Is B96 automatically added to an older category B licence?

No. A category B licence obtained years ago does not automatically include code 96. To drive combinations that require the extension, you must pass the prescribed practical ability and behaviour test and have code 96 recorded on your licence.

B96 is a specific extension

Category B covers car-and-trailer combinations within the limits in Article 116. When a trailer exceeds 750 kg and the combination’s maximum authorised mass is over 3,500 kg but no more than 4,250 kg, the B96 extension is required. It is not granted because the licence is old, because the driver has experience towing or because the B test was passed before a certain year.

Code 96 records the extension after the driver passes the practical ability and behaviour test in a suitable vehicle. It must appear beside category B on the document. Until it is recorded, do not assume the licence covers a combination that requires it. An older licence may have historical endorsements, so check the actual document rather than inferring equivalence.

Automatic transmission and code 78

If the B96 practical test is taken in an automatic vehicle, code 78 may also be recorded for category B when the underlying B test was passed in an automatic vehicle. Code 78 restricts the transmission type; it is different from code 96, which concerns the trailer combination. Check both codes on the licence.

Before booking, ask the driving school or Motor Vehicle Office which vehicle is required and how the extension will be recorded for your case. The actual trailer mass on the day does not replace maximum authorised masses when deciding whether code 96 is required.

Example

You obtained category B in 2005 and your licence does not show code 96. A combination with authorised masses totalling 3,900 kg requires the extension even if you have towed it for years. After passing the test and receiving the endorsement, code 96 covers the relevant range as long as the car and trailer are technically compatible.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps review theory rules about categories and mistakes. It cannot update the licence: B96 requires the official test and endorsement.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers theory quizzes and mistake review about licence categories; B96 requires the official practical test and licence endorsement.