COUNCIL AND TRAN COMMITTEE ADOPT POSITIONS ON DRIVING LICENCES DIRECTIVE
This week, the Transport Council adopted its general approach and the European Parliament’s TRAN Committee its report on the revision of the Driving Licence Directive. Both institutions broadly retained the main elements of the Commission proposal presented in March 2023, before heading to trilogues.
The Transport Council adopted its general approach on 4 December. Ministers approved the introduction of digital driving licences and the possibility for B-licence holders to drive alternatively-fuelled vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes two years after obtaining their driving licence. Some measures concerning the harmonisation of the recognition of third-country licenses have also been agreed by Member States.
The TRAN committee narrowly adopted its report on 7 December. Equally to the Council’s position, MEPs maintain the possibility for young truck drivers to start driving from 18 years old provided that they hold a certificate of professional competence. If they do not, the age limit is raised to 21. In addition, they confirm that 17-year-olds could also be eligible for a driving licence for trucks if accompanied by an experienced driver.
The Parliament’s position needs to be approved by a vote in Plenary expected in January 2024, after which it is expected to enter into trilogue negotiations with the Council, with the objective of reaching an agreement before the European elections.
Source: Council of the EU, European Parliament