If you want to open a bus, cab or rental car company, you need a permit from the relevant authority. One prerequisite is your professional qualification, which you usually prove by passing an examination. In Germany, you take the exam at your local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
Depending on the nature of your business, you will take the exam either for cab and rental car transport or for bus transport.
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 operation of your company. 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 consists of two written parts and, if applicable, an oral part. The result of the examination is determined by an examination board.
The examination is an overall examination consisting of two written parts 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.
You may be certified eligible without taking the exam in certain cases through transitional arrangements. If you have completed training in passenger transportation that began before Dec. 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 a bus company for ten years before 2009, you can be issued with a certificate of suitability on application even without taking the examination. See also the information sheet in the additional information.
You can also prove your professional suitability for taxi/hire car transport without taking the examination if you can prove that you have been working in a corresponding company for at least three years.
If you select a location under "Localization" the contact details of the responsible authority and, if applicable, locally valid information will be displayed.