B197: automatic exam with manual entitlement

The principle

If you take the practical exam in an automatic car, key number 78 is normally entered – you may then only drive automatics.

With B197 this restriction does not apply: you take the exam in an automatic car but may also drive manual cars. For this you need proof of manual training (Schaltnachweis). The rule has applied since 1 April 2021.

What does the manual training include?

• at least 10 driving lessons of 45 minutes in a manual class B car
• a test drive of at least 15 minutes within and outside built-up areas, in which you show that you can change gear safely – not with a trainee driving instructor (Fahrlehreranwärter)
• the driving school certifies this on an official form (Anlage 7 of the Fahrschüler-Ausbildungsordnung, the Driving Student Training Regulation)

There is no separate exam in a manual car.

Deadlines and procedure

• You show the proof of manual training to the examiner or the authority. Your driving school can also pass it on to the test centre.
• Key number 197 must be entered within one year of completing the manual training.
• If you already have a licence with key number 78, you can have it lifted later with the same training and an exchange of the licence – or with a practical exam in a manual car.
• B197 can be combined with BF17.

What does it cost?

• Your driving school bills the manual lessons and the test drive according to its price list.
• For entering the key number, the fee schedule provides for €28.60 (No. 216). Several cities state this amount in addition to the application fee, for example Hamburg and Hanover (€74.50 instead of €45.90). What your authority charges is on its page – and on our city page, where published.

Good to know

• If you later take further classes (e.g. BE or C1) with an exam in an automatic vehicle, key number 78 is entered again for those classes.
• According to ADAC, with B197 you may also drive manual cars abroad.

Draft – not yet in force: The reform draft (BR-Drs. 365/26) provides from 2027 for training of at least 7 hours of 60 minutes, most of which may take place on a simulator, plus a check drive (Überprüfungsfahrt) of at least 15 minutes. The existing proof is to remain recognised until 31 December 2028. As of October 2026, this has not been adopted.