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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Professional driver (Berufskraftfahrer/in)

Berufskraftfahrer / Berufskraftfahrerin

You transport goods or passengers safely: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, in road freight or passenger transport.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3 years36 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€1,114 to €1,290gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

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.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

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

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

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

06:00

Vehicle checkChecking the engine, brakes, tyres and documents before leaving the depot.

07:00

Loading and securingThe goods are spread across the lorry and then secured with straps.

08:30

Departure and drivingThe route is planned around traffic, breaks and the driving rules.

11:30

Compulsory breakRest time is respected and recorded under the social rules for road transport.

13:00

Delivery to the customerUnloading, handing over documents and a courteous exchange with the recipient.

16:00

Return and reportPost-trip check, reporting any faults and entering the day's paperwork.

Technical skills

Driving heavy vehiclesChecks and routine upkeepSecuring loadsTransport documentsRoute planningTraffic regulations

Personal qualities

ConcentrationReliabilitySense of responsibilityIndependenceCourtesy

The training

How the Ausbildung works, year by year

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.

3 to 4 days a week at the company

1–2 days school

Year 1

Vehicle and safety

≈ €1,114gross / month

How vehicles work and are checked
Traffic rules
Loading basics

Year 2

Transport and road

≈ €1,200gross / month

Load securing and weight distribution
Route planning
Intermediate exam

Year 3

Independence

≈ €1,290gross / month

International traffic rules
Dealing with customers
Final exam

Gross monthly pay during the training. Source: BIBB 2025, moyenne nationale. These are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.

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).

Requirements and prospects

Applying, then moving on

What you need to apply

Education levelBaccalaureate level is required.

German levelThe required level is B2. Good technical vocabulary for the trade is a real plus.

Physical fitnessThe job means long periods seated at the wheel, plus loading and securing movements. Driving safely calls for alertness and good physical condition.

Documents to prepare

CV and cover letter in German
Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayQualified driverJobs in freight transport, logistics, waste collection or passenger transport.

With experienceSpecialised driverSpecial transport, long distances or guiding new drivers within the company.

Longer termMeister für KraftverkehrAfter the Fortbildung, manage a vehicle fleet and lead a team of drivers.

Already B2? Take action

Already have German level B2 and looking for a training contract?

Employers in the “Transport and logistics” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Professional driver (Berufskraftfahrer/in)” occupation: companies recruiting apprentices can find you, and we follow your application step by step.

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Free registration on AZUFA.

Your pathway with Campus Germany

We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany

Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.

Check my eligibility

Take the test

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Talk to an advisor

Talk to our team

Call us, an advisor will answer.

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80 Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Need assistance

Prepare your German

DZK, our language centre

Our own language centre, in Douala. Elsewhere: partner centres, call us.

See the courses

Get the contract

AZUFA is always us

Our platform connects you with German companies recruiting apprentices.

From German A1 to the first day of training in Germany

A pathway in a loopEach step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.

1
Check my eligibility
Campus Germany
2
Talk to an advisor
Campus Germany
3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
DZK
Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
Campus Germany
5
Find the company and sign the training contract
AZUFA
It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Campus Germany
7
Prepare your departure and settling in
KAGEDEV e.V.
8
First day of training in Germany
AZUFA
It is always us

See the detail of the 8 steps

1. Check my eligibility (Campus Germany)
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
2. Talk to an advisor (Campus Germany)
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
3. Learn German, from A1 to B2 (DZK)
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
4. Prepare the application file (Campus Germany)
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
5. Find the company and sign the training contract (AZUFA)
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
6. Prepare the visa and paperwork (Campus Germany)
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
7. Prepare your departure and settling in (KAGEDEV e.V.)
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
8. First day of training in Germany (AZUFA)
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.

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.
Run by Campus Germany
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 · Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
Run by Campus Germany
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 · It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
Run by Campus Germany
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.
Run by AZUFA · It is always us

Stay informed

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Our structures for this occupation

AZUFAOur platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.

Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK)Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.

Occupation brochure

Take this sheet with you

Two documents to read offline or show your family: the 5-page brochure (occupation, training, pay, pathway) and the one-page flyer with the essentials.

Occupation brochure

Occupation brochurePDF, 5 pagesDownload the brochure

Flyer

FlyerPDF, 1 A4 pageDownload the flyer

Frequently asked questions

You may be wondering…

What German level is required?

Level B2 is required. You do not need perfect German, but you must be able to follow lessons and understand safety instructions.

How long does the training last?

36 months, i.e. 3 years.

Am I paid during the training?

Yes. You receive a monthly pay throughout the training, and it generally increases each year.

Where can I take the eligibility test?

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Where can I learn German?

In Douala, at our language centre DZK. Elsewhere, at our partner language centres: call us to find the nearest one.

Does the final exam include driving?

Yes: the practical part includes driving a heavy vehicle, a lorry with trailer or a coach, as well as checks, loading and a conversation with a customer.

In the same category

Other trainings: Transport and logistics

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Ready to find out whether this training 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.

Check my eligibility →Need assistance Write on WhatsApp

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Douala office : Rond-point Maetur Bonamoussadi – Nice Cream building (4th floor), opposite the COGENI hardware store, Douala, Cameroon

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