1991L0439 — EN — 19.08.1991 — 000.001 — 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)
Corrected by:
►C1Corrigendum, OJ L 310, 12.11.1991, p. 16 (91/439)
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▼B
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 29 July 1991
on driving licences
(91/439/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
HavingregardtotheTreatyestablishingtheEuropeanCommunity,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),
HavingregardtotheopinionoftheEconomicandSocialCommittee(3),
Whereas, for the purpose of the common transport policy, and as a
contributiontoimprovingroadtrafficsafety,aswellastofacilitatethemovement of persons settling in a Member State other than that inwhichtheyhavepassedadrivingtest,itisdesirablethatthereshouldbea Community model national driving licence mutually recognized bythe Member States without any obligation to exchange licences;
WhereasthefirststepinthisdirectionwastakenwiththeFirstCouncil
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 ofnationallicencesaswellastheexchangeoflicencesbyholderstransfer-ringtheirplaceofnormalresidenceorplaceofemploymentfromoneMember State to another; whereas the progress made must becontinued;
Whereas the Community model national licence established by
Directive80/1263/EECshouldbeadaptedtotakeaccount, inter alia,of
the harmonization of categories and subcategories of vehicles and tomakelicencesmorereadilycomprehensiblebothinsideandoutsidetheCommunity;
Whereas, on road safety grounds, the minimum requirements for the
issue of a driving licence should be laid down;
WhereasArticle3ofDirective80/1263/EECstipulatesthatfinalprovi-
sions generalizing in the Community the categories of vehiclesmentioned in that Article should be adopted without the possibility ofderogation, as should the conditions of validity of driving licences;
Whereasprovisionshouldbemadeforthepossibilityofsubdividingthe
saidcategoriesofvehiclesinordertopromote,inparticular,accessingradual stages to driving such vehicles in the interests of road safetyand 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
detailedharmonizationofthestandardsfordrivingtestsandlicensing;whereastothisendtheknowledge,skillsandbehaviourconnectedwithdrivingmotorvehiclesshouldbedefinedandthedrivingtestbasedontheseconcepts;whereastheminimumstandardsofphysicalandmentalfitness for driving such vehicles should be redefined;
WhereastheprovisionssetoutinArticle8ofDirective80/1263/EEC,
and in particular the obligation to exchange driving licences within aperiodofoneyearofchangingnormalresidence;constituteanobstacle
(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.
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to the free movement of persons; whereas this is inadmissible in thelight of the progress made towards European integration;
Whereas,inaddition,forreasonsconnectedwithroadsafetyandtraffic,
MemberStatesshouldbeabletoapplytheirnationalprovisionsonthewithdrawal, suspension and cancellation of driving licences to alllicence holders having acquired normal residence in their territory,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. MemberStatesshallintroduceanationaldrivinglicencebasedon
the Community model described in Annex I, in accordance with theprovisions of this Directive.
2. DrivinglicencesissuedbyMemberStatesshallbemutuallyrecog-
nized.
3. Where the holder of a valid national driving licence takes up
normal residence in a Member State other than that which issued thelicence,thehostMemberStatemayapplytotheholderofthelicencesits national rules on the period of validity of the licences, medicalchecksandtaxarrangementsandmayenteronthelicenceanyinforma-tion indispensable for administration.
Article 2
1. Theemblemonpage1oftheCommunitymodeldrivinglicences
shall contain the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing thelicence.
2. MemberStatesshalltakeallnecessarystepstoavoidanyriskof
forgery of driving licences.
3. WiththeagreementoftheCommission,MemberStatesmaymake
to the model given in Annex 1 such adjustments as are necessary forcomputer processing of the driving licence.
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
3500kilogramsandhavingnotmorethaneightseatsinadditiontothedriver’sseat;motorvehiclesinthiscategorymaybecombinedwith a trailer having a maximum authorized mass which does notexceed 750 kilograms;
— combinationsofatractorvehicleincategoryBandatrailer,where
themaximumauthorizedmassofthecombinationdoesnotexceed3500 kilograms and the maximum authorized mass of the trailerdoes not exceed the unladen mass of the tractor vehicles;
Category B + E— combinationofvehiclesconsistingofatractorvehicleincategoryB
andatrailer,wherethecombinationdoesnotcomewithincategoryB;
Category C— motorvehiclesotherthanthoseincategoryDandwhosemaximum
authorized mass is over 3500 kilograms; motor vehicles in thiscategorymaybecombinedwithatrailerhavingamaximumauthor-ized mass which does not exceed 750 kilograms;
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Category C + E
— combinationsofvehicleswherethetractorvehicleisincategoryC
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 inthis category may be combined with a trailer having a maximumauthorized mass which does not exceed 750 kilograms;
Category D + E— combinationsofvehicleswherethetractorvehicleisincategoryD
and its trailer has a maximum authorized mass of over 750 kilo-grams.
2. WithincategoriesA,B ,B+E,C,C+E,DandD+E,a specific
driving licence may be issued for the driving of vehicles in thefollowing subcategories:
Subcategory A1— lightmotorcycleswithacubiccapacitynotexceeding125cm
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 3500 kilograms but not more than 7500kilograms; motor vehicles in this subcategory may be combinedwith a trailer having a maximum authorized mass which does notexceed 750 kilograms;
Subcategory C1 + E— combinationofvehicleswherethetractorvehicleisinsubcategory
C1 and its trailer has a maximum authorized mass of over 750kilograms, provided that the maximum authorized mass of thecombination thus formed does not exceed 12000 kilograms, andthatthemaximumauthorizedmassofthetrailerdoesnotexceedtheunladen mass of the tractor vehicle;
Subcategory D1— motorvehiclesusedforthecarriageofpassengersandhavingmore
thaneightseatsinadditiontothedriver’sseatbutnotmorethan16seats in addition to the driver’s seat; motor vehicles in this subca-tegory may be combined with a trailer having a maximum author-ized mass which does not exceed 750 kilograms;
Subcategory D1 + E— combinationsofvehicleswherethetractorvehicleisinsubcategory
D1anditstrailerhasamaximumauthorizedmassofoverthan750kilograms, provided that:
— firstly, the maximum authorized mass of the combination thus
formed does not exceed 12000 kilograms and the maximumauthorizedmassofthetrailerdoesnotexceedtheunladenmassof the tractor vehicle;
— secondly, the trailer is not used for the transport of persons.
3. For the purpose of this Article:
— ‘Power-drivenvehicle'meansanyself-propelledvehiclerunningon
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 ofover 50 km/h or powered by a spark-ignition internal combustionengine with a cubic capacity of more than 50 cm
3or any other
engineofequivalentpower.Theunladenmassshallnotexceed550kilograms.Theunladenmassofelectricallypropelledvehiclesshallnot take account of the battery mass.
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MemberStatesmaysetlesserstandardsregardingtheunladenmassand add others, such as the maximum cubic category or power;
— ‘Motorcycle' means any two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum
design speed of over 50 km/h or, if it is powered by an internalcombustion engine, with a cubic capacity of more than 50 cm
3;a
motorcycle and sidecar combination shall be treated in the sameway as such a vehicle;
— ‘Motor vehicle' means any power-driven vehicle, other than a
motorcycle, which is normally used for carrying persons or goodsbyroadorfordrawing,ontheroad,vehiclesusedforthecarriageofpersonsorgoods.Thistermshallincludetrolleybuses,i.e.vehiclesconnected to an electric conductor and not rail-borne. It shall notinclude agricultural or forestry tractors;
— ‘Agricultural or forestry tractor'means any power-driven vehicle
runningonwheelsortracks,havingatleasttwoaxles,theprincipalfunction of which lies in its tractive power, which is speciallydesigned to pull, pus, carry or operate certain tools, machines ortrailers 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,
providedthatthisismentionedinthedrivinglicence,fromthespeedsindicatedinthesecondandthirdindentsofparagraph3,providedthatthey stipulate lower speeds.
5. For subcategory A1, Member States may impose additional
restrictive rules.
6. With the agreement of the Commission, Member States may
excludefromapplicationofthisArticlecertainspecifictypesofpower-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,becauseofaphysicaldisability,drivingisauthorizedonlyfor
certain types of vehicle or for adapted vehicles, the test of skills andbehaviour 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) licencesforcategoriesB+E ,C+E,D+E shallbeissuedonlyto
driversalreadyentitledtodrivevehiclesincategoriesB,CandDrespectively.
2. The validity of driving licences shall be determined as follows:
(a) licences granted for categor yC+Eo rD+E shall be valid for
combinations of vehicles in category B + E;
(b) licencesgrantedforcategory C+EshallbevalidforcategoryD+
EaslongastheirholdersareentitledtodrivevehiclesincategoryD.
3. For driving on their territory, Member States may grant the
following equivalences:
(a) power-driven tricycles and quadricycles under a licence for
category 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:
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(a) vehicles of Category D1 (maximum 16 seats in addition to the
driver’s seat and maximum authorized mass of 3500 kilograms,excluding any specialized equipment intended for the carriage ofdisabled passengers) ►
C1by holders over 21 years old of a
driving licence for category B which was obtained at least twoyearsbefore, ◄providedthatthevehiclesarebeingusedbynon-
commercialbodiesforsocialpurposesandthatthedriverprovideshis services on a voluntary basis;
(b) vehiclesofamaximumauthorizedmassexceeding3500kilograms
by holders over 21 years old of a driving licence for category Bwhich was obtained at least two years before, provided that themainpurposeofthevehiclesistobeusedonlywhenstationaryasaninstructionalorrecreationalarea,andthattheyarebeingusedbynon-commercial bodies for social purposes and that vehicles havebeenmodifiedsothattheymaynotbeusedeitherforthetransportof more than nine persons or for the transport of any goods otherthan 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/weightratioexceeding0,16kW/kg)shallbesubjecttoaminimum of two years’ experience on motorcycles with lowerspecifications under an A licence; this requirement as toprevious experience may be waived if the candidate is at least21yearsold,subjecttothecandidate’spassingaspecifictestofskills and behaviour;
— for categories B ,B+E ;
— forcategoriesC,C+EandsubcategoriesC1,C1+E,without
prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles inCouncilRegulation(EEC)No3820/85of20December1985onthe harmonization of certain social legislation relating to roadtransport(
1);
(c) 21 years:
— forthecategoriesDan dD+EandsubcategoriesD1,D1+E,
withoud prejudice to the provisions for the driving of suchvehicles in Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85.
2. MemberStatesmayderogatefromtheminimumagerequirements
laiddownforcategoriesA,Ban dB+Eandissuesuchdrivinglicences
fromthe age of 17 years, except in the case of the provisions forcategory A laid down in the last sentence of the first indent of para-graph 1 (b).
3. MemberStatesmayrefusetorecognizethevalidityintheirterri-
tory of driving licences issued to drivers under 18 years of age.
Article 7
1. Driving licences shall, moreover, be issued only to those appli-
cants:
(a) whohavepassedatestofskillsandbehaviourandatheoreticaltest
andwhomeetmedicalstandards,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsof Annexes II and III;
(1) OJ No L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 1
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(b) who have their normal residence in the territory of the Member
State issuing the licence, or can produce evidence that they havebeen 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, onthebasisofnationalcriteria,theperiodofvalitityofthedrivinglicenceswhich it issues.
3. Member States may, with the agreement of the Commission,
derogate fromthe provisions of Annex III where such derogations arecompatible with the development of medical science and with theprinciples 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 ofdrivinglicencestheprovisionsoftheirnationalrulesrelatingtocondi-tions other than those referred to in this Directive.
5. No person may hold a driving licence from more than one
Member State.
Article 8
1. Where the holder of a valid national driving licence issued by a
MemberStatehastakenupnormalresidenceinanotherMemberState,hemayrequestthathisdrivinglicencebeexchangedforanequivalentlicence; it shall be for the Member State effecting the exchange tocheck,ifnecessary,whetherthelicencesubmittedisinfactstillvalid.
2. Subjecttoobservanceoftheprincipleofterritorialityofcriminal
andpolicelaws,theMemberStatesofnormalresidencemayapplyitsnationalprovisionsontherestriction,suspension,withdrawalorcancel-lationoftherighttodrivetotheholderofadrivinglicenceissuedbyanother Member State and, if necessary, exchange the licence for thatpurpose.
3. The Member State effecting the exchange shall return the old
licencetotheauthoritiesoftheMemberStatewhichissueditandgivethe reasons for so doing.
4. A Member State may refuse to recognize the validity of any
drivinglicenceissuedbyanotherMemberStatetoapersonwhois,intheformerState’sterritory,thesubjectofoneofthemeasuresreferredto in paragraph 2.
A Member State may likewise refuse to issue a driving licence to an
applicantwhoisthesubjectofsuchameasureinanotherMemberState.
5. Areplacementforadrivinglicencewhichhas,forexample,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 theirpossessionor,whereappropriate,prooffromthecompetentauthoritiesof 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 exchangeshall be recorded in the latter as shall any subsequent renewal orreplacement.
Such an exchange may occur only if the licence issued by the third
country has been surrendered to the competent authorities of theMemberStatemakingtheexchange.Iftheholderofthislicencetrans-fershisnormalresidencetoanotherMemberState,thelatterneednotapply 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 eachcalenderyear,becauseofpersonalandoccupationalties,or,inthecase
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of a person with no occupational ties, because of personal ties whichshowcloselinksbetweenthatpersonandtheplacewhereheisliving.
However,thenormalresidenceofapersonwhoseoccupationaltiesare
inadifferentplacefromhispersonaltiesandwhoconsequentlylivesinturnindifferentplacessituatedintwoormoreMemberStatesshallberegarded as being the place of his personal ties, provided that suchperson returns there regularly. This last condition need not be metwherethepersonislivinginaMemberStateinordertocarryoutataskof a definite duration. Attendance at a university or school shall notimply transfer of normal residence.
Article 10
WiththeagreementoftheCommission,MemberStatesshallestablish
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 nationalprovisionsconcerninganyoptionalsubcategorieswhichmayhavebeenestablishedinaccordancewithArticle3,withaviewtotheirpossibleharmonization or elimination.
Article 12
1. After consulting the Commission, Member States shall, before 1
July 1994, adopt the laws, regulations or administrative provisionsnecessary to comply with this Directive as of 1 July 1996.
2. When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a
referencetothisDirectiveorshallbeaccompaniedbysuchreferenceontheoccasionoftheirofficialpublication.Themethodsofmakingsuchareference shall be laid down by the Member States.
3. TheMemberStatesshallassistoneanotherintheimplementation
of this Directive and shall, if need be, exchange information on thelicences 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.
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ANNEXI
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 1shall contain:
— the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing the licence;
— mentionofthenameoftheMemberStateissuingthelicence(optional);— the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing the licence, those
signs shall be as follows:
B: BelgiumDK: DenmarkD: GermanyGR: GreeceE: SpainF: FranceIRL: IrelandI: ItalyL: LuxembourgNL: NetherlandsP: PortugalUK: United Kingdom;
— the words ‘Driving licence', printed in large type in the language or
languagesoftheMemberStateissuingthelicence;theyshallappear,aftera suitable space, in small type in the other languages of the EuropeanCommunities;
— the words ‘European Communities model',printed in the language or
languages of the Member States issuing the licence;
page 2shall 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;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)category,itsperiodofvalidity,thestampoftheauthority,anyadditionalinformation or restrictions in code form for each (sub)category concerned.
SubcategoriesnotprovidedforinthenationallegislationofaMemberState
may be omitted from driving licences issued by that Member State.
The codes used on page 4 shall be as follows:— codes 1-99: harmonized Community codes,— codes 100 and above: nationalcodesvalidonlyfordrivingintheterri-
tory of the State which issued the licence.
Thedateoffirstissueofthelicenceforeachcategorymustbetransferredto
page 3 in the event of subsequent replacement or exchange;
page 5may 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 driverswhich obtains in that State;
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page 6shall contain:
— validations restricted to the territory of the State which granted themon
grounds of equivalents or for categories of vehicles not covered by thisDirective (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.
IfaMemberStatewishestomakethoseentriesinanationallanguageother
than one of the following languages: Danish, Dutch, English, French,German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, it will draw up a bilingualversion of the licence using one of the aforementioned languages, withoutprejudice to the other provisions of this Annex.
4. WheretheholderofadrivinglicenceissuedbyaMemberStatehastakenup
normal residence in another Member State, the latter may indicate:
— change(s) of residence on page 6,
— informationessentialforadministrativepurposessuchasseriousoffences
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.
Bywayofderogationfrompoint2ofthisAnnex,drivinglicencesissuedbythe
UnitedKingdomshallnotberequiredtoincludeaphotographoftheholderforamaximum period of ten years following the adoption of this Directive.
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MODEL COMMUNITY DRIVING LICENCE

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SPECIMEN COMMUNITY MODEL LICENCE: BELGIAN LICENCE
(for information)

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ANNEXII
I. KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND BEHAVIOUR FOR DRIVING A POWER-
DRIVEN VEHICLE
ForthepurposeofapplicationofthisAnnex,thefollowingprovisionscover
both categories and subcategories, unless explicit reference is made to thelatter.
1.Preamble
Todrivesafely,driversofallpower-drivenvehiclesmusthavethe
knowledge, skill and behaviour to be able to:
— recognize traffic dangers and assess their seriousness,
— havesufficientcommandoftheirvehiclenottocreatedangerous
situationsandtoreactappropriatelyshouldsuchsituationsoccur,
— comply with road traffic regulations, and in particular those
intended to prevent road accidents and to maintain the flow oftraffic,
— detect any major technical faults in their vehicles, in particular
those posing a safety hazard, and have themrem edied in anappropriate fashion,
— take account of all the factors affecting driving behaviour (e.g.
alcohol,fatigue,pooreyesight,etc.)soastoretainfulluseofthefaculties needed to drive safely,
— helpensurethesafetyofallroadusers,andinparticularofthe
weakest and most exposed by showing due respect for others.
2.Knowledge
Driversmustbeabletodemonstrateaknowledgeandsoundunter-
standing of the following fields:
2.1. importance of altertness and of attitutes to other road users;2.2. mechanicalaspectswithabearingonroadsafety;theymustbeable
to detect the most common faults, in particular in the steering,suspensionandbrakesystems,tyres,lightsanddirectionindicators,reflectors, rear-view mirrors, windscreen and wipers, the exhaustsystemand seat-belts;
2.3. the most important principles concerning the observance of safe
distancebetweenvehicles,brakingdistancesandroadholdingundervarious weather and road conditions;
2.4. perception, judgment and decision-taking, especially reaction time,
as well as changes in driving behaviour due to the influence ofalcohol, drugs and medicinal products, state of mind and fatigue;
2.5. specific risk factors related to the lack of experience of other road
users and the most vulnerable categories of user such as children,pedestrians, cyclists and people whose mobility is reduced;
2.6. risks involved in the movement and driving of various types of
vehicle and of the different fields of view of their drivers;
2.7. drivingriskfactorsrelatedtovariousroadconditions,inparticularas
they change with the weather and the time of day or night;
2.8. characteristics of various types of road and the related statutory
requirements;
2.9. vehiclesafetyequipmentand,inparticular,theuseofseat-beltsand
child safety equipment;
2.10. rules regarding vehicle use in relation to the environment (appro-
priate use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel consumption,limitation of pollutant emissions, etc.);
2.11. roadtrafficregulations,inparticularasregardsroadsigns,including
markings, signals, rights of way and speed limits;
2.12. rules concerning the administrative documents required for the use
of vehicles;
2.13. generalrulesspecifyinghowthedrivermustbehaveintheeventof
an accident (setting warning device and raising the alarm) and themeasures which he can take to assist road accident victims wherenecessary;
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2.14. safety factors relating to vehicle and persons carried.
3.Skills
The rules set out below apply only to the extent that they are
compatible with the characteristics of the vehicle.
3.1 Drivers must be able to prepare for safe driving by:3.1.1. checking the condition of the tyres, lights, reflectors, steering,
brakes, direction indicators and audible warning device;
3.1.2. adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;3.1.3. adjusting rear-view mirrors and seat belts;3.1.4. checking that the doors are closed.3.2. Drivers must be able to use the vehicle controls, i.e.:
— steering wheel,
— accelerator,— clutch,— gears,— handbrake and footbrake,
under the following conditions:
3.2.1. startingtheengineandmovingoffsmoothly(uphillanddownhillas
well as on the flat);
3.2.2. acceleratingtoasuitablespeedwhilemaintainingastraightcourse,
including during gear-changes;
3.2.3. adjustingspeedtonegotiateleftorrightturnsatjunctions,possibly
in restricted spaces, while maintaining control of the vehicle;
3.2.4. reversinginastraightlineandreversingrightorleftroundacorner
while keeping within the correct traffic lane;
3.2.5. turning the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and
reverse gears;
3.2.6. brakingaccuratelytoastop,ifneedbebyperforminganemergency
stop;
3.2.7. parkingthevehicleandleavingaparkingspace(parallel,obliqueor
right-angle) both forwards and in reverse, on the flat, uphill anddownhill.
3.3. Undertheconditionssetoutin3.2driversmustbeabletosuethe
secondary controls of the vehicle: windscreen wipers, windscreenwashers, demister and air-conditioning, lights etc.
4.Behaviour
4.1. Drivers must be able to perform all the usual manoeuvres in
completesafetyinnormaltrafficsituations,takingallthenecessaryprecautions:
4.1.1. observing (including the use of the rear-view mirrors) road align-
ment, markings, signs and potential or actual risks;
4.1.2. communicating with other road users using the authorized means;4.1.3. reacting appropriately in actual risk situations;4.1.4. complying with road traffic regulations and the instruciton of the
police, traffic wardens, etc.;
4.1.5. showing due respect for other road users.4.2. Driversmustalsohavetheskillsneeded,intrafficsituations,safely
to:
4.2.1. move off from the kerb and/or a parking space;4.2.2. drive with the vehicle correctly positioned on the road, adjusting
speed to traffic conditions and the line of the road;
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4.2.3. keep the right distance between vehicles;
4.2.4. change lanes;4.2.5. pass parked or stationary vehicles and obstacles;4.2.6. pass oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;4.2.7. overtake in various situations;4.2.8. approach and cross level-crossings;4.2.9. approach and cross junctions;4.2.10. turn right and left at junctions or to leave the carriageway;4.2.11. take the necessary precautions when alighting fromthe vehicle.
5.Specific requirements for driving category A, B, C, D ,B+E ,C
+Ea n dD+E
5.1.Category A:
Drivers of category A must also know ho to:
5.1.1. adjust their crash-helmet and check the other safety devices on the
vehicle;
5.1.2. removethemotorcyclefromitsstandandmoveit,withouttheaidof
the engine, by walking alongside the vehicle;
5.1.3. park the motorcycle on its stand;5.1.4. performa U-turn;5.1.5. keepthevehiclebalancedatvariousspeeds,includingslowspeeds,
and in different driving situations, also while carrying a passenger;
5.1.6. lean over to turn.
5.2.Categories C, D ,C+Ea n dD+E :
Driversofvehiclesinthesecategoriesmustalsodemonstrateknowl-
edge and sound understanding in the areas set out below:
5.2.1. obstructionotthefieldofviewofthedriverandotheruserscaused
by the characteristics of their vehicles;
5.2.2. the effect of wind on the course of the vehicle;5.2.3. rules on vehicle weights and dimensions;5.2.4. rules on driving hours, rest periods and use of the tachograph;5.2.5. principles of braking systems and speed governors;5.2.6. precautions to be taken when overtaking because of the danker of
splashing spray or mud;
5.2.7. reading a road map.
They must in addition be capable of:
5.2.8. checking the power-assisted braking and steering systems;5.2.9. using the various braking systems;5.2.10. using speed reduction systems other than the brakes;5.2.11. adjustingcoursewhenturningtoallowforthelengthofvehicleand
its overhangs.
5.3.Categories B ,B+E ,C ,C+E ,D+E ;
Drivers of vehicles in these categories must:
5.3.1. know the safety factors relating to vehicle loading.
5.4.CategoriesB+E ,C+E ,D+E :
Drivers of vehicles in these categories must be capable of:
5.4.1. coupling and uncoupling the trailer or semi-trailer to and form the
tractor.
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5.5.Category D:
Drivers of vehicles in this category must demonstrate a knowledge
of:
5.5.1. the rules concerning persons carried;5.5.2. how to behave in the event of an accident;5.5.3. theymustalsobecapableoftakingspecialvehiclesafetymeasures.
6.Use of the vehicle
Driversmustbecapableofdrivingtheirvehiclesonvarioustypesof
roads, both in urban areas and on the open road, in various condi-tions (weather, light, traffic density, etc.).
II. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVING TESTS
The Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that appli-
cants for driving licences possess the knowledge and skills and exhibit thebehaviour required for driving a motor vehicle. The test introduced to thiseffect must consist of:
— a theoretical test,
— a test of skills and behaviour.
The conditions under which this test shall be conducted are set out below.
7.Theoretical test
7.1.Form
Theformchosenshallbesuchastomakesurethattheapplicanthas
therequiredknowledgeofthesubjectslistedinparagraphs2and5of this Annex.
Any applicant for a licence in one category who already holds a
licence in a different category may be exempt from the commonprovisions of point 7 of this Annex.
7.2.Content of the test concerning all vehicle categories
The points listed below refer to paragraph 2 of this Annex.
7.2.1. Questions must be asked on each of the points listed below, the
contentofthequestionsbeinglefttothediscretionofeachMemberState.
7.2.1.1. Road traffic regulation
point 2.11.
7.2.1.2. The driver
points 2.1 and 2.4.
7.2.1.3. The road
points 2.3, 2.7 and 2.8.
7.2.1.4. Other road users
points 2.5 and 2.6.
7.2.1.5. General rules and regulations and regulations and other matters
points 2.12, 2.13 and 2.14.
7.2.2. Thetestprovidedforinparagraph7.2.1shouldbesupplementedby
a randomcheck on one of the following points: 2.2, 2.9 and 2.10.concerning the vehicle.
7.3.Specific provisions concerning categories C, D ,C+Ea n dD+E :
Thetestprovidedforinparagraph7.2shouldbesupplementedinthe
caseofapplicantsforlicencesincategoriesC,D ,C+EandD+E:
7.3.1. byacompulsorycheckonthefollowingpointsunderparagraph5of
this Annex.
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7.3.1.1. Categories C, D ,C+Ea n dD+E
Points5.2.3.(exceptforC1,C1+E,D1andD1+E),5.2.4(except
the use of the tachograph, which is dealt with in point 9.3.1) and5.2.5 (except for C1, C1 + E, D1 and D1 + E),
7.3.1.2. Category D
Points 5.5.1 and 5.5.2,
7.3.2. byarandomcheckononeofthefollowingpoints:5.2.1,5.2.2and
5.2.6.
8.Tests of skills and behaviour
8.1.The vehicle and its equipment
8.1.1. Thedrivingofavehiclewithmanualtransmissionshallbesubjectto
the passing of a skills and behaviour test taken on a vehicle withmanual transmission.
If an applicant takes the test of skills and behaviour on a vehicle
with automatic transmission this shall be recorded on any licenceissuedonthebasisofsuchatest.Licenceswiththisindicationshallbe used only for driving vehicles with automatic transmission.
‘Vehiclewithautomatictransmission'meansavehicleinwhichthe
gearratiobetweentheengineandthewheelscanbevariedonlybyuse of the accelerator or the brakes.
8.1.2. Thevehiclesusedintestsofskillandbehaviourshallcomplywith
theminimumcriteriagivenbelow.MemberStatesmaymakeprovi-sion for more stringent criteria or add others.
Category A:
— progressiveaccess(firstclauseofthefirstindentofArticle6(1)
(b): motorcycles without sidecar with a cubic capacity of over120 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);motorcycleswithoutsidecarwithengine-powerofatleast35kW;
Category B:
four-wheeledcategoryBvehiclescapableofaspeedofatleast100
km/h;
CategoryB+E :
combinations,madeupofacategoryBtestvehicleandatrailerwith
amaximumauthorizedmassofatleast1000kilograms,capableofa speed of at least 100 km/h, which do not fall within category B;
Category C:
category C vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of at least
10000 kilograms and a length of at least 7 metres, capable of aspeed of at least 80 km/h;
CategoryC+E
either articulated vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of at
least18000kgandalengthofatleast12metres,capableofaspeedofatleast80km/h;orcombinations,madeupofacategoryCtestvehicle and a trailer at least 4 metres in length, with a maximumauthorizedmassofatleast18000kilogramsandalangthofatleast12 metres, capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h;
Category D:
categoryDvehiclesnotlessthan9metresinlengthandcapableofa
speed of at least 80 km/h;
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CategoryD+E :
combinationsmadeupofacategoryDtestvehicleandatrailerwith
amaximumauthorizedmassofatleast1250kilogramsandcapableof a speed of at least 80 km/h.
Optional subcategoriesSubcategory A1:
motorcyclewithoutsidecarwithacubiccapacityofatleast75cm
3;
Subcategory B1:
motor-powered tricycles or quadricycles capable of a speed of at
least 60 km/h;
Subcategory C1:
subcategoryC1vehicleswithamaximumauthorizedmassofatleast
4000 kilograms and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h;
Subcategory C1 + E:
combinations made up of a category C1 test vehicles and a trailer
withamaximumauthorizedmassofatleast2000kilogramsatleast8 metres in length and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h;
Subcategory D1:
subcategory D1 vehicles capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h;
Subcategory D1 + E:
combinationsmadeupofasubcategoryD1testvehicleandatrailer
with a maximum authorized mass of at least 1250 kilograms andcapable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
8.2.Skills and behaviour to be tested.
Therulessetoutbelowapplyonlywheretheyarecompatiblewith
the characteristics of the vehicle.
8.2.1. Preparation of the vehicle
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to
drivesafelybysatisfyingthefollowingrequirements(referencesareto paragraph 3.1 of this Annex). points 3.1.2, 3.1.3 (the point onseat-beltsappliesonlyifthelawrequiresonetobeworn)and3.1.4.
8.2.2. Technical control of the vehicle
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of using the
vehicle controls by satisfactorily performing the following mono-euvres (references are to paragraph 3.2 of this Annex):
Points3.2.1(startingontheflatand,wherepossible,uphill),3.2.2,
3.2.3 and 3.2.6 (except emergency stops, which are dealt with inpoint 10.1.1).
Aselectionofthemanoeuvresreferredtoinpoints3.2.4,3.2.5and
3.2.7 shall be tested (at least two manoeuvres for the three points,including one in reverse gear). The manoeuvres specified in point3.2.5needtobetestedforvehiclecategoriesC,D,B+E ,C+Eand
D + E. Applicants for a licence in these categories must reversealongacurve,thelineofwhichshallbelefttothediscretionoftheMember States.
8.2.3. Behaviour in traffic
Applicantsmustperformallthefollowingmanoeuvresreferredtoin
paragraph 4 of this Annex in normal traffic situations, in completesafetyandtakingallnecessaryprecautions:points4.1.1,4.1.2,4.1.3,4.1.4,4.1.5,4.2.1,4.2.2,4.2.3,4.2.4,4.2.5,4.2.9and4.2.10plusthemanoeuvres mentioned points 4.2.6, 4.2.7 and 4.2.8 if the oppor-tunity is given.
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8.3.Specific provisions concerning Categories A, C, D ,C+Ea n dD+
E
In addition to the abovementioned manoeuvres, applicants for
categoryA,D,C+EandD+E licencesmustperformthefollowing
manoeuvres (references are to paragraph 5 of this Annex):
8.3.1. Category A:
Points 5.1.2 (removing the motorcycle from its stand and possibly
moving it, without the aid of the engine, by walking alongside),5.1.3 and 5.1.6. If the law requires a crash-helmet to be worn, theadjustmentofthehelmetshallbechecked.Aselectionofthecheckslistedinpoint5.1.1shallbetested.Theabilitytokeepbalance(point5.1.5)mustbetestedatvariousspeeds,includingslowspeeds,andin different driving situations, except carriage of passengers, whichis dealt with in point 9.1.2.1.
8.3.2. Categories C, D ,C+Ea n dD+E :
Points5.2.8,5.2.9(exceptforC1andD1),5.2.10(exceptforC1and
D1) and 5.2.11 (except for C1 and D1).
8.3.3. Category D:
Point 5.5.3.
9.Theoretical test or test of skills and behaviour
9.1. The applicant’s skills and behaviour in the areas listed below must
be tested in either the theoretical test or the test of skills andbehaviour, at the discretion of the Member States.
9.1.1. All Categories
9.1.1.1. Randomchecks on the condition of the tyres, lights, reflectors,
steering, brakes, direction indicators and audible warning device.
9.1.1.2. Precautions necessary when alighting fromthe vehicle;
9.1.2. Category A
9.1.2.1 Keeping balance with carrying a passenger;
9.1.3. Categories C, D ,C+Ea n dD+E :
9.1.3.1. Use of the tachograph;
9.1.4. Categor yC+E :
9.1.4.1. Coupling and uncoupling a trailer or semi-trailer to/from its tractor
vehicle;
9.1.4.2. Safety factors relating to vehicle loading.
10.Optional test of skills and behaviour
Theaspectsoftheapplicant’sskillsandbehaviourlistedbelowmay
also be tested in the course of the skills and behaviour test.
10.1.All Categories:
10.1.1. Emergency stop.
10.2.Category A:
10.2.1. U-turn.10.3. Reading a road map may be tested in either the theoretical or the
skillsandbehaviourtest(exceptinthecaseofC1,C1+E,D1andD1 + E).
11.Marking of the test of skills and behaviour
For each of the abovementioned driving situations, the assessment
mustreflectthedegreeofeasewithwhichtheapplicanthandlesthevehiclecontrolsandhisdemonstratedcapacitytodriveintrafficincomplete safety. The examiner must feel safe throughout the test.Driving errors or dangerous conduct immediately endangering the
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safetyofthetestvehicle,itspassengersorotherroadusersshallbe
penalizedbyfailingthetest,whetherornottheexamineroraccom-panyingpersonhastointervene.Nonetheless,theexaminershallbefreetodecidewhetherornottheskillsandbehaviourtestshouldbecompleted.
Drivingexaminersmustbetrainedtoassesscorrectlythecandidates’
ability to drive safely. The work of driving examiners must bemonitored and supervised, by a body authorized by the MemberState,toensurecorrectandconsistentapplicationoffaultassessmentin accordance with the standards laid down in this Annex.
12.Length of the test
Thelengthofthetestandthedistancetravelledmustbesufficientto
assesstheskillsandbehaviourlaiddowninparagraphs8and9.Innocircumstancesshouldthetimespentdrivingontheroadbelessthan25minutesforcategoriesA,Ban dB+Eand45m inutesfor
the other categories.
13.Location of the test
Thepartofthetesttoassestheapplicant’stechnicalcontroloverthe
vehicle may be conducted on a special testing ground. Whereverpossible,thepartofthetesttoassessbehaviourintrafficshouldbeconducted on roads outside built-up areas, expressways and motor-ways,aswellasonurbanstreetswhichshouldrepresentthevarioustypes of difficulty likely to be encountered by drivers. It is alsodesirable for the test to take place in various traffic density condi-tions.
14. Vehicles used for the skills and behaviour test which entered into
service before 31 July 1991 may be used after that date only for aperiodnotexceedingthreeyearsiftheydonotmeetthecriterialaiddown for such vehicles in point 8.1.2 of this Annex.
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ANNEXIII
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:
driversofvehiclesofcategoriesA,Ban dB+EandsubcategoryA1and
B1;
1.2.Group 2:
driversofvehiclesofcategoriesC ,C+E,D,D+Eandof subcategory
C 1 ,C 1+E ,D 1a n dD 1+E .
1.3. National legislation may provide for the provisions set out in this Annex
forGroup2driverstoapplytodriversofCategoryBvehiclesusingtheirdriving licence for professional purposes (taxis, ambulances, etc.).
2. Similarly, applicants for a first driving licence or for the renewal of a
drivinglicenceareclassifiedinthegrouptowhichtheywillbelongoncethe licence has been issued or renewed.
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS3.Group 1:
applicants shall be required to undergo a medical examination if it
becomesapparent,whenthenecessaryformalitiesarebeingcompletedorduring the tests which they have to undergo prior to obtaining a drivinglicence,thattheyhaveoneormoreofthemedicaldisabilitiesmentionedinthis Annex.
4.Group 2:
applicants shall undergo medical examination before a driving licence is
first issued to themand thereafter drivers shall undergo such periodicexaminations 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 thisAnnex.
SIGHT
6. All applicants for a driving licence shall undergo an appropriate invest-
igationtoensurethattheyhaveadequatevisualacuityfordrivingpower-drivenvehicles.Wherethereisreasontodoubtthattheapplicant’svisionis adequate, he shall be examined by a competend medical authority. Atthisexaminationattentionshallbepaidthefollowinginparticular:visualacuity, field of vision, twilight vision and progressive eye disseases.
ForthepurposeofthisAnnex,intra-ocularlensesshallnotbeconsidered
corrective lenses.
Group 1:
6.1. Applicantsforadrivinglicenceorfortherenewalofsuchalicenceshall
have a binocular visual acuity, with corrective lenses if necessary, of atleast 0,5 when using both eyes together. Driving licences shall not beissuedorrenewedif,duringthemedicalexamination,itisshownthatthehorizontalfieldofvisionislessthan120 °,apartfromexceptionalcases
dulyjustifiedbyafavourablemedicalopinionandapositivepracticaltest,or that the person concerned suffers fromany other eye condition thatwouldcompromisesafedriving.Whenaprogressiveeyedieaseisdetectedor declared, driving licences may be issued or renewed subject to theapplicant undergoing regular examination by a competent medicalauthority.
6.2. Applicantsforadrivinglicence,orfortherenewalofsuchalicence,who
have total functional loss of vision in one eye or who use only one eye(e.g.inthecaseofdiplopia)musthaveavisualacuityofatleast0,6,withcorrective lenses if necessary. The competent medical authority must
1991L0439 — EN — 19.08.1991 — 000.001 — 23
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certifythatthisconditionofmonocularvisionhasexistedsufficientlylong
to allow adaption and that the field of vision in this eye is normal.
Group 2:
6.3. Applicantsforadrivinglicenceorfortherenewalofsuchalicencemust
haveavisualacuity,withcorrectivelensesifnecessary,ofatleast0,8inthe better eye and at least 0,5 in the worse eye. If corrective lenses areusedtoattainthevaluesof0,8and0,5,theuncorrectedacuityineacheyemust reach 0,05, or else the minimum acuity (0,8 and 0,5) must beachieved either by correction by means of glasses with a power notexceeding plus or minus four dioptres or with the aid of contact lenses(uncorrectedvision=0,05).Thecorrectionmustbewelltolerated.Drivinglicences shall not be issued to or renewed for applications or driverswithout a normal binocular field of vision or suffering from diplopia.
HEARING
7. Drivinglicencesmaybeissuedtoorrenewedforapplicantsordriversin
Group 2 subject ot the opinion of the competend medical authorities;particularaccountwillbetakeninmedicalexaminationsofthescopeforcompensation.
PERSONS WITH A LOCOMOTER DISABILITY
8. Drivinglicencesshallnotbeissuedtoorrenewedforapplicantsordrivers
sufferingfromcomplaintsorabnormalitiesofthelocomotersystemwhichmake it dangerous to drive a power-driven vehicle.
Group 1:
8.1. Drivinglicencessubjecttocertainrestrictions,ifnecessary,maybeissued
tophysicallyhandicappedapplicantsordriversfollowingtheissuingofanopinionbyacompetentmedicalauthority.Thisopinionmustbebasedonamedicalassessmentofthecomplaintorabnormalityinquestionand,wherenecessary,onapracticaltest.Itmustalsoindicatewhattypeofmodifica-tion to the vehicle is required and whether the driver needs to be fittedwith an orthopaedic device, insofar as the test of skills and behaviourdemonstrates that with such a device driving would not to be dangerous.
8.2. Drivinglicencesmaybeissuedtoorrenewedforanyapplicantsuffering
froma progressive com plaint on condition that the disabled person isregularlyexaminedtocheckthatthepersonisstillcapableofdrivingthevehicle 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. Thecompetentmedicalauthorityshallgivedueconsiderationtotheaddi-
tionalrisksanddangersinvolvedinthedrivingofvehiclescoveredbythedefinition of this group.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
9. Anydiseasecapableofexposinganapplicantforafirstlicenceoradriver
applyingforrenewaltoasuddenfailureofthecardiovascularsystemsuchthat there is a sudden impairment of the cerebral functions constitutes adanger 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 regularmedical check-ups.
9.3. Thequestionwhethertoissueorrenewalicenceforapplicantsordrivers
suffering fromabnorm al arterial bloos pressure shall be assessed withreferencetotheotherresultsoftheexamination,mayassociatedcomplica-tions and the danger they might constitute for road safety.
9.4. Generallyspeaking,adrivinglicenceshallnotbeissuedtoorrenewedfor
applicants or drivers suffering fromangina during rest or em otion. Theissuing or renewal of a driving licence to any applicant or driver having
1991L0439 — EN — 19.08.1991 — 000.001 — 24
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suffered myocardial infarction shall be subject to authorized medical
opinion and, if necessary, regular medical check-ups.
Group 2:
9.5. Thecompetentmedicalauthorityshallgivedueconsiderationtotheaddi-
tionalrisksanddangersinvolvedinthedrivingofvehiclescoveredbythedefinition of this group.
DIABETES MELLITUS
10. Driving licences may be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers
sufferingfromdiabetesmellitus,subjecttoauthorizedmedicalopinionandregular 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 fromdiabetesmellitusandrequiringinsulintreatment,andthenonlywheredulyjustifiedby 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
driverssufferingfromaseriousneurologicaldisease,unlesstheapplicationis supported by authorized medical opinion.
Neurologicaldisturbancesassociatedwithdiseasesorsurgicalintervention
affectingthecentralorperiphalnervoussystem,whichleadtosensoryormotor deficiences and affect balance and coordination, must accordinglybetakenintoaccountinrelationtotheirfunctionaleffectsandtherisksofprogression. In such cases, the issue or renewal of the licence may besubject 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 persondriving 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. Theauthorityshalldecideonthestateoftheepilepsyorotherdisturbancesofconsciousness, its clinical formand progress (no seizure in the last twoyears, for example), the treatment received and the results thereof.
Group 2:
12.2. Drivinglicencesshallnotbeissuedtoorrenewedforapplicantsordrivers
sufferingorliabletosufferfromepilepticseizuresorothersuddendistur-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,
unlesstheirapplicationissupportedbyauthorizedmedicalopinionand,if
necessary, subject to regular medical check-ups.
Group 2:
13.2. Thecompetentmedicalauthorityshallgivedueconsiderationtotheaddi-
tionalrisksanddangersinvolvedinthedrivingofvehiclescoveredbythedefinition of this group.
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ALCOHOL
14. Alcoholconsumptionconstitutesamajordangertoroadsafety.Inviewof
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 fromdrinkingand driving.
After a proven period of abstinence and subject to authorized medical
opinionandregularmedicalcheck-ups,drivinglicencesmaybeissuedto,orrenewedfor,applicantordriverswhohaveinthepastbeendependenton alcohol.
Group 2:
14.2. Thecompetentmedicalauthorityshallgivedueconsiderationtotheaddi-
tionalrisksanddangersinvolvedinthedrivingofvehiclescoveredbythedefinition of this group.
DRUGS AND MEDICINAL PRODUCTS15.Abuse:
Drivinglicencesshallnotbeissuedtoorrenewedforapplicantsordrivers
whoaredependentonpsychotropicsubstancesorwhoarenotdependentonsuchsubstsancesbutregularlyabusethem,whatevercategoryoflicenceis 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,whichcanhampertheabilitytodrivesafelywherethequantitiesabsorbedare such as to have an adverse effect on driving. This shall apply to allother medicinal products or combinations of medicinal products whichaffect the ability to drive.
Group 2:
15.2. Thecompetentmedicalauthorityshallgivedueconsiderationtotheaddi-
tionalrisksanddangersinvolvedinthedrivingofvehiclescoveredbythedefinitions of this group.
RENAL DISORDERS
Group 1:
16.1. Driving licences may be issued or renewed for applicants and drivers
suffering fromserious renal insufficiency subject to authorized m edicalopinion and regular medical check-ups.
Group 2:
16.2. Saveinexceptionalcasesdulyjustifiedbyauthorizedmedicalopinion,and
subjecttoregularmedicalcheck-ups,drivinglicencesshallnotbeissuedtoorrenewedforapplicantsordriverssufferingfromseriousandirreversiblerenal deficiency.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Group 1:
17.1. Subject to authorized medical opinion and, if necessary, regular medical
check-ups,drivinglicencesmaybeissuedtoorrenewedforapplicationsordriverswhohavehadanorgantransplantantoranartificialimplantwhichaffects the ability to drive.
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Group 2:
17.2. Thecompetentmedicalauthorityshallgivedueconsiderationtotheaddi-
tionalrisksanddangersinvolvedinthedrivingofvehiclescoveredbythedefiniton of this group.
18. As a general rule, where applicants or drivers suffer fromany disorder
whichisnotmentionedintheprecedingparagraphbutisliabletobe,ortoresult in, a functional incapacity affecting safety at the wheel, drivinglicencesshallnotbeissuedorrenewedunlesstheapplicationissupportedbyauthorizedmedicalopinionand,ifnecessary,subjecttoregularmedicalcheck-ups.