German code 196 · As of August 2026
The 125 class sits closer than most car drivers assume: no new licence, no exam. One training course — then code 196 is entered on your licence. Here is how it works, what it costs and where the limit is.
13.5 h
of training in total — nine units of 90 minutes
0
exams: neither theory nor practical
€700–1,200
total cost of the course
1–3 weeks
typical time to completion
B196 is not a new licence class — it is an extension of the car licence you already hold. Two points decide whether the route is open to you:
Whether everything fits in your case is something your driving school confirms bindingly.
The course costs €700 to €1,200 in total. €900 to €1,200 all-in is the figure most commonly quoted — the exact amount depends on the driving school.
The scope: 13.5 hours, split into nine units of 90 minutes — four theory units and five practical ones.
There is no prescribed minimum gap between the units; a weekend course is common. You are typically through in one to three weeks.
There is no exam — neither theory nor practical. Completing the course is sufficient.
This is the one real limitation, and it belongs up front rather than in the small print: code 196 is a purely German rule. Abroad it does not entitle you to ride a light motorcycle — not even on holiday just across the border.
If you want to ride outside Germany too, you need a proper motorcycle licence. Which class fits your situation is best clarified directly with your driving school.
B196 opens the same vehicles as licence class A1: light motorcycles up to 125cc, a maximum of 11 kW rated power and no more than 0.1 kW per kilogram.
Important for electric vehicles: the figure that counts is rated (continuous) power, not peak power. A vehicle may deliver more for short bursts as long as its rated power stays under the limit.
Per the manufacturer specifications, our entire L3e class is classified exactly this way. Which class applies to the model you want is something we check with you on the actual vehicle before you buy.
Our models in this class: Vmoto CITI 60V · Vmoto CITI 74V · Vmoto CPX Explorer · Super Soco TC Max · Vmoto TC Wanderer Pro · Vmoto TS Hunter S ABS · Vmoto Stash
The route
At least 25 years old and licence class B for at least five years — those two points decide it.
You take the course at a driving school near you. Ask there for the next B196 date — weekend courses are common.
Four theory units and five practical ones of 90 minutes each, 13.5 hours together. No exam at the end.
After the course, code 196 is entered on your driving licence. Your driving school will tell you how that works in detail.
Book a slot, get on, ride. We put the models side by side and tell you honestly which one suits your routes.
For context: we are a dealer, not a licensing authority. This page is guidance — what your driving school and the responsible authority tell you about your case is what counts. Please confirm the details there before you book.
Want the whole licence map first — AM, A1, A2, A and B196 side by side? Read the guide: which licence for which e-scooter? →
Test ride in Mannheim
