25/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 25 June, the European Commission issued reasoned opinions against Portugal, Cyprus and the Czech Republic since they have not yet communicated the measures to transpose into national law a Community directive on driving licences (directive 2008/65/EC). The deadline for transposition was 30 September 2008. The three member states have two months within which to reply before commencement of the next stage in the procedure. The directive, adopted in June 2007, seeks to enhance safety in critical infrastructure. It requires every candidate for a driving licence to have a good knowledge, both theoretical and practical, of driving in tunnels. Other amendments amend the definition of vehicles with automatic transmission and the transitional period in which old heavy goods vehicles may still be used for the practical test for a driving licence in that category. (A.By./transl.rt)