IP/07/932
Brussels, 27 June 2007
Training of professional drivers: Commission sends
a reasoned opinion to ten Member States
The European Commission today sent a reasoned opinion to ten Member
States for failing to inform it of the provisions they have adopted to conform
to the Directive on the training of professional drivers. This Directive
provides for compulsory initial and periodic training for drivers of certain
road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers. It is intended to
improve road safety and driver safety.
The Directive on the training of professional drivers1 should have been transposed
into the Member States' national legislation by 10 September 2006. The ten
countries which have not introduced the necessary provisions are Belgium, Finland,
France, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and
Sweden. These Member States have not replied to the letter of formal notice which
the Commission sent them on 27 November 2006.
Directive 2003/59 defines the minimum requirements to be met during initial
qualification and periodic training as regards safety regulations for road transport
activities. Member States should issue a certificate of professional competence
attesting to a driver's initial qualification or periodic training.
To be a professional driver, it is no longer enough simply to have a driving licence.
Drivers must generally undergo:
- compulsory basic training of 280 hours, and
- periodic training of 35 hours every 5 years to update their knowledge and skills at
regular intervals.
1
Directive 2003/59 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain
road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, amending Council Regulation
(EEC) No 3820/85 and Council Directive 91/439/EEC and repealing Council Directive
76/914/EEC.