Training for lorry and bus drivers to focus more on safety - Council agrees its position
The EU wants to make professional drivers more aware of the safety and environmental aspects of their driving. Working towards this goal, the Council today agreed its position (a 'general approach') on a proposed update of the rules for the training and qualifications of lorry and bus drivers. The improved rules will put greater emphasis on safety and the environment in the training and will improve recognition of training received in another EU country.
"The updated rules on training will make our roads safer," said the Maltese presidency. "Better recognition of drivers' qualifications should mean more labour mobility, which is good news for the single market, growth and competitiveness."
To improve road safety, the proposal strengthens the focus on teaching drivers how to think ahead in traffic and adapt to risks. This includes driving appropriately in different road, traffic and weather conditions and recognising dangerous situations that vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, could find themselves in.
The training should also emphasise fuel-efficient driving. For example, drivers can be taught to anticipate the flow of traffic, adopt a smooth driving style and check for the appropriate tyre pressure.
In addition to their initial training, drivers must take 35 hours of continuous training every five years to maintain and update their skills. This means that improved training will have a much wider impact than just preparing new drivers for their profession.
The draft rules also stipulate that qualified professional drivers should have the harmonised EU code 95 on their driving licence or, where that is not possible, on a separate driver qualification card. The code proves that the driver meets the relevant requirements. All member states must then recognise his or her qualifications. According to Commission estimates, around 46 700 drivers may have experienced difficulties in 2016 trying to obtain recognition of training received in another EU country.
Technically, the draft directive will amend the existing directive on the initial qualification and periodic training of professional drivers holding a C or D licence. It will also introduce related changes to the directive on driving licences, particularly with regard to clarifications on minimum age requirements.
The general approach is the Council's position for talks with the European Parliament. Both institutions will need to agree on the final text.