Category AM:

— ‘motorcycle’ means two-wheel vehicles with or without a sidecar, as defined in Article 1(2)(b) of Directive 2002/24/EC,

— ‘motor tricycle’ means vehicles with three symmetrically arranged wheels, as defined in Article 1(2)(c) of Directive 2002/24/EC;

(a) Category A1:

— motorcycles with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres, of a power not exceeding 11 kW and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0,1 kW/kg,

— motor tricycles with a power not exceeding 15 kW,

— the minimum age for category A1 is fixed at 16 years;

(b) Category A2:

— motorcycles of a power not exceeding 35 kW and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0,2 kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power,

— the minimum age for category A2 is fixed at 18 years;

(c) Category A:

(i) motorcycles

— The minimum age for category A is fixed at 20 years. However, access to the driving of motorcycles of this category shall be subject to a minimum of two years' experience on motorcycles under an A2 licence. This requirement as to previous experience may be waived if the candidate is at least 24 years old.

(ii) motor tricycles with a power exceeding 15 kW

— The minimum age for motor tricycles exceeding 15 kW is fixed at 21 years.

— ‘motor vehicle’ means any power-driven vehicle, which is normally used for carrying persons or goods by road or for drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods. This term shall include trolleybuses, i.e. vehicles connected to an electric conductor and not rail-borne. It shall not include agricultural or forestry tractors,

— ‘Agricultural or forestry tractor’ means any power-driven vehicle running on wheels or tracks, having at least two axles, the principal function of which lies in its tractive power, which is specially designed to pull, push, carry or operate certain tools, machines or trailers used in connection with agricultural or forestry operations, and the use of which for carrying persons or goods by road or drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods is only a secondary function;

(a) Category B1:

— quadricycles, as defined in Article 1(3)(b) of Directive 2002/24/EC,

— the minimum age for category B1 is fixed at 16 years,

— category B1 is optional; in Member States which do not introduce this category of driving licence, a driving licence for category B shall be required to drive such vehicles;

(b) Category B:

— a training has been completed, or

— a test of skills and behaviour has been passed.

(c) Category BE:

— without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combination of vehicles consisting of a tractor vehicle in category B and a trailer or semi-trailer where the maximum authorised mass of the trailer or semi-trailer does not exceed 3 500  kg,

— the minimum age for category BE is fixed at 18 years;

(d) Category C1:

(e) Category C1E:

— without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C1 and its trailer or semi-trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg provided that the authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 12 000  kg,

— without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category B and its trailer or semi-trailer has an authorised mass of over 3 500  kg, provided that the authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 12 000  kg,

— the minimum age for categories C1 and C1E is fixed at the age of 18 years, without prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles in Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers ( 2 );

(f) Category C:

(g) Category CE:

— without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C and its trailer or semi-trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg,

— the minimum age for categories C and CE is fixed at 21 years, without prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles in Directive 2003/59/EC;

(h) Category D1:

(i) Category D1E:

— without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D1 and its trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg,

— the minimum age for categories D1 and D1E is fixed at 21 years, without prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles in Directive 2003/59/EC;

(j) Category D:

(k) Category DE:

— without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D and its trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg,

— the minimum age for categories D and DE is fixed at 24 years, without prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles in Directive 2003/59/EC;

(a) for category AM down to 14 years or up to 18 years;

(b) for category B1 up to 18 years;

(c) for category A1 up to 17 or 18 years,

— if there is a two years difference between the minimum age for category A1 and the minimum age for category A2, and

— there is a requirement of a minimum of two years experience on motorcycles of category A2 before access to the driving of motorcycles for category A can be granted, as referred to in Article 4(3)(c)(i);

(d) for categories B and BE down to 17 years.

(a) vehicles used by the fire service and vehicles used for maintaining public order;

(b) vehicles undergoing road tests for repair or maintenance purposes.

(a) licences for categories C1, C, D1 and D shall be issued only to drivers already entitled to drive vehicles in category B;

(b) licences for categories BE, C1E, CE, D1E and DE shall be issued only to drivers already entitled to drive vehicles in categories B, C1, C, D1 and D respectively.

(a) licences granted for categories C1E, CE, D1E or DE shall be valid for combinations of vehicles in category BE;

(b) licences granted for category CE shall be valid for category DE as long as their holders are entitled to drive vehicles in category D;

(c) licences granted for category CE and DE shall be valid for combinations of vehicles in categories C1E and D1E respectively;

(d) licences granted for any category shall be valid for vehicles in category AM. However, for driving licences issued on its territory, a Member State may limit the equivalences for category AM to categories A1, A2 and A, if that Member State imposes a practical test as a condition for obtaining category AM;

(e) licences issued for category A2 shall also be valid for category A1;

(f) licences granted for categories A, B, C or D shall be valid for categories A1, A2, B1, C1, or D1 respectively.

(a) motor tricycles under a licence for category B, for motor tricycles with a power exceeding 15 kW provided that the holder of the licence for category B is at least 21 years old;

(b) category A1 motorcycles under a licence for category B.

(a) vehicles of category D1 (with a maximum authorised mass of 3 500  kg, excluding any specialised equipment intended for the carriage of disabled passengers) by holders over 21 years old of a driving licence for category B which was obtained at least two years earlier provided that the vehicles are being used by non-commercial bodies for social purposes and that the driver provides his services on a voluntary basis;

(b) vehicles of a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3 500  kg by holders over 21 years old of a driving licence for category B which was obtained at least two years before, provided that the main purpose of the vehicles is to be used only when stationary as an instructional or recreational area, and that they are being used by non-commercial bodies for social purposes and that vehicles have been modified so that they may not be used either for the transport of more than nine persons or for the transport of any goods other than those strictly necessary for their purposes.

(a) who have passed a test of skills and behaviour and a theoretical test and who meet medical standards, in accordance with the provisions of Annexes II and III;

(b) who have passed a theory test only as regards category AM; Member States may require applicants to pass a test of skills and behaviour and a medical examination for this category.

(c) who have, as regards category A2 or category A, on the condition of having acquired a minimum of 2 years' experience on a motorcycle in category A1 or in category A2 respectively, passed a test of skills and behaviour only, or completed a training pursuant to Annex VI;

(d) who have completed a training or passed a test of skills and behaviour, or completed a training and passed a test of skills and behaviour pursuant to Annex V as regards category B for driving a vehicle combination as defined in the second subparagraph of Article 4(4)(b);

(e) who have their normal residence in the territory of the Member State issuing the licence, or can produce evidence that they have been studying there for at least six months.

(a) As from 19 January 2013, licences issued by Member States for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, B1 and BE shall have an administrative validity of 10 years.

(b) As from 19 January 2013, licences issued by Member States for categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E shall have an administrative validity of 5 years;

(c) The renewal of a driving licence may trigger a new administrative validity period for another category or categories the licence holder is entitled to drive, insofar as this is in conformity with the conditions laid down in this Directive;

(d) The presence of a microchip pursuant to Article 1 shall not be a prerequisite for the validity of a driving licence. The loss or unreadability of the microchip, or any other damage thereto, shall not affect the validity of the document.

(a) continuing compliance with the minimum standards of physical and mental fitness for driving set out in Annex III for driving licences in categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E; and

(b) normal residence in the territory of the Member State issuing the licence, or evidence that applicants have been studying there for at least six months.

(a) No person may hold more than one driving licence;

(b) A Member State shall refuse to issue a licence where it establishes that the applicant already holds a driving licence;

(c) Member States shall take the necessary measures pursuant to point (b). The necessary measures as regards the issue, replacement, renewal or exchange of a driving licence shall be to verify with other Member States where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the applicant is already the holder of another driving licence;

(d) In order to facilitate the checks pursuant to point (b), Member States shall use the EU driving licence network once it is operational.

1. The physical characteristics of the card of the ►M2  European Union model driving licence ◄ shall be in accordance with ISO 7810 and ISO 7816-1.

2. Physical security of driving licences

— production of false cards: creating a new object which bears great resemblance to the document, either by making it from scratch or by copying an original document,

— material alteration: changing a property of an original document, e.g. modifying some of the data printed on the document;

(a) The material used for driving licences shall be made secure against forgery by using the following techniques (mandatory security features):

— card bodies shall be UV dull,

— a security background pattern designed to be resistant to counterfeit by scanning, printing or copying, using rainbow printing with multicolour security inks and positive and negative guilloche printing. The pattern shall not be composed of the primary colours (CMYK), shall contain complex pattern designs in a minimum of two special colours and shall include micro lettering,

— optical variable elements providing adequate protection against copying and tampering of the photograph,

— laser engraving,

— in the area of the photograph the security design background and photograph should overlap on at least its border (weakening pattern).

(b) In addition, the material used for driving licences shall be made secure against forgery by using at least three of the following techniques (additional security features):

— colour-shifting inks*,

— termochromic ink*,

— custom holograms*,

— variable laser images*,

— ultraviolet fluorescent ink, visible and transparent,

— iridescent printing,

— digital watermark in the background,

— infrared or phosphorescent pigments,

— tactile characters, symbols or patterns*.

(c) Member States are free to introduce additional security features. As a basis, the techniques indicated with an asterisk are to be preferred as they enable the law enforcement officers to check the validity of the card without any special means.

3. The licence shall have two sides.

(a) the words ‘Driving Licence’ printed in large type in the language or languages of the Member State issuing the licence;

(b) the name of the Member State issuing the licence (optional);

(c) the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing the licence, printed in negative in a blue rectangle and encircled by 12 yellow stars; the distinguishing signs shall be as follows:

(d) information specific to the licence issued, numbered as follows:

1. surname of the holder;

2. other name(s) of the holder;

3. date and place of birth;

4.

5. number of the licence;

6. photograph of the holder;

7. signature of the holder;

8. permanent place of residence, or postal address (optional);

9. category of vehicle(s) the holder is entitled to drive (national categories shall be printed in a different type from harmonised categories);

(e) the words ‘European Union model’ in the language(s) of the Member State issuing the licence and the words ‘Driving Licence’ in the other languages of the European Union, printed in pink to form the background of the licence:

Свидетелство за управление на МПС

Permiso de Conducción

Řidičský průkaz

Kørekort

Führerschein

Juhiluba

Άδεια Οδήγησης

Driving Licence

Permis de conduire

Ceadúas Tiomána

Vozačka dozvola

Patente di guida

Vadītāja apliecība

Vairuotojo pažymėjimas

Vezetői engedély

Liċenzja tas-Sewqan

Rijbewijs

Prawo Jazdy

Carta de Condução

Permis de conducere

Vodičský preukaz

Vozniško dovoljenje

Ajokortti

Körkort;

(f) Colour references:

— blue: Pantone Reflex Blue,

— yellow: Pantone Yellow.

(a)

▼M2

▼M7

13. in implementation of section 4(a) of this Annex, a space reserved for the possible entry by the host Member State of information essential for administering the licence;

14. a space reserved for the possible entry by the Member State which issues the licence of information essential for administering the licence or related to road safety (optional). If the information relates to one of the headings defined in this Annex, it should be preceded by the number of the heading in question.

(b) an explanation of the following numbered items which appear on pages 1 and 2 of the licence: 1, 2, 3, 4(a), 4(b), 4(c), 5, 10, 11 and 12;

(c) a space shall be reserved on the ►M2  European Union model driving licence ◄ to allow for the possible introduction of a microchip or similar computer device.

(a) Where the holder of a driving licence issued by a Member State in accordance with this Annex has his normal place of residence in another Member State, that Member State may enter in the licence such information as is essential for administering it, provided that it also enters this type of information in the licences which it issues and provided that there remains enough space for the purpose.

(b) After consulting the Commission, Member States may add colours or markings, such as bar codes and national symbols, without prejudice to the other provisions of this Annex.

(c) Information contained in the front and reverse side of the card shall be legible with the eye, using a minimum character height of 5 points for items 9 to 12 on the reverse side.

— a theory test, and then

— a test of skills and behaviour.

2.1. Questions must be asked on each of the points listed below, the content and form of the questions being left to the discretion of each Member State:

2.1.1. Road traffic regulations:

— in particular as regards road signs, markings and signals, rights of way and speed limits;

2.1.2. The driver:

— importance of alertness and of attitude to other road users,

— perception, judgement and decision-taking, especially reaction time, as well as changes in driving behaviour due to the influence of alcohol, drugs and medicinal products, state of mind and fatigue;

2.1.3. The road:

— the most important principles concerning the observance of a safe distance between vehicles, braking distances and road holding under various weather and road conditions,

— driving risk factors related to various road conditions, in particular as they change with the weather and the time of day or night,

— characteristics of various types of road and the related statutory requirements,

— safe driving in road tunnels;

2.1.4. Other road users:

— specific risk factors related to the lack of experience of other road users and the most vulnerable categories of users such as children, pedestrians, cyclists and people whose mobility is reduced,

— risks involved in the movement and driving of various types of vehicles and of the different fields of view of their drivers;

2.1.5. General rules and regulations and other matters:

— rules concerning the administrative documents required for the use of vehicles,

— general rules specifying how the driver must behave in the event of an accident (setting warning devices and raising the alarm) and the measures which he can take to assist road accident victims where necessary,

— safety factors relating to the vehicle, the load and persons carried;

2.1.6. Precautions necessary when alighting from the vehicle;

2.1.7. Mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety; applicants must be able to detect the most common faults, in particular in the steering, suspension and braking systems, tyres, lights and direction indicators, reflectors, rear-view mirrors, windscreen and wipers, the exhaust system, seat-belts and the audible warning device;

2.1.8. Vehicle safety equipment and, in particular, the use of seat-belts, head restraints and child safety equipment;

2.1.9. Rules regarding vehicle use in relation to the environment (appropriate use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel consumption, limitation of pollutant emissions, etc.).

3.1. Compulsory check of general knowledge on:

3.1.1. Use of protective outfit such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet;

3.1.2. Visibility of motorcycle riders for other road users;

3.1.3. Risk factors related to various road conditions as laid down above with additional attention to slippery parts such as drain covers, road markings such as lines and arrows, tram rails;

3.1.4. Mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety as laid down above with additional attention to the emergency stop switch, the oil levels and the chain.

4.1. Compulsory check of general knowledge on:

4.1.1. Rules on driving hours and rest periods as defined by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport ( 8 ); use of the recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 on recording equipment in road transport;

4.1.2. Rules concerning the type of transport concerned: goods or passengers;

4.1.3. Vehicle and transport documents required for the national and international carriage of goods and passengers;

4.1.4. How to behave in the event of an accident; knowledge of measures to be taken after an accident or similar occurrence, including emergency action such as evacuation of passengers and basic knowledge of first aid;

4.1.5. The precautions to be taken during the removal and replacement of wheels;

4.1.6. Rules on vehicle weights and dimensions; rules on speed limiters;

4.1.7. Obstruction of the field of view caused by the characteristics of their vehicles;

4.1.8. Reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic navigation systems (optional);

4.1.9. Safety factors relating to vehicle loading: controlling the load (stowing and fastening), difficulties with different kinds of load (e.g. liquids, hanging loads, …), loading and unloading goods and the use of loading equipment (categories C, CE, C1, C1E only);

4.1.10. The driver's responsibility in respect to the carriage of passengers; comfort and safety of passengers; transport of children; necessary checks before driving away; all sorts of buses should be part of the theory test (public service buses and coaches, buses with special dimensions, …) (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only).

4.1a. Member States may exempt applicants to a licence for a category C1 or C1E vehicle outside the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 from demonstrating their knowledge of the subjects listed in points 4.1.1 to 4.1.3.

4.2. Compulsory check of general knowledge on the following additional provisions concerning categories C, CE, D and DE:

4.2.1. The principles of the construction and functioning of: internal combustion engines, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), the fuel system, the electrical system, the ignition system, the transmission system (clutch, gearbox, etc.);

4.2.2. Lubrication and antifreeze protection;

4.2.3. The principles of the construction, the fitting, correct use and care of tyres;

4.2.4. The principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and day-to-day maintenance of brake fittings and speed governors, and use of anti-lock brakes;

4.2.5. The principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and day-to-day maintenance of coupling systems (categories CE, DE only);

4.2.6. Methods of locating causes of breakdowns;

4.2.7. Preventive maintenance of vehicles and necessary running repairs;

4.2.8. The driver's responsibility in respect of the receipt, carriage and delivery of goods in accordance with the agreed conditions (categories C, CE only).

5.2. The vehicles used in tests of skills and behaviour shall comply with the minimum criteria given below. Member States may make provisions for more stringent criteria or add others. Member States may apply to vehicles of category A1, A2 and A, used in the test of skills and behaviour, a tolerance of 5 cm3 below the required minimum cylinder capacity.

6.1.1. Adjust the protective outfit, such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet;

6.1.2. Perform a random check on the condition of the tyres, brakes, steering, emergency stop switch (if applicable), chain, oil levels, lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device.

6.2.1. Putting the motorcycle on and off its stand and moving it, without the aid of the engine, by walking alongside the vehicle;

6.2.2. Parking the motorcycle on its stand;

6.2.3. At least two manoeuvres to be executed at slow speed, including a slalom; this should allow competence to be assessed in handling of the clutch in combination with the brake, balance, vision direction and position on the motorcycle and the position of the feet on the foot rests;

6.2.4. At least two manoeuvres to be executed at higher speed, of which one manoeuvre in second or third gear, at least 30 km/h and one manoeuvre avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h; this should allow competence to be assessed in the position on the motorcycle, vision direction, balance, steering technique and technique of changing gears;

6.2.5. Braking: at least two braking exercises shall be executed, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h; this should allow competence to be assessed in handling of the front and rear brake, vision direction and the position on the motorcycle.

6.3.1. Riding away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;

6.3.2. Riding on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;

6.3.3. Riding round bends;

6.3.4. Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;

6.3.5. Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;

6.3.6. Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;

6.3.7. Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); riding alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate);

6.3.8. Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes; tunnels;

6.3.9. Taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle.

7.1.1. Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;

7.1.2. Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available;

7.1.3. Checking that the doors are closed;

7.1.4. Performing a random check on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;

7.1.5. Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body, sheets, cargo doors, cabin locking, way of loading, securing load (category BE only);

7.1.6. Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (category BE only).

7.2.1. Reversing in a straight line or reversing right or left round a corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane;

7.2.2. Turning the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and reverse gears;

7.2.3. Parking the vehicle and leaving a parking space (parallel, oblique or right-angle, forwards or in reverse, on the flat, uphill or downhill);

7.2.4. Braking accurately to a stop; however, performing an emergency stop is optional.

7.3.1. Coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing vehicle being parked alongside the trailer (i.e. not in one line);

7.3.2. Reversing along a curve, the line of which shall be left to the discretion of the Member States;

7.3.3. Parking safely for loading/unloading.

7.4.1. Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;

7.4.2. Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;

7.4.3. Driving round bends;

7.4.4. Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;

7.4.5. Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;

7.4.6. Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;

7.4.7. Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate);

7.4.8. Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes; tunnels;

7.4.9. Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.

8.1.1. Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;

8.1.2. Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available;

8.1.3. Random checks on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;

8.1.4. Checking the power-assisted braking and steering systems; checking the condition of the wheels, wheelnuts, mudguards, windscreen, windows and wipers, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid); checking and using the instrument panel including the recording equipment as defined in Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85. This latter requirement does not apply to the applicants for a driving licence for a category C1 or C1E vehicle not falling within the scope of this Regulation;

8.1.5. Checking the air pressure, air tanks and the suspension;

8.1.6. Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body, sheets, cargo doors, loading mechanism (if available), cabin locking (if available), way of loading, securing load (categories C, CE, C1, C1E only);

8.1.7. Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (categories CE, C1E, DE, D1E only);

8.1.8. Being capable of taking special vehicle safety measures; controlling the body, service doors, emergency exits, first aid equipment, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only);

8.1.9. Reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic navigation systems (optional).

8.2.1. Coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing vehicle being parked alongside the trailer (i.e. not in one line) (categories CE, C1E, DE, D1E only);

8.2.2. Reversing along a curve, the line of which shall be left to the discretion of the Member States;

8.2.3. Parking safely for loading/unloading at a loading ramp/platform or similar installation (categories C, CE, C1, C1E only);

8.2.4. Parking to let passengers on or off the bus safely (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only).

8.3.1. Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;

8.3.2. Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;

8.3.3. Driving round bends;

8.3.4. Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;

8.3.5. Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;

8.3.6. Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;

8.3.7. Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate);

8.3.8. Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes; tunnels;

8.3.9. Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.

8.4.1. Driving in such a way as to ensure safety and to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during acceleration, deceleration, uphill and downhill driving, when necessary by selecting gears manually.

9.1. For each of the abovementioned driving situations, the assessment must reflect the degree of ease with which the applicant handles the vehicle controls and his demonstrated capacity to drive in traffic in complete safety. The examiner must feel safe throughout the test. Driving errors or dangerous conduct immediately endangering the safety of the test vehicle, its passengers or other road users shall be penalised by failing the test, whether or not the examiner or accompanying person has to intervene. Nonetheless, the examiner shall be free to decide whether or not the skills and behaviour test should be completed.

9.2. During their assessment, driving examiners shall pay special attention to whether an applicant is showing a defensive and social driving behaviour. This should reflect the overall style of driving and the driving examiner should take this into account in the overall picture of the applicant. It includes adapted and determined (safe) driving, taking into account road and weather conditions, taking into account other traffic, taking into account the interests of other road users (particularly the more vulnerable) and anticipation.

9.3. The driving examiner will furthermore assess whether the applicant is:

9.3.1. Controlling the vehicle; taking into account: proper use of safety belts, rear-view mirrors, head restraints; seat; proper use of lights and other equipment; proper use of clutch, gearbox, accelerator, braking systems (including third braking system, if available), steering; controlling the vehicle under different circumstances, at different speeds; steadiness on the road; the weight and dimensions and characteristics of the vehicle; the weight and type of load (categories BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, DE, D1E only); the comfort of the passengers (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only) (no fast acceleration, smoothly driving and no hard braking);

9.3.2. Driving economically and in a safe and energy-efficient way, taking into account the revolutions per minute, changing gears, braking and accelerating (categories B, BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E only);

9.3.3. Observation: all-round observation; proper use of mirrors; far, middle, near distance vision;

9.3.4. Priority/giving way: priority at crossroads, intersections and junctions; giving way at other occasions (e.g. changing direction, changing lanes, special manoeuvres);

9.3.5. Correct position on the road: proper position on the road, in lanes, on roundabouts, round bends, suitable for the type and the characteristics of the vehicle; pre-positioning;

9.3.6. Keeping distance: keeping adequate distance to the front and the side; keeping adequate distance from other road users;

9.3.7. Speed: not exceeding the maximum allowed speed; adapting speed to weather/traffic conditions and where appropriate up to national speed limits; driving at such a speed that stopping within distance of the visible and free road is possible; adapting speed to general speed of same kind of road users;

9.3.8. Traffic lights, road signs and other indications: acting correctly at traffic lights; obeying instructions from traffic controllers; acting correctly at road signs (prohibitions or commands); take appropriate action at road markings;

9.3.9. Signalling: give signals where necessary, correctly and properly timed; indicating directions correctly; taking appropriate action with regard to all signals made by other road users;

9.3.10. Braking and stopping: decelerating in time, braking or stopping according to circumstances; anticipation; using the various braking systems (only for categories C, CE, D, DE); using speed reduction systems other than the brakes (only for categories C, CE, D, DE).

— Recognise traffic dangers and assess their seriousness,

— Have sufficient command of their vehicle not to create dangerous situations and to react appropriately should such situations occur,

— Comply with road traffic regulations, and in particular those intended to prevent road accidents and to maintain the flow of traffic,

— Detect any major technical faults in their vehicles, in particular those posing a safety hazard, and have them remedied in an appropriate fashion,

— Take account of all the factors affecting driving behaviour (e.g. alcohol, fatigue, poor eyesight, etc.) so as to retain full use of the faculties needed to drive safely,

— Help ensure the safety of all road users, and in particular of the weakest and most exposed by showing due respect for others.

1. For the purpose of this Annex, drivers are classified in two groups:

1.1. Group 1:

1.2. Group 2:

1.3. National legislation may provide for the provisions set out in this Annex for Group 2 drivers to apply to drivers of Category B vehicles using their driving licence for professional purposes (taxis, ambulances, etc.).

2. Similarly, applicants for a first driving licence or for the renewal of a driving licence are classified in the group to which they will belong once the licence has been issued or renewed.

3. Group 1:

4. Group 2:

5. The standards set by Member States for the issue or any subsequent renewal of driving licences may be stricter than those set out in this Annex.

6. All applicants for a driving licence shall undergo an appropriate investigation to ensure that they have adequate visual acuity for driving power-driven vehicles. Where there is reason to doubt that the applicant’s vision is adequate, he/she shall be examined by a competent medical authority. At this examination attention shall be paid, in particular, to the following: visual acuity, field of vision, twilight vision, glare and contrast sensitivity, diplopia and other visual functions that can compromise safe driving.

6.1. Applicants for a driving licence or for the renewal of such a licence shall have a binocular visual acuity, with corrective lenses if necessary, of at least 0,5 when using both eyes together.

6.2. Applicants for a driving licence, or for the renewal of such a licence, who have total functional loss of vision in one eye or who use only one eye (e.g. in the case of diplopia) must have a visual acuity of at least 0,5, with corrective lenses if necessary. The competent medical authority must certify that this condition of monocular vision has existed for a sufficiently long time to allow adaptation and that the field of vision in this eye meets the requirement laid down in paragraph 6.1.

6.3. After any recently developed diplopia or after the loss of vision in one eye, there should be an appropriate adaptation period (for example, six months), during which driving is not allowed. After this period, driving is only allowed following a favourable opinion from vision and driving experts.

6.4. Applicants for a driving licence or for the renewal of such a licence shall have a visual acuity, with corrective lenses if necessary, of at least 0,8 in the better eye and at least 0,1 in the worse eye. If corrective lenses are used to attain the values of 0,8 and 0,1, the minimum acuity (0,8 and 0,1) must be achieved either by correction by means of glasses with a power not exceeding plus eight dioptres, or with the aid of contact lenses. The correction must be well tolerated.

7. Driving licences may be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers in Group 2 subject to the opinion of the competent medical authorities; particular account will be taken in medical examinations of the scope for compensation.

8. Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers suffering from complaints or abnormalities of the locomotor system which make it dangerous to drive a power-driven vehicle.

8.1. Driving licences subject to certain restrictions, if necessary, may be issued to physically disabled applicants or drivers following the issuing of an opinion by a competent medical authority. This opinion must be based on a medical assessment of the complaint or abnormality in question and, where necessary, on a practical test. It must also indicate what type of modification to the vehicle is required and whether the driver needs to be fitted with an orthopaedic device, insofar as the test of skills and behaviour demonstrates that with such a device driving would not to be dangerous.

8.2. Driving licences may be issued to or renewed for any applicant suffering from a progressive complaint on condition that the disabled person is regularly examined to check that the person is still capable of driving the vehicle completely safely.

8.3. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the definition of this group.

9. Cardiovascular conditions or diseases can lead to a sudden impairment of the cerebral functions that constitutes a danger to road safety. These conditions represent grounds for establishing temporary or permanent restrictions to driving.

9.1. For the following cardiovascular conditions, driving licences may be issued or renewed for applicants or drivers in the indicated groups, only after the condition has been effectively treated and subject to competent medical authorisation and if appropriate, regular medical assessment:

(a) brady-arrhythmias (sinus node disease and conduction disturbances) and tachy-arrhythmias (supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias) with history of syncope or syncopal episodes due to arrhythmic conditions (applies to group 1 and 2);

(b) brady-arrhythmias: sinus node disease and conduction disturbances with second degree atrioventricular (AV) block Mobitz II, third degree AV block or alternating bundle branch block (applies to group 2 only);

(c) tachy-arrhythmias (supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias) with

— structural heart disease and sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) (applies to group 1 and 2), or

— polymorphic nonsustained VT, sustained ventricular tachycardia or with an indication for a defibrillator (applies to group 2 only);

(d) symptomatic of angina (applies to group 1 and 2);

(e) permanent pacemaker implantation or replacement (applies to group 2 only);

(f) defibrillator implantation or replacement or appropriate or inappropriate defibrillator shock (applies to group 1 only);

(g) syncope (a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone, characterised by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous recovery, due to global cerebral hypoperfusion, of presumed reflex origin, of unknown cause, with no evidence of underlying heart disease)(applies to group 1 and 2);

(h) acute coronary syndrome (applies to group 1 and 2);

(i) stable angina if symptoms do not occur with mild exercise (applies to group 1 and 2);

(j) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (applies to group 1 and 2);

(k) coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) (applies to group 1 and 2);

(l) stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) (applies to group 1 and 2);

(m) significant carotid artery stenosis (applies to group 2 only);

(n) maximum aortic diameter exceeding 5,5 cm (applies to group 2 only);

(o) heart failure:

— New York Heart Association (NYHA) I, II, III (applies to group 1 only),

— NYHA I and II provided that the left ventricular ejection fraction is at least 35 % (applies to group 2 only);

(p) heart transplantation (applies to group 1 and 2);

(q) cardiac assist device (applies to group 1 only);

(r) valvular heart surgery (applies to group 1 and 2);

(s) malignant hypertension (elevation in systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg associated with impending or progressive organ damage) (applies to group 1 and 2);

(t) grade III blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg and/or systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg) (applies to group 2 only);

(u) congenital heart disease (applies to group 1 and 2);

(v) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy if without syncope (applies to group 1 only);

(w) long QT syndrome with syncope, Torsade des Pointes or QTc > 500 ms (applies to group 1 only).

9.2. For the following cardiovascular conditions, driving licences shall not be issued or renewed for applicants or drivers in the indicated groups:

(a) implant of a defibrillator (applies to group 2 only);

(b) peripheral vascular disease — thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm when maximum aortic diameter is such that it predisposes to a significant risk of sudden rupture and hence a sudden disabling event (applies to group 1 and 2);

(c) heart failure:

— NYHA IV (applies to group 1 only),

— NYHA III and IV (applies to group 2 only);

(d) cardiac assist devices (applies to group 2 only);

(e) valvular heart disease with aortic regurgitation, aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation or mitral stenosis if functional ability is estimated to be NYHA IV or if there have been syncopal episodes (applies to group 1 only);

(f) valvular heart disease in NYHA III or IV or with ejection fraction (EF) below 35 %, mitral stenosis and severe pulmonary hypertension or with severe echocardiographic aortic stenosis or aortic stenosis causing syncope; except for completely asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis if the exercise tolerance test requirements are fulfilled (applies to group 2 only);

(g) structural and electrical cardiomyopathies — hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with history of syncope or when two or more of the following conditions present: left ventricle (LV) wall thickness > 3 cm, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, a family history of sudden death (in a first degree relative), no increase of blood pressure with exercise (applies to group 2 only);

(h) long QT syndrome with syncope, Torsade des Pointes and QTc > 500 ms (applies to group 2 only);

(i) Brugada syndrome with syncope or aborted sudden cardiac death (applies to group 1 and 2).

9.3. Other cardiomyopathies

9.4. Member States may restrict the issue or renewal of driving licences for applicants or drivers with other cardiovascular diseases.

10. In the following paragraphs, a severe hypoglycaemia means that the assistance of another person is needed and a recurrent hypoglycaemia is defined as a second severe hypoglycaemia during a period of 12 months.

10.1. Driving licences may be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers who have diabetes mellitus. When treated with medication, they should be subject to authorised medical opinion and regular medical review, appropriate to each case, but the interval should not exceed five years.

10.2. An applicant or driver with diabetes treated with medication which carries a risk of inducing hypoglycaemia shall demonstrate an understanding of the risk of hypoglycaemia and adequate control of the condition.

10.3. Consideration may be given to the issuing/renewal of group 2 licences to drivers with diabetes mellitus. When treated with medication which carries a risk of inducing hypoglycaemia (that is, with insulin, and some tablets), the following criteria should apply:

— no severe hypoglycaemic events have occurred in the previous 12 months,

— the driver has full hypoglycaemic awareness,

— the driver must show adequate control of the condition by regular blood glucose monitoring, at least twice daily and at times relevant to driving,

— the driver must demonstrate an understanding of the risks of hypoglycaemia,

— there are no other debarring complications of diabetes.

10.4. A severe hypoglycaemic event during waking hours, even unrelated to driving, should be reported and should give rise to a reassessment of the licensing status.

11.1. Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers suffering from a serious neurological disease, unless the application is supported by authorised medical opinion.

11.2. In the following paragraphs, a moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome corresponds to a number of apnoeas and hypopnoeas per hour (Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index) between 15 and 29 and a severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome corresponds to an Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index of 30 or more, both associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.

11.3. Applicants or drivers in whom a moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is suspected shall be referred for further authorised medical advice before a driving licence is issued or renewed. They may be advised not to drive until confirmation of the diagnosis.

11.4. Driving licences may be issued to applicants or drivers with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome who show adequate control of their condition and compliance with appropriate treatment and improvement of sleepiness, if any, confirmed by authorised medical opinion.

11.5. Applicants or drivers with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome under treatment shall be subject to a periodic medical review, at intervals not exceeding three years for drivers of group 1 and one year for drivers of group 2, with a view to establish the level of compliance with the treatment, the need for continuing the treatment and continued good vigilance.

12. Epileptic seizures or other sudden disturbances of the state of consciousness constitute a serious danger to road safety if they occur in a person driving a power-driven vehicle.

12.1. Drivers assessed under group 1 with epilepsy should be under licence review until they have been seizure-free for at least five years.

12.2. Provoked epileptic seizure: the applicant who has had a provoked epileptic seizure because of a recognisable provoking factor that is unlikely to recur at the wheel can be declared able to drive on an individual basis, subject to neurological opinion (the assessment should be, if appropriate, in accordance with other relevant sections of Annex III (e.g. in the case of alcohol or other co-morbidity).

12.3. First or single unprovoked seizure: the applicant who has had a first unprovoked epileptic seizure can be declared able to drive after a period of six months without seizures, if there has been an appropriate medical assessment. National authorities may allow drivers with recognised good prognostic indicators to drive sooner.

12.4. Other loss of consciousness: the loss of consciousness should be assessed according to the risk of recurrence while driving.

12.5. Epilepsy: drivers or applicants can be declared fit to drive after a one-year period free of further seizures.

12.6. Seizures exclusively in sleep: the applicant or driver who has never had any seizures other than seizures during sleep can be declared fit to drive so long as this pattern has been established for a period which must not be less than the seizure-free period required for epilepsy. If there is an occurrence of attacks/seizure arising while awake, a one-year period free of further event before licensing is required (see ‘Epilepsy’).

12.7. Seizures without influence on consciousness or the ability to act: the applicant or driver who has never had any seizures other than seizures which have been demonstrated exclusively to affect neither consciousness nor cause any functional impairment can be declared fit to drive so long as this pattern has been established for a period which must not be less than the seizure-free period required for epilepsy. If there is an occurrence of any other kind of attacks/seizures a one-year period free of further event before licensing is required (see ‘Epilepsy’).

12.8. Seizures because of a physician-directed change or reduction of anti-epileptic therapy: the patient may be advised not to drive from the commencement of the period of withdrawal and thereafter for a period of six months after cessation of treatment. Seizures occurring during physician-advised change or withdrawal of medication require three months off driving if the previously effective treatment is reinstated.

12.9. After curative epilepsy surgery: see ‘Epilepsy’.

12.10. The applicant should be without anti-epileptic medication for the required period of seizure freedom. An appropriate medical follow-up has been done. On extensive neurological investigation, no relevant cerebral pathology was established and there is no epileptiform activity on the electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG and an appropriate neurological assessment should be performed after the acute episode.

12.11. Provoked epileptic seizure: the applicant who has had a provoked epileptic seizure because of a recognisable provoking factor that is unlikely to recur at the wheel can be declared able to drive on an individual basis, subject to neurological opinion. An EEG and an appropriate neurological assessment should be performed after the acute episode.

12.12. First or single unprovoked seizure: the applicant who has had a first unprovoked epileptic seizure can be declared able to drive once five years’ freedom from further seizures has been achieved without the aid of anti-epileptic drugs, if there has been an appropriate neurological assessment. National authorities may allow drivers with recognised good prognostic indicators to drive sooner.

12.13. Other loss of consciousness: the loss of consciousness should be assessed according to the risk of recurrence while driving. The risk of recurrence should be 2 % per annum or less.

12.14. Epilepsy: 10 years freedom from further seizures shall have been achieved without the aid of anti-epileptic drugs. National authorities may allow drivers with recognised good prognostic indicators to drive sooner. This also applies in case of ‘juvenile epilepsy’.

13.1. Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers who suffer from:

— severe mental disturbance, whether congenital or due to disease, trauma or neurosurgical operations,

— severe mental retardation,

— severe behavioural problems due to ageing; or personality defects leading to seriously impaired judgment, behaviour or adaptability,

13.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the definition of this group.

14. Alcohol consumption constitutes a major danger to road safety. In view of the scale of the problem, the medical profession must be very vigilant.

14.1. Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers who are dependent on alcohol or unable to refrain from drinking and driving.

14.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the definition of this group.

15. Abuse:

15.1. Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers who regularly use psychotropic substances, in whatever form, which can hamper the ability to drive safely where the quantities absorbed are such as to have an adverse effect on driving. This shall apply to all other medicinal products or combinations of medicinal products which affect the ability to drive.

15.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the definitions of this group.

16.1. Driving licences may be issued or renewed for applicants and drivers suffering from serious renal insufficiency subject to authorised medical opinion and regular medical check-ups.

16.2. Save in exceptional cases duly justified by authorised medical opinion, and subject to regular medical check-ups, driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers suffering from serious and irreversible renal deficiency.

17.1. Subject to authorised medical opinion and, if necessary, regular medical check-ups, driving licences may be issued to or renewed for applications or drivers who have had an organ transplant or an artificial implant which affects the ability to drive.

17.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the definition of this group.

18. As a general rule, where applicants or drivers suffer from any disorder which is not mentioned in the preceding paragraph but is liable to be, or to result in, a functional incapacity affecting safety at the wheel, driving licences shall not be issued or renewed unless the application is supported by authorised medical opinion and, if necessary, subject to regular medical check-ups.

1.1. A person authorised to conduct practical assessments in a motor vehicle of the driving performance of a candidate must have knowledge, skills and understanding related to the topics listed in points 1.2 to 1.6.

1.2. The competences of an examiner must be relevant to assessing the performance of a candidate seeking the category of driving licence entitlement for which the driving test is being undertaken.

1.3. Knowledge and understanding of driving and assessment:

— theory of driving behaviour,

— hazard perception and accident avoidance,

— the syllabus underpinning driving test standards,

— the requirements of the driving test,

— relevant road and traffic legislation, including relevant EU and national legislation and interpretative guidelines,

— assessment theory and techniques,

— defensive driving.

1.4. Assessment skills:

— ability to observe accurately, monitor, and evaluate overall candidate performance, in particular:

—

— assimilate information quickly and extract key points,

— look ahead, identify potential problems, and develop strategies to deal with them,

— provide timely and constructive feedback.

1.5. Personal driving skills:

— A person authorised to conduct a practical test for a category of driving licence must be able to drive to a consistently high standard that type of motor vehicle.

1.6. Quality of service:

— establish and communicate what the candidate can expect during the test,

— communicate clearly, choosing content, style and language to suit the audience and context and deal with enquiries from candidates,

— provide clear feedback about the test result,

— treat candidates with respect and indiscriminately.

1.7. Knowledge about vehicle technique and physics:

— knowledge about vehicle technique such as steering, tyres, brakes, lights, specially for motorcycles and heavy vehicles,

— loading safety,

— knowledge about vehicle physics such as speed, friction, dynamics, energy.

1.8. Driving in a fuel efficient and environmentally friendly way.

2.1. A category B driving examiner:

(a) must have held a category B licence for at least 3 years;

(b) must be at least 23 years old;

(c) must have successfully completed the initial qualification provided for in point 3 of this Annex and subsequently followed the quality assurance and the periodic training arrangements as provided for in point 4 of this Annex;

(d) must have terminated a vocational education that leads at least to a completion of level 3 as defined by Council Decision 85/368/EEC of 16 July 1985 on the comparability of vocational training qualifications between the Member States of the European Community ( 10 );

(e) may not be active as a commercial driving instructor in a driving school simultaneously.

2.2. A driving examiner for the other categories:

(a) must hold a driving licence in the category concerned or possess equivalent knowledge through adequate professional qualification;

(b) must have successfully completed the initial qualification provided for in point 3 of this Annex and subsequently followed the quality assurance and the periodic training arrangements as provided for in point 4 of this Annex;

(c) must have been a qualified category B driving examiner for at least 3 years; this period may be waived provided that the examiner in question can provide evidence of:

— at least 5 years of driving in the category concerned, or,

— a theoretical and practical assessment of driving ability of a standard higher than that needed to obtain a driving licence thus making that requirement unnecessary,

(d) must have completed a vocational education that leads at least to a termination of the level 3 as defined by Decision 85/368/EEC;

(e) may not be active as a commercial driving instructor in a driving school simultaneously.

2.3.1. Member States may authorise an examiner to conduct driving tests for categories AM, A1, A2 and A upon passing the initial qualification prescribed in point 3 for one of these categories.

2.3.2. Member States may authorise an examiner to conduct driving tests for categories C1, C, D1 and D upon passing the initial qualification prescribed in point 3 for one of these categories.

2.3.3. Member States may authorise an examiner to conduct driving tests for categories BE, C1E, CE, D1E and DE upon passing the initial qualification prescribed in point 3 for one of these categories.

3.1.1. Before a person may be authorised to conduct driving tests, that person must satisfactorily complete such training programme as a Member State may specify in order to have the competences set out in point 1.

3.1.2. Member States must determine whether the content of any particular training programme will relate to authorisation to conduct driving tests for one driving licence category, or more than one.

3.2.1. Before a person may be authorised to conduct driving tests, that person must demonstrate a satisfactory standard of knowledge, understanding, skills and aptitude in respect of the subjects listed in point 1.

3.2.2. Member States shall operate an examination process that assesses, in a pedagogically appropriate manner, the competences of the person as defined under point 1, in particular point 1.4. The examination process must include both a theoretical element and a practical element. Computer-based assessment may be used where appropriate. The details concerning the nature and duration of any tests and assessments within the examination shall be at the discretion of the individual Member States.

3.2.3. Member States must determine whether the content of any particular examination will relate to authorisation to conduct driving tests for one driving licence category, or more than one.

4.1.1. Member States shall have in place quality assurance arrangements to provide for the maintenance of standards of driving examiners.

4.1.2. Quality assurance arrangements should involve the supervision of examiners at work, their further training and re-accreditation, their continuing professional development, and by periodic review of the outcomes of the driving tests that they have conducted.

4.1.3. Member States must provide that each examiner is subject to yearly supervision making use of quality assurance arrangements listed in point 4.1.2. Moreover, the Member States must provide that each examiner is observed conducting tests once every 5 years, for a minimum period cumulatively of at least half a day, allowing the observation of several tests. When issues are identified corrective action should be put in place. The person undertaking the supervision must be a person authorised by the Member State for that purpose.

4.1.4 Member States may provide that where an examiner is authorised to conduct driving tests in more than one category, satisfying the supervision requirement in relation to tests for one category satisfies the requirement for more than one category.

4.1.5 The work of driving examination must be monitored and supervised by a body authorised by the Member State, to ensure correct and consistent application of assessment.

4.2.1. Member States shall provide that, in order to remain authorised, driving examiners, irrespective of the number of categories for which they are accredited, undertake:

— a minimum regular periodic training of four days in total per period of two years in order to:

— maintain and refresh the necessary knowledge and examining skills,

— to develop new competences that have become essential for the exercise of their profession,

— ensure that an examiner continues to conduct tests to a fair and uniform standard,

— a minimum periodic training of at least five days in total per period of five years,

— in order to develop and maintain the necessary practical driving skills.

4.2.2. Member States shall take the appropriate measures for ensuring that specific training is given promptly to those examiners that have found to be seriously malfunctioning by the quality assurance system in place.

4.2.3. The nature of periodic training may take the form of briefing, classroom training, conventional or electronic-based learning, and it may be undertaken on an individual or group basis. It may include such re-accreditation of standards as Member States consider appropriate.

4.2.4. Member States may provide that where an examiner is authorised to conduct driving tests in more than one category, satisfying the periodic training requirement in relation to tests for one category satisfies the requirement for more than one category, provided the condition set out in point 4.2.5 is satisfied.

4.2.5. Where an examiner has not conducted tests for a category within a 24-month period, the examiner shall undertake a suitable reassessment before being allowed to carry out driving tests relating to that category. That re-assessment may be undertaken as part of the requirement set out in point 4.2.1.

5.1. Member States may allow persons authorised to conduct driving tests immediately before these provisions come into force to continue to conduct driving tests, notwithstanding that they were not authorised in accordance with the general conditions in point 2 or the initial qualification process set out in point 3.

5.2. Such examiners are nonetheless subject to the regular supervision and quality assurance arrangements set out in point 4.

1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to:

— approve and supervise the training provided for in Article 7(1)(d) or,

— organise the test of skills and behaviour provided for in Article 7(1)(d).

2.1. Duration of driver training

— at least 7 hours.

3. Content of driver training

— vehicle movement dynamics, safety criteria, tractor vehicle and trailer (coupling mechanism), correct loading and safety fittings;

— Each training participant has to perform the practical component and shall demonstrate its skills and behaviour on public roads,

— Vehicle combinations used for the training shall fall within the category of driving licence participants have applied for.

4. Duration and contents of the test of skills and behaviour

1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to:

— approve and supervise the training provided for in Article 7(1)(c) or,

— organise the test of skills and behaviour provided for in Article 7(1)(c).

2. Duration of driver training

— at least 7 hours.

3. Content of driver training

— The driver training shall contain all aspects covered in point 6 of Annex II.

— Each participant has to perform the practical components of the training and shall demonstrate its skills and behaviour on public roads.

— Motorcycles used for the training shall fall within the category of driving licence participants have applied for.

4. Duration and contents of the test of skills and behaviour