Which license to guide a horse van? Tips, errors, …

Last updated of February 17, 2025 by Maxime de Printerl

The transport of a horse in van requires compliance with the regulations in force, in particular as regards Adapted driving license. Many knights and horses possessed the question: What permission does it take to tow a horse van?

The answer depends on Total weight of the vehicle and trailerAs well as the category of driving license you have. This guide explains you In detail the necessary permitsThe criteria to be controlled and the possible training to be followed to circulate legally with a horse van.

Allows you to tow a horse van

The choice of permit depends mainly on Total authorized weight in office (PTAC) of the vehicle + van. This weight is recorded on gray paper and allows you to determine if a license B, B96 or be It is necessary.

License B: for small light vans

THE Classical B License Suffice if everything car + van does not exceed 3,500 kg of Ptac.

✅ Conditions:

• The car alone does not exceed 3 500 kg of PTC
• The van has a PTAC Less or equal to 750 kg

📌 Example :
If you have a 4 × 4 with a ptac of 2 500 kg and a van of 700 kgThe total is 3 200 kg → License B is sufficient.

🚨 Limit :
Few horses have a Ptac less than 750 kg, which limits this possibility small trailers or light vehicles.

B96 permit: for a van up to 4,250 kg of PTAC

If the vehicle + the van group exceeds 3,500 kg but remains within 4,250 kgthe license B96 It is mandatory.

✅ Conditions:

• THE PTAC tractor vehicle it is lower than or equal to 3 500 kg
• THE Pac you van is greater than 750 kgBut the total does not exceed 4 250 kg

📌 Example :
If you have an SUV with a PTAC of 2 800 kg and a van with a PTAC of 1 300 kgThe total is 4 100 kg → License B96 Request.

📌 How to get the B96 license?

• No examination
• Formation of a Day (7:00) Driving school
• Estimated cost: between 300 and 500 €

🚨 Attention : Permission B96 does not allow it Do not exceed 4,250 kgwhich can be insufficient for some vans Two horses and equipment.

Be a license: for heavier vans

If the total weight exceeds 4,250 kgthe license TO BE It is mandatory.

✅ Conditions:

• THE PTAC tractor vehicle does not exceed 3 500 kg
• THE Pac you van can go up to 3 500 kg
• Everything must not exceed 7,000 kg

📌 Example :
A 4 × 4 with a PTAC of 3,000 kg Treat a van of 2 500 kgor a total of 5 500 kg → Allowed by request.

📌 How to get Bert’s license?

• Examination of the motorway code (If license B dates back to more than 5 years)
• Practical test with maneuvers and traffic
• Training of the Driving School (~ 2 days)
• Estimated cost: between 700 et 1 200 €

🚨 Advantage : Allows you to transport A larger van With several horses and equipment.

Simple method to check the license

1️⃣ Watch the PTAC on the gray tractor vehicle gray paper
2️⃣ Watch the van Ptac on his gray card
3️⃣ Add the two values
4️⃣ Compare with the following thresholds :

• ≤ 3 500 kg → permission B
• 3 501 – 4 250 kg → permission B96
• > 4 250 kg → permission TO BE

💡 Trick : Some empty vans have a Modified PTAC. Ask the manufacturer or the seller to adapt the PTAC to your situation.

Errors to avoid staying in order

🚫 Do not check the PTACs before taking advantage → risk of violation and ofVehicle immobilization.

🚫 Underestimate the real weight → a loaded van more weigh that an empty van. Always taking into account the Horse, water, upholstery and equipment.

🚫 Do not comply with the regulations → Driving without adequate authorization can cause a End of € 750thecirculating ban and theInsurance cancellation In the event of an accident.

FAQ: Answers to frequent questions

Is a maximum weight permit needed to tow a van?
No, unless everything exceeds 7,000 kgwhich is rare for a horse van.

Can we drive a van with a license B?
Yes, but only if the total Ptac does not exceed 3 500 kg.

Is the B96 license a valid option?
Yes, it is ideal for Configurations between 3,500 and 4,250 kgthus avoiding the passage of the BE license.

How to know the real weight of your everything?
Laying vehicle + loaded van On a public balance (available in some service stations and weighing centers).

Conclusion: which license to choose to tow a horse van?

🔹 If your van is light and your vehicle powerful, license B may be enough.
🔹 If a horse with equipment is transported, license is often recommended.
🔹 For a double van and heavier loads, the Be license is essential.

💡 Tips late : Always check information on gray cards Before exploiting To avoid any problem in case of road control.