Heavy truck driving licence (Class C) in Germany – 2025 guide
Introduction
The Class C licence is the core qualification for working as a truck driver in Germany. It allows you to drive vehicles with a permitted gross weight over 3.5 tonnes, and to tow a trailer up to 750 kg. Its importance is growing as Germany and the EU modernise training and testing rules, move toward a digital licence, and expand accompanied driving options for younger drivers to address the shortage of professional drivers. (Bußgeldkatalog, ADAC)
What does Class C allow?
Driving all trucks over 3.5 t with no upper weight limit.
Trailer up to 750 kg; above that, Class CE is required.
Class C1 is automatically covered. (Bußgeldkatalog)
Minimum age and age-reduction routes
| Route | Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard route | 21 | after training and medical checks |
| Vocational route / Grundqualifikation (Code 95) | 18 | commercial driving within the EU framework |
| Accompanied truck driving (new 2025) | 17 | accompanied driving in Germany with a registered experienced supervisor |
A valid Class B licence remains a prerequisite in all cases. (Bußgeldkatalog)
Administrative & medical requirements
| Requirement | Typical details |
|---|---|
| General medical exam + advanced eyesight test | valid ~12 months; approx. €150–€250 |
| First-aid course (9 units) | approx. €50–€80 |
| Biometric photo + authority fees | approx. €40–€80 (varies by state) |
| Suitable/clean profile for commercial goods transport | — |
| Valid Class B licence | — |
Driving school training (Class C)
| Training element | Mandatory size (Class C) |
|---|---|
| Additional theory | 18 lessons (90 min each) |
| Regular practical lessons | ~20–30 hours (depending on level) |
| Special drives (Sonderfahrten) | 5 rural + 2 motorway + 3 night |
Theory exam
37 questions, maximum 10 penalty points.
Languages: German + 12 others, including Arabic.
Since April 2025: added image-based questions on load securing and driver assistance systems. (Bußgeldkatalog)
Practical exam (OPFEP system)
| Stage | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle check (Abfahrtkontrolle) | 10 min | lights, air connections, braking system |
| Urban + rural + motorway driving | 55 min | merging, overtaking, reading signs |
| Mandatory manoeuvres | 10 min | reverse L-angle parking, emergency braking |
| Digital feedback | 5 min | report issued immediately |
| Total | 75 min | per new federal schedule |
One serious fault (right-of-way violation, endangering others) can mean immediate failure.
Professional qualification – Code 95
Commercial truck driving requires Code 95 on the licence:
| Route | Duration | Exam body |
|---|---|---|
| Grundqualifikation | 280 h theory + 10 h practical | IHK |
| Accelerated route | 140 h theory + 10 h practical | IHK (shorter exam) |
Renewal: 35 hours of training every 5 years. (Driver Academy)
Expected costs (2025)
| Item | Range (€) |
|---|---|
| Driving school base fee | 700 – 1,200 |
| Practical lesson | 55 – 90 × number |
| Special drives (10 h) | 600 – 900 |
| Theory exam (fees + presentation) | 45 – 60 |
| Practical exam | 175 – 230 |
| Medical + first aid + photos | 300 – 400 |
| Approx. total | 2,500 – 4,500 |
Costs vary by state and by the number of extra lessons needed.
Validity & renewal
Valid for 5 years, then renewed with new medical and eyesight checks.
Germany is working toward storing the licence in the European Digital Identity Wallet by 2030. (ADAC)
Key changes in 2025
Accompanied driving expanded: 17-year-olds can drive Class C in Germany with a registered supervisor. (flix-fahrschule.de)
Lower professional age: commercial access from 18 with Grundqualifikation. (Bußgeldkatalog)
More digital exams: more image questions and digital reports after exams. (Bußgeldkatalog)
E-licence path: steps toward EU-wide smartphone-based credentials. (ADAC)
FAQ
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Does my C1 experience count? | Yes, it may reduce special-drive requirements when upgrading to C. (Bußgeldkatalog) |
| How many times can I retake the exam? | No fixed limit; waiting periods apply (2 weeks between theory attempts, 4 weeks after a third consecutive practical failure). |
| Is a German Class C recognised internationally? | Directly within the EU; outside the EU often with an international licence / local procedures. |
| Maximum trailer weight with Class C? | Up to 750 kg; above that requires CE. (Bußgeldkatalog) |
Conclusion
Class C is a strong gateway into a high-demand heavy transport job market. With 2025 updates, age routes, and the digital-licence direction, the path is clearer—but still demanding. Solid preparation, medical compliance, and a well-planned Code 95 timeline can help you pass and start a stable career across Germany and Europe.
