Driving license B196 - Information & Help
Ride 125cc E-Scooters and E-Choppers
with a Car Driver's License
The B196 extension allows you to ride light motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW – without an exam. Just a compact training course at a driving school.
What you need for the B196 extension
Three conditions – if all are met, you can start training immediately. No theoretical, no practical exam.
Get your 125cc in 4 steps
From car driver's license to e-chopper – it's that simple.
Register for the B196 training at a certified driving school. We can help you with placement if desired.
9 teaching units of 90 minutes each – 4 theory and 5 practical. On the driving school's training vehicle.
Take your certificate of participation to the driving license office. The key number B196 will be entered in your driver's license.
Done – you are now allowed to ride all light motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW. Including our 85cc and 125cc models.
Important: B196 is only valid in Germany
The key number B196 is not an independent driver's license class, but a national extension. It is only valid in Germany – not in other EU countries. If you want to ride 125cc vehicles abroad, you need a Class A1 driver's license.
These vehicles can be ridden with B196
All Star-Biker models with max. 11 kW and 125 cm³ – EU-approved and ready for shipping.
Frequently asked questions about the B196 extension
No – neither a theoretical nor a practical exam. You only complete the prescribed driving course with 9 teaching units (4 theory, 5 practical).
The costs vary depending on the driving school and region, but are usually between €500 and €900. In addition, there is an approx. €40 fee for the entry at the driving license office.
No – B196 is only valid in Germany. For other EU countries, you need a full Class A1 driver's license. The B196 extension is not recognized abroad.
Class A1 is an independent driving license (from 16 years of age, with an exam) that is valid throughout the EU. B196 is a national extension of the car driving license (from 25 years of age, without an exam) that is only valid in Germany. Both allow driving light motorcycles up to 11 kW and 125 cm³.
No – the practical training must take place on a driving school's training vehicle. Own vehicles are not permitted.
Yes – if the vehicle is approved for two people and has the appropriate equipment (seat, footrests, helmet for the passenger).
Unlimited. Once the key number B196 is entered in your driving license, it remains permanently. No renewal is necessary.
Yes – if you buy a 125cc model from us, we will support you free of charge in finding a driving school in your region. Simply contact us and we will take care of it.
B196 Extension: Drive a 125cc E-Chopper with your Car Driving License
The B196 driving license extension was introduced in Germany in 2020 to facilitate access to light motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW for car drivers. It allows driving e-scooters and e-choppers up to 125 km/h – without a theoretical or practical exam.
Requirements for B196
You need a Class B driving license for at least 5 years and must be at least 25 years old. The training includes 9 lessons of 90 minutes each: 4 theory and 5 practical. The costs range from €500 to €900, depending on the driving school.
B196 Training Procedure
You register with a certified driving school and complete the prescribed training. Afterwards, you will receive a certificate of participation, which you submit to the driving license office. There, the key number B196 will be entered in your driving license – and you can start driving immediately.
Which vehicles can I drive with B196?
All light motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and max. 11 kW (15 HP). At Star-Biker, these include the Chopper M1PS Knight (85 km/h), the Bobber M8S Custom (85 km/h) and the Shelwy Italian PRO (125 km/h). All vehicles come with COC papers and EU road approval.
B196 vs. A1: What's better?
B196 is faster and cheaper (no exam, only training), but is only valid in Germany. The Class A1 driving license requires an exam, but is valid throughout the EU and allows for a later upgrade to A2 and A. For those who only drive in Germany, B196 is the optimal choice.
Star-Biker supports you
If you buy a 125cc model from us, we will help you free of charge with driving school placement in your region and with all questions regarding registration. Our goal: to get you on the road quickly and safely.
Ready for your 125cc
E-Chopper?
We advise you on the B196 extension, help you find a driving school, and find the right model for you.