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 or municipality. 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 driver's 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 categories:

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

• Holders of the old driving license category 3 may not drive vehicle combinations falling into category CE and
• Holders of the old driving license category 2 no vehicles or vehicle combinations of categories C or CE (except inclusion categories)

more.

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 are not 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 are limited until the age of 50.

Driving licenses issued from 01.01.1999 until the end of 27.12.2016:

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

If you need to make an appointment in person, click on "Make an appointment for driver's license and vehicle registration authority" to go directly to the page where you can select your request and make an appointment.
Please note the information on the required extended certificate of good conduct under Required documents.
You will find the following additional documents under Forms:
- Certificate of medical eye examination (truck + passenger transport)
- Certificate of medical examination (truck + passenger transport)
- Application for an extended certificate of good conduct form for the municipality
You will also find a link to the driver licensing authority under Further links.

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.

(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 at the public health department or another doctor in 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)

In the case of a D1E or DE class renewal, an extended certificate of good conduct in accordance with § 30 a BZRG must be applied for from the municipality of residence and sent directly to the driving license office.

You will find an application form at the top of the page under Forms: Application for extended certificate of good conduct form for municipality

• Application for extended certificate of good conduct form for municipality
• Certificate of ophthalmologic examination (truck + passenger transport)
• Certificate of medical examination (truck + passenger transport)

• Ordinance on the admission of persons to road traffic (Driving License Ordinance - FeV)

• Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs - Overview of driving license categories
• Driving license authority

  Central page of the driving license authority

• Driving license; application due to expiry of validity
• Driving license; application for the transfer of a foreign driving license