Ausbildung profession · Transport and logistics
Berufskraftfahrer Ausbildung in Germany: professional driver
A professional driver (Berufskraftfahrer) drives heavy trucks on German and European roads. You get your truck licence (C/CE) during the Ausbildung, and the company usually pays for it.
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HRB 746028
German companyregistered at Ulm District Court
- German name
- Berufskraftfahrer
- Duration
- 3 years
- Field
- Transport and logistics
- Where you work
- Transport, logistics and manufacturing companies
- Training pay
- 1,266 euros a month on average in industry (2025)
- Language
- German, usually B1 for the visa
What you do every day
- Driving trucks and articulated lorries safely
- Checking the vehicle before each trip
- Securing loads according to the rules
- Planning routes and keeping to driving and rest time rules
- Handling shipping documents and talking to customers
Pay during the Ausbildung
In industrial companies covered by a collective agreement (Tarifvertrag), the average training pay in 2025 was 1,266 euros gross a month across all training years, according to the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). The exact amount depends on the company, the region and the year of training. The legal minimum for an Ausbildung starting in 2026 is 724 euros a month in the first year.
These are gross figures. Social insurance contributions are deducted, and living costs in Germany are high. Our salary guide shows what is left after rent, food and insurance. For the visa, your training pay should be at least 1,048 euros gross a month (2026), otherwise you have to show extra funds.
Working hours and shifts
Working days often start very early. On long-distance routes you sometimes spend several nights away from home. European driving and rest time rules are strict and closely checked.
Career after the Ausbildung
Truck drivers are in demand all over Europe. With experience you can become a transport planner (Disponent) or go on to a Fachwirt qualification in transport.
After the Ausbildung you can stay in Germany as a skilled worker. In many industrial professions, skilled workers earn more than twice the training pay. Read after the Ausbildung for the residence rules.
This profession suits you if …
- You like driving and can concentrate for a long time
- You are independent and responsible
- You do not mind early starts
It may not suit you if …
- You are under 18
- You are uncomfortable being alone on the road for long periods
Questions about this Ausbildung
The Ausbildung as professional driver (Berufskraftfahrer) takes 3 years. It is a dual training: most of the week you work in the company, the rest you spend at a vocational school. With very good results, the training can sometimes be shortened.
According to BIBB, the average in industry and trade was 1,266 euros gross a month in 2025 in companies with a collective agreement, averaged across all training years. Pay rises every year of the training. The legal minimum in the first year is 724 euros a month for a start in 2026.
Yes. From outside the EU you need a training contract with a German company, German at level B1 and a visa for vocational training. Because few German school-leavers know this profession, companies are often open to applicants from abroad. Vocational school and the final exam are in German.
Interested in this profession?
Acaluna places apprentices from Indonesia in this profession with German companies that commission us. If you live in Indonesia, have finished 12 years of school and hold a German B1 certificate, check in one minute whether you can apply.
Pay: Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), collectively agreed training pay 2025. Profession details: Federal Employment Agency (BERUFENET). Status: September 2026. Which professions we offer each year depends on the needs of the companies that commission us. Also available in Bahasa Indonesia.
More guides
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Nursing Ausbildung: the reality
B2 German, certificate recognition, the state exam and the workload.
The Ausbildung visa
Requirements, approval, steps at the embassy and the first appointments after arrival.
Ausbildung or university?
Who pays, how long it takes and what happens afterwards.
How to apply from abroad
Where to find places, the German CV and cover letter, and the interview.
Is an Ausbildung in Germany realistic for you?
Seven questions, one minute, an honest answer: what you already have, what is still missing and whether we can place you. We are also preparing a step-by-step online course for applicants from every country.