European Union transport ministers, meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday 8 June, agreed their position on revision of the directive (2003/59) on the initial qualification and periodic training of road hauliers and bus and coach drivers.
In the first instance, ministers call for the vocational training to have a closer focus on road safety. This would involve drivers learning to adapt their driving to different road, traffic and weather conditions. Drivers should also be trained in how to drive to optimise fuel consumption. This training should be given when initial qualifications are being taken and also during the 35 hours of on-going training that drivers must undertake every five years.
Ministers also came to agreement on recognition of qualifications across the EU. Bus and lorry drivers will, therefore, have the harmonised EU code 95 marked on their driving licence or qualification card. This will allow their qualifications to be recognised in all the other member states.
Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said that the position of the Council of the EU was “in line with the objectives” of the Commission proposal, though she acknowledged that a number of points would have to be negotiated with the European Parliament as part of the inter-institutional talks to come. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)