How to become a Truck Driver in Germany as a foreigner

If you’ve ever imagined cruising the autobahn in a big rig, delivering goods across scenic countryside, or building a new life in Europe — Germany might be your next job destination. With a booming logistics industry and a growing demand for professional drivers, truck driving in Germany offers a reliable, well-paid career path, especially for foreigners looking to relocate. This guide will show you how to become a truck driver in Germany, what qualifications you need, how to get licensed, and what to expect from the job. Whether you have no experience, want to switch careers, or are simply curious about truck driver requirements, you're in the right place.

Life as a Truck Driver in Germany

Truck drivers (known as Lkw-Fahrer/in in German) are essential to the smooth functioning of Germany’s supply chains. Whether they’re delivering raw materials to factories, stocking supermarket shelves, or transporting goods across borders, they keep the economy moving.

Here’s what a typical day on the road looks like:

Start the day with a vehicle check:
Every morning, drivers inspect their trucks to ensure everything is in working order. This includes checking brakes, lights, tire pressure, and securing the cargo — a legal requirement before every trip.
Drive up to 9 hours per day (or 11 with exceptions):
According to EU regulations, drivers are permitted to drive 9 hours per day, extended to 10 hours twice a week. Total weekly driving is capped at 56 hours. Digital tachographs record all activities.
Follow regular long-distance routes:
Many truck drivers in Germany are assigned fixed regional or international routes. These often include cross-border trips within the EU or set loops between logistics hubs.
Sleep in the truck cabin overnight:
Long-distance drivers frequently spend nights in their vehicles. Most modern trucks have sleeping cabins with beds, curtains, heating, and storage for personal items.
Handle cargo on schedule:
Loading and unloading cargo is part of the job. While larger companies may provide warehouse staff to assist, many drivers are responsible for making sure deliveries are made on time and paperwork is signed.

For many, truck driving offers a grounded, structured lifestyle with solid pay and the chance to build a new future in Germany. They expect:

Freedom and independence on the road
Stable employment with rising demand
Long hours, occasional loneliness, and navigating German bureaucracy

Truck Driver requirements for foreigners

If you're wondering how to become a truck driver with no experience, focusing on meeting the requirements (license, CPC, visa, German skills) gives you a strong starting point. Once these basics are in place, employers are more willing to offer practical training and job placements. Here are the top 10 truck driver requirements in Germany, especially for foreigners:

Valid Category C or CE Driving License
To drive trucks in Germany, you need a valid EU Category C license (for vehicles over 3.5 tons) or a CE license (for trucks with trailers). Non-EU licenses may need to be converted.
Driver Qualification Card (Code 95 / CPC)
This card proves you’ve completed the required EU-wide professional training. Without it, you cannot legally drive commercial trucks in Germany.
Medical Certificate and Eye Test
Truck drivers must pass a health check confirming physical and mental fitness. An eye exam is mandatory.
Clean Criminal Record
Some transport companies request proof of a clean criminal background, especially if you'll be handling valuable cargo or driving internationally.
Work Visa or Residence Permit (for Non-EU Citizens)
Non-EU citizens must apply for a Skilled Worker Visa or the new Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte).
Basic German Language Skills (A2–B1 Level Recommended)
Understanding traffic signs, safety instructions, and communication is essential. Some companies offer bilingual training, but German is usually needed.
Proof of Previous Driving Experience (Optional but Advantageous)
While not mandatory, having past truck driving experience boosts your chances.
Registered Address in Germany
You need a legal address in Germany to complete essential paperwork and receive your tax ID.
Tachograph Card (Fahrerkarte)
A digital card that logs driving and rest times. Issued by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
Flexibility to Work Shifts
You should be ready to work long-distance, early morning, or night shifts.

(Source: Make it in Germany)

Truck Driver license – What you need to know

Getting your truck license in Germany involves a few key steps and some financial planning.

What does it cost?
A full truck driving license (Category C or CE) plus the required CPC training typically costs between 4.000 € and 8.000 €, depending on the driving school, region, and whether additional lessons are needed. Prices may also vary based on language support and training materials.
Which license do you need?
To become a professional truck driver in Germany, you need at least a Category C license. If you're going to be hauling trailers, a Category CE license is necessary. Both require the CPC qualification (Code 95) as part of the EU-wide standard for commercial drivers.
What language level is required?
Most theory tests are in German, so a minimum of A2-level German is recommended. Some driving schools offer bilingual support or simplified materials. You should also understand enough German to follow road signs and communicate safely with employers and customers.
Are there companies that pay for the license?
Yes. Due to the driver shortage, some German companies are willing to cover the license training costs in exchange for a commitment to work with them after certification. You’ll find job listings like this on hello jobs, especially for regions with high demand.

Visa & Work Permit for Truck Drivers in Germany

As a foreigner, here's what you need to legally work as a truck driver in Germany:

EU citizens: No visa or permit needed. You can live and work freely in Germany.
Non-EU citizens: You need a Skilled Worker Visa or the new Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). The Opportunity Card allows you to move to Germany even without a job offer, if you meet certain criteria like qualifications, language level, and work experience

More info on visas: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en

hello jobs supports candidates in navigating visa paperwork, work permits, and residence registration. We work with employers that are open to hiring and relocating international talent.

Truck Driver salary in Germany

Truck driving jobs in Germany have become increasingly attractive to foreigners, largely due to competitive salaries and compensation packages. The salary for truck drivers in Germany depends on experience, certification, work location, and education level.

Monthly salary: Most drivers earn between 2.300 € and 3.500 € per month
Annual salary: The estimated yearly pay ranges from 12.240 € to 23.400 €, depending on working hours and employer

Salary by experience:

Experience significantly impacts a truck driver’s salary in Germany. Below is a breakdown of average earnings based on years of experience:

Years of Experience	Annual Salary
10+	35.400 EUR
6-10	35.100 EUR
3-6	34.200 EUR
0-3	33.600 EUR

Source: https://www.kununu.com/de/gehalt/lkw-fahrer-in-44931

Additional influencing factors:

Hiring company: Some employers offer up to 7.000 € monthly for specialized routes
Education: Higher education can influence salary
Location: Salaries vary by region — some cities or federal states offer above-average wages

Regardless of your starting point, truck driving offers strong income potential for both beginners and experienced professionals.

Check out more details about Truck Drivers on this page Top truck driving jobs in Germany

Health challenges as a Truck Driver

While it’s a rewarding job, truck driving also comes with health risks and challenges that shouldn't be underestimated:

Fatigue: Long hours on the road, especially during night shifts or under pressure to meet deadlines, can lead to driver fatigue. EU regulations mandate rest periods, but it’s the driver’s responsibility to manage breaks properly and avoid drowsy driving.
Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for extended periods can contribute to physical problems such as back pain, obesity, and cardiovascular issues. Limited physical activity and irregular meal schedules can make it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Mental health: The solitude of long-distance driving, being away from home for days, and irregular social contact can take a toll on mental well-being. Some drivers report feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or sleep issues.
Sleep disruption: Many drivers sleep in their trucks and must adapt to different schedules, which can affect sleep quality. Noise, heat, and stress can lead to chronic fatigue or sleep disorders over time.
Physical strain: Lifting cargo, climbing in and out of the truck, and dealing with poor weather conditions are all physically demanding aspects of the job.
Cargo safety: Drivers are responsible for ensuring that goods are properly loaded and secured. If loads are unstable, it can lead to accidents or injuries.

Employers in Germany are legally required to protect the health and safety of their workers. This includes access to healthcare through social insurance, mandatory breaks, ergonomic training, and compliance with road safety standards. Choosing an employer who respects these guidelines is essential for a sustainable career in trucking.

How can a foreigner become a Truck Driver in Germany?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the basic criteria. Do you already have a truck license (EU or non-EU)? Do you have driving experience? Can you legally move to Germany? If not, don’t worry — training programs are available for beginners too.
Understand your training path: If you don’t already hold a valid German or EU truck license, you’ll need to enroll in a certified driving school to complete Category C/CE training and pass the CPC certification (Code 95). hello jobs can help you find employers that sponsor your training.
Start your visa process: If you're a non-EU citizen, apply for a Skilled Worker Visa or Opportunity Card. These visas allow you to live and work in Germany legally. You’ll typically need proof of training, a job offer (or strong job prospects), and sufficient German language skills.
Convert your existing license (if applicable): If you already have a truck license from your home country, you may be able to convert it. EU licenses are generally recognized, while licenses from non-EU countries require approval from local authorities. You may also need to take additional tests.
Get your CPC and Tachograph Card: These two certifications are essential for legal work in commercial trucking. The CPC confirms your professional qualification; the Tachograph Card tracks your driving and rest times.
Find a job on hello jobs: We specialize in helping foreign applicants land truck driver jobs in Germany. Our job listings include positions that support newcomers and offer relocation help, visa sponsorship, and structured onboarding.
Relocate and register: Once hired, you’ll need to find housing, register your address, open a German bank account, and join a health insurance provider. hello jobs offers relocation support to make this part easier.

FAQ – Truck Driving in Germany

How can a foreigner become a truck driver in Germany?
You need a valid work visa, a German (or converted) truck license, basic language skills, and CPC certification. hello jobs helps you with every step.

How much does it cost to get a truck license in Germany?
Between 4.000 and 8.000 €. Some employers will cover this cost if you sign a contract with them.

How much does a truck driver get paid in Germany?
Truck drivers in Germany can expect between 2.430 € and 2.850 € on average, depending on your experience, region, and route type.