The gearbox all-rounder

Key number B197

A fundamental question

How do you want to drive?

The decision as to which type of vehicle you obtain your driving license with has far-reaching consequences for your driving options. It is important to understand which vehicles you are allowed to drive with which license or key number.

If you opt for an automatic driver’s license, this means that you are only allowed to drive vehicles with an automatic transmission. These vehicles do not have a clutch pedal and the key number 78 will be noted on your driver’s license. This code number means that you are not allowed to drive cars with a clutch pedal that must be operated by the driver.

If, on the other hand, you opt for a category B driving license without automatic transmission, you will be entitled to drive vehicles with both manual and automatic transmissions. However, you will have to do without the comforts that come with learning to drive an automatic car.

The choice between an automatic driving license and a category B driving license without automatic entry is therefore an important decision that has both advantages and disadvantages. However, regardless of your choice, the legislator has created regulations to ensure that you can obtain your driving license in a responsible and safe manner.

That's how it was until now

The automatic training:

Automatic transmission training eliminates the need for manual gear changes and clutching, which suits many learner drivers. Vehicles with automatic transmission are often easier to drive than those with manual transmission.

The automatic transmission system selects the gears independently, so you don’t have to change gear manually. This is particularly convenient for novice drivers, as the car takes over some tasks and you can concentrate fully on the road.

In the past, learner drivers who only obtained an automatic driving license had to put up with a disadvantage: The European key number 78 was entered on the license, which restricted its use to automatic vehicles.

With this entry, it was not permitted to drive a gearshift car. Until now, this deficit could only be remedied by taking a new driving test on a gearshift car.

Advantages of automatic training

Especially at the beginning of your training, you don't spend any time learning how to shift gears and clutch.
You can concentrate fully on road traffic and the other learning tasks associated with it.
Many students learn faster and therefore need fewer driving lessons.
You also take the driving test in a car with automatic transmission. This increases your chances of passing the test enormously.

Disadvantages of automatic training

You are not allowed to drive cars with a manual gearbox, which limits your flexibility enormously.
If you still drive a manual car, this is tantamount to "driving without a license".
You are not always traveling with your own vehicle. Especially on vacation, it can happen that only a rental car is available.

Now you can do both!

Key number B197

Since April 1, 2021, this has finally changed with the introduction of the national key number 197! Under the following conditions, the new key number 197 allows you to drive a manual car even though your driving test was taken on an automatic vehicle.

You must complete at least 10 driving lessons of 45 minutes each on a manual car (the driving lessons may take place after the basic practical training at the earliest).
There is a 15-minute test drive with a driving instructor in a manual car (half of the test drive must be in town and half out of town).
The key number 197 no longer contains any restrictions, which means that gearshift cars may also be driven.
Existing class B automatic restrictions can also be removed in this way.

Background

A look into the future

In the wake of electromobility, the government is now rethinking. As most cars with pioneering drive technologies such as hybrid, hydrogen or electric vehicles are only available with an automatic gearbox and the classic manual gearbox will be increasingly replaced in the future, the driving license law must also be adapted. In future, learner drivers will be able to obtain their driving license in a car with an automatic transmission, but will still be allowed to drive manual cars later on.

Change to "all-rounder"

If you already have an automatic driver's license

Have you already obtained an automatic driver’s license and would now like to be able to drive a manual car? It is perfectly possible to remove the automatic restriction and obtain permission to drive a manual car.

All you have to do is register with a driving school again to learn how to use the clutch and change gear in a few driving lessons. As soon as you have mastered these skills, you will take another driving test at the TÜV, this time in a manual car.

This exam is usually shorter than the first practical exam, as you already have basic knowledge.

Once you have passed the test, the automatic restriction (key number 78) will be removed from your driver’s license. You are now authorized to drive both automatic and manual cars.

These are the experiences of others with us.

Feedback from our learner drivers

Even for a short stay at a driving school, it’s good to feel comfortable. You can read the experiences of other learner drivers here, which they have described in the form of a review on Google. If you want to read all our reviews, you can do so directly ” on Google

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Omkar Balgi 
 4 August 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a wonderful experience converting my Class B license. Super thanks to my trainer Stefan for just great lessons in English. And kudos to Tatjana for always making sure we know of any open slots for trainings. Overall experience 5/5
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sreejith Rajagopalan 
 15 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience in converting my Class B driving licence. The office staff were very efficient and flexible with date bookings. I did my practical exam and had all instructions explained clearly and wonderfully. Would definitely recommend this driving school especially if you want to learn in English and be taught the basic German words for the exam. Stephan did a wonderful job in ensuring that I was well prepared and well informed before my exam. The practice hours were conducted on time and were very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this driving school!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shilajit Pramanik 
 5 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Class B License Conversion - I just passed my driving exam. I did my Class B License Conversion from Meine Fahrschule in Balanstraße, Giesing (Munich). I have to say this school is one of the bests. My Driving Instructor was Stephan - he was always patient and supportive - making sure I understand all the German driving rules. During the lessons, he used to inform about the mistakes by making funny jokes - making sure I don't do that driving mistake ever again. I enjoyed every lesson and found those very effective. He used to be always very responsive whenever I had a doubt. Tatjana is the best when it comes to finding an exam slot in TÜV or scheduling a driving class. A big THANKS to Stephan, Tatjana and Meine Fahrschule.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Maksim Kaluzhonak 
 5 December 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can confidently say from personal experience that this is a great 5-star driving school. I transferred my foreign driving license to a German one with Meine Fahrschule, and the whole process was smooth. I received all the required information and support. Patrick is an excellent driving instructor—he is patient, attentive to details, and provided many useful driving tips that helped me pass the driving exam.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Higor Nunes 
 18 November 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just passed the exam today. Did my Umschreibung with them. Very  good staff. My instructor Patrick was great, very good in telling me what I should improve and focus on, and giving me tips for the exam. The communication with them was great, all my exams and classes were scheduled with ease and very fast. In total I did 3 double practical classes plus a warm up before the exam.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   hedi aroua 
 5 August 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really good driving school with english driving lessons. I had a driver licence transfer (umschreibung) there and I had a nice experience. Easy and fast to have appointments and Stefan is a really good instructor.