On the Camprest.com Facebook profile, we published a post asking for feedback on taking B96 and B + E driving examinations. This topic provoked our readers to a discussion which is proof of how complex the current system of vehicle categories is.
You can read the discussion here . Łukasz Książek was the first to comment - he said, "Today's regulations do not require the B + E license if the permissible total weight of the vehicle does not exceed 3500 kg and the GVM (permissible total weight - editor's note) of the towed vehicle (e.g. a trailer). ) does not exceed the DMC of the towing vehicle. To sum up, the GVM of a set of vehicles, i.e. a car with a trailer, may not exceed 6999 kg and the driving license B alone is sufficient for such a set. "
Robert Stasik responded to this post. "Well, unfortunately, it is not that easy, the regulations say clearly: (when) the GVM of the trailer does not exceed the actual weight of the vehicle, and the set does not exceed 3.5 tons, then category B is sufficient, for category B + E a car up to 3.5 tons + trailer for the approval of the tug, i.e. MAX 3.5 tons, which can give a total of MAX 7 tons. "
Marek Wójcik also replied to the first comment - "Unfortunately, Łukasz is wrong, in category B you can pull a light trailer with a GVM of a set not exceeding 3.5 T. Cat. B96 DMC - up to 4.25T set. B + E - the set cannot exceed 7T. In either case the mass of the trailer must not exceed that of the towing vehicle. You are also wrong when it comes to >> today's law <<. "
The next day, Maciek Malkiewicz even added an infographic from an automotive magazine, showing the current division of powers.
The second thread of the discussion concerned the very heart of the question. Maciek Malkiewicz wrote that the E driving license exam is "one of the easiest exams" , especially if someone has already traveled with a trailer. At the same time, he reminded that, like everywhere else, you also need to be lucky during this exam, "because as we know, when reversing with a trailer, one uncontrolled movement can spoil our plans" .
The entire system of entitlements for cars towing trailers is currently very complicated. In some situations, a category B driving license is sufficient, in some cases a B + E, C + E or… B-96 license is required.
B-96 - new category
It is worth staying longer with the B-96 driving license, as this is the newest category, introduced into the regulations only last year. On January 19, 2013, an option appeared that should make it easier for drivers who have a category B driving license and would like to drive a combination of vehicles with a higher permissible total weight. Driving license category B-96 allows you to drive a car and a trailer with a total permissible total weight of 4,250 kg. It is important that the towing car has a weight higher by min. 33 percent in relation to the weight of the trailer.
In order to obtain a B-96 driving license, you do not need to undergo a separate course (although of course no one will forbid you to complete it). Theoretically, it is enough to report to the appropriate communication office and set up the so-called driver profile. Then you need to pass the exam - only practical (square and city) at the Provincial Road Traffic Center.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to pass the exam at the nearest WODR, because the centers often do not have the appropriate sets of vehicles for exams. Then, the examined person may rent an appropriate kit at his own expense, or visit a center that may be up to several hundred kilometers away from his place of residence.
We must also emphasize that whenever a set exceeds the permissible total weight of 3.5 tons, it is subject to ViaToll charges.
A clear explanation of information on the qualifications required to tow a set consisting of a car and a trailer with a certain permissible total weight can be found in our ABC Caravanning section on the subpage required trailer towing qualifications .
Sometimes it is better to get lost than to ask for directions too much. Aldous Huxley
