1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 29 July 1991
on driving licences
(91/439/EEC)
(OJ L 237, 24.8.1991, p. 1)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1 Council Directive 94/72/EC of 19 December 1994 L 337 86 24.12.1994
►M2 Council Directive 96/47/EC of 23 July 1996 L 235 1 17.9.1996
►M3 Council Directive 97/26/EC of 2 June 1997 L 150 41 7.6.1997
►M4 Commission Directive 2000/56/EC of 14 September 2000 L 237 45 21.9.2000
►M5 Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of
15 July 2003L 226 4 10.9.2003
►M6 Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 29 September 2003L 284 1 31.10.2003
Amended by:
►A1 Act of Accession of Austria, Sweden and Finland C 241 21 29.8.1994
(adapted by Council Decision 95/1/EC, Euratom, ECSC) L 1 1 1.1.1995
►A2 Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the
Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia,
the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of
Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the SlovakRepublic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the EuropeanUnion is foundedL 236 33 23.9.2003
Corrected by:
►C1 Corrigendum, OJ L 310, 12.11.1991, p. 16 (91/439/EEC)
▼B
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 29 July 1991
on driving licences
(91/439/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and
in particular Article 75 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee (3),
Whereas, for the purpose of the common transport policy, and as a
contribution to improving road traffic safety, as well as to facilitate
the movement of persons settling in a Member State other than that inwhich they have passed a driving test, it is desirable that there shouldbe a Community model national driving licence mutually recognizedby the Member States without any obligation to exchange licences;
Whereas the first step in this direction was taken with the First Council
Directive 80/1263/EEC, of 4 December 1980 on the introduction of aCommunity driving licence (
4), which established a Community model
national licence and the mutual recognition by Member States of
national licences as well as the exchange of licences by holders trans-
ferring their place of normal residence or place of employment fromone Member State to another; whereas the progress made must becontinued;
Whereas the Community model national licence established by Direc-
tive 80/1263/EEC should be adapted to take account, inter alia , of the
harmonization of categories and subcategories of vehicles and to makelicences more readily comprehensible both inside and outside the
Community;
Whereas, on road safety grounds, the minimum requirements for the
issue of a driving licence should be laid down;
Whereas Article 3 of Directive 80/1263/EEC stipulates that final provi-
sions generalizing in the Community the categories of vehiclesmentioned in that Article should be adopted without the possibility of
derogation, as should the conditions of validity of driving licences;
Whereas provision should be made for the possibility of subdividing
the said categories of vehicles in order to promote, in particular, accessin gradual stages to driving such vehicles in the interests of road safety
and to take account of existing national situations;
Whereas specific provisions should be adopted to make it easier for
physically handicapped persons to drive vehicles;
Whereas Article 10 of Directive 80/1263/EEC provides for more
detailed harmonization of the standards for driving tests and licensing;whereas to this end the knowledge, skills and behaviour connected with
driving motor vehicles should be defined and the driving test based on
these concepts; whereas the minimum standards of physical and mentalfitness for driving such vehicles should be redefined;
Whereas the provisions set out in Article 8 of Directive 80/1263/EEC,
and in particular the obligation to exchange driving licences within aperiod of one year of changing normal residence, constitute an obstacle1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 2
(1) OJ No C 48, 27.2.1989, p. 1.
(2) OJ No C 175, 16.7.1990, p. 40.
(3) OJ No C 159, 26.6.1989, p. 21.
(4) OJ No L 375, 31.12.1980, p. 1.
▼B
to the free movement of persons; whereas this is inadmissible in the
light of the progress made towards European integration;
Whereas, in addition, for reasons connected with road safety and
traffic, Member States should be able to apply their national provisions
on the withdrawal, suspension and cancellation of driving licences toall licence holders having acquired normal residence in their territory,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. Member States shall introduce a national driving licence based on
the Community model described in Annex I ►M2 or a◄, in accor-
dance with the provisions of this Directive. ►M1 However, the
Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden may continue to issuedriving licences based on their present model until 31 December1997. ◄
2. Driving licences issued by Member States shall be mutually
recognized.
3. Where the holder of a valid national driving licence takes up
normal residence in a Member State other than that which issued thelicence, the host Member State may apply to the holder of the licencesits national rules on the period of validity of the licences, medical
checks and tax arrangements and may enter on the licence any infor-
mation indispensable for administration.
Article 2
1. The emblem on page 1 of the Community model driving licences
shall contain the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing thelicence.
2. Member States shall take all necessary steps to avoid any risk of
forgery of driving licences.
3. With the agreement of the Commission, Member States may
make to the model given in Annex 1 ►
M2 or a◄such adjustments
as are necessary for computer processing of the driving licence.
4. Without prejudice to provisions to be adopted by the Council in
this regard, the model driving licences specified in Annexes I and Iamay not contain any computerized electronic devices.
Article 3
1. The driving licence provided for in Article 1 shall authorize the
driving of vehicles in the following categories:
Category A
— motorcycles with or without side-car;
Category B
— motor vehicles with a maximum authorized mass not exceeding
3 500 kilograms and having not more than eight seats in additionto the driver's seat; motor vehicles in this category may becombined with a trailer having a maximum authorized mass whichdoes not exceed 750 kilograms;
— combinations of a tractor vehicle in category B and a trailer, where
the maximum authorized mass of the combination does not exceed
3 500 kilograms and the maximum authorized mass of the trailerdoes not exceed the unladen mass of the tractor vehicles;
Category B + E
— combination of vehicles consisting of a tractor vehicle in category
B and a trailer, where the combination does not come within cate-gory B;1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 3
▼M2
▼B
▼B
Category C
— motor vehicles other than those in category D and whose maximum
authorized mass is over 3 500 kilograms; motor vehicles in thiscategory may be combined with a trailer having a maximum author-ized mass which does not exceed 750 kilograms;
Category C + E— combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C
and its trailer has a maximum authorized mass of over 750 kilo-grams;
Category D
— motor vehicles used for the carriage of persons and having more
than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat; motor vehicles in
this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximumauthorized mass which does not exceed 750 kilograms;
Category D + E
— combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D
and its trailer has a maximum authorized mass of over 750 kilo-
grams.
2. Within categories A, B, B + E, C, C + E, D and D + E, a specific
driving licence may be issued for the driving of vehicles in thefollowing subcategories:
Subcategory A1
— light motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 125 cm
3and
of a power not exceeding 11 kW;
Subcategory B1— motor-powered tricyles and quadricycles;
Subcategory C1
— motor vehicles other than in category D and whose maximum
authorized mass is over 3 500 kilograms but not more than 7 500kilograms; motor vehicles in this subcategory may be combined
with a trailer having a maximum authorized mass which does not
exceed 750 kilograms;
Subcategory C1 + E
— combination of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in subcategory
C1 and its trailer has a maximum authorized mass of over 750 kilo-grams, provided that the maximum authorized mass of the
combination thus formed does not exceed 12 000 kilograms, and
that the maximum authorized mass of the trailer does not exceedthe unladen mass of the tractor vehicle;
Subcategory D1
— motor vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and having more
than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat but not more than 16
seats in addition to the driver's seat; motor vehicles in this subcate-gory may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorizedmass which does not exceed 750 kilograms;
Subcategory D1 + E
— combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in subcategory
D1 and its trailer has a maximum authorized mass of over than 750
kilograms, provided that:
— firstly, the maximum authorized mass of the combination thus
formed does not exceed 12 000 kilograms and the maximum
authorized mass of the trailer does not exceed the unladenmass of the tractor vehicle;
— secondly, the trailer is not used for the transport of persons.
3. For the purpose of this Article:
— ‘Power-driven vehicle’ means any self-propelled vehicle running on
a road under its own power, other than a rail-borne vehicle;
— ‘Tricycle’ and ‘quadricycle’ mean respectively any three and four-
wheeled vehicle in category B with a maximum design speed of1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 4
▼B
over ►M3 45 km/h ◄ or powered by a spark-ignition internal
combustion engine with a cubic capacity of more than 50 cm3or
any other engine of equivalent power. The unladen mass shall not
exceed 550 kilograms. The unladen mass of electrically propelled
vehicles shall not take account of the battery mass.
Member States may set lesser standards regarding the unladen mass
and add others, such as the maximum cubic category or power;
— ‘Motorcycle’ means any two-wheel vehicle with or without sidecar,
fitted with an engine having a cylinder capacity of more than 50cm
3if of the internal combustion type and/or having a maximum
design speed of more than 45 km/h;
— ‘Motor vehicle’ means any power-driven vehicle, other than a
motorcycle, 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. vehi-cles connected to an electric conductor and not rail-borne. It shallnot 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 principalfunction of which lies in its tractive power, which is speciallydesigned to pull, pus, 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 ordrawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons orgoods is only a secondary function.
4. Member States may, after consulting the Commission, derogate,
provided that this is mentioned in the driving licence, from the speedsindicated in the second and third indents of paragraph 3, provided that
they stipulate lower speeds.
5. For subcategory A1, Member States may impose additional
restrictive rules.
6. With the agreement of the Commission, Member States may
exclude from application of this Article certain specific types ofpower-driven vehicle such as special vehicles for the disabled.
Article 4
1. Driving licences shall state the conditions on which the driver is
authorized to drive.
2. If, because of a physical disability, driving is authorized only for
certain types of vehicle or for adapted vehicles, the test of skills and
behaviour provided for in Article 7 shall be taken in such a vehicle.
Article 5
1. This issue of driving licences shall be subject to the following
conditions:
(a) licences for categories C and D shall be issued only to drivers
already entitled to drive vehicles in category B;
(b) licences for categories B + E, C + E, D + E shall be issued only to
drivers already entitled to drive vehicles in categories B, C and Drespectively.
2. The validity of driving licences shall be determined as follows:
(a) licences granted for category C + E or D + E shall be valid for
combinations of vehicles in category B + E;
(b) licences granted for category C + E shall be valid for category D +
E as long as their holders are entitled to drive vehicles in categoryD.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 5
▼M3
▼B
▼B
3. For driving on their territory, Member States may grant the
following equivalences:
(a) power-driven tricycles and quadricycles under a licence for cate-
gory A or A1;
(b) light motorcycles under a licence for category B.
4. Member States may, after consulting the Commission, authorize
the driving on their territory of:
(a) vehicles of Category D1 (maximum 16 seats in addition to the
driver's seat and maximum authorized mass of 3 500 kilograms,excluding any specialized equipment intended for the carriage of
disabled passengers) ►
C1 by holders over 21 years old of a
driving licence for category B which was obtained at least twoyears before, ◄ provided that the vehicles are being used by
non-commercial bodies for social purposes and that the driverprovides his services on a voluntary basis;
(b) vehicles of a maximum authorized mass exceeding 3 500 kilograms
by holders over 21 years old of a driving licence for category Bwhich was obtained at least two years before, provided that themain purpose of the vehicles is to be used only when stationary asan instructional or recreational area, and that they are being usedby 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 anygoods other than those strictly necessary for their purposes.
Article 6
1. The minimum age conditions for the issue of driving licences
whall be as follows:
(a) 16 years:
— for subcategory A1;
— for subcategory B1;
(b) 18 years:
— for category A; however, access to the driving of motorcycles
with a power exceeding 25 kW or a power/weight ratioexceeding 0,16 kW/kg (or motorcycles with sidecars with apower/weight ratio exceeding 0,16 kW/kg) shall be subject to
a minimum of two years' experience on motorcycles with lower
specifications under an A licence; this requirement as toprevious experience may be waived if the candidate is at least21 years old, subject to the candidate's passing a specific test ofskills and behaviour;
— for categories B, B + E;— for categories C, C + E and subcategories C1, C1 + E, without
prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles inCouncil Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 of 20 December 1985on the harmonization of certain social legislation relating toroad transport (
1);
(c) 21 years:
— for the categories D and D + E and subcategories D1, D1 + E,
withoud prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehi-
cles in Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85.
2. Member States may derogate from the minimum age require-
ments laid down for categories A, B and B + E and issue suchdriving licences from the age of 17 years, except in the case of theprovisions for category A laid down in the last sentence of the firstindent of paragraph 1 (b).
3. Member States may refuse to recognize the validity in their terri-
tory of driving licences issued to drivers under 18 years of age.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 6
(1) OJ No L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 1
▼B
Article 7
1. Driving licences shall, moreover, be issued only to those appli-
cants:
(a) who have passed a test of skills and behaviour and a theoretical test
and who meet medical standards, in accordance with the provisionsof Annexes II and III;
(b) 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.
2. Without prejudice to provisions to be adopted by the Council in
this regard, each Member State shall retain the right to determine, on
the basis of national criteria, the period of valitity of the drivinglicences which it issues.
3. Member States may, with the agreement of the Commission,
derogate from the provisions of Annex III where such derogations arecompatible with the development of medical science and with the prin-ciples laid down in that Annex.
4. Without prejudice to national criminal and police laws, Member
States may, after consulting the Commission, apply to the issue ofdriving licences the provisions of their national rules relating to condi-
tions other than those referred to in this Directive.
5. No person may hold a driving licence from more than one
Member State.
Article 7a
1. A subdivision of the harmonized Community codes set out in
Annexes I and Ia shall be defined in accordance with the procedurelaid down in Article 7b, with particular reference to codes 04, 05, 44and 55.
This procedure shall also be followed for deciding whether the use of
certain subdivisions of harmonized Community codes should, if neces-sary, be made compulsory.
2. The amendments necessary to adapt the parts of Annexes I and Ia
which concern the harmonized codes and Annexes II and III to scien-tific and technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with the
procedures laid down in Article 7b.
Article 7b
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee on driving
licences, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Committee’.
2. Where reference is made to this Article, Articles 5 and 7 of Deci-
sion 1999/468/EC (
1) shall apply, having regard to the provisions of
Article 8 thereof.
The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be
set at three months.
3. The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.
Article 8
1. Where the holder of a valid national driving licence issued by a
Member State has taken up normal residence in another Member State,he may request that his driving licence be exchanged for an equivalent1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 7
(1) Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures
for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (OJ
L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23).▼M3
▼M6
▼B
▼B
licence; it shall be for the Member State effecting the exchange to
check, if necessary, whether the licence submitted is in fact still valid.
2. Subject to observance of the principle of territoriality of criminal
and police laws, the Member States of normal residence may apply its
national provisions on the restriction, suspension, withdrawal or cancel-lation of the right to drive to the holder of a driving licence issued byanother Member State and, if necessary, exchange the licence for thatpurpose.
3. The Member State effecting the exchange shall return the old
licence to the authorities of the Member State which issued it and
give the reasons for so doing.
4. A Member State may refuse to recognize the validity of any
driving licence issued by another Member State to a person who is, inthe former State's territory, the subject of one of the measures referredto in paragraph 2.
A Member State may likewise refuse to issue a driving licence to an
applicant who is the subject of such a measure in another Member
State.
5. A replacement for a driving licence which has, for example, been
lost or stolen may be obtained from the competent authorities of theState in which the holder has his normal residence; those authoritiesshall provide the replacement on the basis of the information in theirpossession or, where appropriate, proof from the competent authoritiesof the Member States which issued the original licence.
6. Where a Member State exchanges a driving licence issued by a
third country for a Community model driving licence, such exchange
shall be recorded in the latter as shall any subsequent renewal or repla-cement.
Such an exchange may occur only if the licence issued by the third
country has been surrendered to the competent authorities of theMember State making the exchange. If the holder of this licence trans-
fers his normal residence to another Member State, the latter need not
apply Article 1 (2).
Article 9
For the purpose of this Directive, ‘normal’ residence means the place
where a person usually lives, that is for at least 185 days in eachcalender year, because of personal and occupational ties, or, in thecase of a person with no occupational ties, because of personal tieswhich show close links between that person and the place where he is
living.
However, the normal residence of a person whose occupational ties are
in a different place from his personal ties and who consequently livesin turn in different places situated in two or more Member States shallbe regarded as being the place of his personal ties, provided that suchperson returns there regularly. This last condition need not be metwhere the person is living in a Member State in order to carry out a
task of a definite duration. Attendance at a university or school shall
not imply transfer of normal residence.
Article 10
With the agreement of the Commission, Member States shall establish
equivalences between the categories of licence issued before imple-mentation of this Directive and those defined in Article 3.
With the agreement of the Commission, Member States may make to
their national legislation such adjustments as are necessary for thepurpose of implementing the provisions of Article 8 (4), (5) and (6).
Article 11
Five years after this Directive has been put into effect, the Council,
acting on a proposal from the Commission, shall review the national1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 8
▼B
provisions concerning any optional subcategories which may have been
established in accordance with Article 3, with a view to their possibleharmonization or elimination.
Article 12
1. After consulting the Commission, Member States shall, before 1
July 1994, adopt the laws, regulations or administrative provisions
necessary to comply with this Directive as of 1 July 1996.
2. When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a
reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such referenceon the occasion of their official publication. The methods of makingsuch a reference shall be laid down by the Member States.
3. The Member States shall assist one another in the implementation
of this Directive and shall, if need be, exchange information on the
licences they have registered.
Article 13
Directive 80/1263/EEC is hereby repealed as of 1 July 1996.
Article 14
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 9
▼B
ANNEX I
PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE COMMUNITY MODEL DRIVING
LICENCE
1.The colour of the Community model driving licence shall be pink and its overall
dimensions shall be:
— height: 106 mm;
— width: 222 mm.
2. The licence shall consist of six pages:
page 1 shall contain:
— the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing the licence;
— mention of the name of the Member State issuing the licence (optional);
— the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing the licence, whose
signs shall be as follows:
B: Belgium
CZ: The Czech Republic
DK: DenmarkD: GermanyEST: EstoniaGR: GreeceE: SpainF: France
IRL: Ireland
I: ItalyCY: CyprusLV: LatviaLT: LithuaniaL: LuxembourgH: HungaryM: Malta
NL: The Netherlands
A: AustriaPL: PolandP: PortugalSLO: SloveniaSK: SlovakiaFIN: Finland
S: Sweden
UK: The United Kingdom
— the words ‘Driving licence’, printed in large type in the language or
languages of the Member State issuing the licence; they shall appear,
after a suitable space, in small type in the other languages of the
European Communities;
— the words ‘European Communities model’, printed in the language or
languages of the Member States issuing the licence;
page 2 shall contain:
1. the surname of the holder;
2. the other names of the holder;3. the date and place of birth of the holder;
4. the name of the competent authority issuing the licence (including the
place and date of issue and the stamp of the authority);
5. the number of the licence;6. a photograph of the holder;
7. the signature of the holder;1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 10
▼A2
▼B
▼B
8. the permanent place of residence, or postal address (optional);
pages 3 and 4 shall contain:the (sub)categories of vehicle, the date of issue of the licence for the (sub)ca-
tegory, its period of validity, the stamp of the authority, any additional
information or restrictions in code form for each (sub)category concerned.
Subcategories not provided for in the national legislation of a Member State
may be omitted from driving licences issued by that Member State.
The codes used on page 4 shall be as follows:
— codes 01 to 99: harmonised Community codes
DRIVER (Medical reasons)
01. Sight correction and/or protection
01.01 Glasses
01.02 Contact lense(s)01.03 Protective glass01.04 Opaque lense01.05 Eye cover01.06 Glasses or contact lenses
02. Hearing aid/communication aid
02.01 Hearing aid for one ear
02.02 Hearing aid for two ears
03. Prosthesis/orthosis for the limbs
03.01 Upper limb prosthesis/orthosis
03.02 Lower limb prosthesis/orthosis
05. Limited use (subcode use obligatory, driving subject to restrictions
for medical reasons)
05.01 Limited to day time journeys (for example: one hour after
sunrise and one hour before sunset)
05.02 Limited to journeys within a radius of … km from holder's
place of residence or only inside city/region …
05.03 Driving without passengers05.04 Limited to journeys with a speed not greater than … km/h05.05 Driving authorised solely when accompanied by a holder of
a driving licence
05.06 Without trailer05.07 No driving on motorways05.08 No alcohol
VEHICLE ADAPTATIONS
10. Modified transmission
10.01 Manual transmission
10.02 Automatic transmission10.03 Electronically operated transmission10.04 Adjusted gear-shift lever10.05 Without secondary gearbox
15. Modified clutch
15.01 Adjusted clutch pedal
15.02 Manual clutch15.03 Automatic clutch15.04 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached clutch pedal
20. Modifies braking systems
20.01 Adjusted brake pedal
20.02 Enlarged brake pedal
20.03 Brake pedal suitable for use by left foot1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 11
▼M4
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20.04 Brake pedal by sole
20.05 Tilted brake pedal20.06 Manual (adapted) service brake20.07 Maximum use of reinforced service brake20.08 Maximum use of emergency brake integrated in the service
brake
20.09 Adjusted parking brake20.10 Electrically operated parking brake20.11 (Adjusted) foot operated parking brake
20.12 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached brake pedal
20.13 Brake operated by knee20.14 Electrically operated service brake
25. Modified accelerator systems
25.01 Adjusted accelerator pedal
25.02 Accelerator pedal by sole
25.03 Tilted accelerator pedal25.04 Manual accelerator25.05 Accelerator at knee25.06 Servo accelerator (electronic, pneumatic, etc.)25.07 Accelerator pedal on the left of brake pedal25.08 Accelerator pedal on the left25.09 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached accelerator pedal
30. Modified combined braking and accelerator systems
30.01 Parallel pedals
30.02 Pedals at (or almost at) the same level30.03 Accelerator and brake with sliding30.04 Accelerator and brake with sliding and orthesis30.05 Fold away/detached accelerator and brake pedals30.06 Raised floor30.07 Partitioning on the side of the brake pedal30.08 Partitioning for prosthesis on the side of the brake pedal30.09 Partitioning in front of the accelerator and brake pedals30.10 Heel/leg support30.11 Electrically operated accelerator and brake
35. Modified control layouts
(Lights switches, windscreen wiper/washer, horn, direction indica-
tors, etc.)
35.01 Control devices operable without negative influence on the
steering and handling
35.02 Control devices operable without releasing the steering
wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.)
35.03 Control devices operable without releasing the steering
wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.) with the left hand
35.04 Control devices operable without releasing the steering
wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.) with the right hand
35.05 Control devices operable without releasing the steering
wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.) and the combined
accelerator and braking mechanisms
40. Modified steering
40.01 Standard assisted steering
40.02 Reinforced assisted steering40.03 Steering with backup system40.04 Lengthened steering column40.05 Adjusted steering wheel (Larger and/or thicker steering
wheel section, reduced diameter steering wheel, etc.)1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 12
▼M4
40.06 Tilted steering wheel
40.07 Vertical steering wheel
40.08 Horizontal steering wheel40.09 Foot operated driving
40.10 Alternative adjusted steering (joy-stick, etc.)
40.11 Knob on the steering wheel40.12 Hand orthesis on the steering wheel
40.13 With orthesis tenodese
42. Modified rearview mirror(s)
42.01 External (left or) right-side rear-view mirror
42.02 External rear-view mirror set on the wing42.03 Additional inside rear-view mirror permitting view of traffic
42.04 Panoramic inside rear-view mirror
42.05 Blind spot rear-view mirror42.06 Electrically operated outside rear-view mirror(s)
43. Modified driver seat
43.01 Driver seat at a good viewing height and in normal distance
from the steering wheel and the pedal
43.02 Driver seat adjusted to body shape43.03 Driver seat with lateral support for good sitting stability
43.04 Driver seat with armrest
43.05 Lengthening of sliding driver's seat43.06 Seat-belt adjustment
43.07 Harness-type seat-belt
44. Modifications to motorcycles (subcode use obligatory)
44.01 Single operated brake
44.02 (Adjusted) hand operated brake (front wheel)
44.03 (Adjusted) foot operated brake (back wheel)44.04 (Adjusted) accelerator handle
44.05 (Adjusted) manual transmission and manual clutch
44.06 (Adjusted) rear-view mirror(s)44.07 (Adjusted) commands (direction indicators, braking light,
…)
44.08 Seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to have
two feet on the road at the same time
45. Motorcycle with side-car only50. Restricted to a specific vehicle/chassis number (vehicle identification
number, VIN)
51. Restricted to a specific vehicle/registration plate (vehicle registration
number, VRN)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
70. Exchange of licence No … issued by … (EU/UN distinguishing sign
in the case of a third country; e.g: 70.0123456789.NL)
71. Duplicate of licence No … (EU/UN distinguishing sign in the case
of a third country; e.g: 71.987654321.HR)
72. Restricted to category A vehicles having a maximum cylinder capa-
city of 125 cc and maximum power of 11 KW (A1)
73. Restricted to category B vehicles of the motor tricycle or quadri-
cycle type (B1)
74. Restricted to category C vehicles the maximum authorised mass of
which does not exceed 7 500 kg (C1)
75. Restricted to category D vehicles with not more than 16 seats,
excluding the driver's seat (D1)1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 13
▼M4
76. Restricted to category C vehicles the maximum authorised mass of
which does not exceed 7 500 kg (C1), attached to a trailer the
maximum authorised mass of which exceeds 750 kg, provided that
the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle train thus formed does
not exceed 12 000 kg, and that the maximum authorised mass of the
trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the drawing vehicle
(C1+E)
77. Restricted to category D vehicles with not more than 16 passenger
seats, excluding the driver's seat (D1), attached to a trailer the
maximum authorised mass of which exceeds 750 kg provided that
(a) the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle train thus formed
does not exceed 12 000 kg and the maximum authorised mass of
the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the drawing vehicle
and (b) the trailer is not used to carry passengers (D1+E)
78. Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission
(Directive 91/439/EEC, Annex II, 8.1.1., §2)
79. (…) Restricted to vehicles which comply with the specifications
indicated in brackets, in the context of the application of Article
10(1) of the Directive
90.01: to the left
90.02: to the right
90.03: left
90.04: right
90.05: hand
90.06: foot
90.07: usable
95. Driver holding a CPC complying with the obligation of professional
competence referred to in Article 3 until … (e.g. 95. 01.01.2012)
— codes 100 and above: national codes valid only for driving in the terri-
tory of the State which issued the licence.
The date of first issue of the licence for each category must be transferred to
page 3 in the event of subsequent replacement or exchange;
page 5 may contain information such as:
— any periods during which the driving licence has been suspended,
— serious offences committed in the territory of the State of normal resi-
dence and taken into account in the procedure for monitoring drivers
which obtains in that State;
page 6 shall contain:
— validations restricted to the territory of the State which granted them on
grounds of equivalents or for categories of vehicles not covered by this
Directive (including dates of issue and periods of validity),
— spaces reserved for (optional) entry of changes in the holder's normal
residence.
3. The entries on pages other than page 1 shall be in the language(s) of the
Member States which issued the licence.
If a Member State wishes to make those entries in a national language other
than one of the following languages: Spanish, Czech, Danish, German, Esto-
nian, Greek, English, French, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian,
Maltese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Finnish or Swedish,
it will draw up a bilingual version of the licence using one of the aforemen-
tioned languages, without prejudice to the other provisions of this Annex.
4. Where the holder of a driving licence issued by a Member State has taken up
normal residence in another Member State, the latter may indicate:
— change(s) of residence on page 6,
— information essential for administrative purposes such as serious offences
committed in its territory, on page 5,
provided that it also enters this type of information in the licences which it
issues and that there is a space available for that purpose.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 14
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By way of derogation from point 2 of this Annex, driving licences issued by
the United Kingdom shall not be required to include a photograph of the
holder for a maximum period of ten years following the adoption of this
Directive.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 15
MODEL COMMUNITY DRIVING LICENCE
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▼B1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 17
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SPECIMEN COMMUNITY MODEL LICENCE: BELGIAN LICENCE
(for information)
1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 18
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ANNEX Ia
PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE COMMUNITY MODEL DRIVING
LICENCE
(Alternative to the model in Annex I)
1. The physical characteristics of the card of the Community model driving
licence shall be in accordance with ISO 7810 and ISO 7816-1.
Methods for testing the characteristics of driving licences for the purpose of
confirming their compliance with the international standards shall be in
accordance with ISO 10373.
2. The licence shall have two sides.
Page 1 shall contain:
(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 twelve yellow stars; the
distinguishing signs shall be as follows:
B: Belgium
CZ: The Czech Republic
DK: DenmarkD: GermanyEST: Estonia
GR: Greece
E: SpainF: France
IRL: Ireland
I: ItalyCY: Cyprus
LV: Latvia
LT: LithuaniaL: LuxembourgH: Hungary
M: Malta
NL: The NetherlandsA: Austria
PL: Poland
P: PortugalSLO: SloveniaSK: Slovakia
FIN: Finland
S: SwedenUK: The United Kingdom;
(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. (a) date of issue of the licence;
(b) date of expiry of the licence, or a dash if the licence is valid inde-
finitely;
(c) the name of the issuing authority (may be printed on page 2);
(d) a different number from the one under heading 5, for administra-
tive purposes (optional);1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 19
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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. (sub)category(ies) of vehicle(s) the holder is entitled to drive (national
categories shall be printed in a different type from harmonized cate-
gories);
(e) the words ‘European Communities model’ in the language(s) of the
Member State issuing the licence and the words ‘Driving Licence’ in
the other languages of the Community, printed in pink to form the back-
ground of the licence:
Permiso de Conducción
Řidičský pr ůkaz
Kørekort
Führerschein
Juhiluba
Άδεια Οδήγησης
Driving Licence
Permis de conduire
Ceadúnas TiománaPatente di guida
Vadītāja apliec ība
Vairuotojo pažym ėjimas
Vezet ői engedély
Liċenzja tas-Sewqan
Rijbewijs
Prawo Jazdy
Carta de Condução
Vodičský preukaz
Vozniško dovoljenje
Ajokortti
Körkort;
(f) Colour references:
— blue: pantone reflex blue,
— yellow: pantone yellow.
Page 2 shall contain:
(a) 9. (sub)category(ies) of vehicle(s) the holder is entitled to drive
(national categories shall be printed in a different type from harmo-
nized categories);
10. date of first issue of each (sub)category (this date must be repeated
on the new licence in the event of subsequent replacement or
exchange);
11. date of expiry of each (sub)category;12. additional information/restriction(s), in code form, facing the
(sub)category affected.
The codes shall be as follows:
— codes 01 to 99: harmonised Community codes
DRIVER (Medical reasons)
01. Sight correction and/or protection
01.01 Glasses
01.02 Contact lense(s)
01.03 Protective glass
01.04 Opaque lense1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 20
▼A2
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01.05 Eye cover
01.06 Glasses or contact lenses
02. Hearing aid/communication aid
02.01 Hearing aid for one ear
02.02 Hearing aid for two ears
03. Prosthesis/orthosis for the limbs
03.01 Upper limb prosthesis/orthosis
03.02 Lower limb prosthesis/orthosis
05. Limited use (subcode use obligatory, driving subject to
restrictions for medical reasons)
05.01 Limited to day time journeys (for example: one hour
after sunrise and one hour before sunset)
05.02 Limited to journeys within a radius of … km from
holder's place of residence or only inside city/region
…
05.03 Driving without passengers
05.04 Limited to journeys with a speed not greater than …
km/h
05.05 Driving authorised solely when accompanied by a
holder of a driving licence
05.06 Without trailer
05.07 No driving on motorways
05.08 No alcohol
VEHICLE ADAPTATIONS
10. Modified transmission
10.01 Manual transmission
10.02 Automatic transmission
10.03 Electronically operated transmission
10.04 Adjusted gear-shift lever
10.05 Without secondary gearbox
15. Modified clutch
15.01 Adjusted clutch pedal
15.02 Manual clutch
15.03 Automatic clutch
15.04 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached clutch
pedal
20. Modifies braking systems
20.01 Adjusted brake pedal
20.02 Enlarged brake pedal
20.03 Brake pedal suitable for use by left foot
20.04 Brake pedal by sole
20.05 Tilted brake pedal
20.06 Manual (adapted) service brake
20.07 Maximum use of reinforced service brake
20.08 Maximum use of emergency brake integrated in the
service brake
20.09 Adjusted parking brake
20.10 Electrically operated parking brake
20.11 (Adjusted) foot operated parking brake
20.12 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached brake
pedal
20.13 Brake operated by knee
20.14 Electrically operated service brake
25. Modified accelerator systems1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 21
▼M4
25.01 Adjusted accelerator pedal
25.02 Accelerator pedal by sole
25.03 Tilted accelerator pedal25.04 Manual accelerator25.05 Accelerator at knee
25.06 Servo accelerator (electronic, pneumatic, etc.)
25.07 Accelerator pedal on the left of brake pedal25.08 Accelerator pedal on the left
25.09 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached accel-
erator pedal
30. Modified combined braking and accelerator systems
30.01 Parallel pedals
30.02 Pedals at (or almost at) the same level30.03 Accelerator and brake with sliding
30.04 Accelerator and brake with sliding and orthesis
30.05 Fold away/detached accelerator and brake pedals30.06 Raised floor30.07 Partitioning on the side of the brake pedal
30.08 Partitioning for prosthesis on the side of the brake
pedal
30.09 Partitioning in front of the accelerator and brake
pedals
30.10 Heel/leg support
30.11 Electrically operated accelerator and brake
35. Modified control layouts
(Lights switches, windscreen wiper/washer, horn, direction
indicators, etc.)
35.01 Control devices operable without negative influence
on the steering and handling
35.02 Control devices operable without releasing the
steering wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.)
35.03 Control devices operable without releasing the
steering wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.)
with the left hand
35.04 Control devices operable without releasing the
steering wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.)
with the right hand
35.05 Control devices operable without releasing the
steering wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.)
and the combined accelerator and braking mechan-
isms
40. Modified steering
40.01 Standard assisted steering
40.02 Reinforced assisted steering
40.03 Steering with backup system
40.04 Lengthened steering column40.05 Adjusted steering wheel (Larger and/or thicker
steering wheel section, reduced diameter steering
wheel, etc.)
40.06 Tilted steering wheel
40.07 Vertical steering wheel
40.08 Horizontal steering wheel40.09 Foot operated driving40.10 Alternative adjusted steering (joy-stick, etc.)
40.11 Knob on the steering wheel
40.12 Hand orthesis on the steering wheel40.13 With orthesis tenodese1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 22
▼M4
42. Modified rearview mirror(s)
42.01 External (left or) right-side rear-view mirror
42.02 External rear-view mirror set on the wing
42.03 Additional inside rear-view mirror permitting view
of traffic
42.04 Panoramic inside rear-view mirror42.05 Blind spot rear-view mirror
42.06 Electrically operated outside rear-view mirror(s)
43. Modified driver seat
43.01 Driver seat at a good viewing height and in normal
distance from the steering wheel and the pedal
43.02 Driver seat adjusted to body shape43.03 Driver seat with lateral support for good sitting
stability
43.04 Driver seat with armrest43.05 Lengthening of sliding driver's seat43.06 Seat-belt adjustment43.07 Harness-type seat-belt
44. Modifications to motorcycles (subcode use obligatory)
44.01 Single operated brake
44.02 (Adjusted) hand operated brake (front wheel)44.03 (Adjusted) foot operated brake (back wheel)
44.04 (Adjusted) accelerator handle
44.05 (Adjusted) manual transmission and manual clutch44.06 (Adjusted) rear-view mirror(s)44.07 (Adjusted) commands (direction indicators, braking
light, …)
44.08 Seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to
have two feet on the road at the same time
45. Motorcycle with side-car only50. Restricted to a specific vehicle/chassis number (vehicle
identification number, VIN)
51. Restricted to a specific vehicle/registration plate (vehicle
registration number, VRN)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
70. Exchange of licence No … issued by … (EU/UN distin-
guishing sign in the case of a third country; e.g:
70.0123456789.NL)
71. Duplicate of licence No … (EU/UN distinguishing sign in
the case of a third country; e.g: 71.987654321.HR)
72. Restricted to category A vehicles having a maximum
cylinder capacity of 125 cc and maximum power of 11 KW
(A1)
73. Restricted to category B vehicles of the motor tricycle or
quadricycle type (B1)
74. Restricted to category C vehicles the maximum authorised
mass of which does not exceed 7 500 kg (C1)
75. Restricted to category D vehicles with not more than 16
seats, excluding the driver's seat (D1)
76. Restricted to category C vehicles the maximum authorised
mass of which does not exceed 7 500 kg (C1), attached to
a trailer the maximum authorised mass of which exceeds
750 kg, provided that the maximum authorised mass of the
vehicle train thus formed does not exceed 12 000 kg, and
that the maximum authorised mass of the trailer does not
exceed the unladen mass of the drawing vehicle (C1+E)1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 23
▼M4
77. Restricted to category D vehicles with not more than 16
passenger seats, excluding the driver's seat (D1), attached
to a trailer the maximum authorised mass of which exceeds
750 kg provided that (a) the maximum authorised mass of
the vehicle train thus formed does not exceed 12 000 kg
and the maximum authorised mass of the trailer does not
exceed the unladen mass of the drawing vehicle and (b) the
trailer is not used to carry passengers (D1+E)
78. Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission
(Directive 91/439/EEC, Annex II, 8.1.1., §2)
79. (…) Restricted to vehicles which comply with the specifica-
tions indicated in brackets, in the context of the application
of Article 10(1) of the Directive
90.01: to the left
90.02: to the right90.03: left90.04: right
90.05: hand
90.06: foot90.07: usable
95. Driver holding a CPC complying with the obligation of profes-
sional competence referred to in Article 3 until … (e.g. 95.
01.01.2012)
— codes 100 and above: national codes valid only for driving in the
territory of the Member State which issued
the licence.
Where a code applies to all (sub)categories for which the licence is
issued, it may be printed under columns 9, 10 and 11;
13. in implementation of paragraph 3 (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.
With the specific written agreement of the holder, information which
is not related to the administration of the driving licence or road
safety may also be added in this space; such addition shall not alter
in any way the use of the model as a driving licence.
(b) an explanation of the numbered items which appear on pages 1 and 2 of
the licence (at least items 1, 2, 3, 4 (a), 4 (b), 4 (c), 5, 10, 11 and 12).
If a Member State wishes to make the entries in a national language
other than one of the following languages: Spanish, Czech, Danish,
German, Estonian, Greek, English, French, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian,
Hungarian, Maltese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian,
Finnish or Swedish it will draw up a bilingual version of the licence
using one of the aforementioned languages, without prejudice to the
other provisions of this Annex.
(c) a space shall be reserved on the Community model licence to allow for
the possible introduction of a microchip or similar computer device.
3. Special provisions
(a) Where the holder of a driving licence issued by a Member State in accor-
dance with this Annex has his normal place of residence in another
Member State, that Member State may enter in the licence such informa-
tion 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, national symbols and security features,
without prejudice to the other provisions of this Annex.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 24
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In the context of mutual recognition of licences, the bar code may not
contain information other than what can already be read on the driving
licence or which is essential to the process of issuing the licence.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 25
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COMMUNITY MODEL DRIVING LICENCE
Page 1
Page 2
1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 26
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SPECIMEN COMMUNITY MODEL DRIVING LICENCE
Belgian licence (for information)
1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 27
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ANNEX II
I.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVING TESTS
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that applicants for
driving licences possess the knowledge and skills and exhibit the behaviour
required for driving a motor vehicle. The tests introduced to this effect must
consist of:
— a theory test, and then
— a test of skills and behaviour.
The conditions under which these tests shall be conducted are set out below.
A. THEORY TEST
1. Form
The form chosen shall be such as to make sure that the applicant has
the required knowledge of the subjects listed on points 2 to 4.
Any applicant for a licence in one category who has passed a theory
test for a licence in a different category may be exempt from the
common provisions of points 2 to 4.
2. Content of the theory test concerning all vehicle categories
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 influ-
ence 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 parti-
cular as they change with the weather and the time of day or
night,
— characteristics of various types of road and the related statutory
requirements;
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 indica-1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 28
▼M4
tors, 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 (appro-
priate use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel consumption,
limitation of pollutant emissions, etc.).
3. Specific provisions concerning categories A and A1
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. Specific provisions concerning categories C, C+E, C1, C1+E, D,
D+E, D1 and D1+E
4.1. Compulsory check of general knowledge on:
4.1.1. Rules on driving hours and rest periods as defined by Council Regu-
lation (EEC) No 3820/85 (1); use of the recording equipment as
defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 (2),
4.1.2. Rules concerning the type of transport concerned: goods or passen-
gers;
4.1.3. Vehicle and transport documents required for the national and inter-
national 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 emer-
gency 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, C+E, C1, C1+E 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, D+E, D1, D1+E only).
4.2. Compulsory check of general knowledge on the following additional
provisions concerning categories C, C+E, D and D+E:
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 trans-
mission system (clutch, gearbox, etc.);
4.2.2. Lubrication and antifreeze protection;1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 29
(1) OJ L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 8.
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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 C+E,
D+E 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 (cate-
gories C, C+E only).
B. TEST OF SKILLS AND BEHAVIOUR
5. The vehicle and its equipment
5.1. The driving of a vehicle with manual transmission shall be subject to
the passing of a skills and behaviour test taken on a vehicle with
manual transmission.
If an applicant takes the test of skills and behaviour on a vehicle
with automatic transmission this shall be recorded on any licence
issued on the basis of such a test. Licences with this indication shall
be used only for driving vehicles with automatic transmission.
‘Vehicle with automatic transmission’ means a vehicle in which the
gear ratio between the engine and the wheels can be varied by use
only of the accelerator or the brakes.
5.2. The vehicles used in tests of skills and behaviour shall comply with
the minimum criteria given below. Member States may make provi-
sions for more stringent criteria or add others.
Category A:
— Progressive access (first clause of the first indent of Article
6(1)(b)): a motorcycle without sidecar with a cubic capacity of
over 120 cm
3, capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h;
— Direct access (second clause of the first indent of Article
6(1)(b)): a motorcycle without sidecar with an engine-power of
at least 35 kW;
Subcategory A1:
A motorcycle without sidecar with a cubic capacity of at least
75 cm3;
Category B:
A four-wheeled category B vehicle capable of a speed of at least
100 km/h;
Category B+E:
A combination, made up of a category B test vehicle and a trailer
with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 000 kilograms,
capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h, which does not fall within
category B; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a
closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the motor
vehicle; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the
motor vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by
use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle; the trailer
shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kilograms real total mass;
Subcategory B1:A motor-powered tricycle or quadricycle capable of a speed of at
least 60 km/h;
Category C:A category C vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least
12 000 kilograms, a length of at least eight metres, a width of at
least 2,40 metres and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted
with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a gearbox having at least eight
forward ratios and recording equipment as defined by Regulation
(EEC) No 3821/85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 30
▼M4
box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab; the
vehicle shall be presented with a minimum of 10 000 kilograms
real total mass;
Category C+E:either an articulated vehicle or a combination of a category C test
vehicle and a trailer of at least 7,5 metres in length; both the articu-
lated vehicle and the combination shall have a maximum authorised
mass of at least 20 000 kilograms, a length of at least 14 metres and
a width of at least 2,40 metres, shall be capable of a speed of at least
80 km/h, fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a gearbox
having at least eight forward ratios and with recording equipment
as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85; the cargo compartment
shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as
high as the cab; both the articulated vehicle and the combination
shall be presented with a minimum of 15 000 kilograms real total
mass;
Subcategory C1:A subcategory C1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at
least 4 000 kilograms, with a length of at least five metres and
capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakesand equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation
(EEC) No 3821/85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed
box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab;
Subcategory C1 + E:
A combination made up of a subcategory C1 test vehicle and a
trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 250 kilograms;
this combination shall be at least eight metres in length and capable
of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer
shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as
high as the cab; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide
than the cab provided that the view to the rear is only possible by
use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle; the trailer
shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kilograms real total mass;
Category D:A category D vehicle with a length of at least 10 metres, a width of
at least 2,40 metres and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted
with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as
defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85;
Category D+E:A combination made up of a category D test vehicle and a trailer
with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 250 kilograms, a
width of at least 2,40 metres and capable of a speed of at least
80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a
closed box body which is at least two metres wide and two metres
high; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kilograms
real total mass;
Subcategory D1:A subcategory D 1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at
least 4 000 kilograms, with a length of at least five metres and
capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes
and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation
(EEC) No 3821/85;
Subcategory D1+E:A combination made up of a subcategory D1 test vehicle and a
trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 250 kilograms
and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment
of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least two
metres wide and two metres high; the trailer shall be presented with
a minimum of 800 kilograms real total mass;
Testing vehicles for categories B+E, C, C+E, C1, C1+E, D, D+E, D1
and D1+E which are not in conformity with the minimum criteria
given above but which were in use on or before the moment of entry
into force of this Commission Directive, may still be used for a
period not exceeding ten years after that date. The requirements
related to the load to be carried by these vehicles, may be imple-
mented by Member States up to ten years from the moment of
entry into force of this Directive.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 31
▼M4
6. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories A and A1
6.1. Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on
road safety
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to
ride safely by satisfying the following requirements:
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. Special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety
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 tech-
nique of changing gears;
6.2.5. Braking: at least two braking exercices 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.
The special manoeuvres mentioned under points 6.2.3 to 6.2.5 have
to be implemented at the latest five years after entry into force of
this Directive.
6.3. Behaviour in traffic
Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic
situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
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 cross-
ings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on
long slopes;
6.3.9. Taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle.
7. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories B, B1
and B+E
7.1. Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on
road safety
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to
drive safely by satisfying the following requirements:
7.1.1. Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 32
▼M4
7.1.2. Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if avail-
able;
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, reflec-
tors, 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
B+E only);
7.1.6. Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical
connections (category B+E only);
7.2. Categories B and B1: special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing
on road safety
A selection of the following manoeuvres shall be tested (at least two
manoeuvres for the four points, including one in reverse gear):
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. Category B+E: special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on
road safety
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 discre-
tion of the Member States;
7.3.3. Parking safely for loading/unloading.7.4. Behaviour in traffic
Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic
situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
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 cross-
ings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on
long slopes;
7.4.9. Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.
8. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories C, C+E,
C1, C1+E, D, D+E, D1 and D1+E
8.1. Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on
road safety
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to
drive safely by satisfying the following requirements:
8.1.1. Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 33
▼M4
8.1.2. Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if avail-
able;
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;
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, C+E, C1,
C1+E only);
8.1.7. Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical
connections (categories C+E, C1+E, D+E, D1+E 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, D+E, D1,
D1+E only);
8.1.9. Reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic
navigation systems (optional).
8.2. Special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety8.2.1. 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) (cate-
gories C+E, C1+E, D+E, D1+E only);
8.2.2. Reversing along a curve, the line of which shall be left to the discre-
tion of the Member States;
8.2.3. Parking safely for loading/unloading at a loading ramp/platform or
similar installation (categories C, C+E, C1, C1+E only);
8.2.4. Parking to let passengers on or off the bus safely (categories D,
D+E, D1, D1+E only).
8.3. Behaviour in traffic
Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic
situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
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 cross-
ings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on
long slopes;
8.3.9. Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.
9. Marking of the test of skills and behaviour
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 accom-1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 34
▼M4
panying person has to intervene. Nonetheless, the examiner shall be
free to decide whether or not the skills and behaviour test should be
completed.
Driving examiners must be trained to assess correctly the applicants'
ability to drive safely. The work of driving examiners must be moni-
tored and supervised, by a body authorised by the Member State, to
ensure correct and consistent application of fault assessment in
accordance with the standards laid down in this Annex.
9.2. During their assessment, driving examiners shall pay special atten-
tion to the fact 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 deter-
mined (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 (cate-
gories B+E, C, C+E, C1, C1+E, D+E, D1+E only); the comfort of
the passengers (categories D, D+E, D1, D1+E only) (no fast accel-
eration, smoothly driving and no hard braking);
9.3.2. Driving economically and environmentally friendly, taking into
account the revolutions per minute, changing gears, braking and
accelerating (categories B+E, C, C+E, C1, C1+E, D, D+E, D1,
D1+E 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 junc-
tions; 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 character-
istics 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, C+E, D, D+E); using speed reduction
systems other than the brakes (only for categories C, C+E, D, D+E).
10. Length of the test
The length of the test and the distance travelled must be sufficient to
assess the skills and behaviour laid down in paragraph B of this
Annex. In no circumstances should the time spent driving on the
road be less than 25 minutes for categories A, A1, B, B1 and B+E
and 45 minutes for the other categories. This does not include the
reception of the applicant, the preparation of the vehicle, the tech-
nical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety, the special1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 35
▼M4
manoeuvres and the announcement of the outcome of the practical
test.
11. Location of the test
The part of the test to assess the special manoeuvres may be
conducted on a special testing ground. Wherever practicable, the
part of the test to assess behaviour in traffic should be conducted
on roads outside built-up areas, expressways and motorways (or
similar), as well as on all kinds of urban streets (residential areas,
30 and 50 km/h areas, urban expressways) which should represent
the various types of difficulty likely to be encountered by drivers. It
is also desirable for the test to take place in various traffic density
conditions. The time spent driving on the road should be used in an
optimal way to assess the applicant in all the various traffic areas
that can be encountered, with a special emphasis on changing
between these areas.
II.KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND BEHAVIOUR FOR DRIVING A
POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLE
Drivers of all power-driven vehicles must at any moment have the knowledge,
skills and behaviour described under points 1 to 9 above, with a view to be able
to:
— 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.
Member States may implement the appropriate measures to ensure that drivers
who have lost the knowledge, skills and behaviour as described under points 1
to 9 can recover this knowledge and these skills and will continue to exhibit
such behaviour required for driving a motor vehicle.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 36
▼B
ANNEX III
MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FITNESS FOR
DRIVING A POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLE
DEFINITIONS
1. For the purpose of this Annex, drivers are classified in two groups:
1.1. Group 1:
drivers of vehicles of categories A, B and B + E and subcategory A1 and
B1;
1.2. Group 2:
drivers of vehicles of categories C, C + E, D, D + E and of subcategory
C1, C1 + E, D1 and D1 + E.
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.
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
3. Group 1:
applicants shall be required to undergo a medical examination if it
becomes apparent, when the necessary formalities are being completed or
during the tests which they have to undergo prior to obtaining a driving
licence, that they have one or more of the medical disabilities mentioned
in this Annex.
4. Group 2:
applicants shall undergo medical examination before a driving licence is
first issued to them and thereafter drivers shall undergo such periodic
examinations as may be prescribed by national legislation.
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.
SIGHT
6. All applicants for a driving licence shall undergo an appropriate investiga-
tion 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 shall be examined by a competend medical authority. At
this examination attention shall be paid the following in particular: visual
acuity, field of vision, twilight vision and progressive eye disseases.
For the purpose of this Annex, intra-ocular lenses shall not be considered
corrective lenses.
Group 1:
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. Driving licences shall not be
issued or renewed if, during the medical examination, it is shown that
the horizont al field of vision is less than 120º, apart from exceptional
cases duly justified by a favourable medical opinion and a positive prac-
tical test, or that the person concerned suffers from any other eye
condition that would compromise safe driving. When a progressive eye
diease is detected or declared, driving licences may be issued or renewed
subject to the applicant undergoing regular examination by a competent
medical authority.
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 0,6,
with corrective lenses if necessary. The competent medical authority1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 37
▼B
must certify that this condition of monocular vision has existed suffi-
ciently long to allow adaption and that the field of vision in this eye is
normal.
Group 2:
6.3. Applicants for a driving licence or for the renewal of such a licence must
have a visual acuity, with corrective lenses if necessary, of at least 0,8 in
the better eye and at least 0,5 in the worse eye. If corrective lenses are
used to attain the values of 0,8 and 0,5, the uncorrected acuity in each
eye must reach 0,05, or else the minimum acuity (0,8 and 0,5) must be
achieved either by correction by means of glasses with a power not
exceeding plus or minus four dioptres or with the aid of contact lenses
(uncorrected vision = 0,05). The correction must be well tolerated.
Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applications or
drivers without a normal binocular field of vision or suffering from
diplopia.
HEARING
7. Driving licences may be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers in
Group 2 subject ot the opinion of the competend medical authorities;
particular account will be taken in medical examinations of the scope for
compensation.
PERSONS WITH A LOCOMOTER DISABILITY
8. Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers
suffering from complaints or abnormalities of the locomoter system which
make it dangerous to drive a power-driven vehicle.
Group 1:
8.1. Driving licences subject to certain restrictions, if necessary, may be issued
to physically handicapped applicants or drivers following the issuing of anopinion 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 beha-
viour 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.
Where the handicap is static, driving licences may be issued or renewed
without the applicant being subject to regular medical examination.
Group 2:
8.3. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the addi-
tional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the
definition of this group.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
9. Any disease capable of exposing an applicant for a first licence or a driver
applying for renewal to a sudden failure of the cardiovascular system such
that there is a sudden impairment of the cerebral functions constitutes a
danger to road safety.
Group 1:
9.1. Driving licences will not to be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or
drivers with serious arrhytmia.
9.2. Driving licences may be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers
wearing a pacemaker subject to authorized medical opinion and regular
medical check-ups.
9.3. The question whether to issue or renew a licence for applicants or drivers
suffering from abnormal arterial bloos pressure shall be assessed with
reference to the other results of the examination, may associated compli-
cations and the danger they might constitute for road safety.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 38
▼B
9.4. Generally speaking, a driving licence shall not be issued to or renewed for
applicants or drivers suffering from angina during rest or emotion. The
issuing or renewal of a driving licence to any applicant or driver having
suffered myocardial infarction shall be subject to authorized medical
opinion and, if necessary, regular medical check-ups.
Group 2:
9.5. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the addi-
tional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the
definition of this group.
DIABETES MELLITUS
10. Driving licences may be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers
suffering from diabetes mellitus, subject to authorized medical opinion
and regular medical check-ups appropriate to each case.
Group 2:
10.1. Only in very exceptional cases may driving licences be issued to, or
renewed for, applicants or drivers in this group suffering from diabetes
mellitus and requiring insulin treatment, and then only where duly justi-
fied by authorized medical opinion and subject to regular medical check-
ups.
NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES
11. Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or
drivers suffering from a serious neurological disease, unless the applica-
tion is supported by authorized medical opinion.
Neurological disturbances associated with diseases or surgical intervention
affecting the central or periphal nervous system, which lead to sensory or
motor deficiences and affect balance and coordination, must accordingly
be taken into account in relation to their functional effects and the risks
of progression. In such cases, the issue or renewal of the licence may be
subject to periodic assessment in the event of risk of deterioration.
12. Epileptic seizures or other sudden disturbances of the state of conscious-
ness constitute a serious danger to road safety if they occur in a person
driving a power-driven vehicle.
Group 1:
12.1. A licence may be issued or renewed subject to an examination by a
competent medical authority and to regular medical check-ups. The
authority shall decide on the state of the epilepsy or other disturbances
of consciousness, its clinical form and progress (no seizure in the last
two years, for example), the treatment received and the results thereof.
Group 2:
12.2. Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers
suffering or liable to suffer from epileptic seizures or other sudden distur-
bances of the state of consciousness.
MENTAL DISORDERS
Group 1:
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 adaptibility,
unless their application is supported by authorized medical opinion and, if
necessary, subject to regular medical check-ups.
Group 2:
13.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the addi-
tional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the
definition of this group.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 39
▼B
ALCOHOL
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.
Group 1:
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.
After a proven period of abstinence and subject to authorized medical
opinion and regular medical check-ups, driving licences may be issued
to, or renewed for, applicant or drivers who have in the past been depen-
dent on alcohol.
Group 2:
14.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the addi-
tional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the
definition of this group.
DRUGS AND MEDICINAL PRODUCTS15. Abuse:
Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers
who are dependent on psychotropic substances or who are not dependent
on such substsances but regularly abuse them, whatever category of
licence is requested.
Regular use:Group 1:
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.
Group 2:
15.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the addi-
tional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the
definitions of this group.
RENAL DISORDERS
Group 1:
16.1. Driving licences may be issued or renewed for applicants and drivers
suffering from serious renal insufficiency subject to authorized medical
opinion and regular medical check-ups.
Group 2:
16.2. Save in exceptional cases duly justified by authorized 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.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Group 1:
17.1. Subject to authorized 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 transplantant or an artificial implant
which affects the ability to drive.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 40
▼B
Group 2:
17.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the addi-
tional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by the
definiton 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 authorized medical opinion and, if necessary, subject to regular
medical check-ups.1991L0439 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 41