B197 driving licence
With B197, hit the road with freedom and enjoy full flexibility with your driving licence. Take your practical test in an automatic car.
How much does it cost?
Calculate it!
Here’s how we’ll get you
your driving licence:
Paperwork
Before you can start theory or practical lessons, we first need to take care of a little paperwork. It won’t take long!
1
Register with us
Before you get started, you first need to register with our driving school. You can do this at our office at Lenaustraße 27 near Herrmannplatz or conveniently online.
2
First-aid course
Every learner driver must complete a first-aid course. You can take one with us!
Find information and dates > on our page.
3
Registration with the citizens’ office
You cannot simply obtain a driving licence. The Berlin State Office for Citizens and Regulatory Affairs (LABO) must approve your application first. It is best to apply through us directly; that is quicker.
Our top tip:
Take the first-aid course first.
If you come to us with your first-aid course certificate (EHK), a biometric passport photo and proof that you have passed the eyesight test, we can complete both registrations at once!
Theory
Compulsory lessons combined with a top learning app for quick progress.
1
Compulsory theory lessons
After registering, you can start your theory lessons with us straight away. There are 14 in total for the B197 licence.
2
Learning app
Once you have registered, we will activate the ClickClickDrive learning app for you. It contains all the relevant topics and questions for your test.
Keep at it!
The theory question bank is quite extensive now. It is best to study a little every day in the app so you can keep up.
Completing your theory also means you can move on to the practical test sooner.
Practical training
Now the fun begins! There are, however, a few things to bear in mind.
1
Driving lessons
In regular driving lessons, you will learn how to operate the car and drive safely. Our instructors are specially trained to teach you with patience and care.
For the best results, we usually arrange double lessons of 2 × 40 minutes.
2
Special driving lessons
Special lessons include country-road, motorway and night driving. By law, you must complete 5 country-road lessons, 4 motorway lessons and at least 3 night-driving lessons.
Each special lesson lasts 45 minutes. We usually do 2–3 sessions in a row with you.
3
Practical test
Our aim is to help you pass first time! Our experienced instructors can judge when you are ready. We will never pressure you into taking lessons you do not need.
But we do not want to send you for your test too soon either — who wants to take it twice?
Test dates in Berlin!?
We manage that just fine, even as a small driving school! We put you on the waiting list early so you get your test date in good time.
We are your driving instructors
for category B197!
Get started now and begin your
B197 driving licence today!
Success stories
without end.
Could you be next?
Muhamet Kesici
Muhamet has successfully completed his motorcycle licence journey with us — congratulations on this wonderful achievement!
Constanza Rossi
We are delighted to announce that Constanza has officially earned her car driving licence — congratulations on your success!
Vo Van Hieu
A big day for Vo Van Hieu: he has earned his car driving licence! We are proud to have been part of the journey.
Melda Süt
Congratulations to Melda, who has successfully completed her car driving course with us — a fantastic achievement!
Phi Dang Vo
Phi Dang Vo has passed the car driving test with us! Congratulations on this important step towards mobility.
Sofia Kelm
We are delighted: Sofia has successfully completed her car driving course. Bravo for this brilliant achievement!
Our fleet for category B197
2023 VW Golf 7
Automatic and manual cars
ABS >> Front and rear parking sensors >> Reversing camera >> Driver airbag >> Side-impact protection
Mercedes B-Klasse
Manual car
ABS >> Front and rear parking sensors >> Reversing camera >> Driver airbag >> Side-impact protection
Seat Ateca
Manual car
ABS >> Front and rear parking sensors >> Driver airbag >> Side-impact protection
Ready to get started?
Then sign up now!
Google reviews
Here is how our learner drivers rated us on Google!
4.9 out of 5 stars
from 90 reviews
(as of November 2023)
"Passed first time!"
"A great driving school! I can only recommend it. My instructor, Merve, taught me everything brilliantly and thoroughly. I am 17 and passed my test first time thanks to her help. Thank you, and all the best, Celin!"
Ceza Bo
Driving lessons with Merve
"Patient and fun."
"I can highly recommend this driving school! The instructor is really lovely and relaxed, and very patient whenever something did not go to plan while driving. She taught me to drive so that I can now take to the road feeling safe and confident :) The theory lessons were enjoyable too, and I was also able to take my first-aid course at the school, which was very convenient."
Sofia
Driving lessons with Merve
"No more exam nerves!"
I was very happy with the school and can thoroughly recommend it. The lessons were excellent; my instructor helped me overcome my fear of the tests and always encouraged me. The office answered questions straight away. Thank you to Beyhan and everyone else at the school who was always there to help quickly!
Antonia Vogel
Driving lessons with Beyhan
Freedom on Berlin’s roads: discover the B197 driving licence
Our Berlin driving school’s B197 course combines automatic-car comfort with the freedom to drive manual cars too. Start your training in an automatic and enjoy a stress-free introduction to driving — with no clutch or manual gearbox.
Modern and flexible: learn automatic, drive manual
Learn in the latest automatic cars and enjoy driving without a clutch or manual gearbox. After B197 training, you are free to drive both automatic and manual cars — perfect for dynamic Berlin.
Driving lessons tailored to you
Our lessons are tailored to prepare you for urban driving. Explore Berlin from the driver’s seat with us and become a confident city driver.
Learn to park stress-free
Our experienced instructors will show you how to park stress-free, even in Berlin’s tightest spaces. With modern technology and practical exercises, you will master every parking challenge.
Your licence – your Berlin
With your B197 licence in your pocket, the city is yours. Enjoy complete independence, whether on spontaneous weekend road trips or your daily commute. Get in and explore Berlin’s roads with us!
Start your mobile future today
Make your dream of freedom a reality. Sign up today and take the first step towards an independent life on Berlin’s roads with a B197 licence. We look forward to meeting you!
FAQs
What is a B197 driving licence?
The B197 is a German licence category that allows you to drive manual cars after completing training and passing the test in an automatic. As with a standard Category B licence, the difference is that practical training and the test are in an automatic. After passing, code 197 is added to your licence. It shows you trained in an automatic but are also entitled to drive manual cars. To qualify, you must complete at least 10 45-minute lessons in a manual under an instructor’s supervision and pass a 15-minute assessment drive.
B197: what can I drive?
A B197 licence lets you drive both automatic and manual cars. After an automatic test and additional manual lessons, you can drive manual vehicles without a separate test.
What are the disadvantages of a B197 licence?
B197 offers the flexibility to drive both transmission types, but has one important limitation: if you obtain Category B with code 197 and later upgrade to a higher category such as BE, C1, C1E, C, D1, D1E, D or DE, taking the test exclusively in an automatic results in an automatic-only restriction (code 78). If you plan to drive vehicles in those categories with a manual gearbox, you must take the practical test in a manual. Consider B197 carefully, particularly if you plan to become a professional driver or travel in a large motorhome or lorry.
Can I switch from B197 to B?
Yes, you can switch from Category B197 to Category B. This usually requires a practical test in a manual vehicle. Once you pass, the restriction is removed and you can drive manual vehicles.
Can I ride a scooter with B197? Does it include an AM licence?
A B197 licence entitles you to ride scooters because it includes Category AM. AM permits mopeds and light four-wheeled vehicles with a design speed of up to 45 km/h and an engine capacity of up to 50 cc (combustion engines), or a maximum continuous rated power of 4 kW for electric motors.
What motorcycles can I ride with B197?
A B197 licence does not allow conventional motorcycles, but its included AM category entitles you to ride powered two-wheelers up to 45 km/h. These light motorcycles often resemble faster models, but their power and speed are limited. To ride full-sized motorcycles, you need Category A1, A2 or A.
Is B197 valid worldwide?
The standard B197 licence (Category B with code 197) is valid in the EU and EEA. Recognition elsewhere varies according to agreements between Germany (or the EU) and the country concerned. When travelling outside the EU, consider applying for an international driving permit as well.
What is the difference between B197 and B96?
B197 lets you train and take your test in an automatic. After training, this code also lets you drive manuals without a separate test.
B96, by contrast, extends a standard B licence to allow combinations with a total weight of up to 4,250 kg. You obtain it through theory and practical training, but without a test.
Can I add B96 to B197?
Yes. If you hold a B197 licence, you can also obtain the B96 extension. After the relevant training, you may drive combinations with a total weight of up to 4,250 kg.
Can I tow a trailer with B197?
With B197, you can tow the same trailers as with a standard B licence: trailers up to 750 kg, or heavier ones if the combined weight is under 3,500 kg. For larger trailers, you need an additional qualification such as B96 or BE.