Do you want to run your own food truck or food trailer? Then you probably already have plenty of ideas for your menu. But before you get started, you absolutely must knowwhat type of driver’s license you need to legally drive on Germany’s roads. Depending on your vehicle’s weight and configuration, the requirements can vary—and in the worst-case scenario, it can get really expensive if you’re driving without the proper license.
Driving license class for food trucks - what is allowed?
A food truck is usually a fully motorized vehicle that serves as a point of sale. In many cases, they are converted vans or trucks with a built-in kitchen.
Class B driver's license (passenger car license):
With a class B driving license, you are allowed to drive motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tons (3,500 kg). This is sufficient for many smaller food trucks - especially if they are based on vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit or VW Crafter.
Important: Pay attention to the permissible total weight, not the unladen weight! Kitchen fittings, gas cylinders and food supplies quickly increase the weight.
Class C1 driver's license:
If your food truck weighs more than 3.5 tons but no more than 7.5 tons, you need a class C1 driving license. This category is specifically intended for light trucks and significantly expands the range of possible uses - especially if you are planning a large truck with extensive kitchen equipment.
Why We're the Right Partner for the Food Truck Business
With us, you get more than just a food truck: thanks to our own experience in the food service industry, we’ll guide you every step of the way—from the initial idea to a successful launch. We take a holistic approach to your concept—from kitchen equipment and location selection to cost planning, leasing, and insurance. The result is a perfectly tailored package that makes getting started a breeze.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation about your food truck business!
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What driver's license class do you need for a food trailer?
A food trailer is a trailer that is pulled by a separate towing vehicle. Here, too, it depends on the total weight of the combination - i.e. trailer plus towing vehicle.
Driver's license class BE:
With category B, you are allowed to carry trailers if the total weight of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. If this is not sufficient, you need a category BE driving license, which allows you to tow trailers weighing up to 3,500 kg in addition to the towing vehicle.
Class C1E or CE driver's license:
For particularly heavy food trailers or commercial towing combinations with a total mass of over 7.5 tons, you need category C1E or even CE, depending on the size and weight. These classes apply to towing vehicles and trailers in higher weight classes - i.e. relevant for very large trailers with extensive equipment.
Which class do you need specifically?
It depends on these factors:
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the gross vehicle weight rating of the food truck or the combination of trailer and towing vehicle
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Whether you use the trailer in commercial traffic
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The year your driver's license was issued (transitional provisions apply to older Class 3 driver's licenses).
It is best to ask the manufacturer for the technical data and check it carefully. Alternatively, you can ask the driving license office or a driving school you trust.
Bottom line: It’s better to clarify things beforehand than to pay later.
Operating a food truck or food trailer is great fun - but without the right driving license, it can quickly become a costly adventure. Check your driver's license class in good time before you buy or rent. That way you are on the safe side and can concentrate fully on what counts: Delighting your customers with great street food!