DE · Expiry & renewal tracking
Never let a driver's FQN lapse
German professional drivers in classes C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years (Section 5 BKrFQG), evidenced by the driver qualification card (FQN), valid for five years (Section 7). The company must make sure every driver it deploys holds a valid card.
Drivers carrying goods or passengers in vehicles that need a C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE licence fall under Germany's Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG, section 1). The first periodic training must be completed five years after the initial qualification and then every five years (section 5); it comprises 35 teaching hours.
Since 23 May 2021 the qualification is evidenced by the driver qualification card (Fahrerqualifizierungsnachweis, FQN), valid for five years; older code 95 entries in the driving licence stay valid until they expire (Federal Motor Transport Authority).
At a glance
| Who | Drivers in goods or passenger transport with licence C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE (BKrFQG section 1) |
|---|---|
| Periodic training | 35 hours, first within 5 years of the initial qualification, then every 5 years (section 5) |
| Proof | Driver qualification card (FQN), valid 5 years (section 7); old code 95 entries valid until expiry |
| Issued by | The driving licence authority, on application after the training |
Who is responsible?
The driver completes the training; the company must make sure the drivers it deploys hold a valid card. Training already completed counts when a driver changes employer (section 5(6)).
If the deadline passes
Without valid periodic training or proof the driver may not carry out the transport concerned; breaches are administrative offences for driver and operator under the BKrFQG. A driver who paused the job must complete the training before resuming if the deadline has passed (section 5(5)).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each driver as a person and record the FQN (or code 95) expiry date.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry; the training can be split into five seven-hour modules, so there is time to plan.
- The driver can upload the new card through a secure link without an account; the record updates once you approve it.
- A driver without a valid card shows as a gap in the compliance dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the FQN valid?
- Five years, matching the periodic-training cycle (BKrFQG section 5; Federal Motor Transport Authority).
- Is code 95 in the driving licence still accepted?
- Yes, existing entries stay valid until they expire; since 23 May 2021 new applications receive the FQN card instead.
- Can the deadline be aligned with the licence expiry?
- Yes. The training may be completed earlier or later so the deadline matches the licence expiry, as long as the resulting interval is between three and seven years (section 5(1)).
Sources
- Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG), section 5 (German)
- BKrFQG section 7, proof of qualification (German)
- Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt FAQ on the driver qualification register and FQN (German)
Last checked: Sep 28, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for driver qualification card FQN (Germany)
A ready template for driver qualification card FQN (Germany) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each driver qualification card FQN (Germany) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each driver qualification card FQN (Germany) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.