If, as a professional driver, you carry out journeys in road haulage or passenger transport for commercial purposes on public roads, you require proof of basic qualification in addition to a valid driver's license.

The examinations for the acquisition of the basic qualification in the narrower sense or the acquisition of the accelerated basic qualification are conducted by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Within the scope of the basic qualification, special activity-related skills and knowledge (e.g. technology, traffic safety, rational fuel consumption, driving and rest times, health) are taught.

• Acquisition of the basic qualification in the narrower sense:

The first option is to take an examination for the basic qualification without a preparatory course, the so-called "basic qualification in the narrower sense." It comprises a theoretical examination of 240 minutes and a practical examination of 210 minutes. Admission to the test requires possession of the relevant driver's license.

• Acquisition of the accelerated basic qualification:

It is also possible to attend a preparatory course at a training center recognized for this purpose and then take the exam for the accelerated basic qualification. The preparatory course lasts 140 hours at 60 minutes each, including 10 hours of driving practice under the supervision of a driving instructor. The certificate of attendance from the training center is a prerequisite for you to be able to register for the examination at the IHK. This lasts 90 minutes and must be taken in writing. A practical test is not required here. For the acquisition of the accelerated basic qualification, the driver's license of the respective driver's license class must not yet be available. You can find out the recognized training centers for attending the preparatory course from the driving license authority and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

• Acquisition of the basic qualification by completing vocational training:

Another option is to complete (three-year) vocational training as a "professional driver" or "skilled driver", which already includes the initial qualification.