Basic qualification

The basis for more safety

Better safe than sorry. That's why beginning professional drivers need a basic qualification.

Who needs this basic qualification?

Anyone who received a bus or lorry driving licence before the dates listed below needs no further qualification. These individuals are regarded as sufficiently qualified, at least until their licences expire.

It's different for new drivers. They must first acquire a basic qualification. There are different cutoff dates depending on the mode of transport.

  • For bus drivers: Anyone who acquired a licence in class(es) D1 to DE after September 9, 2008 requires a basic qualification for commercial passenger conveyance
  • For lorry drivers: Anyone who acquired a licence in class(es) C1 to CE after September 9, 2008 requires a basic qualification for commercial goods conveyance 

Three paths to the goal

  • Basic qualification: A theoretical and practical examination of a total duration of 450 minutes, no teaching requirement.
  • The accelerated basic qualification: Participation in the accelerated initial qualification (140 hours) and subsequent 90-minute written exam
  • The traditional training for professional drivers or further training as specialist professional driver