Amended proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the training of professional drivers for the carriage of goods or passengers by road (put forward by the Commission in accordance with Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty)
Date: 2002-09-26
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: carriage of goods, carriage of passengers, drivers, driving instruction, road transport, vocational training

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Amended proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the training
of professional drivers for the carriage of goods or passengers by road (1)

(2003/C 20 E/24)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2002) 541 final — 2001/0033(COD)

(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty on 26 September 2002)

(Amendments are indicated by underlining/strikeout in the text)

A. PRINCIPLES

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. In February 2001, the Commission put forward a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament
and of the Council on the training of professional drivers for the carriage of goods or passengers by
road (COM(2001) 56 final – 2001/0033 (COD)) for adoption by the codecision procedure provided for
in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.

2. On 17 January 2002, the European Parliament adopted a series of amendments at first reading. The
Commission then made its position known on each of these amendments, stating which of them it was
able to accept as they stood,
in substance and/or with editorial
amendments, those which it could accept in part and those which were unacceptable.

those which it could accept

3. On the basis of the above, the Commission has drawn up this amended proposal.

4. The Commission has made three types of amendments which are justified for the reasons set out below.

First, a number of new provisions were accepted without amendment after the first reading by the
European Parliament. These are intended to improve the technical definitions or to bring balance to or
clarify the text and to go into further detail regarding certain points of the proposal.

Second, the Commission accepted some amendments in substance, and made editorial amendments, in
particular to make the text more consistent with other parts of the proposal or to define certain
conditions, restrictions or exceptions more clearly.

Third, the Commission adopted some parts of the amendments from the first reading if it considered
them to be compatible with the aim of the proposal and if these parts provided added value, although
this was not the case with all the amendments.

B. COMMENTS ON THE AMENDMENTS ACCEPTED

Articles

Article 1

Amendment 1 adds drivers from third countries and is a clearer version of the combined Articles 1 and 2.

Article 3

Amendment 3 had been adopted in part to remove the limit of travel within a 50 km radius, which is
difficult to enforce.

(1) OJ C 154 E, 29.5.2001, p. 258.

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Article 4

This Article has been recast in the light of amendment 4. It is useful to specify that a driver who has
training may already drive a vehicle without having obtained a certificate of
undergone vocational
professional competence. However, the exemption must be limited in terms of area (territory of the
Member State concerned) and time (training over a minimum of six months and a maximum of three
years).

Article 6(3)

Amendment 6(a) is a useful clarification. The freedom to link together training which leads to a driving
licence and the training provided for in this proposal will enable the Directive to be implemented in a
manner which is more focused on local and/or individual needs. Amendment 6(b) was accepted with this
in mind, but has been recast so as to exclude any duplication between training which leads to a driving
licence and the training provided for in this proposal.

Article 6(5)

Amendment 7 fills in a gap in the original proposal and is in line with the structure and objectives of this
Article.

Article 7(1) and (2)

Amendments 8 and 9 specify that the examination concerned must have been passed. It is therefore a
useful detail which is in line with the Commission's proposal.

Article 8(2) (new)

Article 11 allows for more flexibility in the provision of continuous training, maintains a minimum of
seven hours per training unit and therefore makes it possible to avoid excessively short training which
would have a limited educational impact.

Article 8(3)

Amendment 12 is a useful detail within the meaning of the Commission's proposal.

Article 9(2) (new)

Amendment 14 specifies the place of training for drivers from third countries who are not normally
resident in a Member State. This amendment is therefore the direct result of amendment 1, which has
extended the scope of this Commission proposal.

Article 9(3)

Amendment 15 fills in a gap in the initial proposal and is in line with the aims of this proposal.

Article 13 (new)

Amendment 43 provides for an evaluation to be carried out three years after the entry into force of this
Directive as proposed by the Commission. The Commission is able to accept such an evaluation in
principle as the amendment does not contain any clauses which pre-empt the Commission's right of
initiative. It would indeed appear to be useful to evaluate the implementation of this Directive in order
to determine whether the level of EU harmonisation has made it possible to achieve the Commission's
objectives. The amendment has been recast, in particular to postpone the date specified for the evaluation.

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Annex

Annex, Section 1

Section 1 (Training programme) of the Annex to the Commission proposal has been recast along the same
lines as amendments 16, 17 and 18. The structure proposed by the European Parliament is clearer: a clear
distinction has been made between the carriage of goods and the carriage of passengers and objectives
have been set for each point in this section. At the same time, section 1 has been recast in the light of
amendment 6 in order to avoid any duplication with training which leads to a driving licence.

Annex, Section 4

The introduction of an independent body responsible for examinations is justified and is a useful addition
which is in line with the Commission's proposal.

Annex, Section 5

Amendment 24 is in line with the Commission's initial proposal, but introduces slightly greater flexibility
as regards the previous experience of instructors. It has been found that the requirement of five years'
experience as a professional driver would have made it difficult to recruit instructors.

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE
EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 71 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee,

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions,

Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article
251 of the Treaty,

Whereas:

(1) Council Directive 76/914/EEC of 16 December 1976 on
the minimum level of training for some road transport
drivers (1) and Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 of
20 December 1985 on the harmonisation of certain social
legislation relating to road transport (2) have enabled
progress to be made in the harmonisation of rules on
vocational training.

(2) However, there are still basic differences between the laws
of the Member States and so further harmonisation is
necessary in this area in order to contribute to the
achievement of Community policies on the freedom of
freedom of establishment and
movement of workers,
common
freedom to supply services
transport policy.

and on the

(1) OJ L 357 29.12.1976, p. 36.
(2) OJ L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 1.

(3) Compulsory vocational training within the meaning of
Regulation (EEC) 3820/85 at the moment applies only
to a minority of professional drivers. Most professional
drivers work solely on the basis of their driving licence.

(4) Full basic vocational training, adapted to the requirements
of the road transport sector today, as provided for in
Directive 76/914/EEC and Regulation 3820/85, remains
the benchmark to be attained in the long term. In view of
this, the benefits granted to those who have completed
such training in terms of access to certain categories of
vehicles at a younger age must be increased.

(5) However, the imposition of such a high standard on all
new drivers is likely initially to distort the labour market.
It is therefore advisable to provide for minimum basic
training which will make it possible to demand a lower
level of nonetheless adequate and effective training for all
new drivers, irrespective of their age or the category of
vehicle driven.

(6) The vocational

training must,

in accordance with a
methodological approach, stress the safety rules to be
observed when driving and during stops. The devel-
opment of defensive driving — anticipating danger,
making allowance for other road users — which goes
hand in hand with rational fuel consumption, will have
a positive impact both on society and on the transport
sector itself. Compulsory vocational training must increase
compliance with transport, traffic and work regulations,
such as the rules on minimum rest periods and maximum
training
driving and working periods. The vocational
must, lastly, also cover concepts which are essential and
important for professional drivers, such as health, safety,
service
sectors
concerned should be associated with setting up and
carrying out such a training programme.

logistics. The

companies

and

and

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(7) Professional drivers who are already working before the
Directive enters into force must retain their acquired
rights. Continuous training must be provided to enable
them in particular,
like new drivers later on, to update
their knowledge and to improve their skills with regard to
professional safety and regulations.

(8) This Directive applies irrespective of Council Directive
91/439/EEC on driving licences (1), as last amended by
Commission Directive 2000/56/EC (2), Council Directive
94/55/EC with regard to the transport of dangerous
goods by
amended by Directive
last
2000/61/EC of
the
Council (4), and Council Directive 96/26/EC on access to
road haulage operator and road
the occupation of
passenger transport operator (5), as amended by Council
Directive 98/76/EC (6).

the European Parliament and of

road (3),

as

(9) So as not to prejudice the right of the representatives of
employers and employees to specify,
in particular by
means of collective bargaining agreements, provisions
which are more favourable to workers, the Annex to
this Directive lays down minimum requirements for voca-
tional training.

(10) As the measures needed to adapt

the Annex to this
Directive to technical progress are measures of general
scope within the meaning of Article 2 of Council
Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down
the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers
conferred on the Commission (7), those measures must be
adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure
provided for in Article 5 of that Directive.

(11) Annexes I and Ia to Council Directive 91/439/EEC need
to be amended in order to add the codes corresponding to
the compulsory training followed.

(12) Directive 79/914/EC must be revoked,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

hereinafter referred to as ‘drivers’ engaged in road transport
operations within the Community on public roads using:

— vehicles for which it is essential to hold a driving licence in
one of the categories C1, C1+E, C, C+E, as defined in
Directive 91/439/EEC, or a licence recognised as being
equivalent,

— vehicles for which it is essential to hold a driving licence in
one of the categories D1, D1+E, D, D+E, as defined in
Directive 91/439/EEC, or a licence recognised as being
equivalent.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Directive:

(a)

‘professional driver for the carriage of goods by road’
means a driver engaged in the transportation of goods
for payment;

(b) ‘professional driver for the carriage of passengers by road’
means a driver engaged in the transportation of passengers
for payment;

(c)

‘C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE’ means the categories of
driving licences as defined in Directive 91/439/EEC;

(d) ‘normal residence’

is residence as defined in Article 9 of

Directive 91/439/EEC.

Article 1

Scope

Article 3

Exemptions

1.

This Directive shall not apply to carriage by:

This Directive applies to persons engaged in the occupation of
road transport driver in the EU who are: shall be governed by
the provisions which the Member States adopt in conformity
with the common rules in this Directive.

(a) nationals of a Member State,

(a) vehicles with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding

30 kilometres per hour;

(b) nationals of a third country employed or lawfully used by

an undertaking established in a Member State,

(b) vehicles used by, or under the control of, the armed forces,
civil defence, the fire service and forces responsible for
maintaining public order;

(1) OJ L 237, 24.8.1991, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 237, 21.9.2000, p. 45.
(3) OJ L 319, 12.12.1994, p. 7.
(4) OJ L 279, 1.11.2000, p. 40.
(5) OJ L 124, 23.5.1996, p.1.
(6) OJ L 277, 14.10.1998, p. 17.
(7) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

(c) vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development,
rebuilt

repair or maintenance purposes, and new or
vehicles which have not yet been put into service;

(d) vehicles used for non-commercial carriage of goods for

personal use;

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(e) vehicles carrying material or equipment to be used by the
driver in the course of his work, within a 50 kilometre
radius
from the place where the vehicle is normally
based, provided that driving the vehicle is not the driver's
exemption does not
principal
prejudice the aims of this Directive. The Member States
may make this exemption subject to an individual permit.

activity and that

the

of

The

provisions

this Directive

down
2.
requirements which are the same as those laid down by
Directive 96/26/EC do not apply to applicants for basic
training who have already met the requirements of Directive
96/26/EC on the date of entry into force of this Directive.

laying

Article 4

Compulsory training

the occupation of professional driver

Exercise of
the
carriage of goods or passengers by road shall be subject to
the successful completion of
the final examination which
the basic training and to compliance with the
follows of
provisions on continuous training included as provided for in
this Directive.

for

However, a Member State may authorise a driver to drive in its
territory before having successfully completed the final exam-
ination following the basic training for a period of not less
than six months and not more than three years during
which the person concerned is employed on the basis of
such day-release
day-release
training, the abovementioned examination may be carried out
in stages.

context of

training.

In the

The successful completion of such training shall lead to the
issue of the document or certificate concerned on the basis of
which the competent authorities shall mark the Community
code for the training completed on the driving licence of the
person concerned.

Article 5

Acquired rights

Professional drivers for the carriage of goods or passengers by
road who have been working for three years out of a period of
five years prior to the entry into force of this Directive shall be
exempted from the requirement
to undergo basic training
without prejudice to Community and national provisions on
minimum ages and categories of driving licences.

Article 6

Basic training

for

Any person taking up the occupation of professional
1.
driver
the carriage of goods or passengers by road
following the entry into force of this Directive shall undergo
basic vocational
training, as defined in the Annex to this
Directive.

The basic vocational training shall consist of either full
2.
basic training or minimum basic training, depending directly
on the minimum age and the categories of vehicles driven.
These two types of basic training, which are defined in the
Annex to this Directive, differ only as regards the length of
training and the degree of detailed instruction given.

3.
To be accepted for the basic training, the applicant shall
hold the relevant driving licence. However, access to full basic
training, which is given to young people under the age of 18
years as part of vocational
training, does not require the
driving licence concerned to be held in advance. The basic
training may be designed as an integral part of vocational
training which directly enables a driving licence to be obtained.

Professional drivers for the carriage of goods by road may

4.
work:

(a)

from the age of 18 years:

(i) on a vehicle in categories C and CE, provided they have

undergone full basic training;

(ii) on a vehicle in categories C1 and C1E, provided they

have undergone minimum basic training;

(b) from the age of 21 years: on a vehicle in categories C and
CE, provided they have undergone minimum basic training.

Professional drivers for the carriage of passengers by road

5.
may work:

(a)

from the age of 18 years:

(i) on a vehicle in categories D and DE used for the
carriage of passengers on regular services where the
route does not exceed 50 kilometre provided they
have undergone full basic training;

(ii) on a vehicle in categories D1 and D1E, provided they

have undergone full basic training;

(b) from the age of 21 years:

(i) on a vehicle in categories D and DE, provided they

have undergone full basic training;

(ii) on a vehicle in categories D and DE used, on a route
which does not exceed 50 kilometres,
for regular
services for the carriage of passengers, provided they
have undergone minimum basic training;

(iii) on a vehicle in categories D1 and D1E, provided they

have undergone minimum basic training;

(c)

from the age of 24 years: on a vehicle in categories D and
DE, provided they have undergone minimum basic
training.

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for

Professional drivers

carriage of goods or
6.
passengers by road who have completed full basic training
for one of the categories provided for in paragraphs 4 and 5
shall be exempted from undergoing basic training for any other
of the categories of vehicles referred to in those paragraphs.

the

Professional drivers for the carriage of goods who broaden or
modify their activities in order to carry passengers, or vice-
versa, shall not be required to repeat the common parts of
the specified training.

Article 7

Test of knowledge

The common part for the minimum basic training shall
1.
be subject to a final examination of professional competence.
After successfully completing this examination, those wishing
to become professional drivers shall undergo specific training
in a company or an approved training centre. On completion
of the two parts of the training, the common part and the
specific training, a minimum basic training document shall
be issued to the driver.

The common part for the full basic training shall be
2.
to a final examination of professional competence.
subject
After successfully completing the examination, those wishing
to become professional drivers shall undergo specific training
in a company or an approved training centre. On completion
of the two parts of the training, the common part and the
specific training, a certificate of professional competence shall
be issued to the driver.

Article 8

Continuous training

1.
Continuous training shall consist of training to enable
persons already working as professional drivers on the date
of entry into force of this Directive to update the knowledge
which is essential for their work, with a specific emphasis on
road safety and rationalisation of fuel consumption.

Continuous training shall be given over a continuous
2.
period. The duration of
the continuous training shall be
thirty- five hours every five years. The programme shall be
laid down in such manner that a single session shall be a
minimum of seven hours.

for

2. Professional drivers

the carriage of goods or
3.
passengers by road shall undergo continuous
training as
defined in the Annex to this Directive. The continuous
training shall vary according to the profile what is demanded
of
the driver concerned and be based on an assessment
interview. It is intended to expand on and to revise certain

points covered during the basic training programme, and
identified during the interview, as well as the sectoral aspects.

4. 3.
certificate is issued to the driver.

On completion of the training, a continuous training

Professional drivers

5. 4.
the carriage of goods or
for
passengers by road who have been working for three years
out of the five years prior to the entry into force of this
Directive shall undergo the continuous training during the
first renewal of their driving licence and no later than five
years following the entry into force of this Directive.

Article 9

Place of training and validity of training documents

1.
Professional drivers undergo the basic and continuous
vocational training in the Member State in which they are
normally resident or in which they are able to provide proof
of having been a student for a period of at least six months.

2.
Drivers from a third country who work for an under-
taking established in one or more Member States and are not
normally resident in the Community, within the meaning of
paragraph 1 above, shall undergo the training required in the
Member State in which the undertaking employing them is
established.

The minimum basic training document, the certificate
3. 2.
of professional competence and the
training
document shall be recognised by all the Member States. The
period of validity of the continuous training document shall
not exceed five years. If a driver changes from one undertaking
to another, the continuous training already undergone shall be
taken into consideration.

continuous

4. 3.
The documents and certificates issued by the Member
States on the basis of existing national provisions up to the
into force shall be
date on which this Directive enters
of
certificates
and
documents
recognised
professional competence within the meaning of this Directive.

training

as

Article 10

Community codes

The following codes shall be added to the list of harmonised
Community codes as laid down in Annexes I and Ia to
Directive 91/439/EEC:

95. Holder of the minimum basic training document

96. Holder of the certificate of professional competence

97. Holder of the continuous training certificate.

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Article 11

Adaptation to scientific and technical progress

The amendments necessary to adapt the Annex to scientific
and technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with
the procedure laid down in Article 12.

Article 13

Entry into force

Member States shall adopt and publish the laws, regulations
and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this
Directive before 1 January 2004. They shall forthwith inform
the Commission thereof.

Article 12

Committee

1.
The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on
Driving Licences set up by Article 7 of Directive 91/439/EEC
on driving licences.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, the regulatory
procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC
shall apply, in compliance with the provisions of Article 7(3)
and Article 8 of that Decision.

The period provided for in Article 5(6) of Decision

3.
1999/468/EC shall be three months.

Article 12a

Report

the Economic

Eight years following the entry into force of this Directive, the
Commission shall submit
the
to the European Parliament,
and Social Committee
Council,
and the
Committee of
the Regions a report containing an initial
evaluation of the implementation of this Directive, in particular
as regards the equivalence of the various basic qualification
schemes provided for in Article 6. The report shall be accom-
panied by appropriate proposals, if necessary.

When Member States adopt these provisions, they shall contain
a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such
reference
their official publication. The
procedure for such reference shall be adopted by Member
States.

time of

the

at

Article 14

Repeal

Directive 76/914/EEC is hereby repealed as of 1 January 2004.

Article 15

Entry into force

This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day
following its publication in the Official Journal of the European
Communities.

Article 16

Addressees

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

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ANNEX

MINIMUM VOCATIONAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 1 — TRAINING PROGRAMME

1. Advanced training in rational driving based on safety regulations

All licences

1.1. aim: knowledge of technical characteristics of the transmission system to make optimum use of it

curves relating to torque, power and specific consumption of an engine, area of optimum use of revolution
counter, gearbox ratio cover diagrams;

1.2. aim: knowledge of the technical characteristics and the operation of safety devices in order to be in control of the

vehicle, to minimise wear and tear and to prevent malfunctions;

specific features of hydraulic vacuum servo brake circuit, limits to the use of brakes and retarder, combined use of
brakes and retarder, making better use of speed and gear ratio, making use of vehicle inertia, using ways of slowing
down and braking on downhill stretches, action in the event of failure;

1.3. aim: to be able to optimise fuel consumption

optimisation of fuel consumption by applying the know-how as regards points 1.1 and 1.2 above;

Licences C, C+E, C1, C1+E

1.4. aim: to be able to load a vehicle in compliance with safety regulations and to ensure the proper use of the vehicle

forces affecting vehicles in motion, use of gearbox ratios according to vehicle load and road profile, calculation of
payload of vehicle or assembly, calculation of total volume, load distribution, consequences of overloading the axle,
vehicle stability and centre of gravity, types of packaging and pallets;

main categories of goods needing securing, clamping and securing techniques, use of securing straps, checking of
securing devices, use of handling equipment, placing and removal of tarpaulins;

Licences D, D+E, D1, D1+E

1.5. aim: to be able to ensure passenger safety and comfort

cornering technique, road sharing, position on the road, smooth braking, driving of overhanging vehicles, use of
specific infrastructures (public areas, dedicated lanes), managing conflicts between safe driving and a driver's other
tasks, interaction with passengers, specific requirements for the carriage of certain groups of passengers (disabled
persons, children);

1.6. aim: to be able to load a vehicle in compliance with safety regulations and to ensure the proper use of the vehicle

forces affecting vehicles in motion, use of gearbox ratios according to vehicle load and road profile, calculation of
payload of vehicle or assembly, load distribution, compliance with consequences of overloading the axle, vehicle
stability and centre of gravity;

2. Compliance with regulations

All licences

2.1. aim: knowledge of the social environment of road transport and its regulation

maximum working periods specific to the transport industry; principles, application and consequences of Regu-
lations (EEC) No 3820/85 and No 3821/85; penalties for failure to use, improper use of and tampering with the
tachograph; knowledge of the social environment of road transport; rights and obligations of drivers as regards
initial qualification and continuous training;

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Licences C, C+E, C1, C1+E

2.2. aim: knowledge of the regulations on the carriage of goods

transport operating licences, obligations under standard contracts for the carriage of goods, drafting of documents
international transport permits, obligations under the Convention on the
which form the transport contract,
Contract
special
documents accompanying good;

the International Carriage of Goods by Road, crossing borders,

forwarders,

freight

for

Licences D, D+E, D1, D1+E

2.3. aim: knowledge of the regulations on the carriage of passengers

carriage of specific groups, on-board safety equipment, safety belts, vehicle loading;

3. Health, road safety and environmental safety, service, logistics

All licences

3.1. aim: awareness about road hazards and accidents at work

types of accidents at work in the transport sector; road accident statistics, involvement of lorries/coaches, human,
material and financial consequences;

3.2. aim: to be capable of preventing trafficking in illegal immigrants

trafficking in illegal
legislation on operator liability;

immigrants: general

information, implications for drivers, preventive measures, check lists,

3.3. aim: ability to prevent physical risks

ergonomic principles: movements and postures which pose a risk, physical fitness, handling exercises, personal
protection;

3.4. aim: awareness of the importance of physical and mental capability

principles of a healthy, balanced diet, effects of alcohol, drugs and any other substance likely to affect behaviour,
symptoms, causes, effects of fatigue and stress, fundamental role of the basic work/rest cycle;

3.5. aim: ability to assess emergency situations

behaviour in an emergency situation: assessment of
the situation, avoiding complications of an accident,
summoning assistance, assisting injured persons and giving first aid, reaction in the event of fire, evacuation of
lorry occupants/coach passengers, guaranteeing the safety of all passengers, reaction to aggressive behaviour; basic
principles of the drafting of an accident report;

3.6. aim: ability to behave in a manner which improves the image of a service company

behaviour of the driver and company image: importance for the company of the standard of service provided by
the driver, the roles of the driver, people with whom the driver will be dealing, vehicle maintenance, work
organisation, commercial and financial consequences of legal action;

Licences C, C+E, C1, C1+E

3.7. aim: knowledge of the economic environment of the carriage of goods by road and the organisation of the market

road transport in relation to other modes of transport (competition, consignors), different road transport activities
(transport for hire or reward, own account, auxiliary transport activities), organisation of the main types of
transport company and auxiliary transport activities, different transport specialisations (road tanker, controlled
temperature, etc.) chances in the industry (diversification of services provided, rail-road, subcontracting, etc.);

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Licences D, D+E, D1, D1+E

3.8. aim: knowledge of the economic environment of the carriage of passengers by road and the organisation of the

market

the carriage of passengers by road in relation to other modes of transport of passengers (rail, private cars), different
activities concerning the carriage of passengers by road, crossing borders (international carriage), organisation of
the main types of companies for the carriage of passengers by road;

SECTION 2 — STRUCTURE OF BASIC TRAINING

The basic vocational training shall consist of two parts: a common part for all professional drivers, with variations for
the carriage of goods or the carriage of passengers, and specific training given within a company in the sector in which
the professional driver will work.

The common part must in particular cover advanced training in rational driving based on safety rules, the observance of
all transport, traffic and work regulations, and the concepts of health, safety, service and logistics, as defined in the
Annex to this Directive.

The specific training must enable what has been learnt in the identical parts of the training to be specifically applied in
the immediate environment in which the professional driver works. The training covers the same subjects as are taught
during the common part, but applies them to the specific situation in the company or sector concerned. In this way,
new professional drivers will do part of their training on the type of vehicle they will be using afterwards; they will learn
about specific regulations, contracts and documents; they will acquire knowledge about specific logistics chains. The
specific training will therefore involve companies in the sector concerned in the basic training of professional drivers.

SECTION 3 — LENGTH OF TRAINING

The length of the minimum basic vocational training is 140 hours for the common part and 70 hours for the specific
part.

The length of the full basic vocational training is 420 hours for the common part and 210 hours for the specific part.

During each of the basic training periods, at least 30 % of the time available will be devoted to each of the paragraphs
1.1, 1.1 and 1.3, the remainder being used according to the profile of the driver concerned.

At least half of the basic training in paragraph 1.1 will be carried out under real driving conditions, in a vehicle of the
category concerned which meets the requirements for test vehicles as defined in Directive 91/439/EEC. In view of the
possibility that several persons may take part in the driving under real conditions in one and the same vehicle, it must
be specified that each driver must drive for at least ten hours on their own.

The continuous vocational training is 35 hours every five years. The training varies according to the profile of the driver
concerned.

SECTION 4 — TEST OF KNOWLEDGE

The minimum basic vocational training concludes with an examination of professional competence based on the
knowledge acquired during the training. This examination shall be organised by a body independent of the training
body. The examination must make it possible to check that participants have learnt the main points covered during the
training.

Only drivers who obtain a sufficiently high mark in the examination of professional competence will be issued with a
minimum basic training document certifying that the common part and the specific part of the training have been fully
completed.

The full basic vocational training concludes with an examination of professional competence based on the knowledge
acquired during the training. The examination must cover each of the main points dealt with and include at least one
question on each of paragraphs 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. This examination shall be organised by a body independent of the
training body.

Only drivers who obtain a sufficiently high mark in the examination of professional competence will be issued with a
full basic training document certifying that the common part and the specific part of the training have been fully
completed.

28.1.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 20 E/273

SECTION 5 — APPROVAL OF THE TRAINING

5.1

The training courses for the common part of the basic training and for the continuous training must be approved
by the competent authority. Approval may only be given following a written application. The application for
approval must be accompanied by the following documents:

5.1.1. a detailed training programme specifying the subjects taught and setting out the proposed implementing plan and

teaching methods;

5.1.2. the instructors' qualifications and fields of activity;

5.1.3.

information about the premises where the courses are given, the teaching materials, the resources made available
for the practical work, and the vehicle fleet used;

5.1.4. the conditions regarding participation in the courses (number of participants).

5.2.

The competent authority must give approval in writing subject to the following conditions:

5.2.1. the training must be given in accordance with the documents accompanying the application;

5.2.2. the competent authority reserves the right to send authorised persons to assist in the training courses and

examinations;

5.2.3. the competent authority must be informed in good time of the dates and places of each training course;

5.2.4. the approval may be withdrawn if the conditions of approval are not complied with.

The training body must guarantee that the instructors have a sound knowledge of regulations and training requirements
for vocational training and that they will cover the latest changes. Instructors must have five years' experience show, in
the framework of a specific selection procedure, that they have knowledge of both education and teaching and an
appropriate level of ability and experience in driving the vehicle concerned. They shall have experience as a professional
driver and have completed full basic training and continuous training and have a knowledge of both education and
teaching. The programme of instruction must be in accordance with the approval and must cover the subjects referred
to in paragraphs 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3.