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On 8 February, CLECAT, together with EEA and ESC sent a letter to Commissioner Adina Valean on the upcoming revision of the Driving License Directive, expected on 1^st March as part of the Road Safety Package.

 The signatories consider that the revision of the Directive represents an important opportunity to enhance the existing legislation in support of the EU’s environmental, social and digital goals in road transport. The letter highlights three key elements crucial to a successful revision:

• EU-wide increase in maximum vehicle weights for B Licenses for alternatively fuelled vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes: the existing Directive provides the possibility for Member States to implement this provision, but we consider that an EU-wide implementation would alleviate the current shortage of truck driver and promote EU’s environmental ambitions.
• Further digitalising the EU driving license, by creating an EU framework for digital driving licenses that harmonises and streamlines the process of applying for and renewing licenses which would benefit all operators.
• Earlier training to enhance driver access to the industry: the EU should consider earlier driver training from 17 years old (accompanied by an experienced driver), in order to decrease the risk of accidents and attract a new generation of professionals to the industry.

The full letter is available via this link.