Bus with trailer – DE
See the steps you need to go through to obtain a driving licence for category DE. You can see your progress in your driver training on Your page.
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The first step of your training for Category DE is covered by your training for Category D.
You obtain driving entitlements for Category DE by completing the mandatory training and passing both the theory test and the practical driving test.
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At this step you will learn basic vehicle control, without having to direct your attention towards other road users.
How many lessons you need will depend on your individual requirements. It is important that you reach the goals for this step.
Mandatory end-of-step assessment
At the end of step 2, you and your instructor will jointly assess whether you have the skills required to go to step 3.
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At this step you will learn to drive independently and safely in varied traffic.
You will learn about issues such as
- relevant rules and regulations
- how to plan your drive
- how to drive safely, efficiently, environmentally friendly and comfortably while interacting well with other road users.
How many lessons you need will depend on your individual requirements and how much you practise with a lay instructor. It is important that you reach the goals for this step.
Mandatory end-of-step assessment
At the end of step 3, you and your instructor will jointly assess whether you have the skills required to go to step 4.
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You are about to complete your training. Before you can take the theory test you must have applied for a driving licence. Consider applying now.
At this step you will develop your skills to a level where you can drive responsibly and interact well with other road users.
Course in securing and marking loads
This is a 2-hour course. It will help you
- understand how important it is to secure and mark loads
- practise different ways of securing loads
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You take the practical driving test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office. You must authorise the driving school to book the test session for you.
When you arrive for the test, you will have to present valid proof of identity. You can pay for the test in advance on Your Page, or over the counter before the test. Paying online is cheaper.
You are the driver, and you are responsible for what is done during the test. The test consists of several parts or tasks, and you need to solve the tasks independently, both when it comes to driving and the other tasks you are given. The way you solve the tasks will be assessed as a whole, to the extent that this is possible.
The result will be determined when you have completed the test, and you will be told immediately whether or not you passed. You will be given a written statement explaining the decision made.
Vehicle for the practical driving test
- The bus you use for the practical driving test must be at least 10 metres long and have a wheelbase of at least 5.5 metres. The trailer must have a maximum authorised mass of at least 2 000 kg.
- The trailer must be at least 2 metres wide and at least 2 metres high, and have an actual total weight of at least 2 000 kg.
- The bus must be approved as a driving test vehicle.
What the test comprises
When the test begins, you will have to carry out the coupling of bus and trailer and conduct a pre-trip check. You must be able to use the tachograph correctly.
You will be given a safety check task before the driving begins. You may be asked, for example, to check the lights, brakes, or warning lamps. In addition you will be asked to explain what the cause or consequence might be if something is wrong.
You will be driving for approximately 45 minutes, under varying road and traffic conditions. The route you drive will have been determined in advance. At the end of the test you will have to uncouple the minibus and trailer.
Tasks you will be given while you drive
You will be given directions in good time as to where to drive. For the most part, the driving examiner will ask you to drive towards destinations in the form of place names for which you will find direction signs along the way. You will also be asked to turn around, park and reverse.
The driving examiner’s assessment
The driving examiner will assess whether you have reached the goals to the extent that you can now practise on your own.
- Emphasis will be placed on whether you drive comfortably and efficiently, and without causing unnecessary wear on the vehicles.
- You must master the skills of turning around and reversing with a trailer, and know how and when to use an assistant.
- You must be able to pay attention to the road and traffic situation around you, and the special challenges posed by driving with a trailer.
- Your driving must be predictable and safe and promote efficient traffic flow.
- You must plan ahead as you drive, be considerate of the needs of others and seek efficient interaction with other road users.