Code 95 and licence exchange: what a professional driver in Lithuania needs

To drive a truck or bus for work in Lithuania you need two things: the right driving licence for the vehicle, and the professional qualification known as Code 95. This guide explains both, for drivers already living in Lithuania.

Part 1: your driving licence

If your licence is from an EU or EEA country, it is valid in Lithuania. Once you live here permanently — at least 185 days a year — you can exchange it for a Lithuanian one at Regitra, the state vehicle and licence authority.

If your licence is from outside the EU or EEA, the rules are stricter:

• A non-EU licence can be used for driving in Lithuania only if it meets the international road traffic conventions (Geneva or Vienna). If it does not, you also need an international driving permit.
• Once you are resident in Lithuania for at least 185 days in a calendar year, you must exchange it for a Lithuanian licence.
• For most non-EU licences, the exchange requires exams at Regitra — usually theory and a practical driving test. Only a few countries' licences are exchanged without exams.

Plan for this early. If you have a non-EU truck licence, you will normally need to pass Lithuanian exams for that category before you can drive a truck here on a Lithuanian licence. Check the exact rules for your country on the Regitra website before you rely on your current licence for a job.

Part 2: Code 95

Code 95 is the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence — the qualification every professional truck or bus driver in the EU must hold, in addition to the licence. It is shown as the code "95" on your licence or on a separate driver qualification card.

It comes from EU law (Directive 2003/59/EC), so the rules are similar across the EU.

Getting it for the first time

There are two routes, both through an accredited training centre:

• Full initial qualification — about 280 hours of training, then an exam.
• Accelerated initial qualification — about 140 hours of training, then an exam.

Which route you can take depends on your age and the category you drive. In Lithuania the exam is held by Regitra.

Keeping it valid

Code 95 must be renewed every five years by completing 35 hours of periodic training. If it expires, you cannot drive professionally until you complete the training again.

Check your expiry date now. It is the most common reason a good driver is suddenly unable to work.

If you already have Code 95 from another EU country

It is recognised in Lithuania. You can register it with Regitra, especially when you exchange your licence. Bring your licence and your qualification card.

Part 3: the tachograph card

Professional drivers of most trucks and buses also need a personal driver card for the digital tachograph, which records your driving and rest time. You need to be resident in Lithuania to get a Lithuanian driver card. Apply early — you cannot drive the vehicle without it.

Your checklist

Before you apply for a driving job in Lithuania, check:

• ☐ my licence covers the right category (C, CE, D…)
• ☐ my licence is valid in Lithuania, or I have exchanged it
• ☐ my Code 95 is valid, and I know the expiry date
• ☐ I have a tachograph driver card, or have applied for one
• ☐ I have the right to work in Lithuania

A note on our driving vacancies

Our driving vacancies are for drivers who already have the right to work in Lithuania. If you have that and your licence and Code 95 are in order, tell us when you apply — and bring the originals to the interview. See what to have ready before you apply, then apply here.

Rules change, and details depend on your country. Always confirm with Regitra before you book training or an exam.