expired, since 7 February 2026 a new one costs €46.00 from age 24 and €27.60 below that under § 1 of the Identity Card Fees Ordinance (Personalausweisgebührenverordnung, PAuswGebV), and a passport €70.00 or €37.50 respectively.

Existing driving licence (original)

The previous card driving licence proves the prior possession on which the concessions under § 15 FeV are based, and it is withdrawn when the new document is handed over. If the licence was still issued as a grey or pink paper driving licence, the authority often also requires the compulsory exchange at the same time; if the driving licence has been lost, first sort out the replacement driving licence.

Current biometric photograph

A current biometric photograph in the 35 × 45 mm format is needed for the new card driving licence; whether your authority accepts a paper photo or requires a digitally submitted photograph depends on the competent authority. Do not confuse this: for the identity card and passport, paper passport photos have been impermissible since 1 May 2025; for these, only the digital photograph from an authority terminal (€6.00) or from a certified photographer is permitted.

Eye test or ophthalmological examination of vision

For classes AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, L and T, an eye test at an officially recognised eye-test provider, for example an optician, is sufficient. For C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE this is not enough: under § 12 FeV an ophthalmological examination of vision is required. If you have already provided the eye test for your existing class, you generally do not have to repeat it within the same group; your authority’s information is authoritative.

Medical report under Annex 5 FeV (C and D classes only)

For every extension to C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE, Annex 5 FeV requires proof that there are no conditions that rule out fitness to drive these vehicles; for the bus classes D, D1, DE and D1E a psychological performance assessment is added, and from the age of 50 also proof of capability under Annex 5 Nr. 2 FeV (for the licence to carry passengers for hire, only from age 60). At the time of application, all evidence must be no more than one year old. There is no official fee for this; it is billed as a private medical service under the Fee Schedule for Doctors (Gebührenordnung für Ärzte, GOÄ).

Certificate of the first-aid course

The certificate for the first-aid course (§ 19 FeV) is required on first issue; if you have already provided it for your existing class, you usually do not need to repeat it for an extension. Whether your authority requires a new certificate when you move up to the C or D classes depends on the authority responsible.

Training confirmation or enrolment confirmation from the driving school

The driving school confirms that you are being trained for the target class; without this confirmation, the authority will not register you for the test. When moving up under § 15 Abs. 3 FeV, the training obligation does not apply, but registration for the practical test still goes through a driving school. For codes 96, 196 and 197, a training certificate under Annex 7a or 7b FeV takes its place.

Karteikartenabschrift (index card transcript) if the competent authority has changed

If your previous driving licence was issued by a different authority, the now-competent body needs a transcript of your driving licence index card and generally requests it itself – this takes time, so submit your application earlier. Anyone who wants to know whether entries in the Register of Driver Fitness (Fahreignungsregister, FAER) stand in the way can obtain free information from the Register of Driver Fitness (Punkteauskunft) in advance from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, KBA).

Means of payment for the administrative fee

The administrative fee becomes due when the application is submitted, not only when the driving licence is handed over. Which means of payment are accepted – cash, girocard, credit card or bank transfer – is decided independently by each driving licence authority. The examination fees, by contrast, are billed by the technical testing centre (TÜV or DEKRA), usually through the driving school.

Step by step

Clarify the target class, its scope and the minimum age

First check, using § 6 FeV, what the desired class actually covers – often the extension is not even necessary. Class B, for example, allows trailers up to 750 kg permissible total mass without restriction, and heavier trailers as long as the permissible total mass of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. The minimum age is governed by § 10 FeV – the full overview is in the table above. Note in particular there that the lower limits of 18 years for class C and 21 or 20 years for class D only apply with a professional driver qualification.

Check the concessions under § 15 Abs. 3 FeV

Before starting training, find out whether the law spares you the test and the training. Under § 15 Abs. 3 FeV, when moving up from A1 to A2 and from A2 to A, only a practical test has to be taken if, at the time of issue, you have held the previous class for at least two years; at the same time, the training obligation does not apply. Excepted is a class A1 that was issued only with code 79.03 or 79.04. A practical test only is likewise provided for the extension from B to BE.

Obtain the medical and ophthalmological evidence (C and D classes)

Anyone extending to C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE needs the examinations under Annex 5 FeV: a general medical examination for conditions that rule out fitness to drive, and – in place of the simple eye test – an ophthalmological examination of eyesight under § 12 FeV. For the D classes a psychological performance assessment is added as well; the proof of performance capacity under Annex 5 Nr. 2 FeV is compulsory for all applicants for this extension, regardless of age – the age threshold of 50 or 60 years under Annex 5 Nr. 2 FeV only applies later, when this driving entitlement is renewed. All certificates must be no more than one year old when you apply; there is no official fee for them, practices charge according to the GOÄ fee schedule.

Choose a driving school and complete the training

Enrol at a driving school that actually trains for the target class – not every provider offers the C, CE and D classes in particular. The scope and content of the training depend on the class and prior possession; the tests follow the examination guideline in Annex 7 FeV. Driving school costs are not an official fee and are set freely – have the base amount, lessons, special drives and presentation fee broken down in writing before signing the contract.

Submit the application to the driving licence authority

Submit the application with all the evidence to the driving licence authority of your place of residence – in many cities an appointment booked online is required for this. €5.10 becomes due for reviewing the application under Nr. 201 of the GebOSt, and €35.70 for the initial issue, extension or renewal under Nr. 202.1, together €40.80; in practice the authorities charge somewhat more, Berlin €45.10 and Brandenburg an der Havel €43.90 plus €0.80 for a driving licence on probation. Only after the authority’s approval may the technical testing centre admit you to the test – allow for several weeks of processing time.

Sit the theory test

The theory test costs €24.99 gross (€21.00 net) and is the same for all classes; the number of questions and the permissible error points depend on the target class. It is waived entirely for the extension from B to BE and when moving up from A1 to A2 or from A2 to A under § 15 Abs. 3 FeV. Anyone who fails pays the fee again for every further attempt.

Sit the practical test

The practical test is staggered by class and is likewise regulated uniformly nationwide: €129.83 gross (€109.10 net) for B, BE and AM under Nr. 402.3 of the GebOSt, €162.67 gross (€136.70 net) for A, A1, A2 and T, €186.47 gross (€156.70 net) for D1E and DE, and €195.76 gross (€164.50 net) for C, C1, CE, C1E, D and D1. Budget realistically: for C and CE, figures of around €140 circulate in many places, but the actual fee is around €56 higher. Every repeat attempt again costs the full fee, plus the driving school’s presentation fee and vehicle provision.

Receive the new card driving licence and note the deadlines

After passing the test, the authority issues a new card driving licence on which all classes are entered with their date of issue; the previous one is withdrawn. Important for lorries and buses: under § 23 FeV the classes C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE are issued for a maximum of five years and must then be renewed with fresh examinations under Annex 5 FeV – note the expiry date straight away. Anyone transporting commercially also needs the professional driver qualification (code 95) and a driver card.

Fees & costs

Service	Amount
Review of the application (GebOSt Nr. 201)	€5.10
Initial issue, extension or renewal of a driving licence (GebOSt Nr. 202.1)	€35.70
Sum of the two GebOSt items	€40.80
Example Berlin (LABO, driving licence fees from 1 January 2025)	€45.10
Example Brandenburg an der Havel	€43.90 (+ €0.80 for a driving licence on probation)
Theory test, all classes	€24.99 gross (€21.00 net)
Practical test B, BE, AM (GebOSt Nr. 402.3)	€129.83 gross (€109.10 net)
Practical test A, A1, A2, T	€162.67 gross (€136.70 net)
Practical test D1E, DE	€186.47 gross (€156.70 net)
Practical test C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1	€195.76 gross (€164.50 net)
Practical test to remove the automatic-only restriction (class B)	€106.27 gross
Entry of code 96, 196 or 197 (GebOSt Nr. 216)	€28.60
Medical examination under Annex 5 FeV (C and D classes)	No official fee – billed privately under the GOÄ
Ophthalmological examination of vision (§ 12 FeV)	No official fee – billed privately under the GOÄ
Psychological performance assessment (D classes)	Depends on the examining body
Driving school: base amount, lessons, special drives, presentation fee	No official fee – freely set pricing
Example: official fees for an extension B → BE	€170.63 (40.80 + 129.83)
Example: official fees for an extension B → C	€261.55 (40.80 + 24.99 + 195.76)
Example: official fees for code B196	€28.60 (excluding the driving school’s training costs)

The examination and entry fees are uniform nationwide, the administrative fee is not. The theory and practical fees are based on Nr. 402 of the annex to the GebOSt and are charged by the technical testing centre plus VAT – hence the net and gross amounts. The administrative fee works out arithmetically from Nr. 201 and Nr. 202.1, but in practice is often a few euros higher. For the medical evidence there is no official fee at all: it is billed under the GOÄ, and the practice sets the prices itself.

The examination fee is not a flat rate. It becomes due again with every repeat attempt – anyone who fails the class CE practical test twice pays €391.52 to the testing centre alone. The driving school’s presentation fee and vehicle provision are added on top.

Important notes

Lorries and buses: a five-year time limit – not a two-year cycle from age 50. Under § 23 FeV, the driving licence for classes C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE is issued for a maximum of five years – regardless of age. The widespread claim that an examination is due every two years from age 50 is wrong. What is correct is that, from the age of 50, the proof of capability under Annex 5 Nr. 2 FeV is added for classes D, D1, DE and D1E; for the licence to carry passengers for hire, from age 60.

Moving up A1 → A2 → A: two years of prior possession save you the training and the theory test. § 15 Abs. 3 FeV requires only a practical test if, at the time of issue, you have held class A1 or A2 for at least two years; the training obligation also does not apply. Calculate the period from the date of issue on your driving licence. Excepted is a class A1 that was issued only with code 79.03 or 79.04.

Trailers: calculate first, then extend. § 6 FeV always allows trailers up to 750 kg permissible total mass with class B; heavier trailers are permitted as long as the permissible total mass of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg, or even 4,250 kg with code 96. If that is not enough, class BE follows – for it, only a practical test has to be taken, which costs €129.83 gross (€109.10 net) under Nr. 402.3 of the GebOSt.

Code 96: seven clock hours of training, no test. Under Annex 7a FeV, the training comprises at least seven clock hours – of which at least 2.5 hours theory and at least 3.5 hours driving practice, plus driving in traffic. No test takes place; a fee of €28.60 under Nr. 216 of the GebOSt is charged for the entry.

Code 196: minimum age 25 and five years of class B. Annex 7b FeV requires at least four theory units of 90 minutes each and at least five riding lessons of 90 minutes each on a light motorcycle; there is no test. Two requirements are regularly overlooked: you must be at least 25 years old and have held class B for at least five years. The entitlement applies only in Germany and likewise costs €28.60 for the entry.

Code 197 and removing the automatic-only restriction. Anyone who sits the practical test in an automatic vehicle generally receives class B only with the automatic restriction; code 197 removes this if proof of driving a manual-gearbox vehicle (Schaltnachweis) has been provided at the driving school. Alternatively, an already entered restriction can be removed through a separate practical test, which costs €106.27 gross.

Examination evidence must be no more than one year old. For all classes C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE, the examinations under Annex 5 FeV are required, and for the D classes a psychological performance assessment in addition; instead of a simple eye test, an ophthalmological examination of vision is required under § 12 FeV. At the time of application, none of this evidence may be more than one year old – anyone who goes to the doctor too early pays twice.

Adding a class does not affect the probationary period. Anyone who acquires an additional class during the probationary period does not thereby extend the ongoing probationary period, nor does it start again; it ends unchanged at the original date. Some authorities, however, charge a small surcharge if the new class is issued on probation – in Brandenburg an der Havel around €0.80.

A driving licence is not the same as a professional driver qualification. Classes C, CE, D and DE entitle you to drive the vehicles, not automatically to carry goods or passengers commercially; for that, basic qualification and further training under the Professional Driver Qualification Act (Berufskraftfahrerqualifikationsgesetz) are required, documented by code 95. Note the First Act Amending the Professional Driver Qualification Act, in force since 6 February 2026; the lowered minimum ages for classes C and D are also linked to it.

Common mistakes

Assuming a two-year cycle from age 50

The idea that the lorry driving licence has to be renewed every two years from age 50 leads to the wrong timing. In fact, under § 23 FeV a consistent time limit of five years applies; from age 50, only the proof of capability under Annex 5 Nr. 2 FeV is added for the D classes. Anyone who lets the actual five-year deadline expire may no longer drive the vehicles concerned and must catch up on the renewal with fresh examinations.

Setting the examination fee for C and CE too low

For C, C1, CE, C1E, D and D1, figures of around €140 circulate in many places. In fact, the practical test for these classes costs €195.76 gross (€164.50 net) – around €56 more. Anyone who budgets tightly can quickly face a funding gap on a repeat attempt, because the fee falls due again every time you sit the test.

Obtaining the medical evidence too early

The examinations under Annex 5 FeV must be no more than one year old at the time of application. Anyone who has the examinations done long before enrolling at the driving school and submits the application only later presents the authority with unusable evidence – the result is a complete repeat of the examinations at their own expense, billed under the GOÄ and therefore not refundable.

Miscalculating the two-year period for the motorcycle upgrade

§ 15 Abs. 3 FeV is based on the time of the issue of the new class, not on the test date. Anyone who schedules the practical test so that the issue would take place before the two years of prior possession have elapsed loses the concession: the full training and, in addition, a theory test for €24.99 then become due.

Booking B196 without meeting the requirements

Besides the training under Annex 7b FeV, code 196 requires a minimum age of 25 and at least five years of prior possession of class B. Anyone who completes the training without meeting both conditions will not have the code entered – the four theory units and five riding lessons are then paid for but worthless.

Driving abroad with B196

Code 196 is a purely national entitlement and applies only in Germany. Anyone who uses it to ride a light motorcycle abroad is driving there without the required licence – with criminal consequences in the country concerned and the risk that insurance cover lapses. For journeys outside Germany, the full class A1 is necessary.

Miscalculating the trailer weight of the combination

Under § 6 FeV, what matters is not the actual weight, but the permissible total mass of the towing vehicle and trailer combined: with class B, a maximum of 3,500 kg is permitted, and with code 96 a maximum of 4,250 kg. Anyone who miscalculates and exceeds the limit is driving without the required licence. This is not a regulatory offence but a criminal offence, and comprehensive motor insurance can reduce or refuse the payout.

Assuming the lowered minimum age for C or D

The figures “C from 18” and “D from 21” only apply in conjunction with a professional driver qualification. Without this qualification, the minimum age under § 10 FeV is 21 for class C and 24 for class D. Anyone who submits the application too early receives an official notice (Bescheid) rejecting the application, while the fee for reviewing the application under Nr. 201 of the GebOSt has still been incurred.

Frequently asked questions

What does it cost to extend a driving licence by one class?

The administrative fee alone consists of €5.10 for reviewing the application under Nr. 201 of the GebOSt and €35.70 for the initial issue, extension or renewal under Nr. 202.1, together €40.80. In practice, the authorities charge more: Berlin charges €45.10, and the city of Brandenburg an der Havel €43.90 plus €0.80 for a driving licence on probation. Added to this are the uniform nationwide examination fees of €24.99 for the theory test and €129.83 to €195.76 for the practical test, plus the freely set driving school costs.

Do I have to sit the theory test again when moving from A1 to A2 or from A2 to A?

No. Under § 15 Abs. 3 FeV, only a practical test has to be taken if, at the time of issue, you have held class A1 or A2 for at least two years; the training obligation at the driving school also does not apply. What matters is the time of issue, not the test date. An exception applies to a class A1 that was issued only with code 79.03 or 79.04.

Do I need class BE for a trailer, or is code 96 enough?

With class B, under § 6 FeV you may always tow trailers up to 750 kg permissible total mass, and heavier trailers as long as the permissible total mass of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. Code 96 raises this limit to 4,250 kg and requires only training of at least seven clock hours under Annex 7a FeV, with no test. Only once this limit is also exceeded do you need class BE, for which only a practical test has to be taken.

What does entering code 96, 196 or 197 cost?

For entering a code in the driving licence, Nr. 216 of the annex to the GebOSt provides for a fee of €28.60. This amount covers only the administrative act; the training at the driving school is billed separately and set freely. No test is provided for codes 96 and 196.

What requirements apply for code B196?

Under Annex 7b FeV, at least four theory units of 90 minutes each and at least five riding lessons of 90 minutes each on a light motorcycle must be completed; there is no test. Added to this are two requirements that are often overlooked: you must be at least 25 years old and have held class B for at least five years. Code 196 entitles you to ride light motorcycles only in Germany and does not apply abroad.

How long is a class C or D driving licence valid?

Under § 23 FeV, the classes C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE are granted for at most five years, regardless of age. There is no two-year renewal rhythm from age 50; claims of this kind are widespread but wrong. What is correct is that the proof of performance capacity under Annex 5 Nr. 2 FeV is compulsory for all applicants for the classes D, D1, DE and D1E already on first issue or extension; the age threshold of 50 (60 for the carriage of passengers) only applies to the later renewal of this driving entitlement.

How long is the medical evidence for C and D valid?

The examinations under Annex 5 FeV must be no more than one year old at the time of application. They are required for all classes C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE; for the D classes a psychological performance assessment is added. Instead of a simple eye test, an ophthalmological examination of vision is required under § 12 FeV.

Does adding a class extend my probationary period?

No. An additional class acquired during the probationary period does not extend the ongoing probationary period, nor does it start it again; it continues unchanged until its original end. The probationary period is only extended by infringements, not by acquiring further classes.

What does code B197 mean, and what does removing the automatic restriction cost?

Code 197 allows you to sit the practical test in an automatic vehicle and still receive class B without the automatic restriction; the requirement is proof of driving a manual-gearbox vehicle provided at the driving school. Anyone who wants to have an already entered restriction removed later can instead sit a separate practical test, which costs €106.27 gross. Entering the code itself costs €28.60 under Nr. 216 of the GebOSt.