Training of professional drivers

Author (Corporate)
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Series Details November 2016
Publication Date November 2016
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This briefing is one in a series of 'Implementation Appraisals' on the operation of existing EU legislation in practice. Each such briefing focuses on a specific EU law which is likely to be amended or reviewed, as foreseen in the European Commission's Annual Work Programme.

Implementation Appraisals aim to provide a succinct overview of material publicly available on the implementation, application and effectiveness of an EU law to date – drawing on available input from the EU institutions and external organisations. They are provided to assist parliamentary committees in their consideration of the new proposals, once tabled.The adoption of Directive 2003/59 should, by promoting the education and training of professional drivers, have enhanced the safety of road transport and increased the interest of individuals in this profession. These goals were reached only partially. For example, the directive did not attract many new drivers and it is only partially relevant and sufficient to ensure road safety.

For that reason, the European Commission decided to review the directive in the fourth quarter of 2016. The evaluations linked with the directive and other reports have shown that the directive, in its current state, has several shortcomings that limit its capacity in reaching the set goals. The shortcomings, such as inconsistent and uneven application of the directive and its exemptions by the Member States, inconsistency between the directive and Regulation 561/2006, ambiguity of the directive's provisions or an inconsistent recognition of training received are only some of the challenges. These open issues lead to limited practical harmonisation in this particular field.

On several occasions, the European Parliament has called on the European Commission to update the existing legislation and to strengthen the existing rules. Similarly, the European Economic and Social Committee has noted that the existing legislation needs to be adapted. The intention of the European Commission to review the directive is thus a welcome step.

Author: Milan Remáč

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EP: EPRS: Briefing: Implementation Appraisal: Ex-ante Impact Assessment http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/search.html?policyAreas=EXIMAS

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