How long the CACES® R489 lasts and how to renew it
4 min read · Updated October 2026
The CACES® R489 is valid for 5 years
A CACES® R489 certificate is valid for 5 years from the date you passed the tests. The end date is printed on the certificate for each category.
After that date the CACES® is no longer valid: your employer can no longer rely on it to issue your driving authorisation.
How renewal works
Renewal (recyclage) means taking the CACES® tests again: the theory test, then the practical test for each category you renew. It is often preceded by a short refresher course of 1 to 3 days.
The theory test is the same as the first time: 4 scored themes, a minimum score in each. Experience on the job is not always enough, especially for load plates and regulations.
When to book
Book your renewal a few months before the end date: sessions fill up fast, and an expired CACES® can stop you working in the meantime.
If your CACES® has already expired, you take the same tests. Depending on your recent experience, the centre may suggest a longer course.
What about old R389 certificates?
R489 replaced R389 in 2020. R389 certificates stayed valid until their end date; renewing them follows R489, with its new categories.
Check your level
20 free questions across the 4 scored themes, a score for each theme in 10 minutes.
Start the free testFrequently asked questions
How long is the CACES R489 valid?
5 years from the date you passed the tests, for each category you hold.
Do I retake the theory test when renewing?
Yes. Renewal includes the theory test and the practical test for each category you renew.
Can I drive with an expired CACES?
An expired CACES® no longer proves your skills. What counts is your employer's driving authorisation, and most employers require a valid CACES® to keep it.