Berufskraftfahrer/Berufskraftfahrerin

Professional drivers (Berufskraftfahrer/in) are trained in a dual system. Learning locations include the training company (usually freight, travel, or local public transport companies): vehicles, vehicle halls, workshops, outdoors, and the Berufsschule (vocational school): classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be transferred to inter-company training centers.

Occupation Type: Recognized vocational training occupation. Training Type: Dual training in freight transport and passenger transport (regulated by training ordinance). Training Duration: 3 years. Learning Locations: Training company and Berufsschule (vocational school) (dual training). What does one do in this profession? In freight transport, professional drivers transport various types of goods, such as industrial products, consumer goods, building materials, wood, fuels, or heating oil, mainly by truck. In passenger transport, they work as bus drivers, for example, in scheduled or travel services. They spend a lot of time behind the wheel and know the traffic rules at home and abroad. Before starting a journey, they perform a handover and departure check on the vehicle. They check, for example, the wheels, the engine, and the functionality of the brake systems. Afterwards, they accept the transport goods or the passengers' luggage. They ensure that the weight of the load is evenly distributed and check the accompanying documents and any vehicle signage required depending on the freight.

Job Title: Berufskraftfahrer/in (Professional Driver). Occupation Type: Recognized vocational training occupation. Training Duration: 3 years. What does one do in this profession? In freight transport, professional drivers transport various types of goods, such as industrial products, consumer goods, building materials, wood, fuels, or heating oil, mainly by truck. In passenger transport, they work as bus drivers, for example, in scheduled or travel services. They spend a lot of time behind the wheel and know the traffic rules at home and abroad. Before starting a journey, they perform a handover and departure check on the vehicle. They check, for example, the wheels, the engine, and the functionality of the brake systems. Afterwards, they accept the transport goods or the passengers' luggage. They ensure that the weight of the load is evenly distributed and check the accompanying documents and any vehicle signage required depending on the freight. Where do they work? Professional drivers find...

3 years

The training is carried out in parallel in the training company and in the Berufsschule (vocational school). Vocational school lessons take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and the framework curriculum: 1st - 18th month of training: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses: Checking, maintaining, and servicing vehicles, preparing and carrying out transport, legal regulations in road traffic, customer-oriented behavior, behavior after accidents and incidents, operational planning and logistics, transport-related cost accounting and contract processing. 1st and 2nd year of training: Training in the Berufsschule (vocational school) in the learning fields: Representing one's own company, maintaining and servicing commercial vehicles, loading goods, checking the operational readiness of the engine and electrical system, planning and carrying out routes and tours for domestic destinations, using the drivetrain, checking chassis and wheels, checking the function of the brake system.

No costs are incurred for carrying out the training. The training company provides the training materials required for the operational part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, apprentices must bear the costs of learning materials for lessons in the Berufsschule (vocational school) and for work clothing themselves. In addition, costs may arise if training centers are far from the place of residence. Funding opportunities: In certain life situations, apprentices can receive Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (vocational training allowance). Further information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During the vocational training (Ausbildung), trainees learn, for example, how to explain the functionality of vehicles, such as the engine, power transmission, chassis, or mechanical and electrical systems. They learn how to assess road safety through visual inspection, for instance, of the bodywork and wheels, engine, signage, accessories, or securing and safety devices. They also learn how to secure accident sites, hazardous areas, and vehicles, how to perform billing, and how to document services rendered. Trainees learn how to assign vehicles and aids to their intended purpose, how to conduct handover and departure checks. They learn how to inspect transport goods or luggage upon receipt for type, quantity, and obvious defects, and what measures to take in case of complaints. They also learn how to ensure passenger safety or plan and carry out vehicle loading and load securing, considering weight distribution and maximum load. They also learn about the needs of people with reduced mobility.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In the company, practical involvement (under guidance): e.g., checking the operational readiness of vehicles, securing cargo, attending to passengers. Environment: changing workplaces: in the driver's cab at the wheel, outdoors or in warehouses, partly in vehicle halls and workshops with machine noise. Clothing: partly protective clothing, e.g., gloves, safety shoes, high-visibility vest. Working hours: irregular, partly shift work, longer absence from home. Requirements: sense of responsibility (e.g., checking operational safety or adhering to driving times), prudence and concentration (e.g., perceiving and considering the surroundings when maneuvering or reversing), observational accuracy and attentiveness (e.g., paying attention to displays and road traffic), decision-making ability and reaction speed (e.g., recognizing and reacting to dangerous situations), technical understanding (e.g., controlling operational safety).

Trainees can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad, for example: in various European countries. An internship abroad as part of the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' lasts a minimum of 3 weeks. The prerequisite for access is a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). Further information on the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is available.

The training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school-based form (e.g., at a vocational school (Berufsfachschule) or in the 1st year of training as a vocational basic training year (Berufsgrundbildungsjahr - BGJ)), no training allowance is paid. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: 825 € to 1,270 €, 2nd year of training: 885 € to 1,333 €, 3rd year of training: 977 € to 1,401 €. Sources: Collective bargaining information from the federal government and the federal states (Bundesland) (e.g., Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, WSI-Tarifarchiv, collective bargaining archives of the federal states (Bundesland)). Note: These figures are for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from them.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Mathematics (e.g., to calculate fuel consumption), German (e.g., to correctly understand operating instructions), Crafts/Technology (e.g., to carry out simple repairs), Physics (e.g., to understand the driving physics of cars), English (e.g., to communicate with foreign customers).

The additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is aimed at trainees with at least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). It expands the initial vocational training (Erstausbildung) with intercultural competencies and offers trainees the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this purpose, trainees attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a several-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (Kammer) provides further information, e.g.: Europaassistent/in.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Berufskraftfahrer/in: In the field of Transport, Storage and Logistics: Specialist in Driving Operations, Specialist in Furniture, Kitchen, and Relocation Services. Commonality: Driving vehicles for passenger or freight transport. In the field of Automotive and Road Traffic: Automotive Mechatronics Technician with specializations in Bodywork Technology, Passenger Car Technology, Commercial Vehicle Technology, Motorcycle Technology, System and High-Voltage Technology. Commonality: Working with road vehicles and, for example, checking their roadworthiness.

In 1973, the Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation for Berufskraftfahrer/in came into force under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act). There were two specializations (freight transport, passenger transport). In 2001, the Ausbildung regulation was modernized, specializations were abolished, emphasizing autonomous handling of complex transport tasks within logistical chains, and highlighting business administration and quality assurance aspects. The predecessor professions of Berufskraftfahrer/in (Passenger Transport) and Berufskraftfahrer/in (Freight Transport) were abolished. In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and Handwerksordnung (HWO) were amended: among other things, a minimum Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration was introduced; the possibility of completing Ausbildung part-time was expanded. In 2024, the Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz came into force with adjustments to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and Handwerksordnung (HWO): among other things, the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung; the introduction of a 'Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz'.

Berufskraftfahrer/in is a 3-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in freight transport and passenger transportation (Ausbildung area Industry and Trade).

Qualification title: Berufskraftfahrer/Berufskraftfahrerin.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the Ausbildung company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example private transport industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: 1,270 €, 2nd Ausbildung year: 1,333 €, 3rd Ausbildung year: 1,401 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the Ausbildung company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example private transport industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: 1,100 €, 2nd Ausbildung year: 1,160 €, 3rd Ausbildung year: 1,220 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,250 €, 2nd year of training: 1,317 €, 3rd year of training: 1,379 €. Source: Tarifregister Bremen, as of November 2025. This information is for orientation purposes; no claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,015 €, 2nd year of training: 1,065 €, 3rd year of training: 1,115 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes; no claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 990 €, 2nd year of training: 1,100 €, 3rd year of training: 1,216 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of May 2026. This information is for orientation purposes; no claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 921 € to 1,057 €, 2nd year of training: 1,045 € to 1,200 €, 3rd year of training: 1,169 € to 1,343 €. Source: Tarifregister Sachsen, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes; no claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 825 € to 850 €, 2nd year of training: 890 € to 900 €, 3rd year of training: 977 € to 980 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes; no claims can be derived from it.

Improving opportunities with additional qualifications: Aspiring professional drivers can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their vocational training (Ausbildung), e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law through the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' (European Assistant). Finding suitable employment: After their training, professional drivers work in transport companies for freight and passenger transport. Securing employability: Through adaptive further training (Anpassungsweiterbildung), one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from freight/passenger transport to automotive technology. Advancing professionally: Upward further training (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is a logical step to take the examination as a Master Craftsman/woman for Road Transport (Meister/in für Kraftverkehr). With a higher education entrance qualification, one can also pursue a university degree (Studium) and, for example, obtain a Bachelor's degree.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,020 € to 1,175 €, 2nd year: 1,158 € to 1,225 €, 3rd year: 1,275 € to 1,296 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of March 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,100 €, 2nd year: 1,160 €, 3rd year: 1,220 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only and no claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 2,565 Ausbildung (vocational training) starters. 44 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (secondary school certificate), 35 percent had a mittlerer Bildungsabschluss (intermediate school certificate). 6 percent had no Hauptschulabschluss or had the Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification). Ausbildung starters 2024: 6% without Hauptschulabschluss, 44% with Hauptschulabschluss, 35% with mittlerer Bildungsabschluss, 6% with Hochschulreife, 9% other. Source: The information is based on data from the Datensystem Auszubildende (DAZUBI) of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,040 €, 2nd year: 1,162 €, 3rd year: 1,305 €. Source: IHK Elbe-Weser, as of October 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year: 882 €, 2nd year: 1,001 €, 3rd year: 1,120 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of January 2024. This information is for orientation purposes only and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the private transport sector (monthly gross): 1st year: 825 €, 2nd year: 885 €, 3rd year: 977 €. Source: ver.di, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only and no claims can be derived from it.

Legal regulations and recommendations exist for the vocational training (Ausbildung) of professional drivers (Berufskraftfahrer/Berufskraftfahrerin). These are defined by the Vocational Training Ordinance (Berufskraftfahrer-Ausbildungsverordnung - BKV) from April 19, 2001, amended on October 16, 2017. Additionally, a framework curriculum (Rahmenlehrplan) for this vocational training profession was established by a resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz) on December 1, 2000, as amended on September 15, 2017.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is based on these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) through a minimum remuneration. For example, in the private transport sector, monthly gross allowances are: 1,200 € in the 1st year of training, 1,250 € to 1,295 € in the 2nd year, and 1,350 € to 1,355 € in the 3rd year. This information is from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025, and is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from these figures.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is based on these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) through a minimum remuneration. For example, in the private transport sector, monthly gross allowances are: 935 € to 945 € in the 1st year of training, 1,008 € to 1,011 € in the 2nd year, and 1,103 € to 1,115 € in the 3rd year. This information is from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of March 2025, and is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from these figures.

Legally, no specific prior education is required. However, certain conditions are generally required for access to the vocational training (Ausbildung). These include a minimum age of 16 or 18 years, a Class B driving license, and proof of health suitability through medical-psychological aptitude tests and an ophthalmological certificate.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is based on these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) through a minimum remuneration. For example, in the private transport sector, monthly gross allowances are: 1,070 € in the 1st year of training, 1,170 € in the 2nd year, and 1,270 € in the 3rd year. This information is from the WSI Collective Agreement Archive, as of October 2025, and is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from these figures.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is based on these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) through a minimum remuneration. For example, in the private transport sector, monthly gross allowances are: 850 € in the 1st year of training, 950 € in the 2nd year, and 1,150 € in the 3rd year. This information is from the Collective Agreement Register Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, as of June 2025, and is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from these figures.