What changed

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposalCouncil forposition at first reading with a view to the adoption of a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences, amending Directive (EU) 2022/2561 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulation (EU) No 383/2012 (08353/1/2025 – C100233/2025 – 2023/0053(COD))

(COM(2023)0127 – C90035/2023 – 2023/0053(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: second reading)

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the CommissionCouncil proposalposition toat Parliamentfirst andreading the(08353/1/2025 Council– (COM(2023)0127),C100233/2025),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 91(1) of the Treaty on the Functioningopinion of the European Union, pursuant to which theEconomic Commissionand submittedSocial theCommittee proposalof to14 ParliamentJune (C90035/2023),2023,

– having regard to the opinionafter ofconsulting the Committee on Legal Affairs onof the proposed legal basis,Regions,

– having regard to Articleits 294(3)position ofat thefirst Treatyreading on the FunctioningCommission ofproposal to Parliament and the EuropeanCouncil Union,(COM(2023)0127),

– having regard to RulesArticle 59294(7) andof 40the ofTreaty itson Rulesthe Functioning of Procedure,the European Union,

– having regard to the reportprovisional ofagreement approved by the Committeecommittee onresponsible Transportunder andRule Tourism75(4) (A90000/2023),of its Rules of Procedure,

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

– having regard to Rule 68 of its Rules of Procedure,

2. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

– having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (A100000/2025),

Amendment 1

1. Approves the Council position at first reading;

Proposal for a directive

2. Notes that the act is adopted in accordance with the Council position;

Recital -1 (new)

3. Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council, in accordance with Article 297(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;

Or. en

4. Instructs its Secretary-General to sign the act, once it has been verified that all the; procedures have been duly completed, and, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council, to arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

Amendment 2

5. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Proposal for a directive

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

Recital -1 a (new)

The Council position at first reading reflects the political agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council during interinstitutional negotiations at early second-reading stage.

Or. en

The adopted provisions aim to enhance road safety and facilitate the free movement of persons by introducing mutually recognisable EU mobile driving licences, amending and clarifying minimum age requirements, establishing basic medical fitness requirements and default validity periods for driving licences, as well as strengthening rules for novice drivers, introducing Union-wide accompanied driving schemes for certain categories of licences, and setting specific rules for certain types of vehicles, such as emergency vehicles, motorhomes, or alternatively fuelled vehicles.

Amendment 3

The agreed text is the result of extensive negotiations. The co-legislators have reached a balanced compromise on the revision of the Driving Licences Directive, ensuring that it reflects current needs and realities.

Proposal for a directive

Recital 1

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Amendment 4

Proposal for a directive

Recital 2

Or. en

Amendment 5

Proposal for a directive

Recital 4

Or. en

Justification

E-Privacy Directive, which would cover the digital (mobile) driving licenses. See EDPS opinion paragraph 8.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a directive

Recital 5

Or. en

Justification

EDPS, paragraph 25. Already primary law (Art. 8 Charter of Fundamental Rights) requires that personal data is processed for "specified purposes".

Amendment 7

Proposal for a directive

Recital 10

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Amendment 8

Proposal for a directive

Recital 11

Or. en

Amendment 9

Proposal for a directive

Recital 12

Or. en

Amendment 10

Proposal for a directive

Recital 13 a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 11

Proposal for a directive

Recital 14

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Amendment 12

Proposal for a directive

Recital 15

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Amendment 13

Proposal for a directive

Recital 16

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Amendment 14

Proposal for a directive

Recital 16 a (new)

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Amendment 15

Proposal for a directive

Recital 16 b (new)

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Amendment 16

Proposal for a directive

Recital 17

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Amendment 17

Proposal for a directive

Recital 17 a (new)

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Amendment 18

Proposal for a directive

Recital 17 b (new)

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Amendment 19

Proposal for a directive

Recital 18

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Amendment 20

Proposal for a directive

Recital 18 a (new)

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Amendment 21

Proposal for a directive

Recital 19

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Amendment 22

Proposal for a directive

Recital 20

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Amendment 23

Proposal for a directive

Recital 20 a (new)

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Amendment 24

Proposal for a directive

Recital 23

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Amendment 25

Proposal for a directive

Recital 23 a (new)

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Amendment 26

Proposal for a directive

Recital 27

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Amendment 27

Proposal for a directive

Recital 28

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Amendment 28

Proposal for a directive

Recital 29

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Amendment 29

Proposal for a directive

Recital 30

Or. en

Amendment 30

Proposal for a directive

Recital 31

Or. en

Amendment 31

Proposal for a directive

Recital 32

Or. en

Amendment 32

Proposal for a directive

Recital 33

Or. en

Amendment 33

Proposal for a directive

Recital 34

Or. en

Amendment 34

Proposal for a directive

Recital 35

Or. en

Amendment 35

Proposal for a directive

Recital 36

Or. en

Amendment 36

Proposal for a directive

Recital 38

Or. en

Amendment 37

Proposal for a directive

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point d

Or. en

Amendment 38

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1

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Amendment 39

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)

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Amendment 40

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11 b (new)

Or. en

Justification

RISM Directive definition 2019/1936, with additional inclusion to personal mobility devices (eScooters).

Amendment 41

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)

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Amendment 42

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 5

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Amendment 43

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1

Or. en

Justification

EDPS opinion, paragraph 26.

Amendment 44

Proposal for a directive

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

Or. en

Justification

EDPS opinion paragraph 24. .

Amendment 45

Proposal for a directive

Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2

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Amendment 46

Proposal for a directive

Article 5 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2

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Justification

Aligned with Article 4(7).The Digital Covid Certificate e.g. can be verified by checking the authenticity of its electronic signature without asking the issuing authority. If certificates are revoked, this is done through publishing a revocation list that only contains the identifier of the certificate, no other personal information, so nobody else can see which certificates have been revoked. Note that this goes further than EDPS para 21, but has already been done before (Digital Covid Certificate).

Amendment 47

Proposal for a directive

Article 5 – paragraph 5

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Amendment 48

Proposal for a directive

Article 5 – paragraph 7

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Amendment 49

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a – indent 2

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Amendment 50

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i – indent 2 a (new)

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Amendment 51

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii – indent 1 a (new)

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Amendment 52

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii – indent 2 a (new)

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Amendment 53

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i – indent 1 – paragraph 1

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Amendment 54

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i – indent 1 – paragraph 2

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Amendment 55

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i – indent 1 – paragraph 3

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Amendment 56

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii – indent 1

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Amendment 57

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii – indent 1 a (new)

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Amendment 58

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii – indent 2 – paragraph 2

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Amendment 59

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii – indent 2 – paragraph 3

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Amendment 60

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii – indent 2 – paragraph 4

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Amendment 61

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii a (new)

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Amendment 62

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iii – indent 1

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Amendment 63

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point v – indent 2

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Amendment 64

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point viii – indent 1

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Amendment 65

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

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Amendment 66

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a

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Amendment 67

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b

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Amendment 68

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i

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Amendment 69

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

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Amendment 70

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

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Amendment 71

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a

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Amendment 72

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c – introductory part

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Amendment 73

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)

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Amendment 74

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point d

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Amendment 75

Proposal for a directive

Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1

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Amendment 76

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 1

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Amendment 77

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)

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Amendment 78

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 b (new)

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Amendment 79

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b

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Amendment 80

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c

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Amendment 81

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point e

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Amendment 82

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point g

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Amendment 83

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h

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Amendment 84

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point h a (new)

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Amendment 85

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a

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Amendment 86

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b

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Amendment 87

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point a

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Amendment 88

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b – introductory part

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Amendment 89

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c

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Amendment 90

Proposal for a directive

Article 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 91

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a

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Amendment 92

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – paragraph 1

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Amendment 93

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

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Amendment 94

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point d

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Amendment 95

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)

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Justification

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that obliges member states to take all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures to amend or abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices that are a source of discrimination against persons with disabilities. This provision is purposely general so as not to have to list all possible impairments and instead leave to the discretion -and obligation- of the examiner to determine the applicable exemptions with regard to the applicant’s impairment on a case-by-case basis.

Amendment 96

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

Or. en

Amendment 97

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 4

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Amendment 98

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 6

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Amendment 99

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1

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Amendment 100

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2

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Amendment 101

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1

Or. en

Amendment 102

Proposal for a directive

Article 12 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2

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Amendment 103

Proposal for a directive

Article 12 – paragraph 8 a (new)

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Amendment 104

Proposal for a directive

Article 12 – paragraph 9

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Amendment 105

Proposal for a directive

Article 13 a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 106

Proposal for a directive

Article 14

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Amendment 107

Proposal for a directive

Article 15 – paragraph 2

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Amendment 108

Proposal for a directive

Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)

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Amendment 109

Proposal for a directive

Article 15 – paragraph 2 b (new)

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Amendment 110

Proposal for a directive

Article 15 – paragraph 2 c (new)

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Amendment 111

Proposal for a directive

Article 15 – paragraph 3

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Amendment 112

Proposal for a directive

Article 15 – paragraph 4 a (new)

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Amendment 113

Proposal for a directive

Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)

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Amendment 114

Proposal for a directive

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2

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Amendment 115

Proposal for a directive

Article 16 a (new)

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Amendment 116

Proposal for a directive

Article 18 – paragraph 1

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Amendment 117

Proposal for a directive

Article 18 – paragraph 2

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Amendment 118

Proposal for a directive

Article 19 – paragraph 1

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Amendment 119

Proposal for a directive

Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point c

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Justification

Based on EDPS Opinion paragraph 19.Neither COM proposal, nor EP position on Prüm II (automated data exchange among police authorities) have driving licenses.

Amendment 120

Proposal for a directive

Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 121

Proposal for a directive

Article 23 – paragraph 1

Directive (EU) 2022/2561

Article 5 – paragraph 2

Or. en

Amendment 122

Proposal for a directive

Article 23 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Directive (EU) 2022/2561

Article 5 – paragraph 3 (new)

Or. en

Amendment 123

Proposal for a directive

Annex I – Part A1 – point 2 – Side 2

Or. en

Amendment 124

Proposal for a directive

Annex I – Part B1 – point 4 – point 3 – paragraph 2 – point d

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Amendment 125

Proposal for a directive

Annex I – Part B1 – point 4 – point 3 – paragraph 2 – point e

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Amendment 126

Proposal for a directive

Annex I – Part B1 – point 6 – point 2 – paragraph 3 – point a

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Amendment 127

Proposal for a directive

Annex I – Part C – point 5 – paragraph 4

Or. en

Justification

This would mean that the issuing authority is always aware whenever somebody verifies a driving license.Same logic of privacy as with the COVID certificate should apply.

Amendment 128

Proposal for a directive

Annex I – Part C – point 5 – paragraph 5

Or. en

Justification

Same functionality as for the Digital COVID Certificate, in a privacy-friendly logic.

Amendment 129

Proposal for a directive

Annex I – Part E – table

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Amendment 130

Proposal for a directive

Annex I – Part E – table

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Amendment 131

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 2 a (new)

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Amendment 132

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – indent 2

Or. en

Amendment 133

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – indent 2 a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 134

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 135

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – indent 2 a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 136

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point f

Or. en

Amendment 137

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point i

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Amendment 138

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 139

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point i b (new)

Or. en

Amendment 140

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point i c (new)

Or. en

Amendment 141

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point i d (new)

Or. en

Amendment 142

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point i e (new)

Or. en

Amendment 143

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 4 – point 1 – point f a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 144

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 4 – point 1 – point g

Or. en

Amendment 145

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 4 – point 1 – point h a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 146

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 4 – point 1 – point i a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 147

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point A – point 4 – point 1 – point j

Or. en

Amendment 148

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 5 – point 1 – point c – paragraph 1

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Amendment 149

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 5 – point 1 – point c – paragraph 2 – point i

Or. en

Justification

With the increase in electric driving and its growing share of new sales (2035 EU requirement 100% zero emission) more and more new drivers are coming into touch with driving an electric vehicle. Young people increasingly want driver training in an electric vehicle for sustainability reasons or because they have access to an electric vehicle at home, and driving schools are progressively adapting their fleet to these demands.

Amendment 150

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 5 – point 2 – point d a (new)

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Amendment 151

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 6 – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point g

Or. en

Amendment 152

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 6 – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point h

Or. en

Amendment 153

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 6 – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 154

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 6 – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point j

Or. en

Amendment 155

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 7 – introductory part

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Amendment 156

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 7 – point 2 – introductory part

Or. en

Amendment 157

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 7 – point 4 – paragraph 1 – point g

Or. en

Amendment 158

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 7 – point 4 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 159

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 7 – point 4 – paragraph 1 – point h

Or. en

Amendment 160

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 7 – point 4 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 161

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 7 – point 4 – paragraph 1 – point i

Or. en

Amendment 162

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 7 – point 4 – paragraph 1 – point j

Or. en

Amendment 163

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 8 – point 2 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 164

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 8 – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point e

Or. en

Amendment 165

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 8 – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 166

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 8 – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point g

Or. en

Amendment 167

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 8 – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point h

Or. en

Amendment 168

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 8 – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point i

Or. en

Amendment 169

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 8 – point 4 – point a

Or. en

Amendment 170

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 8 – point 4 – point b

Or. en

Amendment 171

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 9 – point 1 – paragraph 2

Or. en

Amendment 172

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 9 – point 3 – point a

Or. en

Amendment 173

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 9 – point 3 – point b

Or. en

Amendment 174

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 9 – point 3 – point c

Or. en

Amendment 175

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 9 – point 3 – point j

Or. en

Amendment 176

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part I – point B – point 10 – paragraph 1

Or. en

Amendment 177

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part II – paragraph 1 – indent 7

Or. en

Amendment 178

Proposal for a directive

Annex II – Part II – paragraph 2

Or. en

Amendment 179

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 1 – point 3

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Amendment 180

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 3 – paragraph 1

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Amendment 181

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 3 – paragraph 2

Or. en

Amendment 182

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 6 – paragraph 1

Or. en

Amendment 183

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 6 – paragraph 2

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Amendment 184

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 6 – paragraph 3 – point 1 – paragraph 1

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Amendment 185

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 6 – paragraph 3 – point 2

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Amendment 186

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 6 – paragraph 4 – point 4 – paragraph 1

Or. en

Amendment 187

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 13 – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point a

Or. en

Amendment 188

Proposal for a directive

Annex III – point 13 – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point c

Or. en

Amendment 189

Proposal for a directive

Annex IV – Part 1 – point 3 – point g a (new)

Or. en

Amendment 190

Proposal for a directive

Annex IV – Part 2 – point 1 – introductory part

Or. en

Amendment 191

Proposal for a directive

Annex IV – Part 2 – point 1 – point d

Or. en

Amendment 192

Proposal for a directive

Annex IV – Part 2 – point 2 – point d

Or. en

Amendment 193

Proposal for a directive

Annex IV – Part 4 – point 1 – point e

Or. en

Amendment 194

Proposal for a directive

Annex IV – Part 4 – point 2 – point a – point i – indent 1

Or. en

Amendment 195

Proposal for a directive

Annex IV – Part 5 – point 1

Or. en

Amendment 196

Proposal for a directive

Annex V – point 4 – paragraph 2

Or. en

Amendment 197

Proposal for a directive

Annex VI – point 4 – paragraph 2

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Amendment 198

Proposal for a directive

Annex VI a (new)

Or. en

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Background to the proposal

Road safety has been a major pillar of European Union transport legislation for some twenty years. Chiefly as a result of the efforts undertaken by the authorities over this period, the number of deaths on the EU’s roads has been cut significantly, from 51 400 in 2001 to 19 800 in 2021. While these figures may look positive, they still fall well short of the initial target of reducing deaths by 75% between 2001 and 2020.

Moreover, this downward trend in the number of EU road deaths has become somewhat less pronounced recently, and in 2021 the number of victims rose by 6% on the previous year, a figure that should be nonetheless be seen in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statistics from recent years therefore called for renewed efforts to improve new road safety.

In 2017 the EU transport ministers, meeting in Valletta, took note of these figures on deaths and serious injuries, which were incompatible with the EU’s long-term objectives. The informal meeting culminated in the signing of a declaration calling on the European Commission to take political initiatives for the decade 2020 from 2030 with a view to cutting numbers of deaths and better protecting road users, especially the most vulnerable among them (cyclists and pedestrians), who make up the greatest proportion of road deaths.

In its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy of 2020, the Commission reiterated the target of zero fatalities by 2050 (the ‘Vision Zero’ objective) and announced that it would submit a revision of the Driving Licence Directive. In October 2021, meanwhile, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on road safety from 2021 to 2030, calling on the Commission to further promote road safety, notably through higher standards on driver training.

The proposal for the third revision of Directive 2006/126/EC on driving licences [COM (2023) 0127] formed part of the ‘road safety package’ published in March 2023, which contained three interdependent pieces of legislation. The other two proposals concerned the Union-wide effect of driving disqualifications [COM (2023) 128] and the cross-border exchange of information on road-safety-related traffic offences [amending Directive (EU) 2015/413].

Content of the proposal

The proposal builds on the objectives of the existing directive, namely to improve road safety and facilitate free movement, while catering for the need for greater sustainability and a digital transition in road transport.

The Commission wishes to improve drivers’ skills and knowledge by amending the rules on training, testing and probationary periods, particularly with regard to new technologies.

The proposal also addresses the issue of dangerous behaviour on the road, particularly by novice drivers.

It also aims to ensure that drivers are physically and mentally fit to take the wheel of a car by introducing stricter medical procedures throughout the European Union.

It further tackles obstacles that applicants for or holders of driving licences may face, particularly difficulties posed in driving tests by insufficient language skills or the lapsing of certain entitlements owing to a change of residence within the EU.

Lastly the proposal aims to help the EU to meet its climate targets.

Rapporteur’s position

At a time when the EU is behind schedule in meeting its stated aim of ‘Vision Zero’ by 2050, strong and binding measures are needed to combat road accidents over the next few years.

Road safety is a major concern for us all, including young people. That is why the Member States should include lessons on road safety and alternative forms of mobility in secondary-school curricula. The issue of the affordability of driving licences also needs to be addressed.

The rapporteur would like to see a points-based licence system introduced throughout the entire European Union. The establishment of such a scheme, coupled with effective enforcement measures, has the potential to slash the number of accidents and deaths on our roads. Most EU countries have introduced such a system at national level, and the rapporteur believes there is ample justification for extending it to all Member States.

Speed is a very important factor in causing road crashes and fatalities. Indeed, 30% of accidents are attributable at least in part to drivers’ breaching the speed limit. This is why the rapporteur is proposing speed limits that vary according to the category of driving licence held by drivers, a factor that reflects their vehicles’ likelihood of being involved in an accident.

Heavy passenger vehicles (SUVs) are also more prone to collisions than light passenger cars. Given that increasingly large and heavy cars are being placed on the EU’s roads, a category B licence is no longer suitable for driving them. The rapporteur therefore wishes to establish a new category of driving licence – category B+, for cars weighing over 1.8 tonnes – which could be obtained by applicants of 21 years or older only and after a two-year probationary period after gaining a category B licence.

The category B driving licence would thus entitle an individual to drive a private car of a maximum weight of 1.8 tonnes. Exemptions could be granted, however, for professional reasons or special purposes (to drive emergency vehicles, for example).

Furthermore, European and national statistics clearly show that young people are disproportionately prone to road accidents. The rapporteur therefore believes that the flexibility in the current directive and the proposal enabling the Member States to lower the minimum age for certain categories of driving licence should be removed. Although accompanied driving should be encouraged throughout the European Union, the rapporteur is not in favour of the proposed provisions on it since they are inconsistent with the idea of a uniform minimum age for obtaining a driving licence.

The rapporteur also suggests raising the minimum age for the A1 driving licence.

She is also believes that non-commercial driving licences should continue to be valid for a maximum of 10 years. Given the need to combat road accidents among novice drivers, the administrative validity of their licences should be reduced to a maximum of two years, after which time they will be required to attend a refresher course on how to behave while driving.

The administrative validity of licences for drivers aged 60 or over should also be reduced to ensure that they are fully fit to drive.

Drivers’ mental and physical health is a further issue of crucial importance in road safety. This is why the rapporteur is against the Commission’s proposal for the self-assessment of driver fitness. A medical examination should be compulsory for anyone taking a driving test or renewing a driving licence.

The rapporteur calls for specific measures on speed limits for novice drivers and encourages the Member States to establish stricter rules for them, for example in respect of night driving, the accrual of penalty points or the loss of points on their licences.

The rapporteur would also like to see the introduction of a harmonised EU-wide framework covering both instructors and training for candidates.

She also suggests placing particular emphasis on the safety of vulnerable road users and on eco-driving. Lastly, she hopes that tests will be long enough to properly assess the aptitude of each candidate