What requirements must I meet?
Before you register for truck driving lessons, you should check that you meet the following requirements:
If you meet these criteria, then there is nothing standing in your way.
Four steps to gaining a truck driver’s license
1. Find the right driving school
The first step is to find the right driving school. Take your time: it’s important that you find a driving school that matches you and your needs. Compare offers from a variety of driving schools to find a serious business that will offer you comprehensive training with qualified driving instructors.
2. Theory before practice
As with a regular driving license, a truck driving license is split into a theoretical and a practical component. Before you can get behind the wheel, you will have to pass the theory test. In this phase, you will learn the basics of road safety, load securing, traffic laws and automotive engineering.
Once you have completed the theoretical instruction, you can take the theory test. This test consists of a total of 100 questions. You must answer at least 75 of them correctly to pass the test. In order to get your truck driver’s license, you will have to attend at least 12 theoretical lessons, each 90 minutes long. In addition to the theoretical instruction, you will need to complete a practical component in accordance with the law regarding driving instruction in Germany (Fahrschüler-Ausbildungsordnung).
3. From the classroom to the road
The final step on the path to getting your truck driver’s license is practical instruction. An experienced driving instructor will teach you all about how to drive a truck.
This practical instruction includes learning how to
The practical test consists of a number of tasks that have to be carried out under realistic conditions.
The number of practical driving lessons you will need will be based on your own skill and the progress you make. However, if you want to obtain a Class C1 or C1E license, you will need to complete at least 8 compulsory lessons, and for a Class C or CE license you will need to complete at least 14 compulsory lessons.
4. Stay up-to-date
So you have passed your driving test. Congratulations! But you are not quite there: All professional drivers in Germany must also provide proof that they have completed professional driver's qualification training (Berufskraftfahrer-Qualifikation, BKrFQG).
This is an additional training program required by law from September 2009 onwards. The goal of this training is to improve road safety and a professional truck driver’s skills. In order to achieve the BKrFQG, a driver must attend a total of 35 hours of theoretical instruction and five hours of practical instruction within 5 years of obtaining their license.
This can be done by attending classes at an approved driving school.
The theoretical instruction will cover the following subjects:
In the practical sessions, you will practise driving techniques and learn how to avoid accidents. At the end of the training, you will receive a certificate identifying you as a qualified professional driver.
The professional driver’s qualification must be extended every five years with a refresher course. Refresher courses include seven hours of theoretical instruction and one hour of practical instruction. This allows you to keep your theoretical knowledge up to date and further improve your skills.
It is important to complete your professional driver qualification on time: failure to do so could cause you to lose your license, meaning you will no longer be able to work as a professional driver.
The path is the goal.
Getting a truck driver’s license can be challenging, but you can achieve your goal by preparing well and investing in the right training. Make sure you select a serious driving school and invest both time and energy in your theoretical and practical training. And of course, it is important that you remember to complete your professional driver’s qualification in order to successfully start your career as a truck driver. This is the first step on your path to starting your own transportation company.
If you do decide to go this route, your first challenge will be finding new customers for your newly started transport business. Once your company has been on the market for six months, the TIMOCOM Marketplace offers you the opportunity to find new customers and create a network of reliable business partners.
Sound interesting? Don’t miss out! Start your non-binding test of the TIMOCOM Marketplace and take advantage of up to a million freight and vehicle offers uploaded daily.
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