Towing with a B96 or BE: detailed comparison in 2026

Towing a caravan, van or loaded trailer from a basic Category B licence is regulatorily limited. Above certain thresholds, you need to extend your licence: either through the B96 training (7 hours, no exam), or the BE licence (full exam). In 2026, both schemes coexist and the choice depends on the total weight of the vehicle plus trailer combination (GTW). Knowing GVW thresholds and each licence constraints avoids unsuitable purchases or fines.

GVW thresholds to know

Basic Category B allows towing a trailer with GVW (gross vehicle weight) at or below 750 kg, no condition on the towing vehicle weight. Above that, two cases: if vehicle GVW plus trailer GVW totals at or below 3 500 kg, Category B suffices. If between 3 500 and 4 250 kg, B96 is needed. Above 4 250 kg GTW, BE becomes mandatory. Note: GVW is on the vehicle and trailer registration card (box F2).

How to read the registration card

On the registration card, vehicle GVW is in box F2. For the trailer or caravan, it is also box F2 on its own registration card. Add the two for GTW. Example: SUV with 2 500 kg GVW plus 1 500 kg GVW caravan, totalling 4 000 kg GTW. That is under 4 250 kg: B96 is enough. If the caravan moves to 1 800 kg GVW, GTW reaches 4 300 kg: BE becomes mandatory. This check must happen before buying.

B96 training: 7 hours without exam

B96 is a 7 hour practical training delivered at a driving school. No final exam: attendance and participation suffice to get the certificate, then noted on the licence. The programme covers hitching, driving with trailer, manoeuvres, reversing and specific rules. Average 2026 cost: 350 to 500 euros by region. Training can be a single day or spread over two. No medical visit required for common categories.

B96 benefits and limits

B96 is fast, low cost, no exam so no failure risk. It fits leisure perfectly: caravan, boat trailer, modest horse van. The limit: it caps at 4 250 kg GTW. If you buy a big van with two horses and a heavy vehicle like a Ford Transit, GTW may exceed this threshold and you will be in breach with a B96. Note also that 7 hour training stays basic and does not replace BE experience.

BE licence: full exam

BE is a fully separate category. It needs a specific theory (often waived if Category B theory is valid), a medical visit at an approved doctor, and a two part practical exam: off-road (checks, S reverse manoeuvre) then on-road (45 minutes minimum). Total 2026 cost: 800 to 1 200 euros depending on driving hours needed. Medical visit 36 euros, valid 5 years for drivers under 60.

Manoeuvres for the BE exam

The BE exam mainly rates the S reverse with a trailer, parallel parking, hitching and unhitching. Reversing with trailer is counter-intuitive: steering turns the opposite way. Practical training of at least 12 hours is generally needed. First attempt pass rate is around 65 percent in 2026 per Road Safety figures. Exam lasts about 1.5 hours. Once licensed, you can tow without GVW limit in the authorised category.

Caravan vs van: which option

For a standard 1 200 to 1 500 kg GVW caravan towed by a family saloon, B96 suffices 90 percent of the time. For a converted professional van, the van GVW alone can reach 3 500 kg: no need for a trailer, basic Category B is enough. For serious horse transport or heavy boat with strong vehicle, BE is mandatory. Run the maths before buying: a wrong licence choice can be costly in fines (135 euros + 4 point loss) and insurance (denial in case of accident).

Trailer technical inspection

Since 2024, trailers over 750 kg GVW must have a periodic technical inspection every 4 years, then every 2 years after 8 years. Leisure caravans follow the same rule. Lack of inspection means a 135 euro fine and possible impoundment. For trailers up to 750 kg, no technical inspection but a visual check is recommended yearly: lights, hitch, tyres.