The professional driver qualification (code 95) is obtained through an initial qualification and maintained with 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. Here are the rules and the validity.
Introduction
Commercial bus driving requires a driver qualification certificate (certificate of professional competence) — popularly known as “the blue certificate” or the EU certificate. It is marked as code 95 on the driving licence or on the certificate itself.
Basic qualification
- 01Standard basic qualification — the more extensive route; typically grants category D access from a lower age.
- 02Accelerated initial qualification — an intensive course with fewer driving hours.
- 03Both are obtained through approved training plus an exam at an approved centre.
Continuing education
The certificate is maintained with at least 35 hours of continuing training every 5 years at an approved training centre (classroom teaching + practical work). In Denmark this is typically run as a 5-day AMU course, and up to 12 hours may be taken as distance learning.
| Ratio | Requirement / rule |
|---|---|
| Continuing education | At least 35 hours every 5 years |
| Distance learning | Up to 12 of the 35 hours |
| Validity | Certificate/code valid for 5 years |
| Renewal in good time | Taken within 3 months before expiry → new 5 years counted from old expiry |
Hour count: 280 or 140 hours
The basic qualification exists in two forms and the difference is the scope of training at an approved centre (Directive (EU) 2022/2561):
| Shape | Teaching | Of which individual driving |
|---|---|---|
| Basic qualification | At least 280 hours | At least 20 hours |
| Accelerated basic qualification | At least 140 hours | At least 10 hours |
The normal route is more comprehensive and typically allows driving from a lower age than the accelerated one. Both are completed with an exam.
What do you learn? (the subject of basic qualification)
The content is defined in annex I to directive (EU) 2022/2561 and covers three major professional areas that the driver must master — it is much more than being able to drive the bus:
- 01Rational driving based on safety rules: the vehicle's technical characteristics, defensive and energy-efficient (eco) driving, gear selection and use of engine brake/retarder, safe loading and passenger safety.
- 02Application of regulations: driving and rest time, tachograph, transport documents, rules for passenger transport and the market.
- 03Health, traffic and environmental safety, service and logistics: ergonomics and prevention of physical hazards, emergency handling, prevention of crime and illegal immigration, customer service and company image.
Follow-up training's 5 modules
The 35 hours of further training every 5 years are typically delivered in Denmark as five modules (days) of 7 hours at an accredited AMU centre. The modules repeat and update the basic qualification's subject areas — including defensive/energy-efficient driving, driving/rest times and tachograph, passenger safety and first aid, and customer service and working environment. Up to 12 of the 35 hours can be taken as e-learning/distance learning.
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