Professional driver

General information on the professional driver qualification

Anyone wishing to obtain a driving license for categories

C1, C1E, C or CE in road haulage or
D1, D1E, D or DE in passenger transport

commercially requires an initial qualification and further training.

Please note that the renewal of truck/bus driving licenses and driver qualification certificates (FQN) should be applied for at least 3 months before the respective validity period expires.

This is necessary to ensure timely processing and to avoid delays in issuing the documents.

If you apply too soon, you may not receive your driver's license in time and therefore not be able to use it.

Note: Driving license extensions can be applied for up to 6 months before the expiry date!

Basic qualification

A distinction is made between the basic qualification and the accelerated basic qualification.

The basic qualification is obtained from the relevant Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
The accelerated basic qualification is obtained by attending lessons at a recognized training centre and successfully passing a theoretical examination at the relevant IHK. A practical examination is not required.
Completion of vocational training as a professional driver or driving specialist or a state-recognized training occupation in which comparable skills and knowledge for driving motor vehicles on public roads are taught.

Further training

Drivers who held a driving license for categories

D1, D1E, D or DE before 10.09.2008 (passenger transport) or
C1, C1E, C or CE before 10.09.2009 (road haulage)

are not subject to the obligation to acquire the initial qualification. This group of persons must take part in further training every 5 years.

When acquiring the initial qualification, a period of 5 years applies from the date of acquisition. By way of derogation, a period of between 3 and 7 years is possible for the first time in order to establish synchronization with the C and D class driver's license.

Further training can take place at state-recognized training centers, such as driving schools, relevant training companies and training centers recognized by the driving license authorities.