How to Become a Bus Driver in Germany: An easy Guide for Migrants

Are you living in Germany and looking for a stable, well-paid job with good benefits? Becoming a bus driver might be the perfect opportunity for you! Bus drivers are in high demand across Germany, and it’s a great career for anyone who enjoys driving and working with people. Whether you’re new to Germany or have been here for some time, this guide will help you understand the steps to become a bus driver. Let’s get started!

1. Requirements to Become a Bus Driver

Before you start your journey to becoming a bus driver, there are a few basic requirements you should know about:

• Age: You need to be at least 24 years old.
• Driver’s License: You must have a valid driving license (Class B, which allows you to drive a car). If you don’t have a license, this will be your first step.
• Health and Fitness: You will need to pass a medical checkup to ensure you’re fit to drive and handle long working hours.
• Language Skills: While you don’t need to speak perfect German, you should have at least basic German skills (around B1 level). This will help you communicate with passengers and understand instructions.

2. Get the Right Driver’s License (Class D)

To drive a bus in Germany, you need a special driver’s license called Class D. Here’s how to get it:

• Step 1: Visit a driving school that offers training for bus drivers. They will guide you through the process.
• Step 2: You’ll take both theory and practical lessons. The theory lessons will teach you the traffic rules for bus driving, and the practical lessons will help you practice driving a bus safely.
• Step 3: After completing your lessons, you will need to pass a theory exam and a driving test.

3. Professional Training (Berufskraftfahrer-Qualifikation)

In addition to the Class D license, you’ll need professional qualification called the “Berufskraftfahrer-Qualifikation”. This is a legal requirement to work as a professional bus driver. Here’s what you need to do:

• Take a course that covers topics like safety, dealing with passengers, and handling difficult situations.
• After the course, pass a written test.

Many driving schools offer both the Class D license and the qualification course, so it’s convenient to do them together.

Costs of becoming a bus driver

Becoming a Busfahrer (bus driver) in Germany costs a lot!

1. Driver’s License for Buses (Führerschein Klasse D)

To drive a bus, you need a Class D license. The costs for obtaining this license usually include:

• Driving school fees: Around €2,000 to €4,000, depending on the number of lessons needed and the driving school. This covers theory lessons, practical driving lessons, and test fees.
• Medical check-up: Required to ensure you’re fit to drive. This costs approximately €80 to €150.
• Eye test: This is mandatory and typically costs about €6 to €10.
• First-aid course: You’ll need to complete a first-aid course, which costs around €30 to €50.
• License application fee: Typically €40 to €70, paid to the local driver’s license authority (Führerscheinstelle).

2. Additional Training and Qualifications

Many bus companies or regions may require you to have additional qualifications such as:

• Passenger Transport Certificate (Personenbeförderungsschein): This certificate is often necessary for commercial bus driving and costs around €100 to €200, including a background check.
• Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence): Required by law for all professional drivers in the EU. The initial qualification can cost between €1,500 to €2,500, which may be part of your driving school fees or additional.

3. Ongoing Costs

• Periodic CPC training: After obtaining your license, you will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain your certification. The cost for this is around €300 to €600.

Total Estimated Costs

Becoming a bus driver in Germany could cost between €3,500 and €7,500, depending on your individual situation and the specific driving school or region.

Let me know if you’d like more details on any of the steps!

4. Find a Job as a Bus Driver

Once you have your license and qualification, it’s time to look for a job! Bus companies are often looking for new drivers, especially in big cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich. You can search for bus driver jobs online, or directly contact local bus companies.

Don’t worry if you don’t have experience. Many companies offer training and support for new drivers, so you can feel confident behind the wheel.

Once you have your license and training, start looking for bus driver jobs. You can apply to:

• Public Transport Companies: Like BVG in Berlin or MVG in Munich.
• Private Bus Companies: Many cities have private companies that need drivers.
• School Bus Services: Transport students to and from school.

5. Enjoy the Benefits

Becoming a bus driver comes with great benefits. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Job Security: Bus drivers are always needed, so it’s a stable job.
• Good Pay: You can expect to earn around 2,000 to 3,000 euros per month, depending on where you work.
• Work-Life Balance: Many bus drivers have flexible hours, which can help you manage family and personal time.
• Meeting New People: You’ll meet passengers from all walks of life, making the job interesting and social.

6. Extra Tips for Migrants

• Language Courses: If you’re still learning German, consider taking a language course to improve your skills. This will make it easier to pass the exams and communicate with passengers.
• Integration Programs: Some cities offer special programs to help migrants get qualifications and find jobs. Check with your local job center (Jobcenter) or migration office for advice.

7. Don’t Give Up!

The process might seem long, but don’t give up! Many people from different countries have successfully become bus drivers in Germany. With dedication, practice, and the right support, you can do it too. Driving a bus is a rewarding job that can help you build a future in Germany.

Second option: Train as Busfahrer and get paid while training

Doing an Ausbildung (apprenticeship) as a Busfahrer (bus driver) is a great way to become a professional bus driver in Germany, as it allows you to gain practical experience while also earning a salary during your training. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Requirements

To start an Ausbildung as a Busfahrer, you’ll typically need:

• Minimum age: Usually, you must be at least 18 years old, but in some cases, you need to be 21, depending on the type of bus you’ll be driving.
• Driver’s license: Many companies require that you have a Class B license (car driving license) before you begin, though some companies may help you get this as part of the program.
• Good German language skills: You’ll need to be proficient in German to complete the theory exams and interact with passengers.

2. Duration of the Ausbildung

The apprenticeship usually takes around 3 years, during which you’ll alternate between classroom-based learning and practical on-the-job experience.

3. What You Learn

During your Ausbildung, you’ll cover topics such as:

• Driving and maneuvering large buses safely
• Passenger assistance and customer service
• Understanding traffic regulations and road safety
• Basic bus maintenance and troubleshooting
• Route planning and time management

4. Costs

One of the major advantages of doing an Ausbildung is that it doesn’t cost you anything! In fact, you’ll earn a salary while you train. Here’s what you can expect:

5. Salary (Apprenticeship Pay)

The salary during your Ausbildung varies depending on the company and region, but the average monthly earnings are:

• First year: Around €700 to €900 per month
• Second year: Around €800 to €1,000 per month
• Third year: Around €900 to €1,200 per month

Once you complete your Ausbildung, your salary as a certified bus driver can range from €2,000 to €3,000 per month, depending on your experience and the company you work for.

6. Benefits of Doing an Ausbildung as a Busfahrer

• Earn while you learn: No upfront costs; instead, you receive a salary.
• Practical experience: You’ll gain hands-on experience driving buses under professional supervision.
• Job security: Bus driving is in demand, especially in larger cities and public transport systems.
• Career advancement: After gaining experience, you can pursue roles like driving coaches for long-distance travel or even managerial positions in transport companies.

7. How to Apply

To apply for an Ausbildung als Busfahrer, check the websites of local transport companies or job portals like Azubi.de or Jobbörse. Many public transportation companies offer apprenticeships, and larger companies often have programs specifically designed for aspiring bus drivers.

Conclusion

An Ausbildung as a Busfahrer is a cost-effective, practical path to becoming a professional driver in Germany, with the added bonus of earning a salary while you train. Plus, with the constant demand for public transportation services, you’ll be entering a stable and rewarding career.

Let me know if you need tips on how to apply or more info on this process!

Good luck on your journey to becoming a bus driver – you’ve got this! 😊