FIMO and FCO: what are these qualifications for?
France’s FIMO (initial minimum training) and FCO (mandatory continued training) implement the EU Driver CPC directive. They attest that the driver masters EU social rules, safety and eco-driving. Without this certificate, a holder of a C, CE, D or DE licence cannot drive professionally.
FIMO: the initial qualification
Content and length
140 hours (5 weeks) for goods FIMO (C/CE) or passenger FIMO (D/DE). Programme: social rules (driving time, tachograph), safety (load securing, distances, alcohol), customer service (passengers) or dangerous goods (freight), eco-driving.
Validity
5 years from the date of issue. Then mandatory renewal via FCO.
FCO: renewal every 5 years
Content and length
35 hours (5 days), to complete within the 12 months preceding the CPC card’s expiry. FCO updates skills: new regulations (e.g. ETS2 in 2026), eco-driving, stress management, adverse-condition driving.
Penalties
Driving without FIMO or with an expired FCO is punished by a €135 fine and vehicle immobilisation. The employer faces up to €15,000 in fines if inspected. Insurers may also refuse cover in case of a claim.
Cost in 2026
FIMO: €2,200 to €3,200 depending on the centre. FCO: €500 to €850. These courses are eligible for employer skills-development plans, OPCO funding (employees) or France Travail (jobseekers).
Where to take your FIMO or FCO?
At a prefecture-approved training centre. AFTRAL, Promotrans, ECF Pro, some large professional driving schools. DevisPermis.fr directs you to an approved centre in your region to compare offers and availability.
Common scenarios
I retire in 2 years - do I have to take FCO?
Yes, if you still drive professionally - the rule has no age exception. Many drivers schedule FCO right before their retirement date.
My CPC card has been expired for 6 months - what to do?
You must retake the 35-hour FCO before any return to professional driving. No complex paperwork, but a wait of 6 to 10 weeks depending on the centre.
Next step
How to get the right support?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with a certified driving school near you. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes, and an advisor will call you back within 48h* to offer a tailored package.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What difference between FIMO and FCO?
FIMO (Mandatory Initial Training): 140 hours before first job start as professional heavy goods or coach driver. FCO (Mandatory Continuing Training): 35 hours of regulatory update every 5 years for active drivers. FIMO is taken once at career start, FCO renewed for life. Validity mentioned on the CQC qualification card.
How much do FIMO or FCO cost in 2026?
FIMO: 2,200 to 2,800 EUR in 2026 by approved centre (140 hours). FCO: 500 to 850 EUR (35 hours over 5 days, in-person or hybrid). Funding: OPCO Mobilites (100 percent for employees), CPF (up to 1,500 EUR), France Travail (POE for reconversion). In company, generally fully covered by employer in CDI in transport.
When to take the mandatory FCO?
Every 5 years on the anniversary date of the last training (previous FIMO or FCO). Mandatory reminder 12 months before expiry by employer or training centre. Without valid FCO, legal ban on professional driving: 135 EUR per illegal driving day + CQC card suspension. Plan 3 to 6 months in advance to book a session.
Who is exempt from FIMO?
Partial exemptions: 1) heavy goods licence holders before 10 September 2009 (freight transport), 2) before 10 September 2008 (passenger transport), 3) holders of a transport professional title (TPCM, TPCRM) which already includes FIMO. No exemption for new holders. Verification at job start mandatory by the employer under penalty of sanctions.
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