How to Extend Your Driving License in Czechia
How to upgrade your license from B to C, D, or from A1 to A2. Step-by-step guide, costs, supplementary exams, and 2026 updates.
You have a category B license and you're wondering whether you could extend it — to trucks, motorcycles, or buses. Good news: you can. And it's significantly cheaper and faster than starting from scratch. The Czech system rewards your experience: anyone who already drives doesn't have to sit through dozens of classroom hours again. But the process varies depending on which category you're after — for motorcycles, a single practical exam might be enough, while buses require months of training plus a professional certificate on top.
This article gives you a clear overview of how license extensions work, what they cost, how long they take, and what to watch out for. Whether you're thinking about motorcycles, trucks, buses, or just towing a caravan — you'll find the specific step-by-step process here.
Quick summary:
- Extending is always shorter and cheaper than a full course — the system rewards your existing driving experience
- For motorcycles with 2+ years in a lower category, a supplementary exam is enough — practical riding only, no theory test
- For commercial driving (trucks, buses), you need a professional driver certificate (CPC) in addition to the license — that's extra training and extra cost
- From 2026, you can submit your application online and drive immediately after registration, even without a physical license card
What It Actually Means — Extension vs. Supplementary Exam vs. Full Course
Before we dive into specific categories, you need to distinguish three terms. Each one means something different and has different requirements.
Extension training is a shortened course at a driving school that adds another category to your existing license. You have fewer theory and practice hours than someone starting from zero — the law (Section 17 of Act No. 247/2000) provides a specific table of minimum hours for each combination. At the end, you take a written theory test (43 out of 50 points) and a practical driving exam (at least 25 minutes of road driving). This is the standard path for most extensions — B to C, B to D, C to D.
Supplementary exam (Section 45b) is something entirely different and applies mainly to motorcyclists. If you've held a lower motorcycle category for at least two years (A1 for at least two years and you want A2, or A2 for at least two years and you want A), you don't need any mandatory training. The law requires you to pass only a practical riding exam — the same as a regular exam (manoeuvres on a course + riding in traffic), but without the written theory test. How many practice hours you take before the exam is entirely between you and your driving school. This is the fastest and cheapest form of extension.
Full course is required if you don't hold any previous category from which you could extend. Typically, this means you only have category AM (mopeds) or T (tractors) — these two categories don't qualify for extension training (Section 17 of Act No. 247/2000 explicitly excludes them). You have to go through the entire course from the beginning.
Extension ≠ full course
An extension saves you total time because you don't repeat what you already know. For example, extending from B to C takes 44 hours (26 theory + 18 practice). A standalone full C course is just 37 hours — but requires you to have completed the entire B course first (45 hours). Going the extension route saves you dozens of hours overall.
Motorcycles — A1, A2, A and the Two-Year Rule
Extending between motorcycle categories is the simplest and cheapest form of license extension in Czechia. The law deliberately supports progressive access — you start on a lighter machine, build experience, and gradually move up to a more powerful motorcycle. And the longer you ride, the less you have to do.
The key is the two-year rule. If you've held category A1 for at least two years and want A2, a supplementary exam under Section 45b is all you need. No mandatory training, no theory — you go to a driving school, arrange a few practice sessions (most people take four to seven), and head straight to the practical exam. The same applies for upgrading from A2 to full category A — two years in A2 and a practical ride is enough.
If you don't have those two years yet, you need to complete a full extension course — 6 hours of theory and 11 hours of practice. It's not much, but it takes a few weeks longer and costs more because you also sit the written test.
Typical example: you got A1 at sixteen. At eighteen, you want A2. You've had it for two years, so you go through the supplementary exam. You pay 5,000 to 10,000 CZK for preparation and the exam, and within a week or two you have A2. At twenty (with two years of A2), the same for full category A — another 5,000 to 10,000 CZK. The entire journey from A1 to an unrestricted motorcycle costs you around 10,000 to 20,000 CZK on top of the original course. That's significantly cheaper than a full A course from scratch.
Watch out for code 79 with A1 from a B license
If you hold category A1 solely through equivalence with your B license (harmonisation code 79 — automatic only, valid only in Czechia), you cannot use the supplementary exam route for A2. You must complete full training and the entire exam — both theory and practice. More about this restriction in the motorcycle categories chapter.
Details about individual motorcycle categories — power limits, full course prices, which machines you can ride — are in the Motorcycle Categories — AM, A1, A2, A chapter.
Trucks — From B to C
Extending from B to C is the most common professional license extension in Czechia. The country is estimated to be short approximately 25,000 truck drivers, so demand is enormous and many employers will pay for your training or contribute towards it.
The course is noticeably more demanding than motorcycles, though. Extension training from B to C includes 26 hours of theory and 18 hours of practical driving — 44 hours in total. Theory focuses on specifics of heavy vehicles: braking distances, loading, cargo securing, driving with a trailer. Practical training takes place in a category C vehicle — typically a two-axle truck over 7,500 kg.
The entire course takes one to two months. The price ranges from 19,000 to 30,000 CZK, depending on the region and driving school. Add administrative fees for the exam (2× 700 CZK for theory and practice) and a medical certificate (300 to 800 CZK).
But a C license alone isn't enough if you want to drive trucks professionally — as an employee. For that, you need a professional driver certificate (CPC). Initial training takes 140 hours (if you're 21+) or 280 hours (if you want to drive from age 18). Cost of the 140-hour initial training: 15,000 to 25,000 CZK. In total, the path from a B license to a professional truck driver costs 34,000 to 55,000 CZK.
If you want to drive with a trailer (C+E), add another 10,000 to 15,000 CZK and 18 hours of training (6 theory + 12 practice). Everything you need to know about category C, including salaries and career prospects, is in the Category C — Trucks chapter.
Your employer might pay for your license
Many transport companies offer to cover C or C+E training costs in exchange for a 2–3 year contract. Starting salary for a truck driver is around 45,000 CZK, rising to 85,000 CZK in international transport. The investment pays off quickly.
Buses — From B to D or C to D
There are two routes to a category D license — and the difference between them is surprisingly large.
From B straight to D is the long route. Extension training includes 38 hours of theory and 30 to 42 hours of practice — up to 80 hours in total. The course takes two to three months and costs 27,000 to 39,000 CZK. The age requirement is 24 (or 21 with a 280-hour CPC, or 23 with a 140-hour CPC).
From C to D is significantly shorter and cheaper. If you already have C, the extension to D has 38 hours of theory but only 14 to 20 hours of practice — you save dozens of behind-the-wheel hours. Price: 19,000 to 27,000 CZK. And if you already hold a CPC for category C, extending it to D costs only 45 hours of training (5,000 to 10,000 CZK) instead of the full 140 hours.
That's why many aspiring bus drivers choose the B → C → D path. Even though it seems more complex, the total cost can actually be lower — especially if you want both licenses and a single CPC covers both categories.
As with trucks, driving a bus professionally requires a CPC. The transport sector has a chronic driver shortage — an estimated 5,000 bus drivers are missing. The median salary is 38,000 to 40,000 CZK. Full details about category D are in the Category D — Buses chapter.
Trailers — B96 and B+E
If you don't need to move to an entirely different category and just want to extend your B license to tow heavier trailers, you have two options.
B96 is the fastest extension there is. By law, a supplementary exam is all you need — a practical drive with a trailer combination, no theory, no mandatory training. It covers combinations up to 4,250 kg. Price: 5,000 to 7,000 CZK. The entire process takes days, a week at most.
B+E is a full extension with training (6 hours theory + 12 hours practice) and both exams. It authorises you to tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg — so the combination can weigh up to 7,000 kg. Price: 8,500 to 15,500 CZK. The course takes two to four weeks.
When do you need which? It depends on the combination weight in the vehicle registration certificate. If the F.2 of the car + F.2 of the trailer doesn't exceed 3,500 kg, your B license is enough. Up to 4,250 kg, you need B96. Above that, B+E. The complete detailed breakdown with example combinations is in the Towing — B96 and B+E chapter.
Step by Step — How to Extend Your License
Regardless of which category you're extending to, the process is essentially the same. Only the length of training, type of exam, and price vary.
1. Choose a driving school. Not every school offers training for all categories. Nearly any school teaches category B, but C, D, or motorcycles are available only at some. On Kvalty.cz, you can filter driving schools by category and compare prices and reviews.
2. Enrol in the course. You'll need a valid driving license (you must hold the lower category) and a medical fitness certificate. From 2026, the doctor records the certificate electronically in the driver register — no paper document needed.
3. Complete the training. Extension courses have fewer hours than full ones — exactly how many depends on the category combination. For motorcycles with the supplementary exam, you arrange the number of practice sessions directly with your school; there's no legal minimum.
4. Pass the exam. Standard: a computer-based theory test (25 questions, 43 out of 50 points, 30 minutes) + practical driving (at least 25 minutes in traffic, plus course manoeuvres for motorcycles). For supplementary exams (motorcycles with 2+ years): practical riding only.
5. Submit your application at the municipal office. You have 6 months from passing the exam. Applications go to the municipal office of the municipality with extended powers (ORP) in your place of residence. From 1 January 2026, you can also submit online via the Transport Portal — provided you have Czech permanent residence and a digital medical certificate, and have passed the exam after 1 January 2026.
6. Receive your new license. The standard processing time is 20 days. For a surcharge (700 CZK in person, 560 CZK online), you can get expedited processing within 5 working days. And a 2026 novelty: after registration in the driver register, you may drive immediately — for up to 30 days without a physical license card.
How Much It Costs — Price Overview
The cost of extension depends on the category combination, region, and specific driving school. Here's an indicative overview.
Aktuální ceny rozšiřujících kurzů z dat autoškol na Kvalty.cz — přepínej mezi kategoriemi
| statsTable.columns.license | statsTable.columns.minAge | statsTable.columns.avgPrice | statsTable.columns.minPrice | statsTable.columns.maxPrice | statsTable.columns.schoolCount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C+E – Truck with heavy trailer | 21 | 37,056 Kč | – | 60,000 Kč | 11 |
| D – Buses | 24 | 28,720 Kč | – | 64,900 Kč | 73 |
| B – Passenger cars up to 3.5 t | 18 | 26,147 Kč | – | 64,500 Kč | 1,067 |
| C – Trucks over 3.5 t | 21 | 25,952 Kč | – | 60,550 Kč | 235 |
| A2 – Motorcycles up to 35 kW | 18 | 25,084 Kč | 3,500 Kč | 64,500 Kč | 496 |
| A – Powerful motorcycles without limits | 20 | 24,744 Kč | 3,500 Kč | 64,500 Kč | 507 |
| C1 – Light trucks | 18 | 24,400 Kč | 19,490 Kč | 28,000 Kč | 7 |
| B+E – Car with heavy trailer | 18 | 24,105 Kč | 10,000 Kč | 35,700 Kč | 8 |
| D1 – Minibuses | 21 | 23,500 Kč | 22,000 Kč | 25,000 Kč | 2 |
| T – Tractors | 17 | 23,287 Kč | – | 59,000 Kč | 214 |
| A1 – Motorcycles up to 125 cc | 16 | 21,241 Kč | 3,500 Kč | 53,500 Kč | 470 |
| B1 – Quadricycles and light motor vehicles | 17 | 19,950 Kč | 17,000 Kč | 22,900 Kč | 2 |
| AM – Mopeds and small scooters | 15 | 18,878 Kč | 3,500 Kč | 53,500 Kč | 422 |
| B96 – Car with medium trailer | 18 | 17,585 Kč | 4,990 Kč | 33,500 Kč | 9 |
Total 3523 schools
| Extension | Indicative Price | Typical Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| A1 → A2 (supplementary, ≥ 2 years) | 5,000–10,000 CZK | 1–2 weeks |
| A2 → A (supplementary, ≥ 2 years) | 5,000–10,000 CZK | 1–2 weeks |
| A1 → A2 (full extension course) | 8,000–12,000 CZK | 3–6 weeks |
| B → B96 | 5,000–7,000 CZK | days |
| B → B+E | 8,500–15,500 CZK | 2–4 weeks |
| B → C | 19,000–30,000 CZK | 1–2 months |
| B → D | 27,000–39,000 CZK | 2–3 months |
| C → D | 19,000–27,000 CZK | 1–2 months |
| C → C+E | 10,000–15,000 CZK | 2–4 weeks |
| Professional certificate — initial (140 h) | 15,000–25,000 CZK | — |
| Professional certificate — extension (45 h) | 5,000–10,000 CZK | — |
On top of the course price, add: administrative fee for the theory exam (700 CZK), practical exam (700 CZK), medical certificate (300–800 CZK), and administrative fee for the license card (200 CZK standard, 700 CZK expedited). If you fail the exam, you pay the fee again — and you'll probably want a few extra practice sessions (500–1,000 CZK per hour).
Compare prices on Kvalty.cz
Prices for the same course can vary by thousands of CZK between driving schools. On Kvalty.cz, you can compare prices, ratings, and reviews from thousands of graduates — and choose the school that fits you best.
2026 Updates — Simpler Administration
From 1 January 2026, an amendment to the Road Traffic Act significantly simplifies the paperwork around license extensions. Three key changes:
Online application submission. You no longer need to visit the office in person. You can submit your extension application via the Transport Portal (portaldopravy.cz). Requirements: Czech permanent residence, an exam passed after 1 January 2026, and a digital medical certificate (your GP records it directly in the register). The online administrative fee is lower — 160 CZK instead of 200.
Immediate driving after registration. This is probably the biggest practical change. Previously, after passing the exam you had to wait up to 20 days for your plastic license card to arrive. Now you may drive immediately after the new entitlement is registered in the driver register — for up to 30 days without a physical card. This applies to extensions, not just first-time licenses.
Digital medical certificate. The doctor records the fitness certificate directly in the electronic database of the driver register. You don't carry a paper document to the office — the office verifies the certificate in the system automatically.
Another novelty (from 2024) that indirectly relates to extensions: B17 allows driving a car from age 17 with a mentor. Those who use B17 can start extending sooner — for example, going for C at age 21 with five years of driving experience already under their belt.
What to Watch Out For
A few things people most commonly stumble on when extending their license.
You can't skip categories. For C, you need B. For D, you need B (or C). For CE, you need C. For DE, you need D. You can't go straight from AM to C — you have to go through B first.
Six-month deadline. After passing the exam, you have 6 months to submit your application for the new entitlement. If you miss this deadline, you have to retake the exam.
The supplementary exam isn't easy. For motorcycles, more than 20% of applicants fail it on their first attempt. Course manoeuvres — slalom, figure eight, emergency braking from 50 km/h — require practice. We recommend taking at least 4–5 practice hours at a driving school, even though the law doesn't require it.
Code 78 and extensions. If you have code 78 (automatic only) on your B license and want to extend to C with a manual transmission, you must take the C exam on a manual. Code 78 applies only to the specific category — you can have B on automatic and C on manual without any issues.
The professional certificate is separate. A C or D license authorises you to drive that type of vehicle. But if you want to drive professionally — as an employee of a transport company — you also need a professional driver certificate (CPC). That's additional training (140 or 280 hours) and additional cost (15,000–25,000 CZK). Without the CPC, you may drive a truck or bus for personal use only.
Driving without the right license = an offence
If you drive a vehicle for which you don't hold the correct license category, it's an offence under Section 125c of Act No. 361/2000. Fine of 25,000 to 50,000 CZK, 4 penalty points, and a driving ban of 12 to 24 months. For repeat offences, up to 75,000 CZK and a ban of 18–36 months. Always handled in administrative proceedings — cannot be settled on the spot.
Summary
- Extending your license is always shorter and cheaper than a full course — the law rewards your driving experience
- Cheapest extensions: B96 (trailers, from 5,000 CZK) and motorcycle supplementary exams (from 5,000 CZK)
- Most expensive path: B → D + professional certificate (total 42,000–64,000 CZK), but transport companies often contribute
- From 2026, you can submit the application online, the doctor records the certificate electronically, and you may drive immediately after registration
- For motorcycles with 2+ years of experience, only a practical exam is needed — no theory, no mandatory training
- Compare driving schools on Kvalty.cz — prices can differ by thousands of CZK for the same course
Key Terms
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Extension training | A shortened driving school course that adds another category to your existing license (Section 17, Act No. 247/2000) |
| Supplementary exam | A simplified exam (practical riding only) for motorcyclists with 2+ years in a lower category (Section 45b) |
| Professional driver certificate (CPC) | A mandatory document for commercial drivers (trucks, buses) — initial training of 140 or 280 hours |
| ORP (Municipal office with extended powers) | The office where you submit your license application |
| Transport Portal | portaldopravy.cz — from 2026, enables online submission of driving license applications |
| Code 79 | A harmonisation code restricting A1 equivalence from a B license — automatic only, valid only in Czechia |
| Code 78 | An entry on the driving license restricting driving to vehicles with automatic transmission |
| F.2 | An entry in the vehicle registration certificate — the maximum technically permissible mass |
| B17 | Category B license from age 17 with a mentor (since 2024) |
| Initial training | Professional training for commercial drivers — 140 h (basic) or 280 h (extended, lowers the age requirement) |