Your Lessons
Theory lessons for the truck driving licence
theory
The theory lessons for the C(E) driving licence are specifically designed to optimally prepare you for the requirements of truck driving.
The topics include, among others:
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Traffic law and regulations: You will learn the specific regulations that apply to truck drivers, as well as general traffic signs, rules and safety regulations.
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Vehicle technology and maintenance: We explain the basic technology of trucks, such as the vehicle's structure, the functioning of brakes, chassis systems and other important components.
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Safety precautions and accident prevention: You will learn how to avoid dangerous situations in road traffic and how to behave correctly in the event of an accident.
How many lessons do you need to take to be eligible to take the theory test (more information about tests here)?
The minimum number of theory lessons for the truck driving test depends on the respective driving license category. The following mandatory lessons must be completed for the different categories (a double lesson is 90 minutes):
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C1 (3.5t - 7.5t) : 6 double lessons of basic material (passenger car) and 6 double lessons of additional material
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C1E (with trailer) : Theoretical training is not required.
Accelerated
Basic qualification
BGQ /
Chamber of Commerce
The accelerated basic qualification (more information about the BGQ here) is a special training course required if you want to work as a professional driver and are obtaining a C1E, CE, or C driving license. It serves to provide drivers with the necessary expertise for the safe and responsible operation of a truck in a commercial setting.
Duration and procedure of the accelerated basic qualification
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The accelerated basic qualification course lasts a total of 140 hours (60 minutes each), which can usually be completed within 4-6 weeks. This can also be arranged flexibly depending on the driving school.
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The training consists of theoretical and practical hours (10 hours).
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At the end of the training, an examination is taken before the Chamber of Commerce to confirm the basic qualification. This consists of a theoretical exam, which currently (2024) can only be taken in German (more about exams).
ADR (optional)
ADR
OPTIONAL (not absolutely necessary!):
ADR training (an abbreviation for "Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses") is specialized training for the transport of dangerous goods. In Germany and other European countries, it is legally required if you want to transport dangerous goods by truck or vehicle with a trailer.
Practical lessons
Class C1
3 cross-country journeys
1 motorway journey
1. Driving in the dark
Class C1E
3 cross-country journeys
1 motorway journey
1 Driving in the dark
C1 + C1E Combined
4 cross-country journeys
2 motorway journeys
2 rides in the dark
Class C
5 cross-country journeys
2 motorway journeys
3 rides in the dark
Klasse CE
5 cross-country journeys
2 motorway journeys
3 rides in the dark
C + CE Kombiniert
5 cross-country journeys
2 motorway journeys
3 rides in the dark
C1 + C1E Combined
4 Überlandfahrten
2 Autobahnfahrten
2 Fahrten bei Dunkelheit
Klasse C
5 Überlandfahrten
2 Autobahnfahrten
3 Fahrten bei Dunkelheit
How many driving lessons do I need?
The list above may be a little complicated.
It's important for you to know that you need to complete special driving lessons with a truck (large or small) to be eligible for the practical driving test (more information about tests here). These special driving lessons involve driving on rural roads, highways, and at night.
Of course, you'll also need to take practice lessons where you'll be trained to drive in the city. This includes things you already know from driving a car, such as turning, right-of-way rules, roundabouts, and more.
How many additional practice hours you need beyond the special driving lessons depends on how well you drive and how quickly you learn! Your driving instructor will only register you for the practical test when they feel you will pass it!
Please note that during the BGQ (described here) you also need to complete practical driving lessons in a truck. You must have 600 minutes (10 clock hours) of practical experience driving a truck. You can complete part of these 600 minutes in a driving simulator or by observing and learning from another learner driver. Your driving school will explain this in detail. If you have any further questions or need personal support, please join our community!