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Theory and practical tests
First of all: You can retake the theory and practical exams as many times as you like! So it's not a big deal if you don't pass the first time!
However, you must wait 14 days before you can attempt again - this applies to both the theoretical and practical exams.
Once you've passed your theory test, you have one year to take your practical test. The theory test is valid for one year. If you fail the practical test within that year, you'll have to retake the entire theory test.
I’ll show you how the exams work here:
Theory tests you must take:
Theory
The Theory Test for License Class C
The theoretical test for license class C is an important step on your way to becoming a truck driver.
It covers multiple topics, including both general traffic rules and specific knowledge for operating a truck.
1. Scope and Procedure of the Test
The test is taken at TÜV or DEKRA and consists of multiple-choice questions (just tick the correct boxes).
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Number of questions: 37
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Maximum error points allowed: 10 (but not two 5-point questions)
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Duration: approx. 45 minutes
2. Topics Covered
The questions are divided into two main areas:
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Basic knowledge (general traffic rules, same as for car drivers)
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Additional knowledge (specific to Class C – truck-related topics)
Class CE – Combined License with Trailer
If you're doing Class C and CE together (truck + trailer), the theory test will be slightly longer and include extra questions.
1. Scope and Procedure
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Class C theory test: Must be completed in full
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Additional CE questions: Specific questions about driving with a trailer
Number of questions:
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Class C: 37 questions
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Class CE: 10 additional questions
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Total: 47 questions
Maximum error points allowed: 10
(Again: no two 5-point mistakes!)
Duration: approx. 60 minutes
2. Topics Covered
Just like with Class C, the questions are divided into:
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Basic knowledge (general traffic rules)
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Additional knowledge for Class C (truck-related)
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Additional knowledge for Class CE (trailer-specific)
IHK
Accelerated Basic Qualification (BGQ)
(More about the BGQ here)
The Accelerated Basic Qualification is a special type of training required if you want to work as a professional truck driver and are obtaining a C1E, CE, or C license.
Its purpose is to provide drivers with the essential professional knowledge needed to handle a truck safely and responsibly in commercial transport.
The BGQ Exam
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Exam location: Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Industrie- und Handelskammer / IHK)
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Duration: 90 minutes
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Format: Written test with multiple-choice questions and some open-ended questions
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Note: As of 2024, the test is only available in German
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No practical driving test required
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Passing Criteria
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You generally need to score at least 50% to pass.
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Retakes: If you fail, you can repeat the test as often as needed –
but a new exam fee is required each time.
After Passing the Exam
Once you pass, you receive the code 95 (You’ll receive an additional card that looks similar to your driver’s license.).
This is valid for 5 years and must be renewed through 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.
Practical tests:
You must first pass the Class C practical driving test before you can take the Class CE test.
It is technically allowed to schedule both tests – C and CE – on the same day, one after the other.
But imagine this: if you fail the Class C test for any reason, the CE test scheduled for later that day must be cancelled.
And the bad news:
You still have to pay for the cancelled CE test.
That’s why most people take the Class C test first, and only schedule the CE test a few days or weeks later – once they’ve successfully passed Class C.
German Class C license
The Practical Test for the German Class C License
The practical driving test for the Class C license is the final step to earning your truck driving license in Germany.
In this test, you must demonstrate that you can operate a heavy vehicle safely, legally, and efficiently.
Duration and Procedure of the Practical Test
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Total duration: approx. 85 minutes (including 60 minutes of driving)
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Examiner: An official driving examiner from TÜV or DEKRA
The test is divided into two main parts:
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Pre-drive inspection (more about the pre-drive check here)
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On-road driving test, including basic driving maneuvers (more about the basic maneuvers here)
German Class CE license
The Practical Test for the German Class CE License
The Class CE practical driving test is the final step to being allowed to drive a truck with a trailer or semi-trailer, either commercially or privately.
This test builds upon the Class C license and adds specific skills required for trailer operation — especially maneuvering, coupling and uncoupling, and handling a longer vehicle safely.
Duration and Structure of the CE Practical Test
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Total duration: approx. 85 minutes
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Examiner: A certified driving examiner from TÜV or DEKRA will accompany you in the vehicle
Test Vehicle Requirements
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A truck with a trailer (either drawbar combination or semi-trailer)
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The vehicle must have a minimum weight of 20 tons
The test consists of two main parts:
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Coupling and uncoupling the trailer
(More on coupling and uncoupling here) -
On-road driving test, including basic driving maneuvers
(More on the basic maneuvers here)