# Germany professional driver shortage response

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/germany-professional-driver-shortage-response
> Updated: 2026-08-31T13:16:54.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

Germany has implemented new regulations to combat a critical shortage of professional truck and bus drivers, with over 120,000 positions currently unfilled. To address this, the mandatory Code 95 professional qualification exam can now be taken in multiple languages, including Turkish, English, Arabic, and several others.

This change specifically targets the accelerated basic qualification exam for commercial drivers rather than the general German driver's license theoretical exam. Candidates are required to complete 140 hours of training and pass a 90-minute theoretical test. The shortage is attributed to an aging workforce, as annual retirements outpace the number of new drivers entering the profession. Following the policy change, there has been a significant surge in applications from Turkey.

## Claims

- A new regulation allowing the mandatory Code 95 professional qualification exam to be taken in Turkish entered into force on August 18. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gross monthly salaries for truck drivers in Germany can reach up to 4,500 euros. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Germany faces a shortage of over 120,000 truck drivers. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Code 95 exam can now be administered in Turkish, Albanian, English, Arabic, Croatian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Over 3,000 drivers from Turkey are currently waiting to begin their application processes for Germany. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Drivers must complete 140 hours of mandatory training, including 10 hours of practical vehicle use. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The language accommodation applies specifically to the Code 95 professional qualification test, not the general driver's license theory exam. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 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. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Germany introduces Turkish-language exams to address driver shortage

Germany has introduced Turkish-language options for the Code 95 professional driver exam to combat a shortage of 120,000 truck and bus drivers.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-eases-driver-shortage-with-turkish-language-qualification-exams

### 2026-08-29: Turkey reforms driver's license exams with new free route system

Turkey's Ministry of National Education is replacing fixed driver's license exam courses with a free route system, testing candidates in real traffic and increasing training hours to 24.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-ministry-of-national-education-reforms-driving-exams

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Cite as: Germany professional driver shortage response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/germany-professional-driver-shortage-response