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Who needs the proof
The obligation to complete further training under the German Professional Drivers Qualification Act (BKrFQG) applies to everyone who transports goods or passengers commercially with categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE. This also includes craft, construction and landscaping businesses. There are exceptions for individual journeys, such as the tradesperson rule. Whether they apply must be assessed case by case.
Driver qualification card or Code 95
Until May 2021, further training was entered as Code 95 with an expiry date in column 12 on the back of the driving licence. Since then, the driving licence authority issues the driver qualification card after each course of further training, a separate card with an expiry date. Code 95 in the driving licence remains valid until the date entered, but is no longer newly entered.
- 4b
- On the FQN card: expiry date of the qualification
- 5b
- On the FQN card: serial number of the proof (FQN number), which FleetCred matches against your master data
- 12
- In the driving licence: Code 95 with date, for example 95.10.09.29
Keeping track of deadlines
The deadline runs individually for each driver. For many lorry drivers who obtained their licence before September 2009, it ends in five-year cycles on 10 September, next on 10 September 2029. Because courses are often fully booked before the cut-off date, a long lead time is worthwhile.
FleetCred takes the expiry date from the photo and reminds drivers and dispatch with the lead time you set. More background in the article Professional driver continuing training.
Training by module
Under Section 4 BKrFQV, the further training comprises 35 teaching units in independent training units of at least seven units each, which may also be taken at different training centres. For each driver, you enter the modules attended with date, units, training centre and certificate of attendance. Drivers can also report a completed module themselves in the driver app: photograph the certificate, and the office confirms the units.
FleetCred counts only modules within the five-year period before the proof expires, shows progress in modules, for example “3 of 5 modules”, and notifies drivers and those responsible when the end is approaching and modules are still outstanding, by default twelve, six and three months beforehand. The “FQN training” overview shows all drivers with their progress.
Frequently asked questions
Does Code 95 in the driving licence remain valid?
Yes, until the date entered. It is no longer newly entered in Germany. After the next course of further training, the driver receives the FQN.
What if the driver has both an FQN and a code number?
The later valid date is what counts. In FleetCred, you record the current proof, and the driver photographs the FQN card.
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