27. 2. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 48/1 
II 
(Preparatory Acts) 
COMMISSION 
Proposal for a Council Directive on the driving licence 
COM(88) 705 final 
(Submitted by the Commission on 9 December 1988) 
(89/C 48/01) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community, and in particular Article 75 
thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social 
Committee, 
Whereas, for the purposes of the common transport policy, 
and as a contribution to improving road traffic safety, as 
well as to facilitate the movement of persons settling in a 
Member State other than that in which they have passed a 
driving test, it is desirable that there should be a 
Community model national driving licence mutually 
recognized by the Member States without any obligation to 
exchange licences; 
Whereas the first step in this direction was made with First 
Council Directive 80/1263/EEC (1), which established a 
Community model national driving licence, mutual 
recognition by Member States of national driving licences 
and the exchange of licences by holders transferring their 
place of residence or place of employment from one 
Member State to another; whereas the progress made must 
be continued; 
Whereas the Community model national licence es­
tablished by Directive 80/1263/EEC should be maintained 
with the addition of certain linguistic adaptations to take 
account of the accession of Spain and Portugal; 
Whereas, on road safety grounds, the minimum require­
ments for the issue of a driving licence should be laid down; 
(!) OJ No L 375, 31. 12. 1980, p. 1. Whereas Article 3 of Directive 80/1263/EEC provides that 
final provisions generalizing in the Community the 
categories of vehicles mentioned in that Article should be 
adopted without the possibility of derogation, as should the 
conditions of validity of driving licences; 
Whereas provision should be made for the possibility of 
subdividing the said categories of vehicles in order to 
promote, in particular, gradual stages to driving more 
powerful vehicles; 
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 
mental fitness 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 
residence, constitute an obstacle to the free movement of 
persons; whereas this is inadmissible in the light of the 
progress made towards European integration; 
Whereas, in order to facilitate the movement of persons 
wishing to settle in a Member State other than that in which 
their driving licence was issued before this Directive took 
effect, there should be mutual recognition of driving 
licences by the Member States of residence subject to the 
conditions of validity laid down by the Member States 
which issued the licences, and it should be unnecessary to 
exchange licences, 
No C 48/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 2. 89 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 
Article 1 
1. Member States shall introduce a national driving 
licence based on the Community model as described in 
Annex I in conformity with the provisions of this Directive. 
2. The Community model driving licence within the 
meaning of this Directive and driving licences issued by the 
Member States before this Directive took effect shall be 
mutually recognized by the Member States and the 
conditions of their validity shall be determined by the State 
which issued them regardless of the State of residence of the 
holder of the licence. 
Article 2 
For the purposes of this Directive, 'normal residence' 
means the place where a person usually lives, that is for at 
least 185 days in each calendar year, because of personal 
and occupational ties, or, in the case of a person with no 
occupational ties, because of personal ties which show 
close links between that person and the place where he is 
living. 
However, the normal residence of a person whose 
occupational ties are in a different place from his personal 
ties and who consequently lives in turn in different places 
situated in two or more Member States shall be regarded 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 a definite duration. Attendance at a 
university or school shall not imply transfer of normal 
residence. 
Article 3 
1. The oval on page 1 of the Community model driving 
licence shall contain the distinguishing sign of the Member 
State issuing the licence. 
2. Member States shall take the necessary steps to avoid 
any risk of forgery of driving licences. 
Article 4 
1. The driving licence provided for in Article 1 shall 
authorize the driving of vehicles in the following cate­
gories : 
Category A 
Motorcycles with or without side-car. 
Category B 
Motor vehicles with a maximum authorized mass not 
exceeding 3 500 kg and comprising not more than eight 
seats in addition to the driver's seat. Category C 
Motor vehicles other than those in category D and whose 
maximum authorized mass exceeds 3 500 kg. 
Category D 
Motor vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and 
having more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat. 
Category E 
Combinations of vehicles of which the tractor vehicle is in a 
category or categories for which the driver is licensed (B, C 
or D), but which are not themselves in that category or 
categories. 
2. Paragraph 1 may apply to motor vehicles in categories 
B, C and D to which a trailer whose maximum authorized 
mass does not exceed 750 kg is coupled. 
3. Within category E, a specific driving licence shall be 
issued for driving the following vehicle combinations: 
Sub-category B + E 
Combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in 
category B and its trailer has a maximum authorized mass 
of over 750 kg. 
Nevertheless, a category B licence is sufficient provided 
that: 
— the maximum authorized mass of the trailer does not 
exceed the unladen mass of the vehicle, 
and 
— the maximum authorized mass of the combinations of 
vehicles does not exceed 3 500 kg. 
Sub-category C + E 
Combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in 
category C and its trailer has a maximum authorized mass 
of over 750 kg. 
Sub-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 kg. 
4. Within category A, a specific driving licence may be 
issued for driving the following vehicles: 
— motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 
400 cm3 or of a power not exceeding 35 kW, 
— motorcycles with a cubic capacity of over 400 cm3 or of 
a power of over 35 kW. 
27. 2. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 48/3 
Within the sub-category for motorcycles with a cubic 
capacity not exceeding 400 cm3 a specific licence may be 
issued for driving light motorcycles with a cubic capacity 
not exceeding 125 cm3. 
5. Within categories B, C and D and sub-categories C + 
E and D + E a specific driving licence may be issued for 
driving the following vehicles: 
Category B 
Powered tricycles and quadricycles. 
Category C 
Motor vehicles other than those in category D and whose 
maximum authorized mass is over 3 500 kg but not more 
than 7 500 kg. 
Category D 
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. 
Sub-category C + E 
Combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in 
category C but whose maximum authorized mass does not 
exceed 7 500 kg and its trailer has a maximum authorized 
mass of over 750 kg. 
Sub-category D + E 
Combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in 
category D but does not have more than 16 seats in 
addition to the driver's seat and its trailer has a maximum 
authorized mass of over 750 kg. 
6. For the purposes 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, 
— 'motorcycles' means any two-wheeled vehicles with a 
maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h or, if it is 
powered by an internal combustion engine, with a 
capacity of over 50 cm3; a side-car shall be treated in the 
same way as such a vehicle, 
— 'tricycle' and 'quadricycle' mean respectively any three 
or four-wheeled vehicle in category B with a maximum 
design speed of over 50 km/h or, if these vehicles are 
powered by a spark-ignition internal combustion 
engine, with a cubic capacity of more than 50 cm3 or any 
other engine of equivalent power. The unladen mass shall not exceed 500 kg. 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 capacity or power, 
— 'motor vehicle' means any power-driven vehicle, other 
than a motorcycle, which is normally used for carrying 
persons or goods by road or for drawing, on the road, 
vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods. This 
term shall include trolleybuses, i.e. vehicles connected 
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 principal functioning of which lies in 
its tractive power, which is specially designed to pull, 
push, 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 or drawing, on the road, vehicles used for 
the carriage of persons or goods is only a secondary 
function. 
7. Member States may, after consulting the Commission, 
derogate, provided that this is mentioned in the driving 
licence, from the speeds indicated at the second and third 
indents of paragraph 6, provided that provision is made for 
lower speeds. 
Article 5 
1. Driving licences with restrictive conditions may be 
issued to or renewed for physically handicapped drivers as 
long as the vehicles they drive are adapted to their needs. 
Any restriction made in the driving licence shall state the 
type of modification required to the vehicle, any prosthesis 
that the driver must wear and, where appropriate, the 
period of validity. 
Where the wearing of corrective lenses or intra-ocular 
lenses is required for the purpose of driving the vehicle this 
shall be marked on the driving licence. 
2. If, because of a physical handicap, the applicant can 
only obtain a driving licence for certain types of vehicle or 
for vehicles adapted to his needs, the driving test provided 
for in Article 8 shall be taken in such a vehicle. Driving 
licences issued after passing the test with a specially-
adapted vehicle shall be valid only for vehicles that are 
No C 48/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 2. 89 
modified in accordance with the conditions attached to the 
driving licence. 
Article 6 
1. The 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 combinations of vehicles in the sub­
categories of category E shall be issued only to drivers 
already entitled to drive vehicles in categories B, C or D. 
2. The validity of the driving licence provided for in 
Article 1 shall be determined as follows: 
(a) licences granted for sub-categories C + E or D + E 
shall be valid for combinations of vehicles in sub­
category B + E; 
(b) licences granted- for sub-category C + E shall be valid 
for sub-category D + E as long as their holders are 
already entitled to drive vehicles in category D. 
3. At national level, Member States may recognize the 
following as valid: 
(a) licences granted for category A may also be valid for 
driving tricycles and quadricycles; 
(b) licences granted for categories B, C or D may also be 
valid for driving light motorcycles. This validity may, 
however, be limited to vehicles with lesser standards 
than those provided for by the definition of this sub­
category. 
Article 7 
1. The issue of driving licences shall be subject to the 
following minimum age conditions: 
(a) Category A 
— Motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 400 
cm3 or a power not exceeding 35 kW: applicants 
must be at least 18 years of age. Member States may 
derogate from this provision and issue such licences 
from the age of 17 years. 
— Motorcycles with a cubic capacity of over 400 cm3 or 
with a power of over 35 kW: applicants must have 
held a licence to drive vehicles in the sub-category 
immediately below for two years. 
(b) Category B 
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. 
Member States may derogate from this provision and 
issue such licences from the age of 17 years. (c) Category C 
In the case of drivers engaged in the carriage of goods, 
the minimum age at which driving licences may be 
issued shall be as laid down in Council Regulation 
(EEC) No 3820/85 (*). 
(d) Category D 
In the case of drivers engaged in the carriage of 
passengers, the minimum age at which driving licences 
may be issued shall be as laid down in Council 
Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85. 
(e) Category E 
(i) Sub-category B 4- E: see category B. 
(ii) Sub-category C + E: see category C. 
(iii) Sub-category D + E: see category D. 
(f) Optimal sub-categories 
— Light motorcycles with a cubic capacity not 
exceeding 125 cm3: applicants must be at least 16 
years of age. 
— Tricycles and quadricycles: applicants must be at 
least 16 years of age. 
2. Member States may refuse to recognize the validity on 
their territory of driving licences issued to drivers under 18 
years of age. 
Article 8 
1. A driving licence shall, moreover, be issued only to 
those applicants: 
(a) who have passed a skills and behaviour test and a 
knowledge test and who meet medical standards, the 
minimum requirements of which may not be less 
stringent than those set out in 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 are studying there. 
2. Subject to the assent of the Commission, Member 
States may apply to the issue of driving licences the 
provisions of their national rules relating to conditions 
other than those referred to in paragraph 1, provided that 
they are objectively justified. 
3. National provisions regarding the suspension or 
withdrawal of the right to make use of a driving licence 
shall also apply to drivers who no longer satisfy the 
requirements for the issue or renewal of a driving licence in 
regard to the knowledge, skill and behaviour connected 
with the driving of a power-driven vehicle and the state of 
(!) OJ No L 370, 31. 12. 1985, p. 1. 
27. 2. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 48/5 
health of the holder of the driving licence subject, in this 
case, to an authorized medical opinion. 
4. The provisions of Annex III shall not prevent a 
Member State from providing that a driver who obtained a 
driving licence before 1 July 1990 under less stringent 
conditions than those provided for in that Annex may have 
that licence regularly renewed under the conditions 
pertaining when he obtained it. 
5. Member States may, subject to the assent of the 
Commission, derogate from the provisions of Annex III 
where such derogations are compatible with the develop­
ment of medical science and with the principles laid down 
in that Annex. 
Article 9 
Without prejudice to provisions to be adopted by the 
Council in this regard, each Member State shall retain the 
right to fix, on the basis of national criteria, the period of 
validity of the Community driving licences which it issues. 
Article 10 
1. Where the holder of a valid national driving licence 
issued by a Member State takes up normal residence in 
another Member State, he may request that his driving 
licence be exchanged for an equivalent licence issued by the 
competent authorities in the Member State in which he has 
taken up his new residence. 
2. It shall be for the Member State effecting the exchange 
to check, if necessary, whether the licence submitted is in 
fact still valid. The Member State effecting the exchange 
shall return the old licence to the authorities of the Member 
State which issued it. 
3. Where a Member State exchanges a licence, issued by a 
third country, for a Community model driving licence, such 
exchange shall be recorded in the licence, as shall any 
subsequent renewal or replacement of that licence. 
Article 1 (2) shall not apply to such a licence. A Community 
model driving licence may in any event be issued only if the 
licence issued by the third country has been surrendered to the competent authorities of the Member State issuing the 
Community licence. 
Article 11 
Member States shall establish equivalences in so far as they 
make use of the optional sub-categories set out in Article 4. 
Article 12 
Five years after implementation of the Directive, the 
Council, acting on a proposal from the Commission, shall 
review the national provisions regarding optional sub­
categories established in accordance with Article 4, with a 
view to their harmonization or elimination. 
Article 13 
Vehicles used for the behaviour and skill test, as referred to 
in Annex II, which entered into service before 1 July 1990 
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 Annex II. 
Article 14 
1. After consulting the Commission, the Member States 
shall, at the latest by 31 December 1989, adopt the laws, 
regulations or administrative provisions necessary for the 
implementation of this Directive from 1 July 1990. 
However, no provisions should be adopted concerning 
Article 7 (1) (c), (d), (e) (ii) and (iii) of the Directive if the 
vehicles concerned by that Article fall within the scope of 
Section II of Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85. 
2. The Member States shall assist one another in the 
implementation of this Directive. 
Article 15 
First Directive 80/1263/EEC is hereby repealed. 
Article 16 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 
No C 48/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 2. 89 
ANNEX I 
COMMUNITY MODEL DRIVING LICENCE (J) 
MEMBER STATE 
DRIVING LICENCE 
Korekort 
Fiihrerschein 
'A6eia o6r|Yncreu)c; 
Permiso de Conducci6n 
Permis de Conduire 
Ceadunas Tiom^na 
Patente di Guida 
Rijbewijs 
Carta de Condupao 
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Model 
1 Surname 
2 Other names 
3 Date and place of birth 
4 Permanent place of residence 
5 Issued by 
6 At 
7 Valid until 
8 No 
(Signature etc.) (Photo) 
Signature of 
holder Categories of vehicles for which 
the permit is valid 
A 
B 
C 
D 
E Motorcycles > 50 k.p.h. with 
or without sidecar 
Motor vehicles other than those 
in category A with an authorized 
maximum mass not exceeding 
3.5 tonnes and not more than eight 
seats in addition to the driver's seat 
Motor vehicles used for the 
carriage of goods and whose 
authorized maximum mass 
exceeds 3.5 tonnes 
Motor vehicles used for the 
carriage of passengers with more 
than eight seats in addition 
to the driver's seat 
Combinations of vehicles of 
which the drawing vehicle is in 
categories B, C or D but which 
are not themselves in 
that category or categories Stamp Additional information 
222 mm 
(x) The comments on the model Community driving licence will be found on page 7. 
A specimen Community driving licence (Belgian) appears on page 8. 
27. 2. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 48/7 
Comments on the model driving licence shown on page 6 
1. The colour of the Community driving licence shall be pink. 
2. On the cover page: 
— mention of the name of the Member State issuing the licence shall be optional, 
— the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing the licence shall be entered in the oval, 
— the words 'driving licence' shall be 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' shall be printed in the language or languages of the Member 
State issuing the licence. 
3. The printed entries on the other pages shall be in the language or languages of the Member State issuing the 
licence. 
4. The page entitled 'Additional information' is designed for details of any restriction or extension of the 
conditions governing the validity of the licence. This page may also be used for showing the period of 
validity of the licence where this varies. 
Additional information 
Valid until: 
Issued on : Renewed until: 
5. Other comments may be entered on the remaining blank pages. Where appropriate. Member States may 
enter on them categories of vehicles not covered by this Directive or may subdivide categories A, B, C, D and 
E in the corresponding page. 
6. Member States shall have the right to: 
— dispense with the photograph requirement, 
— replace the permanent place of residence by the postal address. 
No C48/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 2. 89 
SPECIMEN COMMUNITY MODEL LICENCE: BELGIAN LICENCE 
(FOR INFORMATION) 
KONINKRIJK BELGIE 
RIJBEWIJS 
Korekort 
Fiihrerschein 
'A6eia o6n.Yncr€Ujc; 
Permiso de Conduccion 
Driving Licence 
Permis de Conduire 
Ceadunas Tiomana 
Patente di Guida 
Carta de Conducao 
Model van de 
EUROPESE GEMEENSCHAPPEN ROYAUME DE BELGIQUE 
PERMIS 
DE CONDUIRE 
Korekort 
Fiihrerschein 
'A6eia o6r|Yncr€ijj<; 
Permiso de Conduccion 
Driving Licence 
Ceadunas Tiomana 
Patente di Guida 
Rijbewijs 
Carta de Conducao 
Modele des 
COMMUNAUTES EUROPEENNES 
^ ^ ^ C^t^c^l]onrn^lo^rric^uronc^nCornrnun^n^ ^oC^B^ 
tm^^o^L^n^^,^tLLA^n^^AVton^ 
n preamble 
Todnvesafely,dnvers of all motor vehicles must have the knowledge,skill and behaviour to be 
able^ 
^^ to recognise tragic dangers and to assess their seriousness, 
— tohave sufficient commandos their vehicle not to create dangerous situations andtoreact 
appropriately should such situations occur, 
— to comply with road traffic regulations, and in particular those intended to prevent road 
accidents and to maintain the flow of traffic, 
— to detect any major technical faults in their vehicles, and in particular those posmgasafety 
hazard, and have them remedied in an appropriate fashion, 
^ to takeaccountoffactors affecting driving behaviours.g. alcohol,fatigue,eyesight, etc.^so as to 
retain full use of the faculties needed to drive safely, 
— to help ensure the safety of all road users, and in particular of the weakest and most exposed, by 
showing due respect for others. 
^. knowledge 
Onvers must demonstr^teaknowledge and sound understanding of the following fields^ 
^.f. importance of alertness and of attitudes to other road users^ 
^.^. mechanical aspects withabeanng on road safety^m particular they must be sufficiently familiar 
with, and be able to put right, the most common faults in the steering system, tyres, lights and 
directionindicators, reflectors, rearview mirrors, windscreen washersand wipers, theexhaust 
system and seatbelts^ 
^S. the most important principles concerning braking distances and roadholdingundervanous weather 
and road conditions^ 
^.^t. perception,mdgment and decision taking, especially reaction time, as well as changes in driving 
behaviour due to the influence of alcohol, drugs and medicaments, state of mind and fatigue, 
^.^. specific risk factors related to the age and lack of experience of other road users, including 
pedestrians and in particular children, adolescents and elderly people, in order to be able to predict 
their behaviour in traffic situations^ 
^.^. specific driving characteristics of various types of vehicle and of the different fields of view of their 
drivers, to be able to predict how the driver will behave or the vehicle move in traffic, 
^BB. risk factors related to various road conditions, as they change with the weather and the timeofday or 
nights 
^.^. characteristics of various types of road and of the related statutory requirements, 
^.^. statutory vehicle safety equipment, and m particular the use of seat^belts wherever statutorily 
required and child safety ecmipment^ 
^SO. general rules regarding vehicle use in regard to environment ^especially noise and pollutions, 
^.M. road traffic regulations, in particular as regards road signs, signals, rights of way and speed limits^ 
^.M. rules concerning administrative documents required for the use of vehicles, 
^.f^. rules specifying how the driver must behave in the event of an accident ^settingwarmng devices and 
raising the alarms and the measures which he can take to assist road accident victims where 
necessary^ 
^.rt. safety factors relating to vehicle loading and persons carried. 
e^ ^tts 
The rules set out below apply only to the extent that they are compatible with the characteristics of 
the vehicle. 
No C 48/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 
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 the 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 as well as downhill); 
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. performing a three-point turn (using forward and reverse gears) on a suitably narrow stretch of 
road; 
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 use 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 precautions: 
4.1.1. observing (including the use of the rear-view mirrors) road alignment, markings, signs and signals 
and potential or actual risks; 
4.1.2. communicating with other road users using the authorized means; 
4.1.3. reacting in actual risk situations; 
4.1.4. complying with road traffic regulations and the instructions 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: 
4.2.1. to move off from the kerb and/or a parking space; 
4.2.2. to drive with the vehicle correctly positioned on the road, adjusting speed to traffic conditions; 
4.2.3. to keep the right distance between vehicles; 
4.2.4. to change lanes; 
4.2.5. to pass parked or stationary vehicles and obstacles; 
4.2.6. to pass oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces; 
4.2.7. to overtake in various situations; 
4.2.8. to approach and cross level crossings; 
27. 2. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 48/11 
4.2.9. to approach and cross junctions; 
4.2.10. to turn right and left at junctions or to leave the carriageway; 
4.2.11. to take the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle. 
5. Specific requirements for driving category A, C, D, and sub-category C + E and D + E vehicles 
5.1. Category A 
Drivers of category A vehicles must know how: 
5.1.1. to adjust their crash-helmet and to check the other safety devices on the vehicle; 
5.1.2. to remove the motorcycle from its stand and to move it, without the aid of the engine, by walking 
alongside the vehicle; 
5.1.3. to park the motorcycle on its stand; 
5.1.4. to perform a U-turn; 
5.1.5. to keep the vehicle balanced at various speeds, including slow speeds, and in different driving 
situations, also whilst carrying a passenger; 
5.1.6. to lean over to turn. 
5.2. Categories C, D and sub-categories C + E and D + E 
Drivers of vehicles in these categories must demonstrate a knowledge and sound understanding of 
the fields set out below: 
5.2.1. obstructions to the visibility of the driver and other users caused by the characteristics of their 
vehicle; 
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 danger of splashing spray or mud; 
5.2.7. reading a road map. They must also 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 the speed governor; 
5.2.11. adjusting course when turning to allow for the length of vehicle and its overhangs. 
5.3. Categories C and C + E 
Drivers of vehicles in these categories must: 
5.3.1. know the safety factors relating to vehicle loading. 
5.4. Category C + E 
Drivers of vehicles in this sub-category must be capable of: 
5.4.1. coupling and uncoupling the trailer or semi-trailer to and from the tractor. 
^oC4^t^ Co^ici^l]onrn^lo^r^Enror^^nCornrnuninc^ ^7 ^ ^ 
5.5. e^^o^o 
Onvers of vehicles in this category must demonstrateaknowledgeof^ 
5.5.1. the rules concerning persons carried^ 
5.5.2. how to behave in the event of an accident. They must also be capable of^ 
5.5.3. taking special vehicle safety measures. 
^. Use of the vehicle 
^11 drivers must be capable of driving their vehicles on various types of roads, bothmurban areas 
and on the open road and in various traffic density conditions, both in daylight and at night. 
tt.^t^t^n^^E^nt^E^E^T^Eo^n^tvt^cTE^T^ 
The member ^tate shall take the necessary measures to ensure that applicants for dnvingavehicle 
possess the knowledge and skills and exhibit the behaviour required for drivingamotor vehicle.^ 
test introduced to this effect must consist of^ 
— atheoreticaltest, 
— atest of skills and behaviour. 
^ The conditions under which this test shall be conducted are set out below. 
7. Theory test 
7.1. ^o^ 
The form chosen shall be such as to make sure that the applicant has the required knowledge of the 
subjects listed in paragraphs2and5m this ^nnex. 
7.2. eo^^^^^^^^o^^^^^^^B^^^^o^^ 
The numbers refer to paragraph2of this ^nnex. 
7.2.1. questions must be asked on each of the subjects listed below, the content of the questions being left 
to the discretion of each member ^tate. 
7.2.1.1. lOoad traffic regulations (point 2.11^. 
7.2.1.2. The driver (points 2.1 and 2.4^. 
7.213. The road (points 2.3, 2.7 and 2.^. 
7.2.1.4. Other road users (points 2.5 and 2.^. 
7.2.1.5. (general rules and regulations and others matters (points 2.12, 2.13 and 2.14^. 
7.2.2. The test provided for in pomt7.2.1 above should be completed byarandom check on one of the 
following points 2.2, 2.^ and 2.lOconcerning the vehicle. 
7.3. ^^^^o^^o^^o^^^^^^^o^^C,0^^^^^^o^^e ^ ^^^O ^ ^ 
The test provided for in paragraph7.2 above will be completed for applicants to drive vehicles in 
categories e,Oandsubcategonese ^ EandO ^ E^ 
7.3.1. by an obligatory check of the following points under paragraph5m this ^nnex. 
7.3.1.1. eategonese,Oandsubcategonese ^ EandO ^ E (pomts5.2.3,5.2.4[exceptuseofthe 
tachograph,whichisdealtwithmpoint^.3.nand5.2.5^. 
7.3.1.2. eategoryO(pomts 5.5.land 5.5.2^. 
7.3.2. byarandom check of one of the following points^ 
5.2.1, 5.2.2, and5.2.^. 
27. 2. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 48/13 
8. Test 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 a test on a vehicle with automatic transmission this shall be recorded on any 
licence issued on the basis of such tests. Licences with this endorsement shall be used only for driving 
vehicles with automatic transmission. 
8.1.2. Vehicles to be used for the skills and behaviour tests 
Category A 
— sub-category: motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 400 cm3 or a power not exceeding 
35 kW: motorcycle with a power of at least 20 kW or a cubic capacity of at least 240 cm3 and a 
mass of at least 120 kg, 
— sub-category: motorcycles with a cubic capacity of over 400 cm3 or a power of over 35 kW: 
motorcycle with a cubic capacity of at least 600 cm3, 
— optional sub-category: light motorcycles: motorcycle with a cubic capacity of at least 80 cm3. 
Category B 
Four-wheeled category B vehicle capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h. 
Optional sub-category tricycles and quadricycles 
Tricycles or quadricycles capable of a speed of 60 km/h. 
Category C 
Category C vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of at least 11 000 kg and capable of a speed of 
at least 80 km/h. 
Optional sub-category for a limited C licence 
Category C vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of at least 4 000 kg and capable of a speed of 
80 km/h. 
Category D 
Category D vehicles not less than 9 m in length and capable of a speed of 80 km/h. 
Optional sub-category for a limited D licence 
Category D vehicles capable of a speed of 80 km/h. 
Category E 
Mandatory sub-categories 
B + E 
Combinations of vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of over 3 500 kg comprising a category 
B vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorized mass of at least 1 250 kg and capable of a speed of 
100 km/h; 
C + E 
— Articulated vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of at least 21 000 kg and capable of a 
speed of 80 km/h, or 
No C 48/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 2. 89 
— Combinations of vehicles comprising a category C vehicle and a trailer with at least two axles, 
one of which at least must be a steering axle, and a wheelbase of at least 4 m, with a maximum 
authorized mass of the combination of not less than 21 000 kg and capable of 80 km/h; 
D + E 
Combinations comprising a category D test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorized mass of 
not less than 1 250 kg and capable of 80 km/h. 
Optional sub-categories 
C + E 
Combinations of vehicles comprising a category C vehicle with a maximum authorized mass of not 
less than 4 000 kg and a trailer with a maximum authorized mass of not less than 2 000 kg.The length 
of the combination must not be less than 6 m. It must be capable of 80 km/h; 
D + E 
Combinations of vehicles comprising a category D test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum 
authorized mass of not less than 1 250 kg and capable of 80 km/h. 
8.2. Skills and behaviour 
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 (the references are to point 3.1 in 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. Control of the vehicle 
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of using the vehicle controls by satisfactorily 
performing the following manoeuvres (the references are to point 3.2 of this Annex): 
— Points 3.2.1 (starting on the flat and 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 under 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 manoeuvre specified in point 3.2.5 need not be tested for vehicle categories C, D and 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 in 
points 4.2.6, 4.2.7 and 4.2.8 if the opportunity is given. 
8.3. Specific provisions concerning categories A, C, D and E 
In addition to the abovementioned manoeuvres, applicants for category A, C, D and E licences must 
perform the following manoeuvres (the references are to paragraph 5 in this Annex): 
^B5 ^. ^ C^t^c^l]onrn^lo^rric^nronc^nCornrnun^n^ ^loC^Bl^ 
^.3.1. C^ategory^ 
Points^.1.2 (removing the motorcycle from its stand and possibly moving it, without the aid of the 
engine, by walking alongside^,5.1.3 and5.1.^.tf the law re^uiresacrash^helmet to be worn, the 
adjustment of the helmet shall be checked.^selection of the checks listed under pomt5.1.1shall be 
tested.The ability to keep balance (pomt5.1.5^ must be tested at various speeds, including slow 
speeds, and in different driving situations except the transport of passengers, which is dealt with in 
pomt9.1.2.1. 
^.3.2. categories e,OandF 
Points 5.2.^, 5.2.9,5.2.10and 5.2.11. 
^.3.3. eategoryO 
Point 5.5.3. 
9. Theory or practical test 
9.1. The apphcant^sskills and behaviour in the areas listed below must be tested either in the theory test 
or in the practical test, at the discretion of the member states 
9.1.1. ^11 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. eategory^ 
9.1.2.1. Xeeping balance whilst carrymgapassenger. 
9.1.3. categories e,OandF 
9.1.3.1. Use of the tachograph. 
9.1.^. eategorye^F 
9.1.^.1. attaching and detachmgatrailer or semitrailer to^form its tractor vehicle. 
9.1.^.2. safety factors relating to vehicle loading. 
9.2. Readingaroad map may be tested either in the theory or in the practical test. 
10. Opttonatpract^cattest 
The aspects ofthe applicants^ skill and behaviour listed below may also be tested in the course ofthe 
practical test. 
10.1. ^^^o^^ 
10.1.1. emergency stop. 
10.2. C^^o^y^ 
10.2.1. Uturn. 
11. irking of the practical test 
Por 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, errors or dangerous conduct immediately 
endangering the safety of the test vehicle, its passengers or other road users shall be penalised by 
faihngthe test, whether or notthee^ammer has to intervene, nonetheless the examiner shall be free 
to decide whether or not the practical test should be completed 
No C 48/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 2. 89 
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 than 25 minutes for categories 
A and B and 45 minutes for the other categories. 
13. Location of the test 
The part of the test to assess the applicant's 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 motorways, as well as on urban streets 
which should represent the problems likely to be encountered by drivers. 
It is also desirable for the test to take place in various traffic density conditions. 
ANNEX III 
MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FITNESS FOR DRIVING A MOTOR 
VEHICLE 
DEFINITIONS 
1. For the purposes of this Annex, drivers are classified in two groups: 
1.1. Group 1: 
Drivers of vehicles of categories A and B and sub-category B + E. 
1.2. Group 2: 
Drivers of vehicles of categories C and D and of the other sub-categories of category E. 
1.3. The national legislation may provide for the provisions set out in this Annex for group 2 drivers to 
apply to drivers of category B vehicles using their driving licence for professional purposes (taxis, 
ambulances, etc.). 
2. Similarly, applicants for a first driving licence or for the renewal of a driving licence are classified in 
the group to which they will belong once the licence has been issued or renewed. 
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS 
3. Group 1: 
Applicants shall be required to undergo a medical examination if it becomes apparent, when the 
necessary formalities are being completed or during the tests which they have to undergo prior to 
obtaining a driving licence, that they have one or more of the medical disabilities mentioned in this 
Annex. 
Applicants for a first licence and drivers aged over 75 shall undergo such periodic medical 
examinations as may be prescribed by national laws. 
27. 2. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 48/17 
4. Group 2: 
Applicants shall undergo a medical examination before a driving licence is first granted to them and 
thereafter drivers shall undergo such periodic examinations as may be prescribed by national laws. 
5. The standards set by Member States for issuing driving licences may be stricter than those set out in 
this Annex. 
SIGHT 
6. All applicants for a driving licence should undergo an appropriate investigation to ensure that they 
have adequate visual acuity for driving motor vehicles. Where there is reason to doubt that the 
applicant's vision is adequate, he should be examined by a competent medical authority. At this 
examination attention should be paid to the following in particular: visual acuity, field of vision, 
twilight vision and progressive eye diseases. 
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 visual acuity, with 
corrective lenses if necessary, of a least 0,6 when using both eyes together. Driving licences should 
not be granted or renewed if, in the event of medical examination, it is shown that the horizontal field 
of vision is less than 120° or that the person concerned suffers from any other eye condition that 
would compromise safe driving. Where a progressive eye disease is diagnosed or declared, driving 
licences may be issued or renewed subject to the applicant undergoing regular examinations 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 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 adaptation and that the field of 
vision in this eye is normal. 
Group 2 
6.3. Applicants for a driving licence or for the renewal of such a licence must have a visual acuity, with 
corrective lenses if necessary, of at least 0,8 in the better eye and of 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 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 applicants or drivers without a normal field of vision or suffering from 
diplopia. 
HEARING 
7. Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers in group 2 if their hearing 
is so deficient that it interferes with the proper discharge of their duties. 
PERSONS WITH A LOCOMOTOR DISABILITY 
8. Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers suffering from complaints 
or abnormalities of the locomotor system which make it dangerous to drive a motor 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, in so far as the test of 
driving ability and behaviour demonstrates that with such a device driving would not be dangerous. 
No C 48/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 2. 89 
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 periodically 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 shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers with serious arrhythmias. 
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 blood pressure shall be assessed with reference to the other results of the examination, any 
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 exisiting licence holder having suffered myocardial infarction shall be subject to 
authorized medical opinion and, if necessary, regular medical examination. 
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 existing licence holders 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. 
27. 2. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 48/19 
For example, neurological disturbances associated with diseases or surgical intervention affecting 
the central or peripheral nervous system, which lead to sensory or motor deficiences and affect 
balance and coordination must be taken into account in relation to their effects and the risks of 
progression. Where necessary, the renewal or grant of the licence may be subject to periodic 
assessment. 
12. Epileptic seizures or other sudden disturbances of the state of consciousness constitute a serious 
danger to road safety if they occur to a person while driving a motor 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, 
— suffer from severe mental retardation, 
— suffer from severe behavioural problems due to ageing or from personality defects leading to 
impaired judgment or adaptability, 
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. 
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 applicants or drivers who have in the past 
been dependent on alcohol. 
Group 2 
14.4. 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. 
No C 48/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 2. 89 
DRUGS, CHEMICALS AND MEDICAMENTS 
15. Drug abuse : 
Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers who are dependent on 
psychotropic substances, 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 such 
large quantities are absorbed that they are likely to have an adverse effect on driving. This shall apply 
to all other medicaments or combinations of medicaments which can hamper the ability to drive 
safely. 
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 definition of this group. 
RENAL DISORDERS 
Group 1 
16.1. . Driving licences may be issued to 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 supported 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 applicants or drivers who have had an organ transplant 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 definition of this group. 
18. As a general rule, where applicants or drivers suffer from any disorder which is not mentioned in the 
preceding paragraphs but is liable to be, or to result in, a functional incapacity affecting safety at the 
wheel, driving licences shall not be issued or renewed unless the application is supported by 
authorized medical opinion and, if necessary, subject to regular medical check-ups.