Scope:

Evaluation of Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on driving licences

Evaluation findings:

Overall, the directive was found to have improved road safety, despite some limitations in the available data. Certain provisions introduced by the directive such as the minimum standards for driving examiners, the medical examinations for professional drivers and the tests for drivers of mopeds and motorcycles are thought to have particularly contributed to this improvement

In addition, certain new provisions (Union model driving licence; mutual recognition of licences issued in EU countries; and the harmonised minimum age limits for the driving licence categories) have likely helped facilitate the free movement of citizens inside the EU. By contrast, some provisions that are difficult to apply in practice, such as the one on the place of normal residence, may create obstacles to the free movement.

Regarding the effect of the directive on driving licence fraud and driving licence tourism, there is only scarce information on the effect of the directive on driving licence fraud and driving licence tourism. However, roughly half the stakeholders consulted think that the directive (in particular the provisions on the driving licences network (RESPER), the Union model driving licence and anti-fraud measures) has helped reduce both practices.

Regarding efficiency, the rules on the Union model driving licence and on RESPER have likely helped reduce red tape. However, standardised validity periods, the requirement to renew driving licences and regular medical checks for professional drivers are likely to have increased both the administrative burden and the costs for citizens.

Estimated savings and benefits

The rules on the Union model driving licence and on RESPER do not appear to have led to higher costs for citizens; they have likely helped reduce red tape.

There is scope for simplification and for a reduction of the administrative burden in the areas of online licence renewal and medical checks for professional drivers, progressive access to category A licences, weight limits for category B licences, establishment of a driver’s place of normal residence. Digital solutions and the digitisation of driving licences have not been sufficiently explored, and RESPER Réseau permis de conduire/ Drivers License Network) could be used more to reduce the administrative burden.