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Bus with trailer

Learn to drive a bus with a trailer like a pro.

Bus with heavy trailer – DE license

DE license is for those who want to drive a bus with a heavy trailer without a weight limit. It is an important license for professional drivers in passenger transport who work with large vehicle combinations, for example in the tourism industry or regular services with extra luggage space. Here you will find all the information on how to get a DE driver's license and what the training includes.

What is a DE license?

With a DE license you are allowed to drive:

  • Bus with heavy trailer: Vehicle combinations where the bus has a D license and the trailer has no weight restriction.
  • Light trailers: Combinations with trailers up to 750 kg total weight.

DE license is often required for passenger transport where the bus is supplemented with a heavy trailer for luggage, goods or special equipment.

The relationship between D and DE

You must have a D (bus) license before you can take the DE. DE is an extension of the D license that makes it possible to drive combinations with heavier trailers.

How do I apply for a driving permit?

To get a DE driving license, you need a driving license permit for group 2. The process includes:

  1. Apply to the Swedish Transport Agency. Use the Transportstyrelsen e-tjänst to fill out a health declaration.

  2. Medical certificate and eye examination. A medical certificate is required to show that you meet the medical requirements, and the eye examination must be performed by an optician or doctor.

What does the DE training include?

The DE qualification training consists of both theoretical and practical elements that prepare you to handle large vehicle combinations.

Theoretical training

The theoretical training builds on the knowledge from the D qualification and includes:

  • Vehicle combinations: Technology and function of buses with heavy trailers.
  • Load securing: How to secure luggage and other cargo safely.
  • Road safety: Risk awareness and accident prevention.
  • Driving and rest times: Rules for professional drivers and the use of tachographs.
  • Environmental awareness: Techniques for driving in an environmentally friendly and efficient manner.

Practical training

The practical part of the training includes:

  • Manoeuvring a bus with a trailer: Reversing, turning and handling in tight spaces.
  • Driving in traffic: Driving in different traffic environments and situations.
  • Safety check: Checking both the bus and trailer before driving.

Knowledge test for DE

The knowledge test is written at the Swedish Transport Administration and is specific to DE qualifications. It consists of:

  • Number of questions: 60 questions (of which 5 are test questions that do not count).
  • Pass score: At least 44 correct.
  • Test time: 40 minutes.

The test covers topics such as:

  • Vehicle combinations and load securing.
  • Traffic regulations for buses with trailers.
  • Driving and rest times.

The DE driving test

The driving test consists of:

  1. Safety check: You show that you can control both the bus and trailer, including the clutch and brake system.
  2. Maneuvering test: Reversing with a trailer and other actions that show that you can handle the vehicle.
  3. Driving in traffic: You drive in different traffic environments and show that you can handle the vehicle combination safely and effectively.

Age requirements and rules

  • 24 years: To take the DE license, you must be 24 years old.
  • Exception: If you are taking a professional driver's training course (YKB), you can take the DE from the age of 21.

If you need other qualifications, these may be relevant:

  • D – Bus: Basic qualification required to take the DE.
  • D1E – Small bus with heavy trailer: For smaller buses and vehicle combinations.
  • YKB Passenger transport: Required if you plan to work professionally as a bus driver.

You can read more about these on their respective pages.

Find a training course near you

Teoricentralen collaborates with driving schools throughout Sweden that offer DE training. Our affiliated driving schools will help you become a safe and competent driver for buses with heavy trailers. Use our search function to find a training course near you and take the first step towards your DE driving license today!