Editorial team: Bingo editorial teamPublished: Updated:
Reviewed by the driving school management
Short answer
With B78 you train and test exclusively in an automatic car and may then drive automatics only – code 78 appears in your licence. With B197 you train mainly in an automatic car, plus at least 10 × 45 minutes of manual-transmission training and a manual certificate of at least 15 minutes. You also take the practical test in an automatic car, but category B stays unrestricted.
Requirements
- All category B requirements apply unchanged
- For B197: manual training and certificate before the practical test
- The certificate is confirmed by the driving school, not checked by an authority
The difference in practice
- 01Theory lessons: identical for both routes.
- 02Standard and special lessons: mainly in an automatic car for both.
- 03B197 only: at least 10 × 45 minutes of manual training at the driving school.
- 04B197 only: a test drive of at least 15 minutes in a manual car.
- 05Practical test: in an automatic car for both.
- 06Entry in the licence: B78 carries code 78, B197 carries no restriction.
Costs and deadlines
- B197 additionally costs the manual training and the certificate.
- The certificate is a separate 15-minute item in our price list.
- B78 is cheaper at first because the manual part is omitted.
- An existing B78 restriction can be lifted later via the B197 certificate.
What is specific to Berlin
- In dense Berlin traffic an automatic car noticeably frees up your concentration.
- Many rental and car-sharing vehicles in Berlin are automatic – but with B78 every manual car stays off limits.
- If your job requires driving manual cars, B197 is the safe route.
Frequently asked questions
Your next step
Our driving-licence page sets out both routes with process, requirements and documents. Then request a consultation – we recommend the route that fits your everyday life.
Which training do you need prices for? →View prices →Both locations →Ask a question →
