Truck & bus · Professional drivers
Truck and bus licences in the region.
Whether you're starting a career, retraining or covering a need in your company: we provide complete training for classes C1, C, CE as well as bus (D1, D, DE) – including the initial qualification, code 95 and the partial qualifications TQ1 and TQ3 at our training centre.
Which class do you need?
Light truck from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes; with C1E additionally a trailer up to 12 t total mass
- Age
- from 18
- Existing licences
- Class B, for C1E additionally C1
Driving commercially? Then you need the initial qualification
Anyone driving a truck or bus commercially needs, on top of the licence, the initial qualification under the German Professional Drivers Qualification Act (BKrFQG). It is evidenced by code 95 or the driver qualification card (FQN). We train for both at our training centre – if you like, directly after your driving training.
- 01Accelerated initial qualification: 140 teaching units, completed with a theoretical IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) exam
- 02TQ1 “transporting goods” and TQ3 “transporting passengers” under § 81 SGB III (German Social Code) – including the C/CE or D/DE licence
- 03Periodic training (Driver CPC): all five modules of 7 hours, no exam – every Saturday or bundled into a single week
Funding via the Federal Employment Agency
Our programmes in freight and passenger transport – TQ1, TQ3 and the accelerated initial qualification – are up to 100% eligible for funding, for example via the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) or the Jobcenter. If you already hold a Bildungsgutschein (training voucher) or would like to know whether you could be funded, just give us a call: we'll advise you on the right programmes and support you in redeeming it.
More on fundingWhat you need to bring
- 01Class B driving licence
- 02Medical certificate of fitness, no older than one year
- 03Ophthalmological report
- 04Certificate of the first-aid course (9 teaching units) and a biometric passport photo
- 05Driving licence application at the road traffic office – processing usually takes 3 to 10 weeks depending on the city
- 06For TQ1 and TQ3 additionally: good written and spoken German and an admission interview with the training provider
Getting here & dates
Participants come to our professional driver training from all over the Ruhr area and beyond. With six branches in Gelsenkirchen, Gelsenkirchen Erle, Bochum, Essen, Herne and Wanne-Eickel we're centrally located and easy to reach by bus and train. We plan the dates for theory lessons and professional driver modules together with you – get in touch and we'll find the time frame that fits your job.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does truck or bus training take?
- That depends on your class, the licences you already hold and your pace. We plan the training as compactly as it can be for you – we deliberately don't quote fixed numbers of days, because without a look at your situation they wouldn't be honest. In a free consultation we set a realistic schedule together.
- Do I need code 95?
- Only if you drive commercially. For private journeys the licence is enough. Anyone working in freight or passenger transport additionally needs the initial qualification under the BKrFQG; it is evidenced by the driver qualification card (FQN) or code 95.
- What is the difference between the initial qualification and periodic training?
- The initial qualification is the entry into the profession – the accelerated version comprises 140 teaching units and ends with a theoretical IHK exam. Periodic training is the refresher afterwards: five modules of seven hours, due every five years, without an exam.
- Does the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) cover the costs?
- It's possible: TQ1, TQ3 and the accelerated initial qualification are up to 100% eligible for funding. Whether funding is granted and at what level is decided by your contact at the Federal Employment Agency or the Jobcenter – we'll advise you on it and support you in redeeming your Bildungsgutschein (training voucher).
- What does the truck licence cost?
- The costs depend on the class, the licences you already hold and the number of practice lessons you need. You'll get a reliable figure in a free consultation – and if funding applies, the programme can be covered up to 100%.
- What lies behind TQ1 and TQ3?
- Partial qualifications under § 81 SGB III. With TQ1 “transporting goods” you enter commercial freight transport – including the C/CE licence, the accelerated initial qualification and a forklift licence. TQ3 “transporting passengers” is the route into passenger transport, including the D/DE licence; training takes place in a modern coach.
Your next step
Ready for truck or bus?
In a free consultation we'll go through the class, the process and funding options – or you can register online right away.
