German Driving Licence Class C1 (2025) – A Detailed Guide to Light Trucks
Quick overview
The C1 licence allows you to drive trucks with a permitted gross vehicle weight between 3,500 and 7,500 kg, with up to two additional passenger seats, and with a trailer not exceeding 750 kg. It is an ideal choice for delivery services, tradespeople, and fans of large motorhomes, and it is one of the most common entry points into light commercial transport in Germany (ADAC).
Minimum age and possible routes
| Route | Minimum age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard route | 18 | You must already hold a Class B licence |
| Basic qualification / Code 95 | 18 | Enables paid driving within the EU after extended professional qualification (balm.bund.de) |
| Accompanied driving for youth (internal pilot) | 17 | C1 training may be taken as part of vocational training; actual driving is limited to Germany and requires a registered accompanying person (DriversCheck) |
Administrative and medical requirements
| Item | Approx. details |
|---|---|
| General medical exam + advanced eye test | Valid for 12 months; cost €150–€250 (ADAC) |
| First-aid course (9 units) | €50–€80 |
| Biometric photo + licensing authority fees | €40–€80 depending on the federal state (ADAC) |
| Clean criminal record | Required for commercial driving |
| Valid Class B licence | A basic prerequisite to start training (fahrschule-123.de) |
Training programme at the driving school
| Training element | Mandatory minimum |
|---|---|
| Additional theory | 18 lessons (90 minutes each) |
| Regular practical lessons | Typically 20–30 hours depending on the trainee’s level |
| Special drives (Sonderfahrten) | 5 rural + 2 motorway + 3 night (Bußgeldkatalog) |
Theory test (April 2025 update)
Number of questions: 37; maximum error score: 10 points (balm.bund.de).
Available languages: German plus 12 others, including Arabic.
New picture-based questions focusing on load securing and the use of driver-assistance systems.
TÜV/DEKRA fee is around €25, plus the driving school’s registration fee (about €60–€150) (Bußgeldkatalog).
Practical test (OPFEP system)
| Stage | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle inspection (Abfahrtkontrolle) | 10 minutes | Lights, air lines, braking system |
| Urban + rural + motorway driving | 55 minutes | Merging, overtaking, reading warning signs |
| Mandatory manoeuvres | 10 minutes | Reverse parking in an L-angle, emergency braking |
| Digital feedback | 5 minutes | A PDF protocol is issued immediately |
| Total | 75 minutes (balm.bund.de) |
Important note
A single serious mistake (e.g., ignoring right of way, endangering a road user) means immediate failure.
Professional qualification Code 95
Paid commercial driving is not permitted without Code 95 on the licence card:
| Route | Duration | Exam body |
|---|---|---|
| Basic qualification | 280 hours theory + 10 hours practice | Comprehensive exam at the IHK |
| Accelerated route | 140 hours theory + 10 hours practice | Shortened exam at the IHK |
Competence is renewed via 35 hours of training every five years (EU-BKF).
Expected costs (2025)
| Cost item | Approx. range (€) |
|---|---|
| Driving school base fee | 250–400 |
| Practical lesson (45 min) | 55–90 × number of lessons |
| Special drives (10 hours) | 600–900 |
| Theory materials + registration | 250–500 |
| Theory exam | 25 |
| Practical exam | 175–230 |
| Medical + first aid + photos | 300–400 |
| Approx. total | 1,900–3,500 (TrustLocal) |
Costs vary by federal state and by the number of additional hours recommended by the instructor.
Licence validity and renewal
The licence card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed with a new medical and eye examination each cycle (ADAC).
Work is underway to integrate the digital licence into the European Digital Identity Wallet by 2030, making it easier to prove your licence via smartphone.
Key changes for 2025
New picture questions in the theory test about load securing and assistance systems (balm.bund.de).
Expansion of accompanied driving for light trucks for trainees aged 17 within Germany (DriversCheck).
Greater emphasis on digital simulators to reduce expensive on-road hours and promote safe learning (Bußgeldkatalog).
FAQ
| Question | Brief answer |
|---|---|
| Does C1 include driving passenger vehicles? | Up to eight additional seats are permitted; it is not considered a bus. (Bußgeldkatalog) |
| How many times can I retake the exam? | No legal limit; you must wait two weeks between theory attempts and four weeks after a third consecutive practical failure. |
| Does my Class B experience count? | Yes. Holding Class B is a prerequisite, and it does not require extra special drives just because of B. |
| When do I need CE instead of C1? | If the trailer exceeds 750 kg or the combined weight exceeds 7,500 kg. |
Conclusion
The C1 licence opens doors to work and light transport in Germany and Europe, offering a cost-effective step before moving to heavier categories. By completing the required health checks, special drives, and professional qualification, you can pass from the first attempt and get behind the wheel of a light truck safely and efficiently. Safe driving!
Editorial note
The authors and editors aim to provide accurate information through thorough research and by consulting multiple sources. However, some errors may occur or certain details may be unconfirmed. Please treat the information as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for verified details.
