When can I drive a trailer without a license?
A special driver’s license is required for driving with a trailer. But is that always true? As a rule, you have to obtain a special trailer driver’s license and also take a driving test and a driving test. However, there is a special case for which you do not need a license and can still pull a trailer. You can also find out more about the common driver’s licenses for driving a trailer in Germany in our blog post on the subject.
Driving a trailer without a license: Allowed in this case
Driving without a special trailer license is only allowed in Germany if you meet a few criteria. For a start your trailer may not be heavier than 750 kg. In addition, the trailer must not exceed the weight of the vehicle with which you are pulling the trailer. The trailer must therefore always be lighter than the towing vehicle.
If your trailer is heavier than 750 kg, the weight of your combination, i.e. towing vehicle and trailer together, must in any case be less than 3500 kg. Before driving a trailer without a trailer driver’s license, you must first carefully check the registration certificates of the towing vehicle and trailer and add up the values that are specified there for the respective weight. In principle, you can then do without the driver’s license for the trailer, but you must always have a class B driver’s license and carry it with you.
Possible penalties
Driving without a suitable driver’s license is not just an administrative offense in Germany. So you must be aware that if you are driving the trailer without a valid trailer driver’s license, i.e. you do not have a trailer driver’s license, and you do not meet the above criteria, you are liable to prosecution. Make sure that you adhere to the criteria listed if you do not have a class BE driving license. If you have just forgotten your driver’s license, but it is valid, then you only have to expect a warning fee at a police control.
