Understanding trailer rules with a B licence
Three numbers to remember: the towing vehicle’s GVW, the trailer’s GVW, and their combined weight (GCW). The required licence depends on the trailer GVW and the combined total.
B licence alone: what can you tow?
With a B licence you can tow a trailer with a GVW up to 750 kg - regardless of the total. Above 750 kg, the car + trailer combined must stay ≤ 3,500 kg. Beyond that you need a higher category.
B96: the "small" top-up
Who is it for?
B96 lets you tow a trailer over 750 kg when the combined weight is between 3,500 kg and 4,250 kg. Ideal for a small caravan, horse van or mid-size boat.
Length and price
Mandatory 7-hour training at a driving school, no practical exam (just an endorsement added to the licence). Price: €300-500. No medical exam.
BE: the full extension
When is it required?
Whenever the combined weight exceeds 3,500 kg OR the trailer alone exceeds 3,500 kg GVW (up to 7,500 kg). Essential for a heavy horse van, large caravan or heavy agricultural equipment.
Training and exam
Average 12-20 hours (practical only, no theory). 1-hour practical exam with off-road phase (manoeuvring, reversing with a trailer) and on-road driving. Price: €900-1,500. Medical exam required.
Watch out for common confusions
Twin-axle trailers
Many think a twin-axle trailer changes the rule - it does not. It is always the GVW on the registration document that counts, never the number of axles.
The real GVW is not the dealer figure
Always check the GVW on the trailer's registration document (field F.2), never the brochure. A caravan sold at "1,300 kg empty" may have a GVW of 1,800 kg, changing the required licence.
Which licence for which situation? Quick recap
Cycle trailer or small utility < 500 kg: B licence. 800 kg caravan towed by a small city car: B96 works. Motorhome towed by a pickup, pro trailer with tools, two-horse van, 6.5 m boat: BE.
Next step
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What's the difference between BE and B96 licences in 2026?
The B96 licence (7-hour training, 250 to 400 euros) authorises a combined GVW (vehicle + trailer) between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes maximum, without exam. The BE licence (21-hour training with exam, 900 to 1,400 euros) authorises combined GVW up to 7 tonnes, including trailer up to 3.5 tonnes. BE is mandatory for towing heavy caravans, large boats and professional horse trailers.
What trailer can you tow with a simple B licence?
The simple B licence authorises a trailer with GVW under or equal to 750 kg, without additional training. Beyond, the combined GVW (vehicle + trailer) must not exceed 3.5 tonnes. Example: 1,800 kg GVW car + 1,500 kg trailer = 3,300 kg, authorised without B96 or BE. Beyond 3.5 tonnes combined, B96 or BE mandatory. Check GVWs on the registration card (boxes F1 and F2).
How much does the B96 licence cost in 2026?
The B96 licence costs 250 to 400 euros in provinces and 350 to 500 euros in Paris in 2026, the mandatory 7-hour training without exam. The rate includes 2 hours of theory, 1 hour of manoeuvres, 4 hours of road driving with attached trailer. Certificate issued directly by the school at the end of training. CPF eligible 100 percent. No new theory required.
How much does the BE trailer licence cost in 2026?
The BE licence costs 900 to 1,400 euros in provinces and 1,200 to 1,700 euros in Paris in 2026. It includes 21 training hours (7 off-road + 14 road), a practical exam (manoeuvres and road) and a theory exam on loads and securing. Prerequisite: B licence for at least 1 year. CPF 100 percent. No specific theory required in 2026 (removed since 2013).
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