The right license for tractor driving
Class T, B or CE - which driver's license do I need in agriculture?
If you want to drive a tractor in Germany, you need the right driver's license. But there is always confusion: What class of license do I need to drive a tractor? And what are the restrictions regarding the speed and size of the tractor? We explain.
With which license category can I drive a tractor?
In fact, there are several driving license categories that allow you to drive on the road. These include:
- Driving license category T
- Driving license category L
- Driving license category B
- Driving license category CE
However, not all tractors and agricultural machinery may be used, depending on the license category. We can tell you here which driving license is the right one for your machine.
Which tractors can I drive with a class B & L driving license?
Driving license category L, also known as a “small tractor driving license”, allows you to drive tractors up to 40 km/h from the age of 16. In addition, two trailers without registration may be towed by the tractor, although the maximum speed is then limited to 25 km/h. In addition, holders of category L driving licenses may drive forklift trucks, self-propelled work machines and feed mixers up to 25 km/h. The highlight of the category L driving license: If you have a category B driving license, the L driving license is automatically entered. Holders of a classic car driving license are therefore entitled to drive agricultural machinery. However, the following applies: Tractors may only be used for agricultural and forestry purposes with B & L driving licenses.
Anyone wishing to complete the category L driving license separately (before obtaining a car driving license, for example) can do so from the age of 16. The only requirement is a theory test, which can be taken after twelve theory units for the basic material and at least two units for the additional material. There is no practical test, but many driving schools offer practical driving units to prepare students for road traffic.
Which tractors can I drive with a T license?
With a category T driving license, also known as a “large tractor driving license”, young people aged 16 and over are allowed to drive tractors up to a maximum speed of 40 km/h, similar to a small tractor driving license. On reaching the age of 18, tractors, Unimogs and quads with a maximum speed of 60 km/h may also be driven. In addition, self-propelled work machines up to 40 km/h, tractor-trailer combinations with two trailers up to 40 t total mass and forklift trucks may be driven. Again, these machines may only be driven on the road for agricultural and forestry purposes.
To obtain a category T driving license, learner drivers must be at least 16 years old. The lessons comprise twelve theory units for the basic material, but those who already have a car driver's license can shorten the theory lessons to six units. There is no compulsory number of hours in the practical part - the duration is mainly based on the learner driver's previous knowledge and skills.
Which tractors can I drive with a CE driving license?
The large truck driving license CE is considered the master class among driving licenses in agriculture. It allows you to drive tractors with a maximum design speed of over 60 km/h and to tow trailers weighing over 750 kg. Furthermore, driving is no longer restricted to agricultural and forestry purposes, but can also be used for other purposes. You must be at least 21 years old to obtain a CE driver's license. It must also be renewed every 5 years.
Which tractors can I drive without a driver's license?
Driving a tractor without a license? This is actually possible, even if only to a very limited extent. On the one hand, vehicles with a maximum design speed of 6 km/h may be driven without a driver's license. On the other hand, tractors may be driven on private property without a driver's license if this is clearly separated from the rest of the traffic area and the owner has given their consent.
