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

On the proposal for 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

TRAN-PR-750248

Committee on Transport and Tourism · Rapporteur: Karima Delli

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This draft report sets out Parliament's amendments to the proposed directive on driving licences, covering new licence categories, training, testing, and medical checks. It introduces a B+ category for heavier vehicles, a demerit point system, and stricter rules for novice drivers, while deleting the accompanied driving scheme. It also mandates medical examinations for all applicants, reduces administrative validity periods, and adds requirements for training and instructors.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes amendments to the Commission's proposal, introducing a new B+ category, a demerit point system, and stricter rules for novice drivers, while rejecting the accompanied driving scheme.

Key points

  1. Establishes a new B+ driving licence category for vehicles over 1,800 kg, obtainable only after a two-year probationary period with a B licence and from age 21.
  2. Requires Member States to set up a demerit point system by 31 December 2025, with fixed penalties for major offences and stricter rules for novice drivers.
  3. Deletes the proposed accompanied driving scheme for 17-year-olds.
  4. Sets maximum speed limits for novice drivers: 90 km/h for A1, 100 km/h for A2, 110 km/h for A and B, and 130 km/h for B+.
  5. Mandates medical examinations for all driving licence applicants and renewals, removing the self-assessment option.
  6. Reduces administrative validity of licences for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, B+, B1 and BE to 10 years, and for drivers over 60, 70, and 80 to 7, 5, and 2 years respectively.
  7. Introduces minimum training requirements: at least 10 hours of theoretical and 7 hours of practical training for category B, and sets standards for instructors.
  8. Requires road safety instruction in school curricula and encourages financial schemes to make driving licences more affordable.
  9. Adds content to driving tests on eco-driving, interaction with vulnerable road users, first aid, and use of advanced driver assistance systems.
  10. Requires physical driving licences to be delivered within two weeks of request, and allows applicants to choose between physical and mobile licences.
  11. Deletes provisions allowing storage of biometric data (fingerprints, iris) on driving licences.
  12. Allows third-country CPC holders to exchange for EU CPC after additional training of up to 35 hours.

Who is affected

  • Driving licence applicants and holders, especially novice drivers, who face new categories, age limits, and medical checks.
  • Driving instructors and examiners, who must meet higher standards and undergo periodic training.
  • Manufacturers and owners of heavy passenger cars (SUVs) over 1,800 kg, which now require a B+ licence.
  • Member States, which must implement demerit point systems, medical exams, and training requirements.
  • Drivers over 60, who face shorter licence validity and possible refresher courses.

Figures and deadlines

  • 1,800 kg: maximum mass for category B vehicles; above this requires B+.
  • 21 years: minimum age for B+ licence.
  • 10 years: administrative validity for most licence categories.
  • 31 December 2025: deadline for Member States to establish demerit point systems.
  • 10 hours theoretical and 7 hours practical training minimum for category B.
  • 25 minutes minimum driving time for practical tests for categories A, A1, A2, B, B+, B1, BE.
  • 0.0 g/mL blood alcohol limit for novice drivers.
  • 35 hours: additional training for third-country CPC exchange.

Legal basis: Article 91(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union