Towing a caravan, horsebox, utility trailer or boat requires, above a certain weight, complementary training or a specific licence. The BE licence and B96 training address these needs, per the total GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the combination. This guide compares the two schemes in 2026, with rates, uses and enrolment procedure.
When do you need a trailer extension?
With a classic B licence, you can tow a trailer with GVWR at or below 750 kg without further training. If the trailer GVWR exceeds 750 kg, three cases. Case 1: trailer GVWR + vehicle GVWR ≤ 3,500 kg: no training (B sufficient). Case 2: 3,500 kg < Total ≤ 4,250 kg: mandatory B96 training (7h). Case 3: Total > 4,250 kg and trailer > 750 kg: BE licence required.
B96 training: 7 hours
Introduced in 2013 to simplify access to intermediate combinations, B96 is a B complement without exam. Duration: 7 hours minimum. Programme: 4 hours off-road practice (manoeuvres, coupling, uncoupling, safe hitching), 3 hours on-road driving (dimensions, braking, stability, corners). Average 2026 French rate: €350-600. Validation: attendance certificate sent to ANTS, « 96 » added to licence within 2-4 weeks.
Who is B96 for?
B96 covers frequent intermediate uses: 800-1,200 kg caravan behind a minivan or SUV, small horsebox, car-transport trailer for a passenger vehicle (500 kg trailer + 1,200 kg car = 1,700 kg), boat trailer up to 10-12 feet. It offers clear flexibility without going through the BE exam, more expensive and longer.
BE licence: training + exam
The BE licence (B Extension) allows towing any trailer, with a maximum trailer GVWR set at 3,500 kg. Obtained after training including at least 7h theory and 12-14h driving, followed by a practical exam (40 min, 20 off-road and 20 on-road). Average 2026 French rate: €800-1,200 (€30 exam included). Exam: Road Safety inspector, approved centre.
Typical BE uses
BE is essential for large caravans (GVWR > 1,500 kg), 2-horse horseboxes (1,800-2,800 kg GVWR), car-transport trailers for heavy vehicles (SUV, 4x4, utility), heavy-equipment trailers (agricultural, large-sized boat trailers 18-24 feet). Often also required for professional activities (rental, itinerant entrepreneurs, independent movers).
BE and professional use
For strictly commercial professional use (third-party transport), BE may not suffice: C or CE (HGV) licence is sometimes mandatory. Consult your chamber of commerce (CCI) or an approved carrier before switching commercial. BE suits most independent professional uses (craftsman, itinerant construction, plumber with workshop trailer).
B96 vs BE comparison table
Criterion 1: Max total GVWR. B96: 4,250 kg. BE: no limit (tow up to 3,500 kg extra vs vehicle GVWR). Criterion 2: Training. B96: 7h no exam. BE: 7h theory + 12-14h practice + exam. Criterion 3: Average French cost. B96: €350-600. BE: €800-1,200. Criterion 4: Time to obtain. B96: 1-2 weeks. BE: 1-3 months (by centre and exam availability). Criterion 5: Prerequisites. B96: B licence. BE: B licence for at least 1 year.
How to choose B96 or BE?
Three questions. 1) What is the total GVWR of your combination (car + trailer + content)? If < 4,250 kg, B96 sufficient. If > 4,250 kg, BE required. 2) Is use occasional or frequent? B96 suffices for occasional (2-week caravan holiday/year). For regular use (horses every weekend), BE brings more autonomy and compatible vehicles. 3) Professional project? For construction, rental or moving, BE generally more suitable.
Trailer travel obligations
Whatever the licence, several rules apply. Limited speeds: 80 km/h on motorway (100 in France since 2022 for trailers ≤ 3.5t behind LV), 80 non-urban, 50 urban. Doubled safety distance (2s minimum for a trailer vs 1s). Mandatory number plate at trailer rear, identical to vehicle. Mandatory civil-liability insurance for trailer over 500 kg GVWR.
Hitch and safety
The hitch must be homologated for planned load (manufacturer label on tow ball). Mandatory safety cable (secondary coupling) linking trailer to vehicle, in case of primary hitch failure. Systematic light check (position, brake, indicators, rear fog) before each start. Trailer tyre pressure to adjust per load (consult manual).
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