Proof of professional suitability to manage a road passenger transport company
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzIf you want to open a bus, cab or hire car company, you need a permit from the relevant authority. One requirement is your professional aptitude, which you usually prove by passing an examination. In Germany, you take the exam at your local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
Depending on the type of your company, you will take the exam either for cab and hire car transportation or for bus transportation.
In the examination, you must provide evidence of the legal knowledge, commercial principles, knowledge of technical standards and regulations and road safety required to operate your company. You will also find a more detailed list in the orientation framework, which is linked in the further information.
You should prepare intensively for the exam, for example by attending a preparation course or studying intensively on your own. However, there are no legal requirements for registering for the exam.
The examination consists of two written parts and, if applicable, an oral part. The examination result is determined by an examination board.
The examination is an overall examination consisting of two written parts and one oral part. At least 50 percent of the respective score must be achieved in both written parts in order to be admitted to the oral examination. The examination is passed if at least 50 percent of the points have also been achieved in the oral examination and at least 60 percent of the total number of points. Those who have achieved at least 50 percent of the achievable score in both written parts and at least 60 percent of the total score are exempt from the oral examination.
In certain cases, transitional regulations may allow you to be certified as suitable without taking the examination. If you have completed training in the field of passenger transport that began before December 4, 2011, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce will issue you with a certificate upon request, even without taking the examination.
If you had already been working in a managerial position in a bus company for ten years before 2009, you can also be issued a certificate of aptitude on application without taking the examination. See also the information sheet in the further information section.
You can also prove your professional aptitude for taxi/rental car transport without taking an examination if you can provide evidence of at least three years' work in a corresponding company.