Qualification and training
Article 3
1
The activity of driving as defined in Article 1 shall be subject to a compulsory initial qualification and compulsory periodic training. To this end Member States shall provide for:
a
a system of initial qualification
- Member States shall choose between the following two options:
  1. option combining both course attendance and a test
In accordance with section 2(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)(a);
  2. option involving only tests
In accordance with section 2(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)(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 involves 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)(a)(ii) and (b) and in Article 5(3)(a)(i) and (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 Directive 96/26/EC from the tests referred to in paragraph 1(a)(i) and (ii) and in paragraph 2 in the subjects covered by the test provided for in that Directive and, where appropriate, from attending the part of the course corresponding thereto.
Council Directive 96/26/EC of 29 April 1996 on admission to the occupation of road haulage operator and road passenger transport operator and mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications intended to facilitate for these operators the right to freedom of establishment in national and international transport operations (OJ L 124, 23.5.1996, p. 1); Directive as last amended by Directive 98/76/EC (OJ L 277, 14.10.1998, p. 17).