WRITTEN QUESTION E-4029/00

by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 December 2000)

Subject: HGV driving licence qualifications

One of the drivers involved in an accident on the M4 motorway between London and Bristol on 28 November was a 20-year-old Belgian driver who was driving a heavy goods vehicle. In the United Kingdom, it is not possible for anybody aged 20 to hold a HGV licence. Can the Commission explain why it is possible for drivers to drive in a specific country with qualifications which are less stringent than those of that country's nationals? Can the Commission also indicate whether it has any intention of harmonising such heavy goods vehicle driving qualifications?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2001)

Provisions concerning the minimum ages for drivers engaged in the carriage of goods are laid down in Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 of 20 December 1985 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport(1). In particular, Article 5 of the Council Regulation establishes minimum ages for obtaining of an heavy goods vehicles (HGV) licence.

(b) - 21 years, or

- 18 years provided that the person concerned holds a certificate of professional competence recognised by one of the Member States confirming that he has completed a training course for drivers of vehicles intended for the carriage of goods by road, in conformity with Community rules on the minimum level of training for road transport drivers.

According to what is stipulated in this Article, it is possible for a 20-year-old Belgian holder to drive a heavy goods vehicle in the United Kingdom if he holds a certificate of professional competence recognised by one of the Member States. This provision of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 has a direct effect.

Concerning the harmonisation of heavy goods vehicle's driver qualifications, the Commission submitted on the 2 February 2001 to the Parliament and the Council a proposal for a Parliament and Council Directive on the training of professional drivers of goods or passengers by road(2).

(1) OJ L 370, 31.12.1985.

(2) COM(2001) 56 final.