BE and B96 practical exams: process, manoeuvres and criteria in 2026

The BE licence is one of the most technical to pass for both leisure drivers and professionals. It validates the ability to tow a heavy trailer or caravan, with particular focus on reversing and combination coordination. The simpler B96 training requires no exam, but the trainer still evaluates your level. Here is a complete guide on how the BE exam runs in 2026, required manoeuvres, scoring and tips to pass.

BE exam duration and structure

The BE exam has two successive phases. The off-road phase lasts 45 minutes: vehicle checks, hitching and unhitching the trailer, then technical manoeuvres on a closed track. The on-road phase lasts 45 minutes: driving on open road with the combination, rating autonomy, traffic reading and safety. Total reaches about 1.5 hours. A driving examiner and optionally an instructor must be present.

Preliminary checks

The candidate must check the state of vehicle and trailer before driving: tyres (pressure, wear, spare presence), lights (indicators, brake, position), fluid levels, hitch (locking, safety, electrical plug), load (straps, distribution, height). The examiner asks two questions drawn at random from an official bank of about 30 questions. Good preparation goes through the official booklet available at the school.

Off-road technical manoeuvres

Three main manoeuvres are rated: S reverse (reversing weaving between cones), angle parking with trailer (rear parking), and full hitch/unhitch (placing trailer on tow hook, connecting electrics). S reverse is the most feared: you must anticipate inverse steering, keep very slow speed, and avoid hitting cones. A single cone touch is not eliminating, but two are. Precision matters more than speed.

Tips to pass the S reverse

Turn the wheel very slightly and immediately watch the trailer reaction in the mirrors. If the trailer goes too far right, straighten gently, even steer left to bring it back. Move forward one metre to reorient the combination if poorly placed: this is allowed and wiser than continuing blind. During training, ask to do the manoeuvre at least 20 times in varied conditions. On the day, take your time: a precise reverse beats a fast one.

On-road phase

After manoeuvres, you drive with the examiner. The route lasts at least 45 minutes on national road, departmental and possibly motorway section. The examiner rates: safety distance respect (longer with trailer), accounting for total length at intersections, speed adaptation in curves and descents, and stability management (rolling, side wind). Hard braking with loaded trailer can trigger dangerous swaying.

Scoring grid and pass threshold

The BE grid mirrors Category B: 27 skills rated 0 to 3 points, max total 31. Pass threshold: 20 points minimum without eliminating fault. Eliminating faults are the same as B (yield refusal, solid line crossing, excess speed) plus specific ones: collision with an obstacle during manoeuvre, trailer loss on the road, unsecured hitch. The candidate is notified of the result within 48 hours via their digital space.

B96: continuous evaluation without exam

B96 training has no formal exam but continuous trainer evaluation. You must attend the 7 hours and participate actively in exercises. The trainer signs the certificate at the end if your level is judged sufficient. In case of doubt, they may suggest extra hours or redirect to full BE. The programme covers 4 hours of practice (manoeuvres and reversing) and 3 hours in traffic. A final oral evaluation validates rule understanding.

Pass rate and examiner tips

First attempt BE pass rate is about 65 percent in 2026 per Road Safety. Examiners note that failures often stem from lack of reverse practice and poor combination length management in curves. To maximise your chances: take at least 12 hours of practice before the exam, do a refresher session the day before, arrive relaxed. Bring ID, ASR/ASSR2 certificate, medical certificate and summons.