Driving License BE

Are You Towing More Than 3,500 kg?

Get Your BE Driving Licence Safely and Quickly in Hoofddorp

Do you want to tow a trailer, caravan or trailer combination over 3,500 kg? Then you’re legally required to hold a BE driving licence. At Rijschool Haarlemmermeer we offer hands-on, practice-oriented training at your own pace.

Vehicle: Comfortable Volvo XC60 automatic
Format: Intensive one-day courses available
Next Step: Book your intake today and schedule your practical exam

What You’ll Learn

What You’ll Learn in the BE Course

Coupling & Preparation

How to hitch safely, inspect paperwork and check the load

Towing & Manoeuvres

Turning, reversing, three-point turns and hill-start exercises

Traffic Awareness

Navigating junctions, roundabouts and motorways with a trailer

Load & Legislation

Safe loading techniques, levelling the trailer, correct speeds and relevant traffic rules

Who Is This Course For?

Holidaymakers towing a caravan
Freelancers or tradespeople using a trailer
Professional drivers handling large combinations

If you only need extra practice with a caravan (no exam), check out our standalone caravantraining!

When Do You Need a BE Licence?

You must have a BE licence whenever the combined maximum authorised mass of your car + trailer exceeds 3,500 kg. That maximum mass (“GVW”) is printed on each vehicle’s registration certificate.

Maximum authorised mass = vehicle’s empty weight + its payload.
Even if your trailer is empty, you must use the GVW on the registration to decide.

Examples

Trailer: empty 700 kg + payload 1,300 kg = GVW 2,000 kg.
Loaded at 1,500 kg? You still use GVW 2,000 kg to determine if BE is required.
Car: empty 1,450 kg + payload 600 kg = GVW 2,050 kg.
You may tow a trailer up to 1,450 kg GVW.
Combination not needing BE:
Car (GVW 2,000 kg) + trailer (GVW 1,450 kg) = 3,450 kg ≤ 3,500 kg.
Combination requiring BE:
Car (GVW 2,000 kg) + trailer (GVW 1,600 kg) = 3,600 kg > 3,500 kg.

Tip: Always verify your car’s towing allowance on the registration or with the RDW.

Is an Intake Lesson Mandatory?

Yes. During your intake we can also reserve your exam slot—though you may choose to book the exam earlier if you wish. We’ll discuss the options once you’re enrolled.

Do You Need Theory for BE?

No separate theory test is required: your Category B licence suffices. Minimum age for BE is 18.

We also offer classroom theory courses in small groups, covering all exam topics and practising sample questions. Enrol for our theory class at [theory course page] and get free app access to our theory-learning module.

Theory Exam Details

Before your interim test or practical exam, you must hold a valid theory certificate (good for 1½ years). Book your exam yourself via CBR.nl using DigiD—avoid third-party sites that charge an extra € 20+.

Current structure (until 7 April 2025):
1. Danger Recognition: 25 questions, 8 sec/question, pass ≥ 13
2. Knowledge: 12 questions, pass ≥ 10 (road use, priority, signs, vehicle knowledge, etc.)
3. Insight: 28 questions, pass ≥ 25 (same topic areas)
New format (from 7 April 2025):
– Single test: 50 questions, pass ≥ 44 within 30 min (45 min with extra time)
– Includes short animated clips for realistic traffic scenarios
– Level and content remain the same—only structure changes

How to Prepare

Arrival: Meet at the agreed location (usually the CBR exam site).
Documents: Bring valid ID (your driving licence if valid, or another ID) and the exam appointment letter (we arrange this).
Pre-drive briefing: Adjust seat and mirrors, answer a few questions to tailor the lesson.
Key skills:
Mirror and blind-spot checks—trailers require earlier, wider scanning
Speed management at junctions, side-streets and roundabouts
Safe interaction with vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists)
Proper positioning on the road and through corners (accounting for trailer swing)
Correct hitching/unhitching procedures
Special manoeuvres: reversing in a straight line, reversing around a corner, garage/in-drive reversing
Breaks: One or two short pauses—review the vehicle and trailer documents you’ll be quizzed on.
Exam drive: 30–40 min practical test covering the above skills.
Result & Feedback: You’ll know immediately if you’ve passed and receive the examiner’s motivation.

After You Pass

You can apply for your physical BE licence the next day at your municipality or online via the RDW.

Good luck—and safe towing!