The EU Council’s working group on land transport met on Monday 16 September to discuss future negotiations with the European Parliament on the revision of the Driving Licence Directive (see EUROPE 13360/9).
The representatives of the Member States addressed in particular the question of including in this text the recognition of driving disqualifications, which is the subject of another directive (see EUROPE 13435/12). According to a European diplomatic source contacted by Agence Europe on Tuesday 17 September, “the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council is aiming to submit a negotiating mandate to the Member States’ ambassadors to the EU (Coreper) in mid-October”.
The working group also identified points of flexibility that could be proposed during negotiations with the European Parliament, in particular: licence categories; the probationary period; minimum requirements for oral and driving tests; minimum standards for persons conducting driving tests. Some flexibility seems possible regarding the probationary period and testing requirements, in particular the deadlines for Member States to adopt, publish and apply the provisions of the Directive.
“In general, the Member States differed on the points where they could show flexibility and those where they wanted to stick to the EU Council’s general approach”, reported another European source contacted on Monday.
According to the same person, the Member States have been less flexible about the reporting and revision of the directive, as many believe that the Parliament's suggestions would entail too great an administrative burden. However, the European Commission has indicated that informing it of changes to national rules should not involve any additional administrative burden.
Member States have until Monday 23 September to send in their written comments. The group will work on the comments from Member States and inform them of the way forward in October. (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)