Driving licence C/CE and code 95
You need a category C or CE driving licence and a valid Driver CPC (code 95). You renew code 95 with 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.
Two things you need
To drive a truck professionally, you need:
- a category C licence (truck over 3.5 tonnes) or CE (with a trailer or semi-trailer over 750 kg); and
- a certificate of professional competence, shown by code 95 on your driving licence or on a separate driver qualification card.
Driving without a valid code 95 is an offence, even if your driving licence is still valid.
Obtaining code 95
How you obtain the initial qualification (training and test) depends on the country and on your age. Drivers who already held a category C licence before 10 September 2009 had acquired rights and did not have to obtain the initial qualification. They must still complete the periodic training.
Renewing code 95: 35 hours every 5 years
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Periodic training | 35 hours at an approved training centre |
| How often | Every 5 years |
| Spreading | In blocks of at least 7 hours (details differ per country) |
Tip: don't wait until the last months. Training centres are often fully booked, and without a valid code 95 you may not drive professionally until you have completed the hours.
If you take the periodic training in an EU country other than the one where you live or work, check beforehand whether that country recognises it and how the code 95 gets onto your driving licence.
Renewing your category C licence
Your category C/CE licence is usually valid for 5 years. In most countries you need a medical certificate for renewal.