Driving Licence 7.5 Ton Truck

[heidi_de]

Hi,
My German driving licence has C1 and C1E but it shows that it is only valid until 2022. I've read that this restriction was removed for private drivers, but there is now a requirement for eye tests and doctor's approval every 5 years for people using it for their job. My question is, can I just drive a 7.5 tonner with my current driving licence or do I need to go get my licence changed?
Regards
Heidi

[Robinson100]

As a guess, I would say that anything valid until 2022 is no longer valid.
Why not ask the people who issued your licence?

[dstanners]

No, you really shouldn't just drive one without the licence being valid for that class any more. You need to contact the licence issuing authority. Unlike in the UK, here in Germany the CIe which they used to give away for free is only valid until you're 50, thereafter you need to get your eyes tested and it can be extended for 5 years.
Actually, I imagine that if you are under 50, you probably wouldn't have the C1e entitlement anyway (when the youth pass their tests these days, they aren't entitled to mess around on 7.5t + 7.5t trailer. Bad luck young folk).

[Eric7]

I didn't actually notice that my license allowed me to drive a 7.5t truck until I was already 50 and it was too late.

[Franklan]

Talk to your GP (he/she ought to know and have the paper work available that needs to be filled out). Once you have passed that medical test, go to your local Führerscheinstelle and apply for an extension (5 more years) .

You have to pay for both.

[heidi_de]

I wasn't intending to just go drive one Was just curious as to the change which drops the requirement for getting a sight test and doctor's visit at the age of 50.
After some further reading, it seems that the age of 50 is now irrelevant for new licence holders. You have to do a sight test and do the doctor's thing every 5 years regardless of age unless you had C1/C1E before 2013 which keeps its validity until you're 50, then you have to do the 5 year thing. doh.

[snowingagain]

When I switched my UK licence to German a couple of years ago, they let me keep my UK licence as it allows me to drive a 7.5 truck AND a trailer (in the UK). I have not driven for years. It feels like I should pop over and give it a whirl, while I still can. Hey, I extensive experience, a tractor with a trailer 40 years ago. And my bike has a trailer. Never had any problems.