Truck Driving License in Germany 2026: Classes C, C1, CE – Costs & Requirements

Which Truck License Classes Exist in Germany?

The class you need depends on the type and weight of the vehicle you want to drive. Germany distinguishes four relevant classes:

Important: Class C includes C1. CE holders may also drive C and C1E. The classes build on each other and generally require a valid Class B (car) licence first.

Truck Driving License Costs in Germany 2026

Truck licence costs are significantly higher than a standard car licence – a single truck driving lesson typically costs €95–130, because certified instructors and specially equipped vehicles are required. Depending on the class and how many practice hours you need, expect the following total budgets:

Driving school package = base fee + mandatory drives as advertised (drive bee data, n > 100 schools, as of 2026). Total budget also includes additional practice lessons, exam fees, and external costs.

External Costs That Always Apply

These items are paid on top of the driving school package – regardless of which school you choose:

Which Class Do I Need?

Class C1 is sufficient if you drive vehicles up to 7,500 kg – for example large delivery vans, refrigerated lorries, or ambulances. Many tradespeople and courier drivers get by with C1. The training is shorter and cheaper than Class C.

Class C is required for all heavy trucks over 7,500 kg: classic lorries in local distribution, construction site vehicles, larger supply vehicles. Most professional HGV drivers hold this class.

Class CE is the standard for long-haul transport. Articulated lorries and road trains fall under this class. CE requires Class C as a prerequisite and can be trained as a combined course from Class B.

Class C1E covers light commercial vehicles with a trailer – for example a 5-tonne van with a small horse trailer or boat trailer. Common in leisure use and small commercial operations.

Requirements for a Truck Driving License

Minimum age:

• Class C1 and C1E: 18 years
• Class C and CE: 21 years (with vocational training as a professional driver: from 18 in some cases)

Existing licence: Class B (car licence) must be held before starting truck training.

Group 2 medical certificate: All truck classes require a medical examination with stricter standards than a standard car licence:

• Heart, lungs, blood pressure, kidneys
• Vision test: minimum 0.8 in each eye (with or without correction), visual field, colour vision
• Cost: approx. €100–150 at an occupational physician or TÜV/DEKRA

Professional Driver Qualification: What Comes After the Licence?

Anyone using the truck licence for commercial goods or passenger transport in Germany needs more than just the driving licence. The Professional Driver Qualification (Berufskraftfahrer-Qualifikation / BKF) under the BKrFQG Act is mandatory.

The initial qualification consists of 280 classroom hours (basic qualification) and is required to start working professionally. After that, a 35-hour refresher course every 5 years is compulsory to renew the driver card (Code 95 on the licence).

Important: Drivers using a truck privately or occasionally (e.g. for their own business or a house move) do not need the BKF qualification. It applies exclusively to commercial use.

How Long Does the Training Take?

• Standard course: Typically 4 to 8 weeks, depending on lesson availability and individual pace.
• Intensive course: Some driving schools offer block courses where training can be completed in 2 to 3 weeks – more expensive, but time-saving if a job offer is waiting.

Training covers theory (general content plus class-specific topics), the first aid course, the medical certificate, and practical driving lessons. The written and practical exams take place at TÜV or DEKRA.

Who Covers the Cost?

Federal Employment Agency / Jobcentre: If you are unemployed or at risk of unemployment and need the truck licence for a specific job, you can apply for a training voucher (Bildungsgutschein). This covers course and exam fees and sometimes travel costs. You will need to attend a counselling session with your employment adviser.

Employer funding: Many logistics and haulage companies urgently need qualified drivers and cover training costs – often tied to a retention agreement (e.g. two years of employment). If you already have a prospective employer, ask directly.

Qualification Opportunities Act (Qualifizierungschancengesetz): Employed workers may be eligible for further training subsidies under this law – potentially including professional driver training. Your employer and the Employment Agency both need to be involved.

Instalment payment: Driving schools often allow you to pay in instalments at no extra cost – worth asking about if no funding is available.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a truck driving licence valid in Germany?

The truck licence (classes C, C1, CE, C1E) is valid without time limit until the age of 50. After that, it must be renewed every 5 years with a medical fitness examination. Professional drivers additionally need to renew their driver card (Code 95) via a 35-hour refresher course every 5 years.

Can I drive a bus with a Class C licence?

No. Buses fall under classes D and D1 (passenger transport). Class C only covers goods vehicles. A separate training programme – with its own medical assessment and professional driver qualification – is required for bus driving.

What is the total cost of a truck driving licence in Germany?

For Class C, budget realistically €3,500–6,000 – truck lessons cost €95–130 each and most learners need many practice hours. For Class C1, the realistic range is €2,000–3,800. Add fixed external costs of approximately €355–485 (exams, medical certificate, first aid). The cheapest advertised packages start around €825, but these are base-only prices that don't include additional practice lessons.

Do I need a car licence before getting a truck licence?

Yes, in almost all cases. Class B (car licence) is a mandatory prerequisite for the truck classes C, C1, CE, and C1E. Direct training without Class B is not permitted under German law.

---

Compare driving schools in your city on drive bee – with real prices for all truck licence classes, reviews from other learners, and direct contact options.