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 the legal knowledge, commercial basics, knowledge of technical standards and regulations as well as traffic safety necessary for the business. 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 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 the field of freight forwarding/logistics that began before December 4, 2011, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce will issue you a certificate upon request, even without taking the examination.
If you have already worked in a managerial position in the forwarding industry for ten years before 2009, you can apply for a certificate of suitability without taking the examination. See also the information sheet in the additional information.
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