Brussels, 19/09/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission adopted a Directive on the harmonisation of driving licences in Europe, which modifies the Council Directive of 1991 by adapting it to technical development. The new Directive toughens the criteria of the theory and practical examination for the gaining of a driving licence, by taking into account, for example, the behaviour of drivers an environmental driving. It also notes the equipment of vehicles used for training and the exams: changes for heavy goods vehicles, length and height of vehicles etc.
This new Directive approved by the Commission after a favourable opinion from the "driving licence Committee" is part of the framework for a review of he European rules on the licence. The Commission should present in the autumn a Communication and draft Directive, politically sensitive, which will introduce obligatory medical checks and harmonise the duration of validity of licences. It will make obligatory eye sight tests after the age of 50 for motorbike and car examinations, and general medical tests every 10 year for bus and truck drivers.
Presently, only four Member States do not limit the validity of licences: France, Germany, Belgium and Austria. Germany seems the most opposed to the draft Directive under preparation for several years in the Commission services and presently being examined at Commissioner level.