Professional driver (Berufskraftfahrer/in)
You transport goods or passengers safely: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, in road freight or passenger transport.
What a professional driver does
They drive lorries or coaches, check their vehicle before departure, secure the load or welcome passengers, and follow road rules in Germany and abroad.
Check
Check the engine, brakes and general condition of the vehicle before each departure, then after the trip.
Load and secure
Spread the weight of the load, fasten it properly and check the transport documents.
Drive
Drive a heavy goods vehicle or coach safely, following traffic rules and protecting the environment.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy driving and can stay focused on the road
- you are reliable and respect rules and schedules
- you can cope with working alone for long hours
- you like dealing with customers or passengers
Less suitable if…
- you dislike sitting for long periods of time
- you want fixed working hours that never change
- you handle delivery deadline pressure badly
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Driving heavy vehiclesChecks and routine upkeepSecuring loadsTransport documentsRoute planningTraffic regulationsPersonal qualities
ConcentrationReliabilitySense of responsibilityIndependenceCourtesyHow the Ausbildung works
In Germany you learn by working: this is the “dual system”. You are an employee of a company and a student at a vocational school (Berufsschule) at the same time.
Vehicle and safety
- How vehicles work and are checked
- Traffic rules
- Loading basics
Transport and road
- Load securing and weight distribution
- Route planning
- Intermediate exam
Independence
- International traffic rules
- Dealing with customers
- Final exam
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) before the end of the 2nd year, covering the first 18 months. The final exam has a practical part of up to 5 hours in total (driving a heavy vehicle, vehicle checks, preparing a transport) and three written papers. You obtain the Abschlusszeugnis of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).
You are paid during the training
Gross monthly pay during the training. These amounts are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.
What you need to apply
Education level
German level
Physical fitness
Documents to prepare
- CV and cover letter in German
- Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
- German B2 level certificate
Advantages and difficulties
Advantages
- Paid from the 1st year
- You learn to drive heavy vehicles
- Jobs in many transport sectors
- Recognised IHK certificate, room to progress
Difficulties
- Long hours seated, little physical activity
- Irregular hours and nights away from home
- High responsibility for road safety
- Pressure from delivery deadlines
Where it can lead
Qualified driver
Jobs in freight transport, logistics, waste collection or passenger transport.
Specialised driver
Special transport, long distances or guiding new drivers within the company.
Meister für Kraftverkehr
After the Fortbildung, manage a vehicle fleet and lead a team of drivers.
Other trainings: Transport and logistics
Not quite convinced by this occupation? Here are related trainings in the same field.
We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany
Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.
Take the test online or at the office
The eligibility test is done online on our website, or by visiting our Douala office directly.
Take the testTalk to our team
Germany: +49 (0) 7033 694 18 80
Cameroon: +237 622 20 81 64
DZK, our language centre
Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK) is our own language centre in Douala. Outside Douala: partner language centres, call us to find the nearest one.
AZUFA is always us
AZUFA is our platform: it connects you with German companies that recruit apprentices and follows your application through to the training contract.
Go to AZUFAFrom German A1 to the first day of training in Germany
Each step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.
- 1
Check my eligibility
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
Run by Campus Germany
- 2
Talk to an advisor
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
- 3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
Run by DZK
- 4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
- 5
Find the company and sign the training contract
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
Run by AZUFA
- 6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
- 7
Prepare your departure and settling in
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
Run by KAGEDEV e.V.
- 8
First day of training in Germany
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.
Stay informed
Join our channels to receive new offers, session dates and advice. These are announcement channels: no private conversations.
Our structures for this occupation
Our platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.
Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.
Training offers for this occupation
No offer is open here at the moment. Browse apprenticeship offers on AZUFA, or receive an e-mail as soon as a partner company recruits.
See offers on AZUFA →Take this sheet with you
A 5-page document to read offline or show your family: the occupation, the training, the pay and the whole pathway, from German A1 to the first day of training.
Download the brochure (PDF)You may be wondering…
What German level is required?
How long does the training last?
Am I paid during the training?
Where can I take the eligibility test?
Where can I learn German?
Does the final exam include driving?
Ready to find out whether this occupation is for you?
Take the test online or come and see us at the office. We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany.