How to Get a CE Driving Licence in Europe: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

What Is a CE Licence?

Category CE combines C (rigid truck) + E (heavy trailer). It allows you to drive articulated trucks (tractor + semi-trailer) over 3.5 tonnes total. CE is Europe's most in-demand professional driving category — 60–70% of open positions require it.

Prerequisites

Category C licence (rigid trucks): mandatory CE prerequisite
Minimum age: 21 (with C licence) — accelerated CPC path allows 18 in some member states
Valid medical fitness certificate (Group 2 standard: vision, blood pressure, coordination)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Medical fitness assessment (1–2 weeks)

EU-standardised criteria: vision, blood pressure, coordination, no uncontrolled epilepsy or diabetes. Private clinics often turn this around in 24–72 hours.

2. Category C licence (if not already held)

If you only have a B licence, you must first obtain C (3–6 weeks training + test on average).

3. CE theory preparation

The E (trailer) theoretical content is compact — typically 1–3 days preparation is sufficient.

4. CE practical test

In most countries this is a single test day: morning base manoeuvres (reverse, slalom, tight coupling), afternoon road test. The hardest element: reversing into a narrow space.

5. Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)

Mandatory for all professional drivers. 280 hours total (35 hours/5 years renewal). Can be completed alongside CE training.

Costs by Country

Country

Full CE + CPC course

|---------|---------------------|

Romania	€1,000 – €2,500
Poland	~€500 – €1,200
Czech Republic	€1,600 – €3,200
Hungary	€1,500 – €3,000
Germany	€4,000 – €8,000
Austria	€3,500 – €6,000
Netherlands	€3,500 – €5,500

Tip: Many large carriers offer employer-funded CE training — you get the licence at no cost and repay via a 2–3 year loyalty contract. Often a better deal than self-funding.

Timeline Summary

Starting point

Minimum

Realistic

|----------------|---------|-----------|

B → C → CE	4–6 months	6–9 months
C → CE	2–4 weeks	4–6 weeks

Most Common Test Failures

1. Reversing into a tight space — hardest manoeuvre, needs extensive yard practice

2. Uncoupling and coupling — strict safety sequence required

3. Handbrake on a slope — trailer-specific rule

4. Pre-drive walkaround — examiner tests your safety check procedure verbally

Summary

A CE licence is one of the best career investments a driver can make in 2026. The training cost is high, but the extra earnings vs. a C-only driver repay the investment within 6–18 months. Look for employer-funded training opportunities — zero financial risk entry into Europe's most in-demand driver category.