CELEX ID: 32022L2561

--- ENGLISH ---

Document:
23.12.2022
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
L 330/46
DIRECTIVE (EU) 2022/2561 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
of 14 December 2022
on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers (codification)
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 91 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee 
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,
After consulting the Committee of the Regions,
Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure 
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,
Whereas:
(1)
Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 
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 has been substantially amended several times 
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. In the interests of clarity and rationality, that Directive should be codified.
(2)
In its White Paper of 28 March 2011, entitled ‘Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system’, the Commission sets out a ‘vision zero’ objective according to which the Union should move to a position where there are close to zero fatalities in road transport by 2050.
(3)
The Commission, in its communication on policy orientations on road safety for 2011-2020, entitled ‘Towards a European road safety area: policy orientations on road safety 2011-2020’, proposed the goal of further halving the overall number of road fatalities in the Union by 2020, starting from 2010. With a view to reaching this goal, the Commission laid down seven strategic objectives, including improving the education and training of road users and the protection of vulnerable road users.
(4)
A binding target of a domestic reduction in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions of at least 40 % by 2030 compared to 1990 was endorsed by the European Council of 23 to 24 October 2014. This target for emissions reduction will help to fulfil the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 
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, and all sectors of the economy should contribute to achieving it. The transport sector needs a comprehensive approach for the promotion of emission reductions and energy efficiency. Progress should be made towards low-emission mobility, inter alia, through research and through the introduction of technological advances that are already available. Drivers need to be properly trained to drive in the most efficient manner.
(5)
To enable drivers to meet the demands relating to the road transport market, Union rules on the minimum level of training for road transport drivers should be applicable to all drivers, whether they drive as self-employed or salaried workers, and whether on their own account or for hire or reward.
(6)
Union rules on the minimum level of training for road transport drivers should be aimed at ensuring that, by means of his or her qualification, the driver is of a standard to have access to and carry out the activity of driving.
(7)
More particularly, the obligation to hold an initial qualification and to undergo periodic training is intended to improve road safety and the safety of the driver, including during operations carried out by the driver while the vehicle is stopped. Furthermore, the modern nature of the profession of driver should arouse young people’s interest in the profession, contributing to the recruitment of new drivers at a time of shortage.
(8)
To avoid unequal conditions of competition, this Directive should apply to the activity of driving carried out both by nationals of a Member State and by nationals of third countries who are employed or used by an undertaking established in a Member State.
(9)
It is desirable, in order to respect the principles of Union law, that drivers of vehicles used to carry out transport where this is considered to have a lesser impact on road safety or where the requirements of this Directive would impose a disproportionate economic or social burden should be exempted from the application of this Directive.
(10)
Certain exemptions should be laid down in relation to situations where driving is not the principal activity of the driver and where it would impose a disproportionate burden on drivers to require them to comply with the requirements of this Directive. Generally, driving is deemed not to be the driver’s principal activity where it occupies less than 30 % of the rolling monthly working time.
(11)
Where the driving occurs infrequently, takes place in rural areas and is carried out by drivers who are supplying their own business, exemptions should apply, provided that road safety is still ensured. Due to the different conditions in rural areas within the Union in terms of geography, climate and population density, Member States should have discretion in determining whether such driving can be considered to be occasional and whether such an exemption has an impact on road safety, for example on the basis of the type of road, the traffic volume or the presence of vulnerable road users.
(12)
Since the distances that persons working in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming and fishery, who are exempted from this Directive, need to cover in the course of their work vary across the Union, it should be left to Member States to determine, in their national law, maximum permissible distances, calculated from the undertaking’s base, to which the exemptions apply.
(13)
In order to establish that the driver complies with his or her obligations, Member States should issue the driver with a certificate of professional competence (CPC) certifying his or her initial qualification or periodic training.
(14)
Member States should be able to choose between several options so as to facilitate the implementation of the provisions relating to the initial qualification.
(15)
In order to maintain their qualification of driver, existing drivers should be obliged to undergo periodic retraining in the skills essential for their profession.
(16)
Those drivers who were exempted from the initial qualification requirement should, while continuing to benefit from that exemption, nonetheless be required to undergo periodic training to ensure that their knowledge of matters which are essential for their work remains up-to-date.
(17)
The minimum requirements to be met for initial qualification and periodic training concern the safety rules to be observed when driving and while the vehicle is stopped. The development of defensive driving (anticipating danger, making allowance for other road users), which goes hand in hand with rational fuel consumption, should have a positive impact both on society and on the road transport sector itself.
(18)
This Directive should not affect the rights acquired by a driver who has held the driving licence necessary to carry out the activity of driving since before the date laid down for obtaining a CPC certifying the corresponding initial qualification or periodic training.
(19)
Only training centres which have been approved by the competent authorities of the Member States should be able to organise the training courses laid down for the initial qualification and the periodic training. To ensure the quality of such approved centres, the competent authorities should set harmonised criteria for their approval, including that of a well-established high level of professionalism.
(20)
Not only the competent authorities of the Member States but also any entity designated by them should be responsible for organising the tests provided for in connection with the initial qualification and the periodic training. Given the importance of this Directive for road safety and for the equality of conditions of competition, the competent authorities of the Member States should supervise such tests.
(21)
Member States should prescribe that the first course of periodic training is to be completed and should issue the corresponding CPC within the five years following either the date of issue of the CPC certifying the initial qualification or the expiry date of the time limit set for certain drivers to claim their acquired rights. It should also be possible for those time limits to be shortened or extended. Following the first course of periodic training, the driver should undergo periodic training every five years.
(22)
To certify that a driver who is a national of a Member State is the holder of one of the CPCs provided for by this Directive, and to facilitate mutual recognition of the various CPCs, Member States should affix the harmonised Union code laid down for that purpose, together with the code’s expiry date, either to the driving licence or to the driver qualification card, to be mutually recognised by Member States, the standard model of which is depicted in Annex II to this Directive. That card should meet the same security requirements as the driving licence, given the importance of the rights which it confers for road safety and the equality of conditions of competition.
(23)
Member States, in cooperation with the Commission, should electronically exchange information on CPCs. They should develop the necessary electronic platform, taking into account a cost-benefit analysis by the Commission, including the option of expanding the EU driving licence network set up under Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 
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. Among other benefits, that will allow Member States to easily access information on completed training which is not documented on the driving licence of the driver. It is important that Member States and the Commission make efforts to develop that functionality further, with the goal of real-time access during roadside checks.
(24)
Taking into account developments in training and education, and in order to enhance the contribution of this Directive to road safety and the relevance of training for drivers, subjects relating to road safety should be dealt with in the training courses, such as hazard perception, the protection of vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians, cyclists and persons with limited mobility, fuel-efficient driving, driving in extreme weather conditions and carrying abnormal loads. In that context, the courses should also relate to intelligent transport systems and should evolve in order to keep pace with technological developments.
(25)
Member States should be provided with a clear option to improve and modernise training practices with the use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools, such as e-learning and blended learning, for part of the training, while ensuring the quality of the training. When improving and modernising training practices with the use of ICT tools, it is important to take into account the fact that some specific topics require hands-on training and cannot be properly addressed with such learning tools: for example, fitting snow chains or securing loads, or other training elements where the practical side is important. Practical training could, but does not have to, consist of driving. A substantial amount of the training required under this Directive should be carried out at an approved training centre.
(26)
To ensure consistency between the different forms of training required under Union law, Member States should have the possibility of combining different types of relevant training: for example, it should be possible for them to combine training on the transport of dangerous goods, on disability awareness or on animal transport, with the training provided for in this Directive.
(27)
To prevent differences in practices between Member States from impeding mutual recognition and restricting the right of drivers to undergo the periodic training in the Member State where they work, Member State authorities should be required, if completed training cannot be marked on the driving licence, to issue a driver qualification card, in the form prescribed by the standard model depicted in Annex II to this Directive, that will ensure mutual recognition for every driver who fulfils the requirements of this Directive.
(28)
The use of driver attestations by drivers from third countries as evidence of compliance with the training requirements might present an obstacle for drivers when the haulier returns the attestation to the issuing authorities, particularly when those drivers wish to take up employment in another Member State. To avoid situations where, under such circumstances, drivers have to repeat their training when taking up new employment, Member States should be encouraged to cooperate and exchange information on driver qualifications.
(29)
Special certification provisions should be laid down for drivers covered by this Directive who are nationals of third countries.
(30)
In order to adapt this Directive to scientific and technical progress, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amending Annexes I and II to this Directive. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making 
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. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.
(31)
Since the objective of this Directive, namely the setting out of a Union-wide standard of initial qualification and periodic training for drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the cross-border nature of road transport and of the issues this Directive is intended to address, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.
(32)
This Directive should be without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time-limits for the transposition into national law and the dates of application of the Directives set out in Part B of Annex IV,
HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
Scope
This Directive shall apply to the activity of driving carried out by:
(a)
nationals of a Member State, and
(b)
nationals of third countries who are employed or used by an undertaking established in a Member State
(hereinafter referred to as ‘drivers’) engaged in road transport within the Union, on roads open to the public, using:
—
vehicles for which a driving licence of category C1, C1 + E, C or C + E, as defined in Directive 2006/126/EC, or a driving licence recognised as equivalent, is required,
—
vehicles for which a driving licence of category D1, D1 + E, D or D + E, as defined in Directive 2006/126/EC, or a driving licence recognised as equivalent, is required.
For the purposes of this Directive, the references to categories of driving licences containing a plus sign (‘+’) shall be read in accordance with the correspondence table set out in Annex III to this Directive.
Article 2
Exemptions
1.   This Directive shall not apply to the drivers of vehicles:
(a)
with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 45 km/h;
(b)
used by, or under the control of, the armed forces, civil defence, the fire service, forces responsible for maintaining public order, and emergency ambulance services, when the carriage is undertaken as a consequence of the tasks assigned to those services;
(c)
undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, or the drivers of new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into service;
(d)
for which a driving licence of category D or D1 is required and which are driven without passengers by maintenance personnel to or from a maintenance centre situated in the vicinity of the nearest maintenance base which is used by the transport operator, provided that driving the vehicle does not constitute the driver’s principal activity;
(e)
used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue missions, including vehicles used in the non-commercial transport of humanitarian aid;
(f)
used for driving instruction for, and examination of, any person wishing to obtain a driving licence or a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), in accordance with Article 6 and Article 8(1), provided that they are not being used for the commercial carriage of goods and passengers;
(g)
used for non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods;
(h)
carrying material, equipment or machinery to be used by the drivers in the course of their work, provided that driving the vehicles is not the drivers’ principal activity.
With regard to the first subparagraph, point (f), this Directive shall not apply to any person wishing to obtain a driving licence or a CPC, in accordance with Article 6 and Article 8(1), when that person is undergoing additional driving training during work-based learning, where that person is accompanied by another person who is certified by a CPC, or a driving instructor, for the category of vehicle used for the purpose set out in that point.
2.   This Directive shall not apply where all the following conditions are met:
(a)
the drivers of vehicles operate in rural areas to supply their own business;
(b)
the drivers do not offer transport services;
(c)
the Member States consider that the transport is occasional and does not have an impact on road safety.
3.   This Directive shall not apply to drivers of vehicles used, or hired without a driver, by agricultural, horticultural, forestry, farming or fishery undertakings for carrying goods as part of their own entrepreneurial activity, except if driving is part of the driver’s principal activity or the driving exceeds a distance set in national law from the base of the undertaking which owns, hires or leases the vehicle.
Article 3
Qualification and training
1.   The activity of driving as referred to in Article 1 shall be subject to a compulsory initial qualification and compulsory periodic training. To that end, Member States shall provide for:
(a)
a system of initial qualification
Member States shall choose between the following two options:
(i)
an option combining both course attendance and a test
In accordance with Section 2, point 2.1 of Annex I, this type of initial qualification involves compulsory course attendance for a specific period. It shall conclude with a test. Upon successful completion of the test, the qualification shall be certified by a CPC as provided for in Article 6(1), point (a);
(ii)
an option involving only tests
In accordance with Section 2, point 2.2 of Annex I, this type of initial qualification does not involve compulsory course attendance but only theoretical and practical tests. Upon successful completion of the tests, the qualification shall be certified by a CPC as provided for in Article 6(1), point (b).
However, a Member State may authorise a driver to drive within its territory before obtaining a CPC, when he or she is undergoing a national vocational training course of at least six months, for a maximum period of three years. In the context of this vocational training course, the tests referred to in points (i) and (ii) may be completed in stages;
(b)
a system of periodic training
In accordance with Section 4 of Annex I, periodic training shall involve compulsory course attendance. It shall be certified by a CPC as provided for in Article 8(1).
2.   Member States may also provide for a system of accelerated initial qualification so that a driver may drive in the cases referred to in Article 5(2), point (a)(ii) and point (b), and Article 5(3), point (a)(i) and point (b).
In accordance with Section 3 of Annex I, the accelerated initial qualification shall involve compulsory course attendance. It shall conclude with a test. Upon successful completion of the test, the qualification shall be certified by a CPC as provided for in Article 6(2).
3.   Member States may exempt drivers who have obtained the certificate of professional competence provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
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 from the tests referred to in paragraph 1, point (a)(i) and (ii), and in paragraph 2 of this Article, in the subjects covered by the test provided for in that Regulation and, where appropriate, from attending the part of the course corresponding thereto.
Article 4
Acquired rights
The following drivers shall be exempted from the requirement to obtain an initial qualification:
(a)
drivers who hold a category D1, D1 + E, D or D + E driving licence, or a driving licence recognised as equivalent, issued no later than 9 September 2008;
(b)
drivers who hold a category C1, C1 + E, C or C + E driving licence, or a driving licence recognised as equivalent, issued no later than 9 September 2009.
Article 5
Initial qualification
1.   Access to an initial qualification shall not require the corresponding driving licence to be obtained beforehand.
2.   Drivers of a vehicle intended for the carriage of goods may drive:
(a)
from the age of 18:
(i)
a vehicle in driving licence categories C and C + E, provided that they hold a CPC as referred to in Article 6(1);
(ii)
a vehicle in driving licence categories C1 and C1 + E, provided that they hold a CPC as referred to in Article 6(2);
(b)
from the age of 21, a vehicle in driving licence categories C and C + E, provided that they hold a CPC as referred to in Article 6(2).
3.   Drivers of a vehicle intended for the carriage of passengers may drive:
(a)
from the age of 21:
(i)
a vehicle in driving licence categories D and D + E to carry passengers on regular services where the route does not exceed 50 kilometres and a vehicle in driving licence categories D1 and D1 + E, provided that they hold a CPC as referred to in Article 6(2).
Any Member State may authorise drivers of vehicles in one of those categories to drive such vehicles within its territory from the age of 18, provided that they hold a CPC as referred to in Article 6(1);
(ii)
a vehicle in driving licence categories D and D + E, provided that they hold a CPC as referred to in Article 6(1).
Any Member State may authorise drivers of vehicles in one of those categories to drive such vehicles within its territory from the age of 20, provided that they hold a CPC as referred to in Article 6(1). This may be reduced to the age of 18 where the driver drives such vehicles without passengers;
(b)
from the age of 23, a vehicle in driving licence categories D and D + E, provided that they hold a CPC as referred to in Article 6(2).
4.   Without prejudice to the age limits specified in paragraph 2 of this Article, drivers undertaking the carriage of goods who hold a CPC, as provided for in Article 6, for one of the categories provided for in paragraph 2 of this Article shall be exempted from obtaining such a CPC for any of the other categories of vehicles referred to in that paragraph.
These provisions shall apply under the same conditions to drivers undertaking the carriage of passengers in the categories referred to in paragraph 3.
5.   Drivers undertaking the carriage of goods who broaden or modify their activities in order to carry passengers, or vice versa, and who hold a CPC as provided for in Article 6 shall not be required to repeat the common parts of the initial qualification, but rather only the parts specific to the new qualification.
Article 6
CPC certifying the initial qualification
1.   A CPC may be awarded to certify an initial qualification, in the following circumstances:
(a)
CPC awarded on the basis of course attendance and a test
In accordance with Article 3(1), point (a)(i), Member States shall require trainee drivers to attend courses in a training centre approved by the competent authorities in accordance with Section 5 of Annex I (‘approved training centre’). Those courses shall cover all the subjects referred to in Section 1 of Annex I. That training shall conclude with the successful completion of the test provided for in Section 2, point 2.1 of Annex I. That test shall be organised by the Member States’ competent authorities or an entity designated by them and shall serve to check whether, for the subjects referred to in Section 1 of Annex I, the trainee drivers have the level of knowledge required by that Section. The said authorities or entities shall supervise the test and, upon successful completion, issue the drivers with a CPC certifying an initial qualification.
(b)
CPC awarded on the basis of tests
In accordance with Article 3(1), point (a)(ii), Member States shall require trainee drivers to pass the theoretical and practical tests referred to in Section 2, point 2.2 of Annex I. Those tests shall be organised by the Member States’ competent authorities or an entity designated by them and shall serve to check whether, for the subjects referred to in Section 1 of Annex I, the trainee drivers have the level of knowledge required by that Section. The said authorities or entities shall supervise the tests and, upon successful completion, issue the drivers with a CPC certifying an initial qualification.
2.   A CPC may be awarded to certify an accelerated initial qualification.
In accordance with Article 3(2), Member States shall require trainee drivers to attend courses in an approved training centre. Those courses shall cover all the subjects referred to in Section 1 of Annex I.
That training shall conclude with the test provided for in Section 3 of Annex I. That test shall be organised by the Member States’ competent authorities or an entity designated by them and shall serve to check whether, for the subjects referred to in Section 1 of Annex I, the trainee drivers have the level of knowledge required by that Section. The said authorities or entities shall supervise the test and, upon successful completion, issue the drivers with a CPC certifying an accelerated initial qualification.
Article 7
Periodic training
Periodic training shall consist of training to enable holders of a CPC to update the knowledge which is essential for their work, with specific emphasis on road safety, health and safety at work, and the reduction of the environmental impact of driving.
That training shall be organised by an approved training centre, in accordance with Section 5 of Annex I. Training shall consist of classroom teaching, practical training and, if available, training by means of ICT tools or using top-of-the-range simulators. If a driver moves to another undertaking, the periodic training already undergone shall be taken into account.
Periodic training shall be designed to expand on, and to revise, some of the subjects referred to in Section 1 of Annex I. It shall cover a variety of subjects and shall always include at least one road safety related subject. The training subjects shall take into account developments in the relevant legislation and technology, and shall, as far as possible, take into account the specific training needs of the driver.
Article 8
CPC certifying periodic training
1.   When a driver has completed the periodic training referred to in Article 7, the Member States’ competent authorities or the approved training centre shall issue him or her with a CPC certifying that the periodic training was completed.
2.   Holders of a CPC as referred to in Article 6 shall undergo a first course of periodic training within five years of the issue of that CPC.
Member States may reduce or extend the period of time referred to in the first subparagraph, inter alia, so that it coincides with the date of expiry of the driving licence. The period may not, however, be shorter than three years or longer than seven years.
3.   A driver who has completed a first course of periodic training as referred to in paragraph 2 or in accordance with Article 8(2), first subparagraph, point (b), of Directive 2003/59/EC shall undergo periodic training every five years, before the end of the period of validity of the CPC certifying that the periodic training was completed.
4.   Holders of the CPC as referred to in Article 6 or the CPC as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article and the drivers referred to in Article 4 who have ceased the exercise of their occupation and who do not meet the requirements of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article shall undergo a course of periodic training before resuming the exercise of the occupation.
5.   Drivers undertaking the carriage of goods or passengers by road who have completed courses of periodic training for one of the driving licence categories provided for in Article 5(2) and (3) shall be exempt from the obligation to undergo further periodic training for any of the other categories provided for in those paragraphs.
Article 9
Place of training
Drivers referred to in Article 1, point (a), of this Directive shall obtain the initial qualification referred to in Article 5 of this Directive in the Member State where they have their normal residence, as defined in Article 12 of Directive 2006/126/EC.
Drivers referred to in Article 1, point (b), shall obtain that initial qualification in the Member State where the undertaking is established or in the Member State which issued a work permit to them.
Drivers referred to in Article 1, points (a) and (b), shall undergo the periodic training referred to in Article 7 in the Member State where they have their normal residence or the Member State where they work.
Article 10
Union code
1.   On the basis of the CPC certifying an initial qualification and the CPC certifying periodic training, Member States’ competent authorities shall, taking into account Article 5(2) and (3) and Article 8 of this Directive, mark the harmonised Union code, ‘95’, provided for in Annex I to Directive 2006/126/EC, alongside the corresponding categories of driving licence:
—
on the driving licence, or
—
on the driver qualification card drawn up in accordance with the standard model depicted in Annex II to this Directive.
If the competent authorities of the Member State where the CPC was obtained cannot mark the harmonised Union code on the driving licence, they shall issue the driver with a driver qualification card.
The driver qualification card issued by a Member State shall be mutually recognised. When the driver qualification card is issued, the competent authorities shall check the validity of the driving licence for the category of vehicle concerned.
2.   A driver referred to in Article 1, point (b), of this Directive who drives vehicles used for the carriage of goods by road shall also be allowed to prove that he or she has the qualification and training provided for in this Directive by means of the driver attestation provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
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, provided that it bears the Union code, ‘95’. For the purposes of this Directive, the issuing Member State shall indicate the Union code, ‘95’, in the remarks section of the attestation if the driver concerned has fulfilled the qualification requirements and training requirements provided for in this Directive.
3.   Driver attestations that do not bear the Union code, ‘95’, and that were issued before 23 May 2020, in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009, and in particular with paragraph 7 thereof, with a view to certifying compliance with training requirements under this Directive shall be accepted as a proof of qualification until their date of expiry.
Article 11
Enforcement network
1.   For enforcement purposes, Member States shall exchange information on CPCs issued or withdrawn. For that purpose Member States shall, in cooperation with the Commission, develop an electronic network or work on an extension of an existing network, taking into account the assessment by the Commission of the most cost-effective option.
2.   The network may contain information contained in the CPCs as well as information relating to administrative procedures related to CPCs.
3.   Member States shall ensure that the processing of personal data is carried out solely for the purposes of verifying compliance with this Directive, in particular the training requirements laid down in this Directive, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
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10
)
.
4.   Access to the network shall be secured. Member States may grant access only to the competent authorities responsible for the implementation of, and for the control of compliance with, this Directive.
Article 12
Adaptation to scientific and technical progress
The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 13 concerning the amendment of Annexes I and II in order to adapt them to scientific and technical progress.
Article 13
Exercise of the delegation
1.   The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.
2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 12 shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 26 July 2019. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.
3.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 12 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the 
Official Journal of the European Union
 or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.
4.   Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making.
5.   As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.
6.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 12 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Article 14
Repeal
Directive 2003/59/EC, as amended by the acts listed in Part A of Annex IV is repealed, without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time-limits for the transposition into national law and the dates of application of the Directives set out in Part B of Annex IV.
References to the repealed Directive shall be construed as references to this Directive and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex V.
Article 15
Entry into force
This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the 
Official Journal of the European Union
.
Article 16
Addressees
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Strasbourg, 14 December 2022.
For the European Parliament
The President
R. METSOLA
For the Council
The President
M. BEK
(
1
)
  
            
OJ C 155, 30.4.2021, p. 78
.
(
2
)
  Position of the European Parliament of 22 November 2022 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 8 December 2022.
(
3
)
  Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 and Council Directive 91/439/EEC and repealing Council Directive 76/914/EEC (
OJ L 226, 10.9.2003, p. 4
).
(
4
)
  See Annex IV, Part A.
(
5
)
  
            
OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4
.
(
6
)
  Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on driving licences (
OJ L 403, 30.12.2006, p. 18
).
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7
)
  
            
OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1
.
(
8
)
  Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing Council Directive 96/26/EC (
OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 51
).
(
9
)
  Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 on common rules for access to the international road haulage market (
OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 72
).
(
10
)
  Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (
OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1
).
ANNEX I
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Section 1
List of subjects
The knowledge to be taken into account by Member States when establishing the driver’s initial qualification and periodic training must include at least the subjects in this list. Trainee drivers must reach the level of knowledge and practical competence necessary to drive, in all safety, vehicles of the relevant driving licence category.
The minimum level of qualification shall be comparable at least to level 2 of the European Qualifications Framework as provided for in Annex II to the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008
             
(
1
)
.
1.   Advanced training in rational driving based on safety regulations
All driving licences
1.1.
Objective: to know the characteristics of the transmission system in order to make the best possible 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.
Objective: to know the technical characteristics and operation of the safety controls in order to control the vehicle, minimise wear and tear, and prevent disfunctioning:
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, use of electronic and mechanical devices such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), traction control systems (TCS) and in vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS) and other, approved for use, driver assistance or automation devices.
1.3.
Objective: ability to optimise fuel consumption:
optimisation of fuel consumption by applying know-how as regards points 1.1 and 1.2, importance of anticipating traffic flow, appropriate distance to other vehicles and use of the vehicle’s momentum, steady speed, smooth driving style and appropriate tyre pressure, and familiarity with intelligent transport systems that improve driving efficiency and assist in route planning.
1.4.
Objective: ability to anticipate, assess and adapt to risks in traffic:
to be aware of and adapt to different road, traffic and weather conditions, and to anticipate forthcoming events; to understand how to prepare and plan a journey during abnormal weather conditions; to be familiar with the use of related safety equipment and to understand when a journey has to be postponed or cancelled due to extreme weather conditions; to adapt to the risks of traffic, including dangerous behaviour in traffic or distracted driving (through the use of electronic devices, eating, drinking, etc.); to recognise and adapt to dangerous situations and to be able to cope with stress deriving therefrom, in particular related to the size and weight of the vehicles and to vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and powered two wheelers;
to identify possible hazardous situations and properly interpret how they may turn into situations where crashes can no longer be averted, and selecting and implementing actions that increase the safety margins to such an extent that a crash can still be averted in the event that the possible hazardous situations occur.
Driving licences C, C + E, C1, C1 + E
1.5.
Objective: ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use:
forces affecting vehicles in motion, use of gearbox ratios according to vehicle load and road profile, use of automatic transmission systems, 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.
Driving licences D, D + E, D1, D1 + E
1.6.
Objective: ability to ensure passenger comfort and safety:
adjusting longitudinal and sideways movements, road sharing, position on the road, smooth breaking, overhang operation, using specific infrastructures (public areas, dedicated lanes), managing conflicts between safe driving and other roles as a driver, interacting with passengers, specificities of certain groups of passengers (persons with disabilities, children).
1.7.
Objective: ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use:
forces affecting vehicles in motion, use of gearbox-ratios according to vehicle load and road profile, use of automatic transmission systems, calculation of payload of vehicle or assembly, load distribution, consequences of overloading the axle, vehicle stability and centre of gravity.
2.   Application of regulations
All driving licences
2.1.
Objective: to know the social environment of road transport and the rules governing it:
maximum working periods specific to the transport industry; principles, application and consequences of Regulations (EC) No 561/2006 
(
2
)
 and (EU) No 165/2014 
(
3
)
 of the European Parliament and of the Council; penalties for failure to use, improper use of and tampering with the tachograph; knowledge of the social environment of road transport: rights and duties of drivers as regards initial qualification and periodic training.
Driving licences C, C + E, C1, C1 + E
2.2.
Objective: to know the regulations governing the carriage of goods:
transport operating licences, documents to be carried in the vehicle, bans on using certain roads, road-use fees, obligations under standard contracts for the carriage of goods, drafting of documents which form the transport contract, international transport permits, obligations under the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road, drafting of the international consignment note, crossing borders, freight forwarders, special documents accompanying goods.
Driving licences D, D + E, D1, D1 + E
2.3.
Objective: to know the regulations governing the carriage of passengers:
carriage of specific groups of passengers, safety equipment on board buses, safety belts, vehicle load.
3.   Health, road and environmental safety, service, logistics
All driving licences
3.1.
Objective: to make drivers aware of the risks of the road and of 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.
Objective: ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants:
general information, implications for drivers, preventive measures, check list, legislation on transport operator liability.
3.3.
Objective: ability to prevent physical risks:
ergonomic principles, movements and postures which pose a risk, physical fitness, handling exercises, personal protection.
3.4.
Objective: awareness of the importance of physical and mental ability:
principles of healthy, balanced eating, effects of alcohol, drugs or any other substance likely to affect behaviour, symptoms, causes, effects of fatigue and stress, fundamental role of the basic work/rest cycle.
3.5.
Objective: ability to assess emergency situations:
behaviour in an emergency situation: assessment of the situation, avoiding complications of an accident, summoning assistance, assisting casualties and giving first aid, reaction in the event of fire, evacuation of occupants of a lorry/bus passengers, ensuring the safety of all passengers, reaction in the event of aggression; basic principles for the drafting of an accident report.
3.6.
Objective: ability to adopt behaviour to help enhance the image of the 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 effects of a dispute.
Driving licences C, C + E, C1, C1 + E
3.7.
Objective: to know the economic environment of road haulage and the organisation of the market:
road transport in relation to other modes of transport (competition, shippers), 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, dangerous goods, animal transport, etc.), changes in the industry (diversification of services provided, rail-road, subcontracting, etc.).
Driving licences D, D + E, D1, D1 + E
3.8.
Objective: to know the economic environment of the carriage of passengers by road and the organisation of the market:
carriage of passengers by road in relation to other modes of passenger transport (rail, private car), different activities involving the carriage of passengers by road, disability awareness, crossing borders (international transport), organisation of the main types of companies for the carriage of passengers by road.
Section 2
Compulsory initial qualification provided for in article 3(1)(a)
2.1.
Option combining both course attendance and a test
Initial qualification must include the teaching of all subjects in the list under Section 1. The duration of this initial qualification must be 280 hours.
Each trainee driver must drive for at least 20 hours individually in a vehicle of the category concerned which meets at least the requirements for test vehicles as set out in Directive 2006/126/EC.
When driving individually, the trainee driver must be accompanied by an instructor, employed by an approved training centre. Each trainee driver may drive for a maximum of eight hours of the 20 hours of individual driving on special terrain or on a top-of-the-range simulator so as to assess training in rational driving based on safety regulations, in particular with regard to vehicle handling in different road conditions and the way those road conditions change with different atmospheric conditions, the time of day or night, and the ability to optimise fuel consumption.
Member States may allow part of the training to be delivered by the approved training centre by means of ICT tools, such as e-learning, while ensuring that the high quality and the effectiveness of the training are maintained, and by selecting the subjects where ICT tools can most effectively be deployed. In particular, Member States shall require reliable user identification and appropriate means of control. Member States may count specific training required under other Union legislation as part of the training. This includes, but is not restricted to, training required under Directive 2008/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 
(
4
)
 for the transport of dangerous goods, training on disability awareness under Regulation (EU) No 181/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
(
5
)
 and training on animal transport under Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 
(
6
)
.
For the drivers referred to in Article 5(5) the length of the initial qualification must be 70 hours, including five hours of individual driving.
At the end of that training, Member States’ competent authorities or the entity designated by them shall give the driver a written or oral test. The test must include at least one question on each of the objectives in the list of subjects under Section 1.
2.2.
Option involving tests
Member States’ competent authorities or the entity designated by them shall organise theoretical and practical tests as referred to in Article 3(1), point (a)(ii), to check whether the trainee driver has the level of knowledge required by Section 1 for the subjects and objectives listed therein.
(a)
The theoretical test shall consist of at least two parts:
(i)
questions including multiple-choice questions, questions requiring a direct answer, or a combination of both;
(ii)
case studies.
The minimum duration of the theoretical test must be four hours.
(b)
The practical test shall consist of two parts:
(i)
a driving test aimed at assessing training in rational driving based on safety regulations. The test must take place, whenever possible, on roads outside built-up areas, on fast roads and on motorways (or similar), and on all kinds of urban highways presenting the different types of difficulties that a driver is liable to encounter. It would be desirable for this test to take place in different traffic density conditions. The driving time on the road must be used optimally in order to assess the candidate in all traffic areas likely to be encountered. The minimum duration of this test must be 90 minutes;
(ii)
a practical test covering at least points 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.5. The minimum duration of this test must be 30 minutes.
The vehicle used for the practical test must meet at least the requirements for test vehicles set out in Directive 2006/126/EC.
The practical test may be supplemented by a third test taking place on special terrain or on a top-of-the-range simulator so as to assess training in rational driving based on safety regulations, in particular with regard to vehicle handling in different road conditions and the way those road conditions change with different atmospheric conditions and the time of day or night.
The duration of this optional test is not fixed. Should the driver undergo such a test, its duration may be deducted from the 90 minutes of the driving test referred to under point (i), but the time deducted may not exceed 30 minutes.
For the drivers referred to in Article 5(5), the theoretical test must be limited to the subjects referred to in Section 1 which are relevant to the vehicles to which the new initial qualification applies. However, such drivers must undergo the whole practical test.
Section 3
Accelerated initial qualification provided for in article 3(2)
Accelerated initial qualification must include the teaching of all subjects in the list in Section 1. Its duration must be 140 hours.
Each trainee driver must drive for at least 10 hours individually in a vehicle of the category concerned which meets at least the requirements for test vehicles set out in Directive 2006/126/EC.
When driving individually, the trainee driver must be accompanied by an instructor, employed by an approved training centre. Each trainee driver may drive for a maximum of four hours of the 10 hours of individual driving on special terrain or on a top-of-the-range simulator so as to assess training in rational driving based on safety regulations, in particular with regard to vehicle handling in different road conditions and the way those road conditions change with different atmospheric conditions, the time of day or night, and the ability to optimise fuel consumption.
The provisions of the fourth paragraph of point 2.1 shall also apply to the accelerated initial qualification.
For the drivers referred to in Article 5(5), the length of the accelerated initial qualification must be 35 hours, including two and a half hours of individual driving.
At the end of that training, Member States’ competent authorities or the entity designated by them shall give the driver a written or oral test. The test must include at least one question on each of the objectives in the list of subjects under Section 1.
Section 4
Compulsory periodic training provided for in article 3(1)(b)
Compulsory periodic training courses must be organised by an approved training centre. Their duration must be of 35 hours every five years, given in periods of at least seven hours, which may be split over two consecutive days. Whenever e-learning is used, the approved training centre shall ensure that the proper quality of the training is maintained, including by selecting the subjects where ICT tools can most effectively be deployed. In particular, Member States shall require reliable user identification and appropriate means of control. The maximum duration of the e-learning training shall not exceed 12 hours. At least one of the training course periods shall cover a road safety-related subject. The content of the training shall take into account training needs specific to the transport operations carried out by the driver and relevant legal and technological developments and should, as far as possible, take into account specific training needs of the driver. A range of different subjects should be covered over the 35 hours, including repeat training where it is shown that the driver needs specific remedial training.
Member States may consider counting the completed specific training as required under other Union legislation for up to one of the stipulated seven-hour periods. That includes, but is not restricted to, training required under Directive 2008/68/EC for the transport of dangerous goods, training on animal transport under Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, and, for the carriage of passengers, training on disability awareness under Regulation (EU) No 181/2011. However, Member States may decide that completed specific training as required under Directive 2008/68/EC for the transport of dangerous goods counts as two of the seven-hour periods, provided that this is the only other training that is taken into account in the periodic training.
Section 5
Approval of the initial qualification and periodic training
5.1.
The training centres taking part in the initial qualification and periodic training must be approved by the Member States’ competent authorities. Approval may be given only in response to a written application. The application must be accompanied by documents including:
5.1.1.
a suitable qualification and 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 must be entitled to send authorised persons to assist in the training courses of the approved centres, and must be entitled to monitor such centres, with regard to the resources used and the proper running of the training courses and tests;
5.2.3.
the approval may be withdrawn or suspended if the conditions of approval are no longer complied with.
The approved centre must guarantee that the instructors have sound knowledge of the most recent regulations and training requirements. As part of a specific selection procedure, the instructors must provide certification showing knowledge of both the subject material and teaching methods. As regards the practical part of the training, instructors must provide certification of experience as professional drivers or similar driving experience, such as that of driving instructors for heavy vehicles.
The programme of instruction must be in accordance with the approval and must cover the subjects in the list in Section 1.
(
1
)
  Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (
OJ C 111, 6.5.2008, p. 1
).
(
2
)
  Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No 3821/85 and (EC) No 2135/98 and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 (
OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 1
).
(
3
)
  Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 February 2014 on tachographs in road transport, repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 on recording equipment in road transport and amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport (
OJ L 60, 28.2.2014, p. 1
).
(
4
)
  Directive 2008/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 2008 on the inland transport of dangerous goods (
OJ L 260, 30.9.2008, p. 13
).
(
5
)
  Regulation (EU) No 181/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 concerning the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 (
OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 1
).
(
6
)
  Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 (
OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1
).
ANNEX II
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION MODEL FOR A DRIVER QUALIFICATION CARD
1.   Physical characteristics of the driver qualification card
The physical characteristics of the driver qualification card must comply with ISO standards 7810 and 7816-1.
The methods for verifying the physical characteristics of the driver qualification card to ensure that they are consistent with international standards must comply with ISO standard 10373.
2.   Information appearing on the driver qualification card
The driver qualification card must have two sides.
Side 1 must contain:
(a)
the heading ‘driver qualification card’ printed in large type in the official language or languages of the Member State issuing the driver qualification card;
(b)
the name of the Member State issuing the driver qualification card (optional);
(c)
the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing the driver qualification card, printed in negative in a blue rectangle and encircled by 12 yellow stars; the distinguishing signs are as follows:
B
:
Belgium
BG
:
Bulgaria
CZ
:
Czechia
DK
:
Denmark
D
:
Germany
EST
:
Estonia
IRL
:
Ireland
GR
:
Greece
E
:
Spain
F
:
France
HR
:
Croatia
I
:
Italy
CY
:
Cyprus
LV
:
Latvia
LT
:
Lithuania
L
:
Luxembourg
H
:
Hungary
M
:
Malta
NL
:
Netherlands
A
:
Austria
PL
:
Poland
P
:
Portugal
RO
:
Romania
SLO
:
Slovenia
SK
:
Slovakia
FIN
:
Finland
S
:
Sweden
(d)
information specific to the driver qualification card, numbered as follows:
1.
surname of the holder;
2.
first name of the holder;
3.
date and place of birth of the holder;
4.
(a)
date of issue;
(b)
date of expiry;
(c)
the name of the issuing authority (may be printed on side 2);
(d)
a different number from the driving licence number for administrative purposes (optional);
5.
(a)
driving licence number;
(b)
serial number;
6.
photograph of the holder;
7.
signature of the holder;
8.
normal place of residence, or postal address of the holder (optional);
9.
the categories of vehicles for which the driver satisfies the initial qualification and periodic training requirements;
(e)
the title ‘European Union model’ in the language or languages of the Member State issuing the driver qualification card and the heading ‘driver qualification card’ in the other official languages of the Union, printed in blue so as to form the background to the driver qualification card:
tarjeta de cualificación del conductor
карта за квалификация на водача
osvědčení profesní způsobilosti řidiče
chaufføruddannelsesbevis
Fahrerqualifizierungsnachweis
juhi pädevustunnistus
δελτίο επιμόρφωσης οδηγού
driver qualification card
carte de qualification de conducteur
cárta cáilíochta tiománaí
kvalifikacijska kartica vozača
carta di qualificazione del conducente
vadītāja kvalifikācijas apliecība
vairuotojo kvalifikacinė kortelė
gépjárművezetői képesítési igazolvány
karta ta’ kwalifika tas-sewwieq
kwalificatiekaart bestuurder
karta kwalifikacji kierowcy
carta de qualificação de motorista
cartelă de pregătire profesională a conducătorului auto
kvalifikačná karta vodiča
kartica o usposobljenosti voznika
kuljettajan ammattipätevyyskortti
yrkeskompetensbevis för förare;
(f)
the reference colours:
—
blue: Pantone Reflex blue,
—
yellow: Pantone yellow;
Side 2 must contain:
(a)
9.
the categories of vehicles for which the driver satisfies the initial qualification and periodic training requirements;
10.
the harmonised Union code, ‘95’, provided for in Annex I to Directive 2006/126/EC;
11.
a space reserved for the possible entry by the Member State issuing the driver qualification card of essential administrative details or details relating to road safety (optional). If the details relate to a heading set out in this Annex, such details must be preceded by the corresponding heading number;
(b)
an explanation of the numbered entries appearing on sides 1 and 2 of the driver qualification card (at least headings 1, 2, 3, 4(a), 4(b), 4(c), 5(a), 5(b) and 10).
If a Member State wishes to word these entries in a national language other than Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish, it shall draw up a bilingual version of the driver qualification card using one of those languages, without prejudice to the other provisions of this Annex.
3.   Security, including data protection
The aim of the various constituent parts of the driver qualification card is to rule out any forgery or tampering and to detect any attempts to do so.
The Member State must ensure that the level of security of the driver qualification card is at least comparable to the level of security of the driving licence.
4.   Particular arrangements
After consulting the Commission, Member States may add colours or markings, such as a bar code, national symbols and security features, without prejudice to the other provisions of this Annex.
In connection with the mutual recognition of driver qualification cards, the bar code may not contain any information other than that already legibly appearing on the driver qualification card or which is essential for the card-issuing process.
5.   Transitional provisions
Driver qualification cards issued before 23 May 2020 shall be valid until their date of expiry.
6.   European Union model for a driver qualification card
ANNEX III
CORRESPONDENCE TABLE FOR THE REFERENCES TO CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF DRIVING LICENCES
Reference in this Directive
Reference in Directive 2006/126/EC
C + E
CE
C1 + E
C1E
D + E
DE
D1 + E
D1E
ANNEX IV
Part A
Repealed Directive with list of the successive amendments thereto
(referred to in Article 14)
Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
(
OJ L 226, 10.9.2003, p. 4
).
Council Directive 2004/66/EC
(
OJ L 168, 1.5.2004, p. 35
).
only point IV.2 of the Annex
Council Directive 2006/103/EC
(
OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 344
).
only point A.6 of the Annex
Regulation (EC) No 1137/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
(
OJ L 311, 21.11.2008, p. 1
).
only point 9.11 of the Annex
Council Directive 2013/22/EU
(
OJ L 158, 10.6.2013, p. 356
).
only point A.4 of the Annex
Directive (EU) 2018/645 of the European Parliament and of the Council
(
OJ L 112, 2.5.2018, p. 29
).
only Article 1 and Annex
Regulation (EU) 2019/1243 of the European Parliament and of the Council
(
OJ L 198, 25.7.2019, p. 241
).
only point IX.5 of the Annex
Part B
Time-limits for transposition into national law and dates of application
(referred to in Article 14)
Directive
Time-limit for transposition
Date of application
2003/59/EC
10 September 2006
10 September 2008 as regards the initial qualification required to drive vehicles in driving licence categories D1, D1+E, D and D+E
10 September 2009 as regards the initial qualification required to drive vehicles in driving licence categories C1, C1+E, C and C+E
(EU) 2018/645
23 May 2020, with the exception of Article 1, point 6
23 May 2021 as regards Article 1, point 6
ANNEX V
CORRELATION TABLE
Directive 2003/59/EC
This Directive
Articles 1 to 7
Articles 1 to 7
Article 8(1)
Article 8(1)
Article 8(2), first subparagraph, introductory wording and point (a)
Article 8(2), first subparagraph
Article 8(2), first subparagraph, point (b)
–
Article 8(2), second subparagraph
Article 8(2), second subparagraph
Article 8(3), (4) and (5)
Article 8(3), (4) and (5)
Articles 9 and 10
Articles 9 and 10
Article 10a
Article 11
Article 11
Article 12
Article 11a
Article 13
Article 13
–
Article 14
–
Article 15
Article 14
Article 16
Article 15
Article 17
Article 16
Annex I
Annex I
Annex II
Annex II
Annex III
Annex III
–
Annex IV
–
Annex V

Summary:
Drivers of road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers – qualification and training
SUMMARY OF:
Directive (EU) 2022/2561 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers (codification)
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE?
Directive (EU) 2022/2561 
codifies
 the 
European Union
 (EU) rules to improve road and driver safety by setting minimum training standards for professional drivers, requiring them to have an initial qualification and undergo periodic training.
KEY POINTS
The 
directive
:
applies to EU nationals and to non-EU individuals driving for a company established in an EU 
Member State
 using vehicles:
with a maximum authorised mass of more than 3,500 kg, which are designed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers and which may be combined with a trailer or semi-trailer (driving licence category C),
that are designed for the carriage of more than eight passengers in addition to the driver and that may be combined with a trailer (driving licence category D);
does not apply to drivers of vehicles:
with a maximum speed of up to 45 km/h,
operated by the armed forces, civil defence and public order forces, or fire and emergency ambulance services in the course of their duties,
being road-tested for technical development, repairs or maintenance or new or rebuilt vehicles not yet in service,
falling into category D, driven without passengers by maintenance personnel,
used for emergencies, rescues, non-commercial transport of humanitarian aid, driving lessons and tests or non-commercial transport of passengers or goods,
carrying material, equipment or machinery drivers need for work,
used in rural areas to supply the driver’s own business, not used for transport services and whose use is occasional without any impact on road safety,
used by agricultural, horticultural, forestry, farming or fishing businesses.
Qualification and training
The initial qualification:
consists of: 
course attendance of 280 hours, including 20 hours of individual driving, followed by a written or oral test, or
accelerated training of 140 hours teaching, 10 hours of individual driving and a written or oral test, or
no course attendance but a theoretical test lasting a minimum of 4 hours and two practical driving tests;
requires a thorough knowledge of the detailed list of subjects listed in Section I, Annex I – these range from optimising fuel consumption and anticipating, assessing and adapting to traffic risks, to ensuring passenger safety and knowledge of relevant regulations;
is not necessary for drivers with a category D licence issued no later than 
9 September 2008
 or a category C licence issued no later than 
9 September 2009
 (‘grandfather rights’);
allows drivers qualified to carry goods or passengers to extend this to the other category without having to repeat the common parts of the initial qualification;
provides successful applicants with a certificate of professional competence (CPC) that is mutually recognised across the EU.
The CPC may be obtained by drivers from the age of 18, 21 or 23, depending on the category of vehicle they use and the type of qualification they followed. In such cases, the same minimum ages also apply to the issuance of the relevant category C or D driving licence, which are in all cases lower than the standard minimum ages for those categories provided in Directive 
2006/126/EC
 (see 
summary
).
Periodic training requires drivers to update their knowledge every 5 years by attending at least 35 hours of courses, including classroom teaching and practical training, organised by an approved training centre. Successful applicants receive a CPC. Up to 12 hours of the 35 hours of training may be provided through 
e-learning
.
EU nationals obtain the initial qualification in the Member State of their normal residence. Non-EU nationals do so in the Member State where their employer is based or in the Member State that issued the work permit to them. All drivers have to undergo the periodic training either in the Member State of normal residence or the Member State where they work.
Member States’ authorities include the initial qualification and periodic training CPCs in the form of code ‘95’ on an individual’s EU model driving licence (Directive 2006/126/EC) or driver qualification card. In the case of non-EU nationals, the code may also be marked on the driver attestation issued in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) 
No 
1072/2009
 (see 
summary
).
Member States exchange information on CPCs issued or withdrawn through an electronic network.
The 
European Commission
 may adopt 
delegated acts
 to amend Annexes I and II (minimum qualification and training requirements and arrangements for the driver qualification card) in the light of scientific and technical progress.
FROM WHEN DO THE RULES APPLY?
The directive repeals Directive 
2003/59/EC
, which, in its latest form, contained identical rules. The rules have applied since 
12 January 2023
.
BACKGROUND
The directive helps meet the EU’s targets of reducing road fatalities, gives the profession a minimum standard of theoretical and practical knowledge and facilitates the free movement of workers. Moreover, by teaching drivers to drive in a fuel-efficient way, it also helps lower the environmental impact of road transport.
For further information, see:
Professional drivers
 (European Commission).
MAIN DOCUMENT
Directive (EU) 
2022/2561
 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
14 December 2022
 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers (codification) (OJ L 330, 
23.12.2022
, 
pp. 46–69
).
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Regulation (EC) 
No 
1072/2009
 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
21 October 2009
 on common rules for access to the international road haulage market (recast) (OJ L 300, 
14.11.2009
, 
pp. 72–87
).
Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) 
No 1072/2009
 have been incorporated into the original document. This 
consolidated version
 is of documentary value only.
Directive 
2006/126/EC
 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
20 December 2006
 on driving licences (Recast) (OJ L 403, 
30.12.2006
, 
pp. 18–60
).
See 
consolidated version
.
last update 
30.10.2024

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