Driving licences: issue, validity, renewal (repeal. Directive 91/439/EEC). Recast

In adopting the report by Mathieu GROSCH (EPP-ED, BE), the European Parliament announced the end of 110 different paper driving licence formats still in use in some Member States. A majority of MEPs (548 votes in favour, 103 against and 9 abstentions) decided that these licences should be replaced by a "credit card" model within 10 years and that a single EU driving licence should be introduced within 20 years. Member States should have the right to store additional information on the microchip, provided this does not impair its proper use. Data protection must be guaranteed in this connection. They also were in favour of the introduction of a European driving licence information network to combat fraud and "driving licence tourism". (Please refer to the summary dated 19/01/2005 for the amendments adopted by the committee responsible).

In addition, the Parliament states makes clear that existing rights relating to entitlement to drive different classes of vehicle should not be restricted by this exchange of existing driving licences.

The Member States may impose medical examinations as a guarantee of compliance with the minimum standards of physical and mental aptitude for driving a motor vehicle. Eyesight tests from the age of 45 years, for example, could mean an increase in road safety.

It should be possible for Member States to amend the minimum age for motor-car and motorcycle classes in order to improve safety or mobility on roads. However, in the case of motorcycle categories, the principle of progressive access must be retained. Careful consideration should be given to the question whether the principle of progressive access should in future be extended to the passenger vehicle sector

A range of amendments were adopted on the more technical aspects of the Commission proposals such as on the use of trailers for sports or camping equipment, on the various categories of driving licences, the minimum age for drivers of motorcycles, on the physical security of driving licences in order to combat fraud, on the minimum requirements to be met by people conducting practical driving licence examinations, and on driver training in the various categories.