Class B with key number 78 Düsseldorf.

Automatic only.
Completely legal.

Class B with code number 78 - you take the automatic test and the code 78 is entered on your driving license. The classic automatic restriction. Simple, cheap, fast - as long as you really only want to drive an automatic. If you do need a switch later: an increase is possible at any time.

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Facts & Rules.

What you need to know.

What B78 allows - and what it doesn't

Cars up to 3,500 kg with AUTOMATIC transmission - torque converter automatic, DSG, CVT, direct shift transmission in electric cars
Manual transmission (manual switch) NOT permitted on public roads
Recognized EU-wide according to Directive 2006/126/EC, Annex I
Trailers up to 750 kg permitted at any time - over 750 kg if trailer ≤ 3,500 kg
BF17, B96, BE still possible as an extension (BF17 + 78 very common in electric car families)

Requirements & process

Minimum age: 18 years (BF17 + 78 possible from 17)
Registration from 17 years and 6 months
Eye test, first aid course, biometric passport photo — same as class B
12 compulsory special trips + practice hours on an automatic vehicle
TÜV theory + TÜV practice identical to Class B (same questions, same test situations)

Why B78.

If automatic is your plan.

Stress-free exam

No shifting stress, no stalling.

You focus on traffic, mirrors, route selection — not on the clutch and finding gears. For many people, this makes the difference in the exam situation. Particularly useful for exam anxiety, left leg restrictions or tight time in everyday life.

Cheap & fast

Fewer hours of practice required.

Automatic vehicles measurably reduce the typical number of practice hours - you drive instead of changing gears. Experience: 5-10 hours less than with a manual transmission. Lower overall costs, shorter training duration. Realistic in 2-4 months.

Future proof for electric cars

All electric cars are technically automatic.

Tesla, Polestar, ID.4, Ioniq, Enyaq, Smart EQ, eSprinter, eVito - all EVs and PHEVs are considered automatic under traffic law (code number 78 is sufficient). If you're switching to electricity anyway, you don't need knowledge of switching. EU proportion of new cars automatic (including EV) 2025: over 70%. The trend continues to rise.

This is how it goes.

Your way to the B78.

Registration
Register & submit an application.
Apply to the Düsseldorf Road Traffic Office, Höherweg 101 — we will help you with a checklist and form. You do the eye test, first aid and passport photo at the same time. Processing 4-6 weeks.
Theory
Theory — identical to Class B.
Daily lessons, 14 double hours of basic material. Learning portal included. Theory content is the same as Class B - the questions do not differentiate between gearshift and automatic.
Theory test
TÜV theory. Passed.
30 questions, 10 point margin of error. We will register you when you are stable - preparation in the learning portal ensures this.
Practice automatic
Driving lessons on automatic.
12 compulsory special trips (5 overland, 4 highway, 3 night) plus practice hours on an automatic vehicle. Without switching stress, you quickly develop routines — typically 5-10 hours less than on switches.
Exam
TÜV practice. Entry 78. Done.
Practical test on an automatic vehicle - same requirements as Class B, only without gearshift evaluation. Key number 78 is entered on the driver's license. Ready to drive from day one.

Your questions.

Clear answers.

Key number 78 is the EU harmonized restriction “Restriction to vehicles with automatic power transmission” according to Appendix 9 FeV (Driving License Regulation) and Directive 2006/126/EC, Annex I. It is entered automatically if the practical test is taken on an automatic vehicle. This means: you are not allowed to drive cars with a manual transmission (hand switch with clutch pedal) on public roads - not even for short periods of time, not even in other EU countries. Violation is considered driving without a valid driving license (§ 21 StVG): fine or imprisonment of up to 1 year and 1 point.
B78 = classic automatic restriction. Check for automatic transmission, code 78 is entered, switches are permanently off-limits - until you have the restriction lifted through a switching test. B197 (since April 1, 2021, § 17a FahrschAusbO) = full class B despite automatic test. Condition: 10 compulsory hours on the switch + 10 on the automatic + 15-minute test drive on the switch. No Code 78, unlimited from day 1. B78 is cheaper and faster; B197 leaves you with all options open. We give honest advice about what suits your plan.
Especially for: (1) E-car drivers — all BEVs and most PHEVs are technically automatic. (2) City commuters in Düsseldorf who drive stop-and-go every day — automatic is much more pleasant here. (3) Newcomers who know shifting stress from previous experiences. (4) Seniors or people with left leg knee/hip problems. (5) Students with exam anxiety who want to let out every avoidable stressor. Not useful for: prospective truck drivers (Class C requires knowledge of switching), field service workers with frequently changing rental cars, fans of classic combustion engines with manual transmissions.
About the so-called “shift test for cancellation” (§ 17 para. 1 sentence 5 FahrschAusbO): at least 5 hours of practice on a manual transmission in a driving school, then a 15-minute test drive with an officially recognized expert or examiner (TÜV/DEKRA). Passed = key number 78 is deleted, new driver's license is issued. Costs 2026: €350–600 (driving lessons + test + administration fee at the Düsseldorf Road Traffic Office). Unlike B197, you have to actively apply for this - with B197 the switching authorization is included from the start.
Yes — unreservedly. All battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are automatic under traffic law because they do not have a manual transmission or a clutch in the classic sense. Tesla Model 3/Y/S, VW ID.3/4/7, BMW i4/iX, Mercedes EQA/EQB/EQC, Polestar 2, Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Kia EV6, Smart #1, Renault Zoe — all B78 compatible. Also most plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full hybrids (HEVs) without a manual transmission. When renting a car abroad: simply specify “automatic only” — usually available without any problems in modern fleets.
As a rule, yes - typically €200-500 cheaper than switch class B. Main reason: significantly fewer practice hours are required because learning to switch is no longer necessary. Experience: 5-10 hours less at €60-70 each. Mandatory special trips (12 hours) and MOT fees (theory €22.49, practice €116.93) are identical to class B. Application fee (~€43), eye test (~€7), first aid (~€40) are also the same. We are transparent per hour actually driven - no flat rates, no surcharge for automatic vehicles.
Yes, recognized EU-wide. Key number 78 is harmonized according to Directive 2006/126/EC - all EU/EEA states recognize the restriction. You are also only allowed to drive automatic vehicles there. Switzerland: recognizes EU codes, same restrictions apply. UK (post-Brexit): EU driving licenses recognized for up to 12 months of residence, then British registration with the same 78 limit. USA, Canada, Australia: recognize the German driving license, if necessary with an international supplement - the automatic restriction is not visibly checked everywhere, but is legally relevant in the event of an accident/insurance.
Legally tricky. Criminal law: Driving without a valid driver's license (§ 21 StVG) - fine or up to 1 year in prison, 1 point in Flensburg, 6 months probationary period extension. Under civil law: your motor vehicle liability insurance remains liable to pay damages to the injured party (protection of third parties), but can take you into recourse internally up to €5,000. Comprehensive insurance typically doesn't cover anything at all - you're completely stuck with your own vehicle damage. Consequence: a one-time trip to the counter can cost you tens of thousands of euros. It's better to get the switching test done in good time.
Identical to class B - at the Düsseldorf Road Traffic Office, Höherweg 101: ID card with registration certificate, biometric passport photo (35 × 45 mm, max. 1 year old), eye test (~7 €, max. 2 years old), certificate of 9-hour first aid course (~40 €, recognized within 2 years), application form with photo from the driving school, application fee ~43 €. The key number 78 does NOT have to be applied for separately in the application - it will be entered automatically as soon as the automatic vehicle test is taken. Processing time 4-6 weeks. In many cases, we submit the application directly for you.

Automatic. Direct.

Secure your place. Now.

Sign up - we'll honestly discuss whether B78, B197 or classic Class B makes the most sense for you. No sales pitch, clear advice. Direct, honest, fast.

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Automatic only.Completely legal.

No shifting stress, no stalling.

Fewer hours of practice required.

All electric cars are technically automatic.

Secure your place. Now.

Automatic only.
Completely legal.