Initial professional qualification, commonly known as Code 95, is required for many drivers who want to work in commercial goods or passenger transport. It is not a separate driving licence category. Code 95 is an entry on the driving licence confirming that the holder has the professional knowledge required for the relevant category in groups C or D. To obtain it for the first time, completing a 35-hour course is not enough: the driver must complete training for the underlying category and pass the required CSDD theory and professional practical tests.

This guide explains who needs the initial professional qualification in Latvia, how initial Code 95 differs from periodic training, which tests must be passed and what costs should be taken into account.

What is Code 95?

Code 95 confirms that a driver has the knowledge and skills needed to drive professionally. The purpose of the qualification is to improve road safety, driving standards and understanding of drivers’ hours, rest periods, tachograph use, load securing, economical driving and emergency procedures.

The professional qualification applies to commercial transport carried out with vehicles in categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE. CSDD states that initial professional qualification tests are required for drivers who obtained a category in group D on or after 10 September 2008, or a category in group C on or after 10 September 2009, and intend to carry out commercial transport. The current official explanation is available in the CSDD professional qualification section.

Who needs initial professional qualification?

Initial Code 95 is normally required when a person wants to work as a professional lorry, bus or coach driver for the first time and obtained the relevant category after the dates stated above. The requirement applies to European Union citizens and to third-country nationals employed by an undertaking established in an EU Member State.

Initial professional qualification may therefore be required for:

• a goods vehicle driver with category C1, C1E, C or CE;
• a minibus, bus or coach driver with category D1, D1E, D or DE;
• a driver carrying out commercial transport in Latvia or another EU Member State;
• a job applicant whose main duty will be driving and carrying goods or passengers.

If you are unsure whether Code 95 is needed for a particular job, first identify the type of transport, the vehicle category and the nature of your daily duties. These factors matter more than the job title alone.

When may Code 95 not be required?

The Latvian Road Transport Law provides exemptions. Depending on the circumstances, the professional qualification requirement may not apply to vehicles with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 45 km/h, emergency and rescue operations, road tests or maintenance, driving instruction, non-commercial carriage, or the transport of materials and equipment used by the driver in their work where driving is not the driver’s principal activity.

Other exemptions are more narrowly defined in law, so a general example should not be treated as an automatic exemption. If the situation is not clear, confirm it with CSDD or the Road Transport Administration before starting work.

Initial Code 95 and periodic training are not the same

Initial professional qualification

This route is for a driver obtaining professional qualification for the first time. The driver must complete training for the relevant underlying category at a driving school and pass the CSDD tests. For professional goods vehicle drivers, Presto offers preparation for C1(95), C(95) and CE(95) qualification.

Periodic training

A driver who already holds Code 95 must renew the professional qualification every five years. Periodic training lasts 35 hours and no CSDD examination is required after the course. Details and enrolment are available on Presto’s Code 95 periodic training page.

The 35-hour course is therefore not a substitute for obtaining Code 95 for the first time. It is intended for the regular renewal of an existing professional qualification.

How do you obtain initial Code 95 in Latvia?

The exact route depends on whether a category in group C or D is required and which categories the driver already holds. The main steps are:

• Choose the appropriate category. For goods transport this may be C1, C1E, C or CE; for passenger transport it may be D1, D1E, D or DE.
• Check that your medical examination is valid. If it has expired, arrange a driver’s medical examination in good time.
• Complete training for the underlying category. Training at a driving school includes theory and practical driving for the selected category.
• Prepare for the professional subjects. Ordinary driving experience alone is not sufficient because the tests cover rules specific to professional transport.
• Pass both CSDD theory tests. One tests road traffic rules and the other tests professional knowledge.
• Pass the professional practical test. It covers technical knowledge, manoeuvres and an extended drive in traffic.
• Receive a driving licence containing Code 95. The entry includes the date until which the professional qualification is valid.

Which CSDD theory tests must be passed?

According to the procedure published by CSDD, two theory tests are required for the initial professional qualification:

• Road traffic rules test: 35 questions, 30 minutes and no more than three errors.
• Professional knowledge test: 45 questions, 60 minutes and no more than five errors.

The professional test covers considerably more than the general traffic rules. Preparation should include safe and economical use of the vehicle, drivers’ hours and rest periods, tachograph operation, road risks, load distribution and securing, passenger safety, transport documents and action after an accident.

What happens during the professional practical test?

The professional practical test has three parts:

• three questions about vehicle construction, equipment and load securing;
• specified manoeuvres;
• driving in traffic for at least 90 minutes.

The assessment is not limited to compliance with traffic rules. The examiner also considers anticipation, safe distance, awareness of the vehicle’s dimensions, effective use of mirrors, smooth and economical driving, appropriate gear selection and the driver’s ability to explain technical safety procedures.

What should you study for Code 95?

Good preparation is useful not only for passing the tests but also for working safely and efficiently afterwards. The main subjects include:

• road safety and professional risk management;
• vehicle systems and safety equipment;
• load distribution, securing and axle loads;
• drivers’ hours, rest periods and tachograph use;
• economical and environmentally responsible driving;
• transport documents, insurance and liability;
• action after a road accident or in an emergency;
• passenger safety for categories in group D.

These skills help reduce the risk of accidents, penalties, downtime and excessive fuel use. When choosing a driving school, it is worth considering the instructor’s professional experience, the quality of the study material and whether clear explanations are available for difficult subjects, not only the advertised price.

At what age can Code 95 be obtained?

The minimum age depends on the category and the professional qualification route. Category C1 can be obtained in Latvia from the age of 18. The standard minimum age for category C is 21, but a person who meets the statutory professional knowledge requirements may obtain categories C and CE with Code 95 from the age of 18. Categories in group D have different age thresholds and, in some cases, restrictions on the type or length of passenger service.

Because the age conditions vary according to the category and intended work, confirm the requirements for your particular route with the driving school and CSDD before training begins.

How long is Code 95 valid?

The professional qualification entered on the driving licence is valid for five years. Before it expires, a professional driver must complete 35 hours of periodic training. It is sensible to arrange the course early so that there is no gap between the expiry of the existing code and issue of the updated document.

After the periodic training, the driving school submits the information to the register and the driver applies to CSDD for a new licence or driver qualification card. A valid medical examination is required before the document can be issued.

Driver qualification card for holders of a foreign licence

In some circumstances, professional qualification is demonstrated by a driver qualification card rather than an entry on a Latvian driving licence. CSDD states that a card is issued alongside a foreign driving licence to drivers who are not citizens of the European Union or European Economic Area and who hold a Latvian work permit. The card is valid for five years from the date on which the professional qualification was obtained or the periodic training was completed.

Requirements differ according to the issuing country of the licence, citizenship and employment status. Drivers should therefore confirm the exact list of documents with CSDD before applying.

How much does initial Code 95 cost?

The total cost consists of driving school tuition, practical lessons, the medical examination, CSDD tests and issue of the document. It varies according to the category, the number of driving lessons needed, the vehicle used for the test and whether any tests have to be retaken.

The CSDD price list currently states EUR 11.40 for a theory test and EUR 22.41 for issuing or exchanging a driving licence. The professional practical test fee depends on the category and vehicle. The listed price for a C(95) test using a CSDD vehicle in Riga is EUR 138.11, while CE(95) is EUR 153.15; the listed price for several categories when using a driving-school vehicle is EUR 69.31. Fees can change, so check the current CSDD charges and the driving school’s offer before enrolling.

Common mistakes when preparing for the tests

• Confusing initial qualification with the 35-hour course. CSDD tests are required for first-time qualification; periodic training renews a qualification already held.
• Studying only the road traffic rules. The professional test also covers tachographs, drivers’ hours, vehicle systems and load securing.
• Leaving technical questions until the last moment. The practical test begins with questions about the vehicle and safety.
• Failing to practise sustained, consistent driving. The on-road part lasts at least 90 minutes, so concentration must be maintained throughout.
• Not checking document validity. An expired medical examination can delay issue of the qualification.

Frequently asked questions

Is Code 95 a separate driving licence category?

No. It is evidence of professional knowledge entered on the driving licence beside the relevant category in group C or D, or shown on a driver qualification card in certain circumstances.

Can initial Code 95 be obtained by completing only the 35-hour course?

No. The 35-hour periodic course renews an existing professional qualification. Initial qualification requires training for the underlying category and the CSDD tests.

How many tests are required?

There are two theory tests, one on road traffic rules and one on professional knowledge, plus a three-part professional practical test.

How long is Code 95 valid?

It is valid for five years. To renew it, the driver must complete 35 hours of periodic training.

Does the professional practical test include driving in traffic?

Yes. In addition to technical questions and manoeuvres, the test includes at least 90 minutes of driving in traffic.

Does every category C driver need Code 95?

No. It is generally required for commercial transport, but statutory exemptions apply. The purpose of the journey, the vehicle and whether driving is the person’s principal activity must all be considered.

Can categories C and CE with Code 95 be obtained from the age of 18?

Yes, provided the professional qualification requirements are met. Without that professional route, the standard minimum age for category C is 21.

How should I begin?

Choose the required underlying category, check that your medical examination is valid and enrol at a driving school. For professional goods vehicle qualification, see Presto’s C95 preparation. If you have already held Code 95 and its expiry date is approaching, choose the 35-hour periodic training course.