Working as a Bus Driver in Germany: Requirements, Essential Documents, Training Costs and the Possibility of Changing City
Working as a bus driver (Busfahrer) in Germany is a key profession that plays an essential role in public life, as large parts of the population rely on public transport for local and regional mobility. With the ongoing expansion and modernisation of transport infrastructure, the demand for qualified and well-trained bus drivers has increased. In this article, we explain the main requirements and documents needed to obtain a bus driving licence, the typical costs of training and the possibility that the Jobcenter may cover them. We also discuss the option of moving to another city and the differences between local urban bus drivers and long-distance or intercity bus drivers, providing all the core information in a clear and detailed manner.
Constant demand
Public transport is one of the most important sectors in the German labour market. Many people use buses every day to commute to work, school, training, or other appointments.
As networks of buses and trains continue to grow, especially in larger cities and industrial regions, the demand for professional bus drivers is expected to remain strong in the long term.
Job stability
Working as a bus driver usually offers:
a stable and regular income
social security coverage (health, pension, unemployment insurance, etc.)
Many transport companies offer permanent employment contracts after a successful training and probation period.
Variety of opportunities
Bus drivers can work for:
local public transport operators (Stadtverkehr)
regional or long-distance bus companies (Überland- / Fernverkehr)
travel and tourism companies offering national or international coach trips
Anyone who wants to drive a bus carrying more than 8 passengers in Germany must hold a Category D driving licence.
Key conditions:
Minimum age: Generally 24 years.
In certain cases, the minimum age may be reduced to 21, for example within special training schemes or for short-distance school bus services. The exact rules depend on the legal framework.
Category B driving licence:
You must already hold a valid category B (car) licence, usually for at least one year (this may vary by federal state).
Medical check:
This includes an eyesight test and a general health examination to confirm that you are fit to drive and to carry passengers safely.
Criminal record check (Führungszeugnis):
A clean criminal record is required, with no serious offences that could disqualify you from professional passenger transport.
Under EU law, professional bus drivers must obtain a basic qualification (Grundqualifikation) or an accelerated basic qualification (Beschleunigte Grundqualifikation).
Once successfully completed, this qualification is recorded on your licence as the Code 95 (Schlüsselzahl 95) and proves that you are professionally trained to carry passengers.
It typically covers:
theoretical modules (legal framework, safety rules, passengers’ rights)
practical training (defensive driving, emergency handling, safe braking)
After obtaining category D, many bus companies require additional in-house training, such as:
road safety and defensive driving techniques
customer service and communication with passengers
first aid training
how to handle emergencies (breakdowns, accidents, evacuations)
Typical cost of obtaining a category D licence
The cost of training for a category D licence varies by region and driving school, but in general it can range from around €3,000 to €5,000 or more, including:
theoretical lessons
practical driving lessons
exam fees (theory and practical tests)
administrative fees charged by testing authorities
possibly the cost of the basic professional qualification (Code 95)
Can the Jobcenter cover the costs?
In some cases, the Jobcenter or the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) may cover part or even all of the training costs, particularly if:
you are officially registered as unemployed
there is high demand for bus drivers in your region
your case manager (Fallmanager) is convinced that this qualification significantly improves your job prospects
Training programmes offered by transport companies
Some large bus and transport operators offer special training schemes under which they:
pay all or part of the training costs for the category D licence and the professional qualification, and
offer an employment contract with a minimum commitment period (e.g. several years)
These schemes can be very attractive for jobseekers who do not have the financial means to pay for training upfront but are interested in a long-term career as a bus driver.
Where is the licence valid?
A category D driving licence is valid throughout Germany and – under EU rules – in other EU countries as well. This means you can in principle work as a bus driver in any German city.
Employment-related aspects
If you are employed by a local public transport operator and wish to move to another city, you may need to:
terminate your current employment contract, or
reach a mutual agreement to end it.
In your new city, it is important to familiarise yourself with:
the local public transport network
internal company rules
any additional tests (for example, route knowledge) that your new employer may require
Differences in pay and working conditions
Pay levels for bus drivers can vary between federal states depending on local collective agreements (Tarifverträge).
In some regions, drivers receive extra allowances for night work, weekend shifts or public holiday work.
Working environment:
Mainly inside the city or in neighbouring municipalities
Fixed routes (line services) with frequent stops
Working hours:
Shift work based on timetables (early, late and sometimes night shifts)
Often weekend and public holiday duties in larger cities
Passenger contact:
High level of direct contact with many passengers
Short journeys, frequent boarding and alighting
Frequent questions about tickets, routes, connections and delays
Challenges:
Heavy city traffic and congestion
Pressure to maintain timetable punctuality
Crowded buses during peak travel periods
Working environment:
Routes between towns, across regions or even across national borders (for tourism and international coach services)
Long-distance operations, often on motorways, sometimes involving overnight or multi-day trips
Working hours:
Determined by scheduled routes and can involve long driving times
Strict adherence to EU regulations on driving and rest times (Lenk- und Ruhezeiten) is mandatory
Passenger contact:
Less frequent boarding and alighting compared with city buses
Providing information and support to passengers over longer journeys (rest breaks, arrival times, stopovers)
Challenges:
Long driving periods on motorways
Changing weather and road conditions on long routes
Careful planning of rest breaks to avoid fatigue and ensure safety
Plan your finances
If you do not have enough savings to pay for your training, explore:
funding options through the Jobcenter or the Employment Agency
sponsored training schemes offered by bus or transport companies
Compare:
the expected salary in your target region
local housing and living costs
Look after your health
Bus driving requires sustained concentration over long periods. Therefore:
attend regular medical check-ups and eye examinations
maintain a healthy lifestyle and regular sleep patterns, especially if you work shifts
Develop your communication skills
Bus drivers are expected to interact politely and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds. You may have to:
assist elderly passengers or people with disabilities
cope calmly with stressful situations (delays, complaints, crowded buses)
Additional language skills – such as English – can significantly enhance your opportunities, especially in tourist areas.
Respect legal and company rules
Make sure you comply with:
traffic rules and speed limits
regulations governing driving and rest times
internal policies and safety procedures of your employer
Keep up to date with any changes in laws and regulations relating to public transport and long-distance coach services.
Working as a bus driver in Germany offers a stable and attractive career option for those interested in the transport and mobility sector. You will need a category D driving licence and, for commercial passenger transport, a professional qualification recorded as Code 95 on your driving licence. Although training can be relatively expensive, funding may be available through the Jobcenter, the Employment Agency or training programmes run by transport companies.
Whether you choose to work as a local city bus driver or as a long-distance intercity coach driver, you have the flexibility to move to other cities or regions and continue in the same profession, provided you respect local regulations and employment conditions. Understanding the differences in working environments, schedules and responsibilities – along with a strong focus on safety and customer service – is essential for success and career development in this vital profession.
Disclaimer:
Specific requirements, training costs and funding options may vary depending on the federal state and municipality. You should therefore always consult the local Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit), Jobcenter, driving schools (Fahrschulen) and transport companies to obtain the most up-to-date information before making any binding decisions.
* The authors and editorial team of this website strive to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors and outdated details cannot be completely ruled out. Please treat the content of this article as a general guide only and always refer to the relevant authorities and official bodies for binding and up-to-date information.
