3,500 kgCar
750 kgTrailer
Category B
Up to 750 kg permitted trailer gross weight, B is sufficient even when the combination exceeds 3,500 kg.
Trailer driving · Switzerland
Category BE: tips for the trailer test
A trailer over 750 kg and a combined permitted gross weight above 3,500 kg? You generally need BE. Find the requirements, your route to the test and trailer lessons in your region.
- 24 monthslearner’s permit validity
- No extra theory testPractical test for BE
- Practice to suit youNo minimum number of lessons
When do I need a trailer test?
For the 3,500 kg limit, add: permitted gross weight of the towing vehicle + permitted gross weight of the trailer. Use field 33 (gross weight) in each of the two Swiss vehicle registration documents. These registered maximum weights determine the category – not the unladen weight or the actual weight on a scale.
For a trailer over 750 kg: category B is sufficient up to and including a combined 3,500 kg; above 3,500 kg, BE is generally required. Trailers with a permitted gross weight up to 750 kg remain covered by the category B exception even above that combined limit. These three examples show the difference. Official explanation of the calculation (German, page 4)
2,000 kgCar
1,500 kgTrailer
Category B
Trailer over 750 kg, but no more than 3,500 kg combined: category B is sufficient.
2,200 kgCar
1,800 kgTrailer
Category BE
Trailer over 750 kg and over 3,500 kg combined: generally category BE.
Category BE: what may I drive?
BE allows combinations with a category B towing vehicle that fall outside category B. Your licence does not increase your car’s approved towing capacity. The permitted load depends on both registration documents and the technical requirements.
The trailer coupling must also suit the combination. Discuss unusual or heavy combinations with your instructor or road traffic office before driving.
Official definitions (German): asa category B and asa category BE.
B or BE? Watch the weight rules explained
Which weights from field 33 count, when category B is enough and how to prepare for your trailer test: our video explains the rules with three worked examples.
Playing this video connects you to YouTube. English captions are available in the player. Watch the video directly on YouTube.
Ready for the next step? Read our BE test guide for the procedure and preparation or find lessons in your region.
Three steps to your trailer test
Apply for your learner’s permit
Apply at the road traffic office in your canton of residence. The BE learner’s permit is valid for 24 months. Minimum age: 17; you need at least a category B learner’s permit.
How to apply for the permit →Learn and practise towing
Lessons are recommended but not compulsory. If you already hold the driving licence for the towing vehicle, your BE learner’s permit allows you to practise without an accompanying driver. Display the “L” plate on the rear of the trailer.
Choose a BE lesson →Take your trailer test
Show that you understand weights and loads, couple and uncouple safely, and control the combination in traffic and during manoeuvres. The asa guideline specifies a minimum of 60 minutes for the whole test.
The BE test in detail →No additional theory test, VKU or first aid course is required for BE. With an existing valid learner’s permit or driving licence, no separate eye test is required for this additional category. If you only have a B learner’s permit, the supervision rules for the towing vehicle still apply. The rule for learner drives without an accompanying driver is set out in Article 17 paragraph 3 VZV (German). Find your road traffic office (German)
From a car to a combination
Which combination will you practise with?
A trailer changes the space you need, your rearward view and how the vehicle responds during manoeuvres. In a turn, its wheels follow a different path from the towing vehicle. During lessons, you learn to judge this swept path and keep the entire combination in view.
You can learn with your own combination or an available driving-school combination. Preparing with the vehicle and trailer you plan to use later is particularly useful. Before the first lesson, confirm the registration documents, towing capacity, coupling and exact meeting point.
For the test, the complete combination must meet the requirements. A suitable trailer alone does not make every combination an eligible test vehicle.
Lessons with your own or a school combination →What skills does the trailer test assess?
The key test areas at a glance. Our dedicated BE test guide covers the full preparation with detailed checklists.
Inspect & couple
- Check vehicle documents, weights and dimensions
- Understand load forces and secure the load
- Couple and uncouple safely; check brakes, coupling and electrics
- Walk-around check: bodywork, lights, indicators, reflectors, tyres and wheel nuts (tyre pressure)
Drive safely in traffic
- Use mirrors correctly and anticipate traffic
- Allow for the trailer’s swept path and space needs
- Overtake bicycles with a safe clearance
- Secure both vehicles when parking
Manoeuvre with control
- Reverse in a straight line and around bends
- Offset sideways by one vehicle width
- Approach a loading ramp
- Stop and check the surroundings if visibility is insufficient
How does the trailer test work?
The examiner checks your documents and explains the procedure. Vehicle checks, coupling, manoeuvres and driving in traffic follow; the order can vary. The minimum 60 minutes includes the introduction and conclusion. The asa guideline does not set a general 15-minute maximum for the pre-drive inspection.
You receive your result afterwards. If you pass, follow the instructions about provisional driving permission in Switzerland while waiting for your updated licence.
Know these parts before you drive
These detailed photos show the DriveLab rental trailer. Use them to identify its parts and prepare for the walk-around check. Practise the actual operation and sequence on the vehicle with your instructor.
Drawbar, coupling & connections
This is where the towing vehicle and trailer connect. Preparation includes safe coupling, checking that it is locked, and correctly handling the electrics, breakaway cable, parking brake and jockey wheel. Learn the attachment points for your specific combination.
Rear, lights & learner plate
Before setting off, check that doors and catches are securely closed and that the lights work. Reflectors and the number plate must be visible. On a learner drive, the L plate belongs visibly on the back of the trailer, rather than hidden on the towing vehicle.
Tyres, wheels & running gear
The photo shows how the tandem running gear is arranged. Checks include tyre condition, correct tyre pressure, wheel fastenings and visible damage. Your instructor will show you on the vehicle which checks to carry out before driving. More about tyre pressure.
The photos complement hands-on instruction. Our BE test guide and pre-drive checklist explain how vehicle checks, coupling, load security and the test fit together. The trailer shown is available to rent from DriveLab.
How much does the trailer test cost in Switzerland?
There is no fixed total price. Your budget consists of the lessons you need, cantonal fees and, where necessary, a vehicle for the test.
Lessons to suit your needs
Compare duration, vehicle arrangements and extra fees. A 50-minute and a 90-minute lesson are different offers; how many you need depends on your skills.
View checked offers →Cantonal fees
Budget for your learner’s permit, practical test and updated driving licence. Fees vary by canton.
Fees in the test guide →Test support & rental
Check whether travel, warm-up driving, test support and trailer rental cost extra. Confirm everything included before booking.
Trailer rental and conditions →Lesson-only example: three DriveLab double lessons with a trailer at CHF 260 total CHF 780. Fees and any test support cost extra. This is a calculation example, not a recommended number of lessons. More prices & budget planning
A specific fee example: the practical BE driving test in the canton of Zurich currently costs CHF 134. This is the test fee only; the learner’s permit, updated driving licence, lessons and any vehicle costs are separate. Source: Zurich road traffic office fees (German), checked on 20 September 2026.
Trailer lessons in your region
Choose your region to find the relevant offers. Arrange the exact meeting point and any pick-up with your instructor.
Zurich & Lake Zurich
Trailer lessons with DriveLab: use your own combination or a DriveLab trailer. Check the meeting point and vehicle arrangements in the offer.
Zug & surrounding area
Based in the Zug region? The regional offer page lists BE lessons, instructor information and meeting-point details.
Lucerne & surrounding area
Hubis Fahrschule with Sascha Huber is based in Rain LU. Lessons use the school car and trailer; arrange your pick-up point with the school.
Sursee, Willisau & Wiggertal
Hubis Fahrschule also offers trailer lessons around Sursee and Lake Sempach. The listed service area is approximately 30 km from Rain; confirm your specific pick-up point in advance.
Book your category BE lessons
Three specific options for your preparation. Each button opens the relevant offer on the instructor profile, where you can check details and available dates.
Focus your lessons on the skills you still need
Never driven with a trailer? Start with the basics: get to know the vehicle, prepare it, couple up and understand how it handles. If you already have experience, focus on reversing, offset manoeuvres, the loading ramp or a complete test run-through.
At the start, discuss your experience, vehicle and any planned test date. Your instructor can then tailor the lesson to the skills you need to practise. Private learner drives do not require an accompanying driver if you hold the licence for the towing vehicle; passengers therefore do not need their own BE licence.
Choose an offer below. Check the vehicle arrangements, meeting point, available dates and conditions on the profile before booking.
Learn with your own combination
CHF 220 / 90 minutes
Bring your own towing vehicle and trailer. Confirm the vehicle, meeting point and suitability before the lesson.
Book with your own combination →Learn with a DriveLab trailer
CHF 260 / 90 minutes
A double lesson with a DriveLab trailer. Check the full vehicle arrangements and your meeting point on the profile.
Book with a DriveLab trailer →Learn with Sascha Huber
CHF 120 / 50 minutes
School car and trailer included. Tuition in German; pick-up by arrangement within the service area.
Book a lesson with Hubis →Offers checked on 20 September 2026. Current profile and booking information applies. Hubis lists a one-off CHF 100 administration fee at package purchase or from the second booking, unless already paid or waived. Check all offers for additional fees, test services and cancellation terms.
Only need a trailer?
In Rüschlikon near Zurich you can rent a closed high-loader trailer with a permitted gross weight of 2,700 kg. A high-loader has its load bed above the wheels; a low-loader has it between them. Learner drivers must first take a DriveLab trailer lesson; confirm that your combination meets test requirements before renting.
Rent a trailer: vehicle, collection & conditions →Frequently asked questions about category BE
Does every trailer over 750 kg require category BE?
No. Category B also allows a heavier trailer when the permitted gross weights of the car and trailer total no more than 3,500 kg. A trailer over 750 kg and a combination over 3,500 kg generally require BE. The technical vehicle limits always apply as well.
May I practise alone with a BE learner’s permit?
Yes, if you already hold the driving licence for the towing vehicle. You need a valid BE learner’s permit and a blue “L” plate on the back of the trailer. Passengers do not need a BE licence. If you only have a B learner’s permit, the supervision rules for the towing vehicle apply.
Do I need another theory test, VKU or first aid course?
BE does not require another basic theory test, traffic awareness course (VKU) or first aid course. With an existing valid learner’s permit or driving licence, a separate eye test is also waived for the additional category. Your road traffic office checks your application and individual eligibility.
How many BE lessons are compulsory?
There is no compulsory minimum number. Your needs depend on experience, safe reversing and private practice. Use your first lesson to assess which manoeuvres you can already perform and what still needs work before the test.
Can I rent a trailer for the test?
Yes. DriveLab offers a closed high-loader trailer for collection in Rüschlikon near Zurich. Test eligibility depends on the whole combination, including towing vehicle and load. With a learner’s permit, you must take a DriveLab trailer lesson before renting. See the rental page for details and conditions.
