Trailer exam Cat. BE

Trailer exam (Cat. BE) – pass with confidence

Do you want to tow heavy trailers – for horses, a boat, a caravan or work? For trailers over 750 kg you need category BE. Our instructors prepare you with a complete trailer combination for the practical exam: coupling and uncoupling, reversing, manoeuvres and the traffic drive.

2 current instructors
12 regions with offers
Trailer combination for the Cat. BE trailer exam
Why this page helps

These points make the difference

Trailer combination included

No trailer of your own needed: you practise and take the exam with the school's towing vehicle and trailer – inspected, insured and exam-ready.

No theory test required

If you already hold category B, no theory test or traffic awareness course is needed. Only the practical exam counts – and that is exactly what we train.

Manoeuvre training

Reversing with a trailer is the trickiest part of the exam. We practise manoeuvring, parking and turning until it sticks.

Few lessons to the exam

As an experienced driver you usually need only 2–5 double lessons with the trailer combination to be ready for the exam.

For whom

These situations are covered

Horse & animal transport

Horse trailers almost always exceed 750 kg total weight – nothing moves without Cat. BE.

Camping & caravans

Caravans and large camping trailers usually require category BE – especially combined with heavy towing vehicles.

Boat & sports transport

Boat trailers, motorcycle and car transporters: towing sports equipment quickly exceeds the 750 kg limit.

Trades & work

Construction machinery, material and work trailers: for many jobs, Cat. BE is a hiring requirement.

Learning content

What you will learn

Coupling & uncoupling

Safely connecting and disconnecting the towing vehicle and trailer, including checking tongue load, lights and brakes – a fixed part of the exam.

Reversing & manoeuvring

Reversing straight, manoeuvring around corners, parallel parking: we practise the manoeuvres until you drive them calmly and in control.

Load securing & checks

Weights, tongue load, lashing equipment and the daily departure check – the knowledge examiners ask about at the exam.

Traffic drive with trailer

Roundabouts, motorway, narrow residential streets: driving with a trailer demands anticipation and adapted speed. We train the typical exam routes.

Facts

Important facts at a glance

750 kg

With Cat. B you may tow trailers up to 750 kg total weight. For heavier trailers you usually need Cat. BE.

3500 kg

Maximum total weight of the trailer with category BE.

0 theory

No additional theory test and no traffic awareness course needed if you already hold category B.

2–5

Double lessons are enough for most experienced drivers to reach exam level.

Step by step

How to get category BE

The trailer exam in 4 steps:

1

Submit the learner permit application

Apply for the Cat. BE learner permit at the Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence. As you already hold Cat. B, no theory test, first aid course or traffic awareness course is required.

2

Lessons with a trailer combination

Practise with the school's trailer combination: coupling, reversing, manoeuvres and the traffic drive. Usually 2–5 double lessons are enough.

3

Organise the exam vehicle

You need a suitable trailer combination for the exam. Our schools also provide the towing vehicle and trailer for your exam appointment – or you rent the exam trailer by the day.

Rent a trailer in Zurich
4

Pass the practical exam

Register for the practical exam at the Road Traffic Office. After passing, category BE is added to your driving licence.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When do I need category BE?

With category B you may tow trailers up to 750 kg total weight. For heavier trailers you need category BE if the combined weight of car and trailer exceeds 3500 kg. Typical examples: horse trailers, caravans, boat and car transporters.

Do I have to take a theory test?

No. If you already hold category B, there is no theory test, no traffic awareness course and no first aid course for Cat. BE – only the practical exam.

What is tested in the trailer exam?

The practical exam covers coupling and uncoupling with a safety check, manoeuvres such as reversing and manoeuvring, questions on load securing, and a traffic drive with the trailer combination.

How much does the trailer exam cost?

The exam fee at the Road Traffic Office is approx. CHF 120–200 depending on the canton. Add lessons with the trailer combination (from approx. CHF 100 per lesson) and, if needed, the rental of the exam vehicle.

How many lessons do I need?

That depends on your driving experience. Experienced drivers are often exam-ready after 2–5 double lessons – confident reversing and manoeuvring is the key skill.

Do I need my own trailer?

No. Our schools provide a complete trailer combination for lessons and the exam. If you prefer, you can also practise with your own combination.

May I drive alone with the BE learner permit?

Learner drives with the trailer combination must be marked with the L plate. The exact conditions are stated on your learner permit – your instructor explains everything in the first lesson.

Book directly

Current offers for trailer lessons

These schools offer trailer-combination lessons for the Cat. BE exam.

Zurich

1 instructor
Open region

Lucerne

1 instructor
Open region

Zug

1 instructor
Open region

Adliswil

1 instructor
Open region

Aesch ZH

1 instructor
Open region

Aeugst am Albis

1 instructor
Open region

Affoltern am Albis

1 instructor
Open region

Adligenswil

1 instructor
Open region

Alberswil

1 instructor
Open region

Altishofen

1 instructor
Open region

Baldegg

1 instructor
Open region

Ballwil

1 instructor
Open region