1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 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
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
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 themovement of persons settling in a Member State other than that in whichthey have passed a driving test, it is desirable that there should be aCommunity model national driving licence mutually recognized by 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
transferring their place of normal residence or place of employmentfrom one Member State to another; whereas the progress made must becontinued;
Whereas the Community model national licence established by
Directive 80/1263/EEC should be adapted to take account, inter alia ,
of the harmonization of categories and subcategories of vehicles and tomake licences more readily comprehensible both inside and outside theCommunity;
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
provisions 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;
Whereas provision should be made for the possibility of subdividing the
said categories of vehicles in order to promote, in particular, access ingradual stages to driving such vehicles in the interests of road safety andto 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 a
period of one year of changing normal residence; constitute an obstacle
to the free movement of persons; whereas this is inadmissible in the lightof the progress made towards European integration;1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 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
Whereas, in addition, for reasons connected with road safety and traffic,
Member States should be able to apply their national provisions on thewithdrawal, suspension and cancellation of driving licences to all 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 ►M2or a◄,in
accordance with the provisions of this Directive. ►M1However, 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 checksand tax arrangements and may enter on the licence any information
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 ►
M2or 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 Ia
may 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 addition to
the driver's seat; motor vehicles in this category may be combinedwith a trailer having a maximum authorized mass which does notexceed 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 categoryB;1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 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 maximumauthorized 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 750kilograms;
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
kilograms.
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 the followingsubcategories:
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 750kilograms, 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 exceed theunladen 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 thissubcategory may be combined with a trailer having a maximumauthorized mass 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 unladen massof 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 of over1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 4
▼B
50 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-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 same wayas such a vehicle;
— ‘Motor vehicle’ means any power-driven vehicle, other than a
motorcycle, which is normally used for carrying persons or goods byroad or for drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage ofpersons or goods. This term shall include trolleybuses, i.e. vehiclesconnected to an electric conductor and not rail-borne. It shall not
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 thatthey 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 of power-
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 D
respectively.
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 category D.
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;1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 5
▼B
(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 ofdisabled passengers) ►
C1by holders over 21 years old of a driving
licence for category B which was obtained at least two years
before, ◄provided that the vehicles are being used by non-
commercial bodies for social purposes and that the driver provideshis services on a voluntary basis;
(b) vehicles of a maximum authorized mass exceeding 3 500kilograms
by holders over 21 years old of a driving licence for category Bwhich was obtained at least two years before, provided that the mainpurpose of the vehicles is to be used only when stationary as an
instructional or recreational area, and that they are being used by
non-commercial bodies for social purposes and that vehicles havebeen modified so that they may not be used either for the transportof 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/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 to previousexperience may be waived if the candidate is at least 21 yearsold, subject to the candidate's passing a specific test of skills andbehaviour;
— 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 1985 on
the harmonization of certain social legislation relating to road
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 suchvehicles in Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85.
2. Member States may derogate from the minimum age requirements
laid down for categories A, B and B + E and issue such driving licencesfrom the age of 17 years, except in the case of the provisions forcategory A laid down in the last sentence of the first indent of paragraph
1 (b).
3. Member States may refuse to recognize the validity in their
territory of driving licences issued to drivers under 18 years of age.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 6
(1) OJ No L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 1
▼B
Article 7
1. Driving licences shall, moreover, be issued only to those
applicants:
(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 beenstudying 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 thebasis of national criteria, the period of valitity of the driving licenceswhich 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 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 ofdriving licences the provisions of their national rules relating toconditions 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
Member State has taken up normal residence in another Member State,
he may request that his driving licence be exchanged for an equivalent
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
cancellation of the right to drive to the holder of a driving licenceissued by another Member State and, if necessary, exchange the licencefor that purpose.
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, in
the former State's territory, the subject of one of the measures referred to
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 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 theMember State making the exchange. If the holder of this licencetransfers his normal residence to another Member State, the latter neednot apply Article 1 (2).1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 7
▼B
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 each
calender year, because of personal and occupational ties, or, in the case
of a person with no occupational ties, because of personal ties whichshow 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 lives inturn in different places situated in two or more Member States shall beregarded as being the place of his personal ties, provided that such
person returns there regularly. This last condition need not be met where
the person is living in a Member State in order to carry out a task of adefinite duration. Attendance at a university or school shall not implytransfer 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 the
purpose 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 nationalprovisions concerning any optional subcategories which may have beenestablished 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 reference onthe occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such areference 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 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.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 8
▼B
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 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
DK: Denmark
D: Germany
GR: Greece
E: Spain
F: France
IRL: Ireland
I: Italy
L: Luxembourg
NL: Netherlands
A: Austria
P: Portugal
FIN: Finland
S: Sweden
UK: 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;
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, 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 1-99: harmonized Community codes,
— codes 100 and above: national codes valid only for driving in the
territory of the State which issued the licence.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 9
▼A1
▼B
▼B
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 residence
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: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French,
German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, 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.
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.
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 — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 10
▼A1
▼B
MODEL COMMUNITY DRIVING LICENCE
▼B1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 11
▼B1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 12
▼B
SPECIMEN COMMUNITY MODEL LICENCE: BELGIAN LICENCE
(for information)
1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 13
▼M2
ANNEXIa
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
DK: DenmarkD: GermanyGR: GreeceE: SpainF: FranceIRL: IrelandI: ItalyL: LuxembourgNL: The NetherlandsA: AustriaP: Portugal
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
indefinitely;
(c) the name of the issuing authority (may be printed on page 2);
(d) a different number from the one under heading 5, for adminis-
trative purposes (optional);
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
categories);
(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 background
of the licence:
Permiso de Conducción1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 14
▼M2
Kørekort
Führerschein
Άδεια Οδήγησης
Driving LicenceAjokortti
Permis de Conduire
Ceadúnas Tiomána
Patente digui da
Rijbewijs
Carta de Condução
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 harmonized
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 1-99: harmonized Community codes,
— 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: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish,
French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or Swedish, it shall
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
accordance with this Annex has his normal place of residence in another
Member State, that Member State may enter in the licence such
information 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 — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 15
▼M2
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 — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 16
▼M2
COMMUNITY MODEL DRIVING LICENCE
Page 1
Page 2
1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 17
▼M2
SPECIMEN COMMUNITY MODEL DRIVING LICENCE
Belgian licence (for information)
1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 18
▼B
ANNEXII
I. KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND BEHAVIOUR FOR DRIVING A POWER-
DRIVEN VEHICLE
For the purpose of application of this Annex, the following provisions cover
both categories and subcategories, unless explicit reference is made to the
latter.
1.Preamble
To drive safely, drivers of all power-driven vehicles must have the
knowledge, skill and behaviour to be able to:
— recognize 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.
2.Knowledge
Drivers must be able to demonstrate a knowledge and sound
unterstanding of the following fields:
2.1. importance of altertness and of attitutes to other road users;2.2. mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety; they must be able to
detect the most common faults, in particular in the steering,
suspension and brake systems, tyres, lights and direction indicators,
reflectors, rear-view mirrors, windscreen and wipers, the exhaust
system and seat-belts;
2.3. the most important principles concerning the observance of safe
distance between vehicles, braking distances and roadholding under
various 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 of alcohol,
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. driving risk factors related to various road conditions, in particular as
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. vehicle safety equipment and, in particular, the use of seat-belts and
child safety equipment;
2.10. rules regarding vehicle use in relation to the environment (appropriate
use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel consumption, limitation
of pollutant emissions, etc.);
2.11. road traffic regulations, in particular as regards road signs, including
markings, signals, rights of way and speed limits;
2.12. rules concerning the administrative documents required for the use of
vehicles;
2.13. general rules specifying how the driver must behave in the event of an
accident (setting warning device and raising the alarm) and the
measures which he can take to assist road accident victims where
necessary;1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 19
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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. starting the engine and moving off smoothly (uphill and downhill as
well as on the flat);
3.2.2. accelerating to a suitable speed while maintaining a straight course,
including during gear-changes;
3.2.3. adjusting speed to negotiate left or right turns at junctions, possibly in
restricted spaces, while maintaining control of the vehicle;
3.2.4. reversing in a straight line and reversing right or left round a corner
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. braking accurately to a stop, if need be by performing an emergency
stop;
3.2.7. parking the vehicle and leaving a parking space (parallel, oblique or
right-angle) both forwards and in reverse, on the flat, uphill and
downhill.
3.3. Under the conditions set out in 3.2 drivers must be able to sue the
secondary controls of the vehicle: windscreen wipers, windscreen
washers, demister and air-conditioning, lights etc.
4.Behaviour
4.1. Drivers must be able to perform all the usual manoeuvres in complete
safety in normal traffic situations, taking all the necessary precau-
tions:
4.1.1. observing (including the use of the rear-view mirrors) road alignment,
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. Drivers must also have the skills needed, in traffic situations, 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;
4.2.3. keep the right distance between vehicles;4.2.4. change lanes;
4.2.5. pass parked or stationary vehicles and obstacles;1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 20
▼B
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 from the vehicle.
5.Specific requirements for driving category A, B, C, D, B + E, C +
E and D + 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. remove the motorcycle from its stand and move it, without the aid of
the engine, by walking alongside the vehicle;
5.1.3. park the motorcycle on its stand;
5.1.4. perform a U-turn;5.1.5. keep the vehicle balanced at various speeds, including slow speeds,
and in different driving situations, also while carrying a passenger;
5.1.6. lean over to turn.
5.2.Categories C, D, C + E and D + E:
Drivers of vehicles in these categories must also demonstrate
knowledge and sound understanding in the areas set out below:
5.2.1. obstruction ot the field of view of the driver and other users caused 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. adjusting course when turning to allow for the length of vehicle and
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.Categories B + 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.
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;1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 21
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5.5.3. they must also be capable of taking special vehicle safety measures.
6.Use of the vehicle
Drivers must be capable of driving their vehicles on various types of
roads, both in urban areas and on the open road, in various conditions
(weather, light, traffic density, etc.).
II. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVING TESTS
The 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 test introduced to this
effect 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
The form chosen shall be such as to make sure that the applicant has
the required knowledge of the subjects listed in paragraphs 2 and 5 of
this Annex.
Any applicant for a licence in one category who already holds a
licence in a different category may be exempt from the common
provisions 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
content of the questions being left to the discretion of each Member
State.
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. The test provided for in paragraph 7.2.1 should be supplemented by a
random check 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 + E and D + E:
The test provided for in paragraph 7.2 should be supplemented in the
case of applicants for licences in categories C, D, C + E and D + E:
7.3.1. by a compulsory check on the following points under paragraph 5 of
this Annex.
7.3.1.1. Categories C, D, C + E and D + E
Points 5.2.3. (except for C1, C1 + E, D1 and D1 + E), 5.2.4 (except
the use of the tachograph, which is dealt with in point 9.3.1) and 5.2.5
(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. by a random check on one of the following points: 5.2.1, 5.2.2 and
5.2.6.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 22
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8.Tests of skills and behaviour
8.1.The vehicle and its equipment
8.1.1. 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 only by
use of the accelerator or the brakes.
8.1.2. The vehicles used in tests of skill and behaviour shall comply with
the minimum criteria given below. Member States may make
provision for more stringent criteria or add others.
Category A:
— progressive access (first clause of the first indent of Article 6 (1)
(b): motorcycles without sidecar with a cubic capacity of over
120 cm3, capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h;
— direct access (second clause of the first indent of Article 6 (1) (b);
motorcycles without sidecar with engine-power of at least 35 kW;
Category B:
four-wheeled category B vehicles capable of a speed of at least 100
km/h;
Category B + E:
combinations, made up of a category B test vehicle and a trailer with
a maximum authorized mass of at least 1 000 kilograms, capable of a
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
10 000 kilograms and a length of at least 7 metres, capable of a speed
of at least 80 km/h;
Category C + E
either articulated vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of at
least 18 000 kg and a length of at least 12 metres, capable of a speed
of at least 80 km/h; or combinations, made up of a category C test
vehicle and a trailer at least 4 metres in length, with a maximum
authorized mass of at least 18 000 kilograms and a langth of at least
12 metres, capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h;
Category D:
category D vehicles not less than 9 metres in length and capable of a
speed of at least 80 km/h;
Category D + E:
combinations made up of a category D test vehicle and a trailer with
a maximum authorized mass of at least 1 250 kilograms and capable
of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
Optional subcategories
Subcategory A1:
motorcycle without sidecar with a cubic capacity of at least 75 cm3;
Subcategory B1:
motor-powered tricycles or quadricycles capable of a speed of at least
60 km/h;1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 23
▼B
Subcategory C1:
subcategory C1 vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of at least
4 000 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
with a maximum authorized mass of at least 2 000 kilograms at least
8 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:
combinations made up of a subcategory D1 test vehicle and a trailer
with a maximum authorized mass of at least 1 250 kilograms and
capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
8.2.Skills and behaviour to be tested.
The rules set out below apply only where they are compatible with
the characteristics of the vehicle.
8.2.1. Preparation of the vehicle
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to
drive safely by satisfying the following requirements (references are
to paragraph 3.1 of this Annex). points 3.1.2, 3.1.3 (the point on seat-
belts applies only if the law requires one to be worn) and 3.1.4.
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):
Points 3.2.1 (starting on the flat and, where possible, uphill), 3.2.2,
3.2.3 and 3.2.6 (except emergency stops, which are dealt with in
point 10.1.1).
A selection of the manoeuvres referred to in points 3.2.4, 3.2.5 and
3.2.7 shall be tested (at least two manoeuvres for the three points,
including one in reverse gear). The manoeuvres specified in point
3.2.5 need to be tested for vehicle categories C, D, B + E, C + E and
D + E. Applicants for a licence in these categories must reverse along
a curve, the line of which shall be left to the discretion of the Member
States.
8.2.3. Behaviour in traffic
Applicants must perform all the following manoeuvres referred to in
paragraph 4 of this Annex in normal traffic situations, in complete
safety and taking all necessary precautions: points 4.1.1, 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, 4.2.9 and 4.2.10 plus the
manoeuvres mentioned points 4.2.6, 4.2.7 and 4.2.8 if the opportunity
is given.
8.3.SpecificprovisionsconcerningCategoriesA,C,D,C+EandD+E
In addition to the abovementioned manoeuvres, applicants for
category A, D, C + E and D + E licences must perform the
following 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, the
adjustment of the helmet shall be checked. A selection of the checks
listed in point 5.1.1 shall be tested. The ability to keep balance (point
5.1.5) must be tested at various speeds, including slow speeds, and in
different driving situations, except carriage of passengers, which is
dealt with in point 9.1.2.1.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 24
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8.3.2. Categories C, D, C + E and D + E:
Points 5.2.8, 5.2.9 (except for C1 and D1), 5.2.10 (except for C1 and
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 and behaviour,
at the discretion of the Member States.
9.1.1. All Categories
9.1.1.1. Random checks on the condition of the tyres, lights, reflectors,
steering, brakes, direction indicators and audible warning device.
9.1.1.2. Precautions necessary when alighting from the vehicle;
9.1.2. Category A
9.1.2.1 Keeping balance with carrying a passenger;
9.1.3. Categories C, D, C + E and D + E:
9.1.3.1. Use of the tachograph;
9.1.4. Category C + 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
The aspects of the applicant's skills and behaviour listed below may
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
skills and behaviour test (except in the case of C1, C1 + E, D1 and
D1 + E).
11.Marking of the test of skills and behaviour
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
penalized by failing the test, whether or not the examiner or
accompanying 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 candidates'
ability to drive safely. The work of driving examiners must be
monitored and supervised, by a body authorized by the Member
State, to ensure correct and consistent application of fault assessment
in accordance with the standards laid down in this Annex.
12.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 paragraphs 8 and 9. In no
circumstances should the time spent driving on the road be less than1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 25
▼B
25 minutes for categories A, B and B + E and 45 minutes for the
other categories.
13.Location of the test
The part of the test to asses the applicant's technical control over the
vehicle may be conducted on a special testing ground. Wherever
possible, the part of the test to assess behaviour in traffic should be
conducted on roads outside built-up areas, expressways and motor-
ways, as well as on urban streets 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.
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 a
period not exceeding three years if they do not meet the criteria laid
down for such vehicles in point 8.1.2 of this Annex.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 26
▼B
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:
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 EXAMINATIONS3.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
investigation 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 practical 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 authority must
certify that this condition of monocular vision has existed sufficiently long
to allow adaption and that the field of vision in this eye is normal.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 27
▼B
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 an
opinion 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
behaviour 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
additional 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
complications and the danger they might constitute for road safety.
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.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 28
▼B
Group 2:
9.5. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the
additional 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 justified
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 application 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 consciousness
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
disturbances 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
additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered by
the definition of this group.
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.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 29
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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 dependent on
alcohol.
Group 2:
14.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the
additional 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
additional 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.
Group 2:
17.2. The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the
additional 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 supported1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 30
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by authorized medical opinion and, if necessary, subject to regular medical
check-ups.1991L0439 — EN — 18.09.1996 — 002.001 — 31