Standard image

Training for heavy trailers

Get licensed to drive a heavy trailer behind a car.

Get a driving license for heavy trailers – BE license

Do you want to drive a car with a heavy trailer? With a BE license, you can tow heavier trailers than is permitted with a regular B license or extended B license (B96). Here we go over what is required to get a BE license and what the training looks like.

What is a BE license?

With a BE driving license, you are allowed to drive passenger cars or light trucks with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg and one or more trailers coupled to the car. However, the total gross vehicle weight of the trailer or trailers may not exceed 3,500 kg.

If you need to tow heavier trailers than what is permitted with a B driving license, but not as heavy as the BE license allows, an extended B license (B96) may be an alternative. With B96, the total gross vehicle weight of the car and trailer may be up to 4,250 kg.

  • B (Passenger Car): Basic license to drive a car and light trailers.

  • B96 (Extended B): For trailer combinations with a gross vehicle weight of up to 4,250 kg.

How do I apply for a BE driving license permit?

To obtain a BE qualification, you need a driving license permit for group 1. The process is simple and consists of two steps:

  1. Apply via the Swedish Transport Agency Visit the Swedish Transport Agency's e-service for driving license permits and fill out a health declaration.

  2. Have an eye examination The eye examination is mandatory and must be performed by an optician or doctor. The certificate is sent directly to the Swedish Transport Agency.

What does the BE training include?

The training for a BE qualification consists of both theoretical and practical parts that prepare you for all aspects of driving with a heavy trailer:

Theoretical training

  • Rules and safety when driving with a heavy trailer.
  • Load securing and how to distribute the weight correctly to avoid the trailer becoming unstable.
  • Trailer braking systems and how they work in different situations.
  • The impact of the vehicle combination on driving behavior, for example in curves and when braking.
  • Road safety and environmental impact when using trailers.
  • Risks and personal conditions that can affect your driving.

Practical training

  • Safety check: Checking the vehicle and trailer's lighting, brakes and tires before driving.
  • Load securing: How to secure the load correctly to prevent accidents and damage.
  • Maneuvering: Reversing with a trailer, driving in tight spaces and handling the trailer in tight situations.
  • Driving in traffic: Driving with a heavy trailer in different traffic situations, for example on country roads, in urban environments and on motorways.

What is included in the BE driving test?

The driving test for BE qualification consists of two parts:

  1. Knowledge test (theory test) The test consists of 60 questions, of which 5 are test questions that are not included in the result. To pass, you must answer at least 44 out of 55 possible points correctly. The test time is 40 minutes.

The knowledge test covers the following areas:

  • Vehicle knowledge and maneuvering
  • Environment
  • Road safety
  • Road regulations
  • Personal conditions
  1. Driving test (run-in) The driving test consists of three parts:
  • Safety check: You show that you can check the vehicle and trailer's brakes, lighting and coupling.
  • Manoeuvring: You show that you can reverse with the trailer, for example at an angle, and that you can connect and disconnect the trailer correctly.
  • Driving in traffic: You show that you can drive a heavy trailer in different traffic situations, such as in an urban environment, on the highway and when cornering.

The difference between BE and extended B (B96)

Both BE and extended B (B96) give the right to drive a car with a trailer, but there are important differences:

  • Extended B (B96): Allows a combined total weight for the car and trailer of up to 4,250 kg. Requires only a driving test, no theory test.
  • BE qualification: Allows a combined total weight for the trailer of up to 3,500 kg. Requires both a theory test and a driving test.

If you are unsure which qualification best suits your needs, you can contact a driving school for advice.

Find a driving school near you

Teoricentralen collaborates with driving schools all over Sweden that offer training for both BE and extended B (B96). Our affiliated driving schools will help you learn everything you need to drive a heavy trailer safely. Use our search function to find a driving school near you and start your journey towards BE qualification today!