Your path to becoming a truck driver

Funding Through the Employment Agency or Jobcenter

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If you are currently unemployed or looking for work, you may be eligible for financial support through your local Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) or Jobcenter.

One option is the "education voucher" (Bildungsgutschein), issued under §81 SGB III (vocational training support) and §174 SGB III (education vouchers).

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How to get an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein):

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1. Contact the Employment Agency or Jobcenter
You can book an appointment online or go there in person to speak with an advisor.

2. Counseling session
In a personal consultation, you will discuss your goals, your current situation, and your interest in vocational training.
The advisor will then assess whether an education voucher is appropriate for you.

3. Issuance of the voucher
If approved, you’ll receive a voucher that allows you to begin training with a certified education provider.
You can either get a list of schools from your advisor or search online for a certified driving school.

The voucher usually covers course fees, and in many cases also travel expenses and learning materials.

4. Choose a certified provider
You can select a training provider that is officially recognized by the Employment Agency or Jobcenter and begin your course or retraining program.

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Important Notes:

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• The education voucher is usually time-limited and must be used within the specified period.

• It can include full coverage of training costs, and possibly also support for transportation or material expenses.

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If you have further questions or want to understand the exact process, it's best to contact your local Employment Agency or Jobcenter directly.

Funding Through the German Statutory Accident Insurance (Berufsgenossenschaft)

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You may be eligible for financial support through the Berufsgenossenschaft (statutory accident insurance provider) if you suffer from an occupational illness or have had a work-related accident.
The goal is to help you return to work through vocational training or requalification programs.

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Steps to Receive Funding:

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1. Report a Work Accident or Occupational Illness

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The first step is to report the accident or illness to the responsible Berufsgenossenschaft.
This is usually done by your employer, but you can also submit the report yourself.

In the case of an occupational illness, a medical evaluation is carried out to determine if the condition is related to your job.

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2. Initial Contact and Consultation

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Once your case is registered, a rehabilitation consultant from the Berufsgenossenschaft will contact you.
They will inform you about the available support options, including vocational training and reintegration services.

In some cases, medical and vocational rehabilitation may be required to restore your ability to work.

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3. Applying for Vocational Training or Requalification

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If your health limits your ability to return to your previous job, you can apply for retraining or continuing education.

The Berufsgenossenschaft will assess whether such training is appropriate and helpful for your reintegration into the workforce.
Usually, an Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP) is created, taking into account your abilities, needs, and medical limitations.

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4. Approval and Financial Coverage

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Once approved, the Berufsgenossenschaft will cover the costs of your training, retraining, or rehabilitation measures.

This may include:

• Course or tuition fees

• Travel and accommodation costs

• Training materials and tools

In some cases, additional support such as coaching, psychological assistance, or integration programs may also be funded.

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5. Choosing a Training Provider

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You’ll usually receive a list of approved training providers.
Alternatively, you can suggest your own provider, who will be reviewed and approved if they meet the requirements.

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6. Participation in Training or Rehabilitation

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Once approved, the training or retraining program begins.
This may be full-time or part-time, depending on your health and personal circumstances.

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7. Completion and Reintegration

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After completing your training, the Berufsgenossenschaft will help you reintegrate into the labor market.
Additional support services may be offered to help you transition back into the workforce successfully.

Self-Funding Your Truck Driver Training

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Obtaining a truck driving license (Class C/CE) including the Accelerated Basic Qualification (BGQ) involves significant costs.
However, there are several ways to finance the training yourself.

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Estimated Total Costs

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The overall cost is made up of several components:

• Truck driving license (Class C/CE):
  Starting at €3,500, depending on the driving school and region.
  This includes theoretical and practical lessons, study materials, and exam fees.

• Accelerated Basic Qualification (BGQ):
  This program includes 140 hours of instruction and usually costs from €2,000, depending on the provider.

• Exam fees:
  Additional fees apply for the theory exam at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

In total, you should expect costs between €6,000 and €9,000.

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Financing Options

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If you’re unable to pay the full amount upfront, you have several options:

Installment Payment Plans.
Many driving schools offer the option to pay in monthly installments.
Ask your school directly about available payment plans.

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Educational Loans

An education loan can help cover your training expenses.
Some banks and lending institutions offer special financing for vocational training or retraining, often with favorable terms.

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Part-Time Work & Personal Savings

A side job may help you save up the necessary funds.
In some cases, employers may cover part of your training costs if you agree to work for them after completing your qualification.

Requirements for Becoming a Truck Driver

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To become a professional truck driver, you need to meet certain requirements.
These include legal, medical, and license-related qualifications.

Here are the key points:

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1. Minimum Age

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You must be at least 21 years old to obtain a Class C or CE truck driving license.
In some cases, such as for the Class C1 license (up to 7.5 tons), the minimum age is 18.

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2. Valid Driver’s License

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You must already hold a Class B license (for passenger cars).

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3. Medical Fitness

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You must pass a general medical examination to prove that you are physically and mentally fit to drive a truck safely.
This includes a vision test.

There are specific health requirements for professional drivers — for example, related to blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular conditions.
If you have any medical limitations, a doctor will assess your fitness.

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4. Ongoing Medical Checkups

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In addition to the initial exam, a medical check-up is required every five years to confirm that you are still fit for the job as a truck driver.