What is Code 95 in France?

Code 95 is the mandatory EU Driver CPC qualification for commercial truck and bus drivers in France. It is known locally as Carte de Qualification de Conducteur (CQC). It appears on the driving licence (with the harmonised code 95 entry) or as a separate Driver Qualification Card. It must be held alongside the licence for all commercial driving.

How much does Code 95 cost in France?

Code 95 initial qualification packages in France typically cost between several hundred and around a thousand EUR for the training itself, with examination and DQC issuance fees on top. Periodic training (35 hours every five years (FCO in France)) generally costs €60–€120 per 7-hour module. As context, full Category C + CE + initial Code 95 packages in France are typically advertised at €4,500–€7,500. Many employers fund or subsidise training for serving drivers.

How long is Code 95 valid in France?

Five years from the date of issue or from the last completed periodic training. To keep it valid, complete 35 hours of approved periodic training (FCO in France) every 5 years before the expiry date — there is no grace period.

What is the periodic training requirement?

35 hours every five years (FCO in France), delivered through authorised providers in France. The training covers safety, regulations, tachograph use, fuel-efficient driving, health and safety, customer service and emerging topics such as alternative-fuel vehicles. Some hours may be delivered as approved e-learning, subject to national rules.

Where do I apply for Code 95 in France?

You apply to Imprimerie Nationale on behalf of the Ministère de la Transition Écologique. The Imprimerie Nationale (issuing the CQC) issues the Code 95 entry on your licence or a separate Driver Qualification Card, depending on your circumstances. Submit your completed training certification and identity documents and pay the applicable issuance fee.

Can I do Code 95 training online in France?

Some portion of periodic training can be completed as approved e-learning under Directive (EU) 2018/645, with national implementation details set by the Imprimerie Nationale (which issues the CQC). The remaining hours must be completed in person at an authorised centre, with practical components delivered face-to-face.

What happens if my Code 95 expires?

You immediately lose the right to drive commercially. To resume, you must complete 35 hours every five years (FCO in France) of periodic training and reapply for the Driver Qualification Card. Driving commercially with an expired Code 95 is treated the same as driving without it — with the same fines and operator consequences.

Do bus drivers need Code 95 in France?

Yes. Code 95 applies to commercial bus and coach drivers operating Category D, D1, DE or D1E vehicles in France on the same basis as truck drivers. The initial qualification and the 35-hour every five years (FCO in France) periodic training requirement apply equally to passenger transport.

Can non-EU drivers get Code 95 here?

Yes. Non-EU nationals legally resident or employed in France can obtain Code 95 through the same initial qualification or periodic training pathway. They first need a valid driving licence (either via exchange or full re-examination) and the relevant work and residence authorisation, then they train and qualify like any other driver.

Do I need a work permit to drive trucks in France?

For EU/EEA nationals, no separate work permit is required. For non-EU nationals, the typical pathway is the Talent Passport or salaried worker permit (autorisation de travail). Always verify current immigration requirements with the relevant authority before committing to employment.

Is the qualification valid across the EU?

Yes. France’s Code 95 is fully recognised across all 27 EU member states and the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) under EU Directive 2003/59/EC, allowing you to work internationally without additional qualification procedures.

Which training providers are approved?

Approved providers in France include AFTRAL, PROMOTRANS, ECF, Forget Formation and other approved centres listed by the DREAL. Always verify a provider is officially authorised before paying for any training, as hours completed at non-approved centres do not count toward the qualification or renewal.

When should I start my Code 95 renewal?

Start your 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years (FCO in France) at least 12 to 18 months before the expiry date of your Code 95 or DQC. Course places fill quickly; there is no grace period, and there are no extensions. Plan to protect your right to work.

What is Code 95 in France?

Code 95 is the mandatory EU Driver CPC qualification for commercial truck and bus drivers in France. It is known locally as Carte de Qualification de Conducteur (CQC) and appears on the driving licence (with the harmonised code 95 entry) or as a separate Driver Qualification Card, and it must be held alongside the licence for all commercial driving.

How much does Code 95 cost in France?

Code 95 initial qualification packages in France typically cost between several hundred and around a thousand EUR for the training itself, with examination and DQC issuance fees on top. Periodic training (35 hours every five years (FCO in France)) generally costs €60–€120 per 7-hour module. As context, full Category C + CE + initial Code 95 packages in France are typically advertised at €4,500–€7,500. Many employers fund or subsidise training for serving drivers.

How long is Code 95 valid in France?

Five years from the date of issue or from the last completed periodic training. To keep it valid, complete 35 hours every five years (FCO in France) of approved periodic training before the expiry date — there is no grace period.

What is the periodic training requirement?

35 hours every five years (FCO in France), delivered through authorised providers in France. The training covers safety, regulations, tachograph use, fuel-efficient driving, health and safety, customer service and emerging topics such as alternative-fuel vehicles. Some hours may be delivered as approved e-learning, subject to national rules.

Where do I apply for Code 95 in France?

You apply to Imprimerie Nationale on behalf of the Ministère de la Transition Écologique. The Imprimerie Nationale (issuing the CQC) issues the Code 95 entry on your licence or a separate Driver Qualification Card depending on your circumstances. Submit your completed training certification and identity documents and pay the applicable issuance fee.

Can I do Code 95 training online in France?

Some portion of periodic training can be completed as approved e-learning under Directive (EU) 2018/645, with national implementation details set by Imprimerie Nationale (issuing the CQC). The remaining hours must be completed in person at an authorised centre, with practical components delivered face-to-face.

What happens if my Code 95 expires?

You immediately lose the right to drive commercially. To resume, you must complete 35 hours every five years (FCO in France) of periodic training and re-apply for the Driver Qualification Card. Driving commercially with an expired Code 95 is treated the same as driving without it — with the same fines and operator consequences.

Do bus drivers need Code 95 in France?

Yes. Code 95 applies to commercial bus and coach drivers operating Category D, D1, DE or D1E vehicles in France on the same basis as truck drivers. The initial qualification and 35 hours every five years (FCO in France) periodic training requirement apply equally to passenger transport.

Can non-EU drivers get Code 95 here?

Yes. Non-EU nationals legally resident or employed in France can obtain Code 95 through the same initial qualification or periodic training pathway. They first need a valid driving licence (either via exchange or full re-examination) and the relevant work and residence authorisation, then they train and qualify like any other driver.

Do I need a work permit to drive trucks in France?

For EU/EEA nationals, no separate work permit is required. For non-EU nationals, the typical pathway is the Talent Passport or salaried worker permit (autorisation de travail). Always verify current immigration requirements with the relevant authority before committing to employment.

Is the qualification valid across the EU?

Yes. France's Code 95 is fully recognised across all 27 EU member states and the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) under EU Directive 2003/59/EC, allowing you to work internationally without additional qualification procedures.

Which training providers are approved?

Approved providers in France include AFTRAL, PROMOTRANS, ECF, Forget Formation and other approved centres listed by the DREAL. Always verify a provider is officially authorised before paying for any training, as hours completed at non-approved centres do not count toward the qualification or renewal.

When should I start my Code 95 renewal?

Start your 35 hours every five years (FCO in France) of periodic training at least 12 to 18 months before the expiry date on your Code 95 or DQC. Course places fill quickly, there is no grace period, and there are no extensions. Plan ahead to protect your right to work.

What are truck driver salaries in France?

Salary expectations in France for qualified Category CE drivers with current Code 95 typically range from around €2,000–€3,000 gross per month domestically and €2,500–€4,000 in international transport, depending on employer, route, experience, and specialist endorsements such as ADR for hazardous goods. France faces a structural shortage of CE drivers and offers FIMO funding schemes to attract new entrants.

Code 95 France: Driver CPC Eligibility

Guide

Code 95 France — Driver CPC Eligibility Guide

Get clear, reliable information about Code 95 in France, including who needs it, how to obtain the initial qualification, how the Imprimerie Nationale (issuing the CQC) issues the qualification, training providers, costs, periodic training requirements, and renewal rules for professional truck and bus drivers.

This guide is designed for drivers, employers, recruiters and logistics companies that operate in France or recruit drivers from France for the wider EU market. Whether you are applying for Code 95 for the first time or renewing an existing qualification, FastDriver.eu helps you understand every step.

Check Your Code 95 Eligibility

Introduction

France has one of Europe’s largest road transport markets, with major hubs around Paris (Île-de-France), Lyon, Marseille (the Mediterranean’s largest port), Le Havre (the Seine corridor), and Lille (the Channel and Benelux gateway). French operators run substantial international fleets, particularly through the Channel Tunnel and into Spain over the Pyrenees.

Code 95 is the mandatory EU Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) that every commercial truck and bus driver must hold to work lawfully in France. Locally, it is known as Carte de Qualification de Conducteur (CQC). The qualification implements EU Directive 2003/59/EC and Directive (EU) 2022/2561 through national law, and it runs alongside the driving licence as a separate compliance requirement.

The qualification is issued and administered by Imprimerie Nationale on behalf of the Ministère de la Transition Écologique, within the framework of the Code des transports and the décret n° 2007-1340, which implements EU Directive 2003/59/EC (FIMO/FCO scheme). Without Code 95, no commercial truck or bus journey is lawful in France, and roadside enforcement is routine.

This is a complete FastDriver.The EU guide explains how Code 95 applies in France, who must hold it, how to obtain it, how long it is valid, and how to keep it current. It is written for professional truck and bus drivers, employers, recruiters, and non-EU drivers seeking to build a career in commercial transport. Major demand centres include Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Lille.

If you are an employer recruiting qualified drivers, you can Hire Professional Truck Drivers through FastDriver. Drivers ready to work can complete Truck Driver Registration Europe to get started, or check Code 95 eligibility here.

Who Needs Code 95 in France?

You need Code 95 in France if you commercially operate any vehicle in the regulated categories, regardless of your nationality. The obligation is based on what you drive and why, not where you are from. Drivers in commercial goods transport over 3,500 kg, drivers in commercial passenger transport with more than eight passenger seats, and drivers in own-account transport where driving is the main occupation are all covered.

The qualification applies to Category C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE and D1E vehicles. Limited exemptions exist for emergency services, armed forces and civil defence, vehicles with a maximum speed under 45 km/h, certain own-use transport, and driving instruction.

How to Get Code 95 in France

The path to Code 95 in France runs through four key steps. First, hold the relevant driving licence (Category C/C1 for goods transport or D/D1 for passenger transport). Second, complete the initial Driver CPC qualification, which combines theoretical examinations and practical assessments at an authorised training centre. Third, apply to Imprimerie Nationale on behalf of the Ministère de la Transition Écologique for the Code 95 entry on your driving licence or for a separate Driver Qualification Card. Fourth, maintain the qualification through 35 hours of approved periodic training every 5 years (FCO in France).

Recognised training providers in France include AFTRAL, PROMOTRANS, ECF, Forget Formation and other approved centres listed by the DREAL. Always confirm that any provider is officially authorised before paying for training, as hours completed at non-authorised centres do not count toward the qualification or renewal.

Validity, Renewal and Penalties

Code 95 in France is valid for five years from the date of issue or from the last completed periodic training. Renewal requires 35 hours of approved periodic training every 5 years (FCO in France), completed before expiry. There is no grace period, so drivers should plan to start their periodic training at least 12 to 18 months before the expiry date.

Driving commercially with an expired Code 95 is treated the same as driving without the qualification. Consequences include immediate prohibition of the journey, fines, vehicle prohibition, and serious implications for the operator’s licence. Renew on time to protect your career and your employer’s compliance position.

Working as a Professional Driver in France

France faces a structural shortage of CE drivers and offers FIMO funding schemes to attract new entrants. Typical salary expectations for qualified Category CE drivers are around €2,000–€3,000 gross per month domestically and €2,500–€4,000 in international transport, depending on the employer, route, experience and specialist endorsements such as ADR for hazardous goods. Common cross-border routes from France include Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the UK and Switzerland.

Tachograph and EU Driving Rules

All commercial drivers in France must follow EU driving and rest time rules under Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and tachograph requirements under Regulation (EU) No 165/2014. Key limits include a maximum of 9 hours driving per day (10 hours twice per week), 56 hours per week, 90 hours over any two consecutive weeks, a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving, an 11-hour daily rest, and a 45-hour regular weekly rest. You can check tachograph eligibility for full guidance.

Industry Associations and Code 95 Training in France

The FNTR (Fédération Nationale des Transports Routiers), OTRE (Organisation des Transporteurs Routiers Européens) and TLF (Union des entreprises Transport et Logistique de France) represent operators. Major training providers include AFTRAL, PROMOTRANS, ECF (École de Conduite Française), and Forget Formation, which operate regional FIMO and FCO centres approved by the DREAL.

France Driver Labour Market

France faces a structural shortage of CE drivers, and the métier de conducteur routier is on the official list of métiers en tension. Funding schemes through Pôle Emploi, the OPCO Mobilités, and Transitions Pro make FIMO initial qualification (formation initiale minimale obligatoire) free or low-cost for career changers.

Notable Employers Hiring Code 95 Drivers in France

Geodis (headquartered in Levallois-Perret), STEF (refrigerated transport leader), the successor entities of Norbert Dentressangle, Mauffrey, Bourgey Montreuil, DPD France, and the major Carrefour/Casino retail logistics fleets.

France Freight Market Snapshot

France’s road freight market moves around 1.7 billion tonnes per year domestically, with the A6/A7 (Paris-Lyon-Marseille) corridor among Europe’s busiest.

Recent Regulatory Developments in France

The Mobility Package’s return-of-driver and cabotage rules are actively enforced by the DGITM, with regular roadside checks on the A6, A7 and A1 transit corridors. Smart Tachograph 2 retrofits have been a recent enforcement priority.

Main Cross-Border Routes from France

Paris-Brussels, Lyon-Geneva, Calais-Folkestone (Channel Tunnel), Marseille-Barcelona, Strasbourg-Stuttgart and Toulouse-Madrid (via Hendaye-Irún) are central French international routes.

France Code 95 — Requirements & Renewal Guide

Understand the official Code 95 requirements for professional truck and bus drivers in France, including who is eligible, the documents you need, the initial qualification process, 35 hours every five years (FCO in France) of periodic training, renewal rules, and compliance obligations before starting commercial work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get clear answers to the most common questions about Code 95 in France — from eligibility and training to renewal, costs and EU recognition rules.

What is Code 95 in France?: Code 95 is the mandatory EU Driver CPC qualification for commercial truck and bus drivers in France. It is known locally as Carte de Qualification de Conducteur (CQC). It appears on the driving licence (with the harmonised code 95 entry) or as a separate Driver Qualification Card. It must be held alongside the licence for all commercial driving.
Who needs Code 95 in France?: Anyone driving Category C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE or D1E vehicles commercially in France needs Code 95, regardless of nationality. The obligation is based on the vehicle and the commercial nature of the journey. Limited exemptions apply for emergency services, armed forces, very low-speed vehicles, and certain own-use transport.
How do I get Code 95 in France?: Hold the relevant licence (Category C/C1 or D/D1), enrol with an authorised training centre, complete the initial qualification including required examinations, then apply to Imprimerie Nationale on behalf of the Ministère de la Transition Écologique for the Code 95 entry or Driver Qualification Card. After that, maintain the qualification with 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years (FCO in France).
How much does Code 95 cost in France?: Code 95 initial qualification packages in France typically cost between several hundred and around a thousand EUR for the training itself, with examination and DQC issuance fees on top. Periodic training (35 hours every five years (FCO in France)) generally costs €60–€120 per 7-hour module. As context, full Category C + CE + initial Code 95 packages in France are typically advertised at €4,500–€7,500. Many employers fund or subsidise training for serving drivers.
How long is Code 95 valid in France?: Five years from the date of issue or from the last completed periodic training. To keep it valid, complete 35 hours of approved periodic training (FCO in France) every 5 years before the expiry date — there is no grace period.
What is the periodic training requirement?: 35 hours every five years (FCO in France), delivered through authorised providers in France. The training covers safety, regulations, tachograph use, fuel-efficient driving, health and safety, customer service and emerging topics such as alternative-fuel vehicles. Some hours may be delivered as approved e-learning, subject to national rules.
Where do I apply for Code 95 in France?: You apply to Imprimerie Nationale on behalf of the Ministère de la Transition Écologique. The Imprimerie Nationale (issuing the CQC) issues the Code 95 entry on your licence or a separate Driver Qualification Card, depending on your circumstances. Submit your completed training certification and identity documents and pay the applicable issuance fee.
Can I do Code 95 training online in France?: Some portion of periodic training can be completed as approved e-learning under Directive (EU) 2018/645, with national implementation details set by the Imprimerie Nationale (which issues the CQC). The remaining hours must be completed in person at an authorised centre, with practical components delivered face-to-face.
What happens if my Code 95 expires?: You immediately lose the right to drive commercially. To resume, you must complete 35 hours every five years (FCO in France) of periodic training and reapply for the Driver Qualification Card. Driving commercially with an expired Code 95 is treated the same as driving without it — with the same fines and operator consequences.
Do bus drivers need Code 95 in France?: Yes. Code 95 applies to commercial bus and coach drivers operating Category D, D1, DE or D1E vehicles in France on the same basis as truck drivers. The initial qualification and the 35-hour every five years (FCO in France) periodic training requirement apply equally to passenger transport.
Can non-EU drivers get Code 95 here?: Yes. Non-EU nationals legally resident or employed in France can obtain Code 95 through the same initial qualification or periodic training pathway. They first need a valid driving licence (either via exchange or full re-examination) and the relevant work and residence authorisation, then they train and qualify like any other driver.
Do I need a work permit to drive trucks in France?: For EU/EEA nationals, no separate work permit is required. For non-EU nationals, the typical pathway is the Talent Passport or salaried worker permit (autorisation de travail). Always verify current immigration requirements with the relevant authority before committing to employment.
Is the qualification valid across the EU?: Yes. France’s Code 95 is fully recognised across all 27 EU member states and the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) under EU Directive 2003/59/EC, allowing you to work internationally without additional qualification procedures.
Which training providers are approved?: Approved providers in France include AFTRAL, PROMOTRANS, ECF, Forget Formation and other approved centres listed by the DREAL. Always verify a provider is officially authorised before paying for any training, as hours completed at non-approved centres do not count toward the qualification or renewal.
When should I start my Code 95 renewal?: Start your 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years (FCO in France) at least 12 to 18 months before the expiry date of your Code 95 or DQC. Course places fill quickly; there is no grace period, and there are no extensions. Plan to protect your right to work.
What are truck driver salaries in France?: Salary expectations in France for qualified Category CE drivers with current Code 95 typically range from €2,000–€3,000 gross per month domestically and €2,500–€4,000 gross per month in international transport, depending on the employer, route, experience, and specialist endorsements such as ADR for hazardous goods. France faces a structural shortage of CE drivers and offers FIMO funding schemes to attract new entrants.

Final Thoughts

Code 95 is the professional foundation of commercial driving in France. For drivers, it is the qualification that unlocks access to one of Europe’s most active transport markets. For employers, it is the proof of competence that protects safety, compliance and operator standing. Given the ongoing shortage of qualified Category CE drivers across the EU, holding a current Code 95 in France is a strong career asset.

To recruit qualified, compliant drivers, employers can Hire Professional Truck Drivers in Europe through FastDriver. Drivers can register for opportunities or browse truck driver vacancies in Europe to take the next step.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. Code 95 rules, training requirements, fees, work permit conditions, and enforcement procedures are subject to change. Readers should verify the current requirements applicable to their situation with the relevant French authority (Imprimerie Nationale on behalf of the Ministère de la Transition Écologique), the European Commission’s official transport resources, or a qualified professional before making any operational, legal, or career decisions. FastDriver makes reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information but accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or actions taken in reliance on this guide.

Official France & EU References

EU Directive 2003/59/EC (EUR-Lex) — https://eur-lex.europa.eu
Directive (EU) 2022/2561 (EUR-Lex) — https://eur-lex.europa.eu
Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 (EUR-Lex) — https://eur-lex.europa.eu
Ministère de la Transition Écologique et de la Cohésion des Territoires (DGITM) — national transport authority
Imprimerie Nationale on behalf of the Ministère de la Transition Écologique — issuing authority for Code 95 in France
European Commission — Mobility and Transport — https://transport.ec.europa.eu

About FastDriver.eu

FastDriver.eu is Europe’s trusted platform for professional truck driver recruitment and transport compliance information. We connect verified professional drivers with reputable transport operators across all 27 EU member states, and we provide clear, practical guidance on EU driving licences, Code 95 qualification, tachograph compliance, and driver welfare. For employers, we deliver pre-vetted candidates ready to work. For drivers, we provide access to opportunities across Europe.

Related Code 95 Country Guides

If you operate cross-border, you may also need the Code 95 rules for France’s neighbours and main trading partners:

Ready to get your Code 95 in France?

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Last Updated: June 4, 2026

This content is reviewed and updated periodically to maintain accuracy and relevance.

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