1. Implementation of the directive 2003/59 in Germany Ulrike Buhrke

2. Driving licence categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE
Professional driver training
3-year training + exam (includes initial training)
Initial qualification
Theoretical exam (4 hours)
and practical test
(2 hours minutes)
Accelerated initial qualification
140 hours of theoretical training and theoretical exam (90 minutes)
Minimum age 18
C1 and C1E, C and C
D and DE in regular services in a radius of no more than 50 km
D1 and D1E without restriction (only inside the country)
Minimum age 18
C1 and C1E, C and C
Minimum age 18
C1 and C1E
Minimum age 21
C and CE
D and DE in regular services in a radius of no more than 50 km
D1 and D1E without restriction
Minimum age 20
D and DE without restriction (only inside the country)
Minimum age 21
D and DE without restriction (abroad, too)
Minimum age 23
D and DE without restriction
Certificate of professional competence

3. EU directive on the qualification of drivers for the carriage of goods or passengers
German law on the qualification of drivers for the carriage of goods or passengers
Article 3
Qualification and training
(1) The activity of driving as defined in Article 1 shall be subject to a compulsory initial qualification and compulsory periodic training. To this end Member States shall provide for:
a) a system of initial qualification.
Member States shall choose between the following two options:
i) option combining both course attendance and a test
ii) option involving only tests.
In the context of a national vocational training course of at least six months, the tests referred to in points (i) and (ii) may be completed in stages.
§ 4
Obtaining the initial qualification
(1) The initial qualification is obtained by
1. Passing a theoretical exam and practical test organized by a Chamber of Industry and Commerce in conformity with a regulation based on § 8 section 1(1) or
2. By completing a recognized vocational training scheme as a “professional driver” or “skilled transport worker” or other state-recognized vocational training providing comparable skills and know-how required to transport goods or passengers on public roads.

4. Qualification and training
EU directive on the qualification of drivers for the carriage of goods or passengers
German law on the qualification of drivers for the carriage of goods or passengers
Article 3
Qualification and training
(2) Member States may also provide for a system of accelerated initial qualification so that a driver may drive in the cases referred to in Article 5(2)(a)(ii) and (b) and in Article 5(3)(a)(i) and (b).
In accordance with section 3 of Annex I, the accelerated initial qualification shall involve compulsory course attendance. It shall conclude with a test.
§ 4
Obtaining the initial qualification
(2) The accelerated initial qualification is obtained by attending a course organized by a recognized training institute and passing a theoretical exam at a Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

5. Initial qualification Accelerated initial qualification
Types of exams/tests for the carriage of goods and passengers
Initial qualification
Accelerated initial qualification
- Comprehensive
- Reduced for career changers
- Reduced for drivers undergoing retraining

6. Exam and test costs
The fees are fixed by each Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Chamber of Industry and Commerce Act).
The average fees are:
Initial qualification
- Regular exam 1350 €
- Career changers 1250 €
Drivers retraining 850 €
Accelerated initial qualification
- Regular exam 130 €
- Career changers 100 €
- Drivers retraining 90 €

7. Number of examinees in 2009 (extrapolation)
Passenger transport
Goods transport (since September 2009)
Initial qualification
Accelerated initial qualification
Regular exam
< 5
Approx. 4500 --
Approx. 3500
Drivers retraining
Approx. 3000
Approx. 60
Career changers