How much does a Category C truck licence cost in Europe?
A Category C truck licence costs EUR 720-5,500 across Europe depending on country. See costs by country, what is included, and how to get funding.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
A Category C truck licence in Europe typically costs between EUR 720 and EUR 5,500 depending on the country. Germany and the Netherlands sit at the higher end (EUR 2,500-5,500), Poland and Romania at the lower end (EUR 720-1,400). Most EU member states offer subsidy schemes that can cut net cost by 50% to 100%.
Which EU countries are cheapest for a Category C licence?
Directive 2006/126/EC sets the EU-wide framework for driving licence categories — Category C covers rigid vehicles above 3,500 kg with a trailer up to 750 kg — but individual member states set their own training hours, exam fees, and school pricing. That is why a licence bought in Warsaw costs a fraction of one bought in Munich.
The table below shows estimated total costs for the Category C licence including theory, practical training, and official tests, but excluding the separate Driver CPC (Code 95) qualification.
| Country | Estimated Category C licence cost (incl. training + tests, excl. CPC) |
|---|---|
| Germany | EUR 2,500-4,000 |
| Netherlands | EUR 2,800-5,500 |
| Poland | EUR 1,050-1,400 |
| Romania | EUR 720-970 |
These ranges reflect published national driving-school pricing in Germany , the Netherlands , Poland , and Romania (2025 to 2026). The gap is structural: western EU countries have higher instructor wages, stricter minimum lesson counts, and more expensive examination centres, while eastern EU schools pass those savings directly to candidates.
Can you get funding or subsidies for a truck licence in the EU?
Yes. The IRU's 2024 driver-shortage report counted 426,000 unfilled HGV positions across Europe — a figure that has pushed governments to subsidise licence acquisition directly.
In Germany, the Qualifizierungschancengesetz (QCG) — administered by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit — can cover up to 100% of training costs for employed workers meeting the eligibility criteria (broadly: low-skilled employees, workers over 45, or candidates in companies with fewer than 250 employees). Job seekers receiving unemployment benefits can apply for a Bildungsgutschein education voucher through their local employment agency.
Many transport operators across the EU pay the full licence cost upfront and recover it via a 12-to-24-month employment contract clause — ask any potential employer about this before paying out of pocket. For a full picture of the EU truck-driving career path, the Logifie guide to becoming a truck driver in Europe covers each step in detail.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Category C licence in Europe?
Most candidates complete Category C training in four to eight weeks full-time, or two to four months part-time. The timeline depends on mandatory minimum driving hours set by your member state, test-centre availability, and how many attempts you need to pass the practical examination.
Does Category C include the Driver CPC (Code 95)?
No. The Driver CPC (Code 95) is a legally separate qualification required under EU Directive 2003/59/EC for professional commercial drivers. It involves 35 hours of periodic training every five years and adds roughly EUR 500 to 1,200 to your total costs. You can hold a Category C licence without Code 95, but you cannot drive commercially for hire or reward without it.
Is a Category C licence valid across all EU member states?
Yes. A Category C licence issued by any EU member state is mutually recognised across the EU and EEA under Directive 2006/126/EC, which has applied since 2013. You do not need to retest when working in a different member state, though you must observe the host country's domestic regulations on working hours and rest periods.
What is the difference between Category C and Category C+E?
Category C covers rigid trucks above 3,500 kg with a trailer up to 750 kg. Category C+E extends that to articulated lorries (tractor-trailer combinations) with no trailer mass limit — the standard qualification for long-haul HGV work. You must hold Category C before you can upgrade to C+E, and C+E training typically adds EUR 800 to 2,000 on top of the Category C cost.
Newly licensed drivers joining the road freight market can manage loads, routes, and compliance documents from day one with the Logifie Driver Assistant app — explore open carrier positions on the Logifie network .
