Complete guide to renewing EU goods transport training. Learn about DQC renewal costs, 35-hour requirements, documents needed & timelines.
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If you're a professional driver or planning to enter the transport industry, keeping your qualifications up to date is crucial. The EU's transport sector is highly regulated, and drivers must stay on top of training requirements to comply with the latest standards. The rules, originally established under Directive 2003/59/EC, were codified and updated under Directive (EU) 2022/2561, which has been in effect since January 2023.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about renewing your goods transport training - from deadlines and costs to the documents you'll need and where to complete your course.
Under EU Directive 2022/2561 (replacing Directive 2003/59/EC), professional drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep their Driver Qualification Card (DQC) valid. This applies to:
Since 10 September 2008 (for passenger transport) and 10 September 2009 (for goods transport), all new professional drivers must complete an Initial Qualification before getting their licence. However, periodic training is mandatory for all drivers every five years, no matter when they first qualified.
Start the process 3+ months before expiry, as some countries (e.g., Ireland) require manual verification of training records before issuing a new card.
Renewing your training follows a straightforward process. First, register with an approved training centre recognised by your national transport authority. You'll then complete 35 hours of training divided into 5 modules - typically covered in one day each, though these don't need to be consecutive days. Most centres offer flexible scheduling, including weekend options.
The training combines general and specialised modules covering road safety, legal updates, efficient driving techniques, and cargo security. EU standards require at least one module focused specifically on road safety, plus practical training elements. These practical sessions (making up at least seven hours total) involve either on-road driving, special condition exercises, or simulator training, with hands-on groups limited to 10 participants for safety. Some countries may permit partial e-learning for theoretical components.
Upon completion, your training provider will issue a Certificate of Completion to submit to the licensing authority for your Driver Qualification Card (DQC/Code 95) renewal. Processing times vary by country, so it's wise to begin the process several weeks before your current certification expires. Most EU countries require training providers to upload their completion records to a national database. Check with your training centre to confirm your records are updated within their system’s timeframe (typically 15-21 days).
Note for multi-category drivers: If qualified for both goods (Category C) and passenger transport (Category D), most EU countries accept 35 hours of training. However, some (like Ireland) require 42 hours. Separate medical exams for both categories are always mandatory.
Prices vary across the EU depending on the training provider and local fees. On average, you can expect to pay between €1,500 and €3,000 for Initial Qualification, while periodic training (required every five years) typically costs between €300 and €800. Some employers cover these costs, and there may be funding options available through EU programmes like the European Social Fund (ESF).
To renew your DQC, you'll typically need:
Requirements can differ slightly between EU countries, so it's worth checking with your local transport authority before applying.
The Driver Qualification Card (DQC), known as Code 95 in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, serves as EU-wide proof of professional driving qualifications. This certification is mandatory for drivers operating goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or passenger transport vehicles commercially. The expiry date, visible in field 12 of your card or driving licence, marks the deadline by which you must complete 35 hours of approved training to maintain validity.
In Code 95 countries, this training must be undertaken through approved providers within the same country that issued your driving licence - for instance, Dutch drivers must use CRB-approved centres in the Netherlands. Driving without a valid DQC/Code 95 certification may result in fines or licence suspension, so timely renewal is essential.
The 35-hour course covers essential topics including road safety and accident prevention, latest EU transport laws (tachograph rules, driving hours, etc.), eco-driving and fuel-saving techniques, cargo security and load handling, and first aid and emergency procedures. The training ensures you stay updated on best practices and legal changes affecting your work.
The best training centres are those with official accreditation recognised by national authorities. Look for providers offering flexible course dates, including weekend or evening classes if needed, and check reviews from other drivers. While pricing varies, it's worth comparing a few options, and many centres now offer blended learning with a mix of online and in-person sessions. Many providers also offer courses in multiple languages, which is particularly useful if you work across different EU countries.
After completing each training course, you should always obtain a certificate of attendance from your training provider. In many EU countries, the centre will also upload your completion records to an official national registry—check with them to confirm this step has been taken. It’s equally important to keep both physical and digital copies of all certificates for at least five years, as incomplete records may delay the renewal of your Driver Qualification Card (DQC).
For EU drivers holding a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) issued in another member state, additional steps may apply. You'll typically need to exchange your foreign licence for a local one, as required by your current country of work - Ireland, for example, mandates this process. Drivers whose original licences were issued after 10 September 2008 (for buses) or 10 September 2009 (for trucks) may also need to retake theory and practical tests. Non-EU professional drivers seeking work in the EU must first obtain a recognised driver's certificate (with validity periods varying by country), complete the required 35-hour periodic training in their host nation, and ensure compliance with all visa and work permit regulations before operating commercial vehicles.
