What is the basic qualification?
Since EU Directive 2003/59/EC, professional drivers in commercial goods and passenger transport must prove a special qualification – governed in Germany by the Professional Drivers Qualification Act (BKrFQG). This qualification is entered in the driving licence as code 95. Without it you may hold a truck (C/CE) or bus (D) licence, but you may not drive commercially.
Accelerated vs. full – the difference
There are two routes to the basic qualification:
| Accelerated basic qualification | Full basic qualification | |
|---|---|---|
| Proof | 140-hour course + exam | Only a more extensive IHK exam (no compulsory course) |
| IHK exam | 90 min written | Theory (written) + practical exam parts, considerably longer |
| Minimum age C/CE | 21 years | 18 years |
| Typical for | Career changers & returners, funded programmes | Young entrants who want to drive early |
For most participants – especially in a funded programme via the education voucher – the accelerated basic qualification is the usual route.
Process: 140 hours + IHK exam
The accelerated basic qualification consists of two parts:
- Course: 140 hours of 60 minutes each at an approved training centre, of which at least 10 hours are behind-the-wheel practice. Full-time, often doable in around two to three weeks.
- Exam: a 90-minute written exam before the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) (open questions plus multiple choice). A separate practical exam is not part of the accelerated version.
The content covers, among other things, economical and safe driving, social legislation (driving and rest times), load securing, and health and emergencies.
Minimum age
| Class | With accelerated basic qualification |
|---|---|
| Truck C / CE (goods transport) | 21 years |
| Bus D (scheduled services) | from 21 years |
| Bus D (coach/tourist services) | from 23 years |
Cost & funding
Without funding, the accelerated basic qualification usually costs €2,500 to €3,500 – on top of the actual truck or bus licence. The good news: as part of a funded professional driver training it can be covered 100% through an education voucher. How the funding works →
Basic qualification funded at Fine Driving
As an AZAV-certified provider we train you directly – from the 140-hour course to the IHK exam. On request we check your funding options free of charge.
Afterwards: code 95 & modules
Once you pass, code 95 is entered in your driving licence – proof that you may drive commercially. To keep the entitlement, 35 hours of further training are then required every five years (five modules of seven hours each). More about Module 95 →
FAQ
How long does the accelerated basic qualification take?
Do I need it as an own-account (in-house) driver too?
Can I do the basic qualification and the licence together?
What does the exam cost?
This article is for general information and is no substitute for individual advice. The BKrFQG and the rules of the relevant IHK are authoritative. As of July 2026.