THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on driving licences(1), and in particular Article 8 thereof,
Whereas:
(1) The minimum requirements for fitness to drive are not harmonised to the full extent. Member States are allowed to impose standards that are stricter than the minimum European requirements, as laid down in Annex III point 5 to Directive 2006/126/EC.
(2) Since the existence of different requirements in different Member States may affect the principle of free movement the Council specifically asked for a review of the medical standards for driver licensing in its resolution of 26 June 2000.
(3) In line with this Council resolution, the Commission advised that medium- and long-term work should be undertaken in order to adapt Annex III to scientific and technical progress as laid down in Article 8 of Directive 2006/126/EC.
(4) Eyesight, diabetes and epilepsy were identified as being medical conditions affecting fitness to drive which needed to be considered; to that end working groups comprised of specialists appointed by Member States were set up.
(5) These working groups produced reports with a view to updating the relevant points of Annex III to Directive 2006/126/EC.
(6) Directive 2006/126/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.
(7) The measures provided for in this Directive are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on driving licences,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: