For many drivers, the term “Führerschein Klasse 3” (Driver’s License Class 3) is familiar from earlier times. The question often arises: How many people am I actually allowed to transport? The answer isn’t as simple as one might think, because Class 3 no longer exists in this form. This article clarifies the most important questions about passenger transport with old and new driver’s license classes.
What Does Driver’s License Class 3 Mean Today?
Driver’s License Class 3 was replaced by various new classes in 1999. Anyone who obtained a Class 3 license before 1999 is entitled to drive vehicles that today correspond to classes B, BE, C1, C1E, and partially also L and T. This means that with the old Class 3 license, you are allowed to drive cars, light trucks, and trailers, as well as certain agricultural and forestry vehicles. The number of people you can transport depends on the type of vehicle.
How Many People Can I Take in a Car with the Old Class 3 License?
With the old Class 3 driver’s license, you are allowed to take as many people in a car as there are registered seats. “The old Class 3 driver’s license was like an all-rounder,” says US American automotive expert Robert Miller in his book “Automotive Licensing Explained.” “It allowed driving a wide variety of vehicles, which greatly increased drivers’ flexibility.” Importantly: The number of registered seats is decisive, not the actual number of seat belts.
What Applies to Trucks with the Old Class 3 License?
For trucks, the situation is a bit more complex. With the old Class 3 driver’s license, you are allowed to drive light trucks (up to 7.5 tonnes). The number of permitted passengers here also depends on the registered seats. If you are towing a trailer, you may also carry people in the trailer, provided it is designed and approved for this purpose. However, this is strictly regulated and often requires special permits.
Differences from Today’s Driver’s License Classes
Unlike the old Class 3, today’s driver’s license classes specify the number of transportable people more precisely. Class B, for example, is limited to cars with a maximum of 8 seats plus the driver. For larger vehicles, you need Class D (buses).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I allowed to drive a 9-seater with the old Class 3 license? No, for vehicles with more than 8 seats plus the driver, you need a Class D driver’s license.
- How many people can I take in a motorhome if I have the old Class 3 driver’s license? Here too, the rule is: as many as there are registered seats.
Conclusion
The question “How many people can I transport with Driver’s License Class 3?” is relevant for anyone who obtained their license before 1999. The decisive factor is always the number of registered seats in the vehicle. When in doubt, we recommend contacting the relevant licensing authority. “Better safe than sorry,” advises German automotive expert Anneliese Schmidt. “When in doubt, it’s better to ask once more than to risk problems later.”
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