You need this proof to apply for a road haulage permit for national freight transport or an EU license for freight transport in the European Union. As an entrepreneur or transport manager, you must prove your professional suitability to run a road haulage company in order to obtain the permit.

As a rule, you provide this proof by passing an examination. In Germany, you take the examination at your local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). In the exam, you have to prove that you have the necessary legal knowledge, commercial basics, financial management of the company, knowledge of technical standards and regulations as well as road safety. A more detailed list can also be found in the orientation framework, which is linked in the further notes.

You should prepare intensively for the exam in terms of content, for example by taking a preparatory course or intensive self-study. However, there are no legal requirements for registering for the exam.

The examination is an overall examination consisting of two written parts and one oral part. In both written parts, at least 50 percent of the respective score must be achieved in order to be admitted to the oral examination. The examination is passed if at least 50 percent of the score has also been achieved in the oral examination and at least 60 percent of the total score has been achieved overall. Those who have achieved at least 50 percent of the attainable score in both written parts and a total of at least 60 percent of the total score are exempt from the oral examination.

In certain cases, you may be certified as eligible without taking the exam through transitional arrangements. If you have completed training in freight forwarding/logistics that began before Dec. 4, 2011, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce will issue you a certificate upon request even without taking the exam.

If you have already been professionally active in a managerial capacity in the freight forwarding industry operating freight transport for ten years prior to 2009, a certificate of proficiency can be issued to you on application without taking the examination. A corresponding certificate of proficiency is issued by the IHK. See also the information sheet in the additional information.