Driving license for buses and trucks; application to extend the period of validity

Since the introduction of the new driving license classes on 01.01.1999, the driving license classes for trucks and buses have only been issued for a limited period. You must apply for the extension of the validity period at the local driving license authority. No driving test is required for the extension. However, the driving license authority will check your physical aptitude. A new driver's license will be issued when the license is extended.

The driving license for categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE is issued or extended for a maximum of five years in each case.

The following transitional regulations must be observed in this context:

Driving licenses issued up to 31.12.1998 in accordance with the old driving license classes:

If the corresponding old driving licenses are not converted, from the age of 50 onwards

• Holders of the old driving license category 3 may not drive any vehicle combinations falling into category CE and
• holders of the old driving license category 2 may no longer drive vehicles or vehicle combinations in categories C or CE (with the exception of inclusion categories)

any longer.

During the changeover, the new driving license categories will be limited as follows:

• Old driving license category 3: The driving license categories C1 and C1E will not be limited in time. Driving license category CE will be issued for a limited period of time up to the age of 50, with a restriction to the trains previously covered by category 3.
• Old driving license category 2: The driving license categories C and CE will be limited in time until the age of 50.

Driving licenses issued from 01.01.1999 until the end of 27.12.2016:

The period of validity of corresponding category C1 and C1E driving licenses ends when the holder reaches the age of 50.

The renewal of a driving license can be applied for at the earliest six months before expiry. Please apply for the extension in good time. Once the deadline has expired, you may no longer drive vehicles in the relevant categories. After the deadline has expired, a new driving license must be issued, possibly only after passing a driving test.

• Current biometric photograph (frontal view)
• Identity card or passport
• Proof of eyesight in the form of a medical examination certificate
  

  (by an ophthalmologist, a doctor with the specialty title "occupational medicine", a doctor with the additional title "occupational medicine", a doctor at an officially recognized assessment body for fitness to drive, a doctor from the public health department or another doctor from the public administration)

  or certificate of ophthalmologic examination of eyesight (not older than 2 years) (see § 12 paragraph 6 in conjunction with Annex 6 No. 2 FeV)

• Medical certificate of physical and mental aptitude (not older than 1 year) (see § 11 paragraph 9 in conjunction with Annex 5 No. 1 FeV)
• For driving license categories D1, D1E, D and DE from the age of 50 additionally:
  Company or occupational medical report or an expert opinion from an officially recognized assessment body for driving fitness on resilience, orientation, concentration, attention and reaction performance