Code 95: Code 95

Code 95 is a European Union directive that applies to professional drivers of trucks and buses (C and D license holders). It ensures that these drivers receive initial and periodic training to maintain a high standard of road safety, environmental awareness, and professionalism.

A Code 95 certification is mandatory for all professional bus and truck drivers working within the EU. If drivers don’t have a valid Code 95, they cannot legally drive a vehicle professionally in the European Union for more than 12 hours per week. Companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers remain compliant, or risk fines, reputational damage, or disruptions to operations. 

Each EU member state can set specific rules for Code 95 certification, but the general process includes:

• Initial qualification. Either through a theory and practical exam or an intensive training course
• Periodic training. 35 hours of training every five years

Some country-specific considerations:

• Required practical training (e.g., at least 7 hours in the Netherlands)
• Mandatory modules or topics such as safety, fuel-efficient driving, and digital tachograph use
• Which training providers are accredited

When a driver is fully certified, “Code 95” is added to their driving license as proof of qualification.

Code 95 certifications are valid for five years, during which time drivers must undergo 35 hours of training. This ensures they stay updated on road safety laws, driving techniques, and technology. Drivers must attend training in the country in which their license was issued.

Code 95 certifications offer several benefits to employees and their organizations. Some key advantages include the following.

Earning a Code 95 may pose several challenges to employees and organizations. They include the following.

Here are a few tips for preparing for a Code 95 certification:

• Plan ahead. Don’t wait until your current certification is about to expire
• Use accredited providers. Ensure the training is recognized by the authorities
• Split training sessions. Spread the 35 hours over multiple years if permitted
• Choose relevant modules. Opt for modules that align with your (or your employees’) daily driving activities
• Keep records organized. Use digital tools or platforms to track certification deadlines

For more information and guidance on Code 95 certification, you can refer to the following resources:

Governmental bodies. Country-specific government websites are a good resource for organizations or individual seeking Code 95. In the Netherlands, business.gov.nl provides a wealth of information on Code 95 certification.

National transport authorities. Most EU countries have dedicated transport agencies that manage driver qualification standards. For example, Belgium’s GOCA Vlaanderen and Germany’s Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) provide official guidance, training standards, and licensing updates.

EU Mobility and Transport portal. The European Commission’s Mobility and Transport portal offers centralized information about EU-wide driver qualification directives, including Code 95 requirements, legislation updates, and official documentation.

Training providers. Accredited driver training centers such as CBR.nl in the Netherlands offer Code 95 courses, schedules, and support. Many also offer e-learning modules and in-person options.

AG5 stores all certifications in the cloud, providing all authorized personnel with access to the right version of approved certifications. This helps you easily keep track of all data and documentation related to FSSC 22000 certifications across your organization.

Using AG5’s skills management software, you can monitor the status of any type of certification that is relevant to your workforce, leveraging intuitive dashboards that provide you with a clear understanding of exactly what is needed to keep your employees skilled and safe.

Additionally:

• AG5 provides automated alerts and real-time matrices showing who is certified and who needs to renew, helping companies overcome difficulties with tracking which drivers are due for training
• By centralizing digital records we eliminate manual tracking, paperwork and spreadsheets that often leads to errors
• Every EU country may have its own interpretation and implementation rules for Code 95, such as mandatory themes (e.g., road safety, fuel efficiency), approved training modules, and minimum hour allocations
  • AG5 allows organizations to configure and monitor compliance based on national rules, ensuring the company is aligned with local legislation
• Some countries require a specific distribution of hours – such as minimums for practical vs. theoretical training — or define which themes must be included
  • AG5 allows companies to define and enforce these thresholds, flagging when a driver’s training history doesn’t yet satisfy the requirement.
• Monitor training hour balances across themes, modules, and learning types
• Flag employees who are non-compliant or at risk
• Store all certificates, completion dates, and training metadata in one place

Key AG5 Features for Code 95

• Expiration tracking. Know exactly when Code 95 certificates are expiring
• Automated notifications. Get alerts before training deadlines
• Skill matrices. Visualize driver competencies and compliance in one place
• Audit-ready records. Instantly retrieve documentation for audits or inspections

Note: A visual compliance dashboard for Code 95 within AG5 is coming soon.

• Business.gov.nl
• GOCA Vlaanderen
• Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA)
• EU Mobility & Transport Portal
• CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen)