Germany introduces Turkish-language exams to address driver shortage

truck driver shortage Code 95 exam professional driver qualification labor migration logistics sector

Germany has implemented a new regulation to address a critical shortage of over 120,000 professional truck and bus drivers. Effective August 18, the mandatory Code 95 professional qualification exam can now be taken in several languages, including Turkish, English, Arabic, Albanian, Croatian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian.

This change specifically targets the accelerated basic qualification exam for commercial drivers and does not apply to the general German driver's license theoretical exam. Candidates must still complete 140 hours of training, including 10 hours of practical driving, and pass a 90-minute theoretical test administered by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

The shortage is driven by an aging workforce, with approximately one-third of current drivers aged over 55. While 30,000 to 35,000 drivers retire annually, only 15,000 to 20,000 new drivers enter the profession each year. Gross monthly salaries for these positions range from 2,800 to 4,500 euros. Following the announcement, there has been a significant surge in applications from Turkey, with thousands of drivers currently awaiting processing.

Entities

Blue Card Turkey · Chambers of Industry and Commerce · Federal Association for Road Transport, Logistics and Waste Management · Germany · Mehmet Özer · Turkey

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Gross monthly salaries for truck drivers in Germany can reach up to 4,500 euros. www.gazetepencere.com · www.milligazete.com.tr · www.sondakika.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The Code 95 exam can now be administered in Turkish, Albanian, English, Arabic, Croatian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian. www.gazetepencere.com · www.sondakika.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The language accommodation applies specifically to the Code 95 professional qualification test, not the general driver's license theory exam. www.milligazete.com.tr · www.sondakika.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Germany faces a shortage of over 120,000 truck drivers. www.gazetepencere.com · www.sondakika.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Applicants over the age of 45 must demonstrate an annual income of at least 55,770 euros or provide proof of a secure retirement plan. www.milligazete.com.tr
[● 2 SOURCES] Drivers must complete 140 hours of mandatory training, including 10 hours of practical vehicle use. www.milligazete.com.tr · www.sondakika.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Over 3,000 drivers from Turkey are currently waiting to begin their application processes for Germany. www.gazetepencere.com · www.milligazete.com.tr
[● 3 SOURCES] A new regulation allowing the mandatory Code 95 professional qualification exam to be taken in Turkish entered into force on August 18. www.gazetepencere.com · www.milligazete.com.tr · www.sondakika.com