Driving licence class S
The new fun class
The S class doesn't come from Stuttgart, but rather from Brussels: according to an EU requirement, young people may drive quads, trikes, and mini cars after turning 16. However, the fun stops at 45 km/h.
Student on wheels
You look strong and can surely handle more than just a bicycle or moped. Trikes and quads are something special for young people in particular. Mini cars can almost be confused with a car. However, lawmakers have set strict class limits.
- The maximum speed may not exceed 45 km/h
- The engine size for petrol engines is maximum 50 cm³
- Other engines, such as electric motors have a maximum nominal output of 4kW
- Light four-wheeled motorised vehicles may not weight more than 350 kg (excluding the weight of the batteries in case of electric vehicles).
The way to your driver's licence
You have to be at least 16 years old for the class S driving licence. There is no trial period regualtion as with the classes M, L, and T. You complete an absolutely normal theoretical and practical training course.
The theoretical training consists of at least 12 double-lessons covering the basic material and 2 double-lessons covering the additional class-specific material.
The practical training is carried out in several stages, just like with the other driving licence classes. The training ranges from the basic level to the intermediate level to the upper intermdiate level and the preparation for the test. When the driving instructor is convinced that you have reached the training objective, you register for the practical exam.
The practical exam takes approximately 30 minutes and may only be taken in a class S test vehicle, which travels at least 40 km/h. You drive with your vehicle ahead of the instructor and receive instructions by radio. If a vehicle that has open bodywork is used for the exam, you must wear a helmet.
The practical exam includes
- Driving backwards to the right at an intersection, crossing, or drive (if there is a reverse gear) or
- braking with the longest possible delay.
Who may drive off straight away?
Whoever completed his driving licence a long time ago can skip the S class. If you have a class B or old class 3 driving licence, you'll immediately be given the green light. And whoever completed a class 1, 4, or 5 driving licence as of January 1, 1989, may also sit behind the steering wheel or handlebars of a mini car, quad, and mini trike. However, you must have your old driving licence converted into a credit card driving licence.
