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Class B197

Test automatic.
Drive manual.

B197 is not a licence of its own. It is Class B under a special rule: you take the practical test on an automatic and are still allowed to drive a manual afterwards.

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How it differs from Class B

Practical test
On an automatic — no gear changes, no clutch
Manual lessons
At least 10 driving lessons in a manual during your training
Test drive
15 minutes in a manual with your instructor — not an exam
Afterwards
Full entitlement for both manual and automatic
On the card
Key number 197 printed on your licence
Theory
Identical to Class B — 14 topics, 30 test questions

Worth knowing

Key number 197 is a German rule. It is not checked abroad — with this licence you may drive a manual there as well.

Fahrschule Fahrspass VW Golf training car with the school's lettering along the driver's side
You learn in a VW Golf — manual or automatic

Requirements and timings

  • Minimum age 18, or 17 with BF17
  • You can sign up from the age of 16 years and 6 months
  • Eyesight test, first-aid course, biometric passport photo
  • Processing at the Straßenverkehrsamt: roughly 2–4 weeks
  • The same 12 compulsory special lessons as Class B
  • 2-year probationary period from the day you pass the practical test

Common questions about B197

Who is B197 worth it for?

Anyone who mostly wants to drive an automatic day to day but wants to keep the option of a manual open. For a lot of people the automatic test is simply less stressful — nothing to stall, no clutch.

What if the manual test drive does not go well?

The test drive is not a TÜV exam. Your instructor decides whether you are ready. If you are not, you practise a few more lessons in the manual and drive it again.

Can I combine B197 with BF17?

Yes. You can drive from 17 with a registered supervisor and take the test on an automatic at the same time — key number 197 is then added as well.

Can I switch from B to B197 later?

If you passed Class B in a manual you do not need B197 — you may already drive both. If you took the test on an automatic, you can do the manual test drive afterwards and have the 197 added.

How many manual lessons do I need?

At least 10 driving lessons of 45 minutes each in a manual. The remaining lessons and the test itself are in an automatic.

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