Certificate of competence
The certificate of competence is obtained by examination or, for goods transport, via the federal VET diploma (CFC) as a heavy vehicle driver.
Passenger transport
The certificate of competence for passenger transport is issued to holders of a category D or sub-category D1 driving licence who have passed the theory and practical examinations provided for by the ordinance.
Goods transport
The certificate of competence for goods transport is issued to:
- holders of the federal VET diploma (CFC) as a truck driver or heavy vehicle driver, or
- holders of a category C or sub-category C1 driving licence who have passed the theory and practical examinations.
Bridge between the two certificates
The sub-category D1 certificate of competence and the certificate for passenger transport, once supplemented by the driving test for category D, become valid for that category without an additional examination. The same bridge exists between sub-category C1 and category C for goods transport.
The examination
- The theory examination includes multiple-choice questions, direct-answer questions or a combination of both, as well as case studies. Its minimum duration is four hours.
- The practical examination includes a general part (minimum duration 30 minutes) and a test drive (minimum duration 30 minutes), carried out with a vehicle of the relevant category or sub-category.
- The two theory examinations (passenger transport / goods transport) can be combined into one if a candidate wants both certificates.
- The theory part and the general part of the practical examination can be repeated as many times as necessary in case of failure.
Validity period
The certificate of competence is valid for five years. It is renewed for five-year periods when its holder proves they have completed the prescribed OACP further training.
The certificate is recorded either as an additional entry on the driving licence or on a separate card (driver qualification card).
To understand where this certificate fits into your work, read the professional driver qualification guide and the pages on lorry licences and bus licences.